Page 21 of Plus-Size Pregnant Mate

I looked away. "So, it's an hour's drive, you said?"

"Yeah, and I found they are having a market today, so it will be busy, which works in our favor."

I smiled, looking forward to it. I couldn't remember the last time I'd gone to a market, but then, suddenly, I did. Owen had taken me.

We arrived in the town an hour later, and just as Owen said, it was busy. The town had tents set up, and people were already eagerly shopping around. The streets were lined with parked cars, and it took Owen a while to find a spot.

We finally parked on the corner, and I hopped out giddy. I looked around, noticing fruit stands and different tents set up with dresses and jewelry. I could smell food and spotted bouquets of flowers being sold. It gave you the comforting small-town vibe.

Owen stopped next to me, placing his hand on my back. "Where do you want to start?"

"Go from the left to the right?" I asked, looking up at him. "We can hit up every tent."

He smiled, "Okay. I think they also have an art store on that side of the market."

I grabbed his hand, pulling him to the first tent I found. It was a soap-making stand, and I found soaps in the shape of flowers. There were also bath bombs and bath salts. I wished the cabin had a bath so I could use them.

"That is made out of goat's milk," a woman explained, pointing at the one I'd picked up. "Smells really good, too."

I sniffed it, finding it was a lavender scent. And suddenly, I realized I had no money. My heart sank.

"What's wrong?" Owen asked, "Does it not smell good?"

I set the soap down and turned to him. "I don't have any money with me."

Owen grabbed the soap, smelling it. "Do you like it?"

I nodded. "It smells good."

"Okay," he said, looking at the lady. "I'll take two bars."

I blinked and stared at him. Owen shrugged. "I can buy things today."

"But I can't pay you back," I said.

"Ashley, it's fine," he said, smiling at me. "I don't mind it."

I looked at the soap as the woman wrapped it up. I chewed on my cheek. "I can pay you back later," I offered, though I wasn't sure when.

He shook his head. "No, I won't take your money."

The lady handed the soap over, and I smiled. Owen smirked. "Just seeing you smile like that is enough." He took my hand, pulling me to the next stand.

We moved down the row of tents, where we found flowers and snacked on ice cream. We then made it to the art store, where we bought me another stretch book and a few canvases. I also got oil paint and some more colored pencils.

The day went by quickly. We chatted as we walked, and it was as if we were back together as we had been before. We were laughing and joking as we got around. I couldn't help but feel safe with him.

"Does Ayden really put up with your smartass?" I asked as we stopped at a small cafe to eat lunch.

Owen pulled the door open, and his face grew close to mine. "Yes, just as you used to."

I rolled my eyes as we stepped inside. Owen asked for a table for two and placed his hand on my back, guiding me. I leaned into it.

As we sat down, I stared at him, remembering going out for late dinners and breakfast in the morning and all the shopping and vacation trips we took together.

"This place reminds me of the cafe in town we used to go to," he said, looking around.

"Why?" I asked, looking around. It didn't look anything like the one we used to go to.

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