Page 119 of Tiers of Joy

“This bear felt our baby kick properly for the first time today.” I mutter.

Gaige breaks and pulls over.

“Esme! Why didn’t you say sooner?” He asks, placing his hand on my bump.

“I got distracted by the old ladies and Eric with his weird sperm facts.” I point out.

He sits for a moment, waiting for the baby to kick. Nothing happens.

“Baby is as stubborn as you are.” Gaige complains.

As soon as the words have left his mouth the baby kicks.

“Holy shit.” Gaige smiles.

He leans down and kisses my bump. My heart swells at how sweet he can be.

Chapter Thirty

I’m not sure what happens but time just seems to fly by. The days just all go by in a blur. I once had this cute bump and now I feel like a weeble. I’m seven months pregnant. The kicks that were cute and gentle are now harder and they seem to be focused on kicking me in the rib or the bladder. Baby is not fussy on which.

I have decided to take a completely behind the scenes role at the bakery. I pop in to check the books, do the admin side, and sometimes I’ll decorate some of the cakes. Then I always eat them because apparently no food is safe near me. I’m like a vacuum cleaner, inhaling any food I can.

It’s getting cold again and everyone is preparing for snow. Gaige has ordered me to wear comfortable, safe shoes incase snow and ice come in. I purchased these cute boots with thick two inch heels. It probably wasn’t what he had in mind but I like them and they’re a low heel for me.

I’m sitting in my little office feeling absolutely exhausted. I decide a quick nap will not do me any harm. I lean forward and rest my head on my desk.

“Beautiful, wake up.” I hear Gaige say softly.

“Uh?” I sit up with an invoice stuck to my face.

Gaige chuckles and removes it from my cheek.

“Oh shit.” He fights back his laughter.

“What?” I ask yawning.

He points to my face and I frown in confusion. He hands me my compact mirror from my purse and bites his lip to stop himself from laughing.

I look in the mirror and gasp. There staring back at me are the words ‘Heavy Load’.

“Oh my god, I must have dribbled on the flour delivery receipt.” I whine.

I try desperately to rub it off but it’s not shifting.

“Come on!” I complain, licking my fingers and then rubbing my cheek harshly.

Gaige has lost control of holding in his laughter now. He’s laughing so hard that he is holding his stomach.

“Gaige this isn’t funny!” I fume.

“Sorry but I disagree. Stop rubbing it so hard, you’re making your cheek all red. Come on, I will take you home. There’s got to be something at home you can use to get it off.” He suggests.

“Good thinking.” I grab my bag and coat and jump up. “Come on Gaige, let’s go!” I yell.

He follows, chuckling beside me.

“Oh Esme before you go, can you sign off on the…” Amy pauses and looks at my face.

---