Page 125 of Forgot to Tell You Something

I nod, maintaining my gaze on the street. “I didn’t hear the phone. I was exhausted.”

“You needed to rest. I’m happy to help the women here.”

“I appreciate that, but it’s not your problem to handle. I should have turned my ringer on.” I stare at my hands, idly pulling at my skirt. “I was so afraid it would go off during your speech last night.”

“The one you didn’t stay for?” Owen grunts, his gaze on the ceiling. “My only problem is being away from the woman I love.”

I stand up, my heart shredding at his words. “I can’t do this.”

“Tally—”

There they are again. Damn teardrops. “I can maintain a professional distance at work, but this”—I gesture between the two of us—“is really hard for me.”

“You think it isn’t hard for me? I’m in love for the first time in my life, but the woman I adore won’t let me near her. All because she’s convinced that I want the woman I moved 3,100 miles away from!” Owen scrubs his face with his hand, his foot tapping erratically on the porch. “I get that this is hard, Tally. It sucks, and it’s stupid, but I keep hoping one day you’ll realize who I want.”

I wipe my hand over my brow, feeling woozy. Yet another fun-filled symptom of pregnancy.

“Easy there. Are you okay?” Owen grabs my arm and pulls me to him, not waiting for verification. “You’re pale, Tally.”

“I’m always pale, Owen.”

He tips my chin up, brushing my hair back from my face. His touch soothes me, and I lean into it. He’s not mine any longer, but for the moment, I can pretend. “When was the last time you ate?”

“I had breakfast about an hour ago.”

“Maybe you need something else. Why don’t we go grab some lunch?”

“Have you seen how much I eat? I’m hardly underfed.”

“You do have an impressive appetite lately. Almost like you’re eating for two.” He quirks his brow at me while I struggle to maintain a neutral expression. “But that couldn’t be the case because I’ve asked you, and you’ve denied it, time and again.” His hand slides down over my stomach—my ever so slightly protruded stomach—and stops there. “I always said you were a terrible liar, Tally.”

I hear my dad’s voice in my head, beckoning me to come clean.Sink or swim, Wildflower.

“Lu—oh, I didn’t know you were still here, Dr. Stevens. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Beth stands at the screen door, a knowing smile on her face.

I’d jump out of Owen’s embrace, but the big, mean, handsome doctor isn’t letting me. To be fair, it’s also my favorite place in the world, and I’ve no desire for the moment to end.

“You’re fine, Beth. Dr. Stevens was just leaving. I’ll be right in.”

“Take your time, dear.” A low chuckle escapes Beth’s lips as she steps back into the house. Oh boy, I’ll have some explaining to do.

“I’ve got to go. Beth needs me.”

Our gazes hold for a few beats more, before Owen presses a kiss to my forehead. “So beautiful, and so damn stubborn.” He pulls back, nodding in the direction of the door. “Go ahead, don’t want to keep Beth waiting. Promise me you’ll eat something soon.”

“Yes, Dr. Stevens.” I nod, offering a wave as I walk inside, tracking Beth down in her office. “You needed to see me?”

“You didn’t need to rush back in. I certainly wouldn’t have rushed out of that man’s arms.”

I chew my lower lip, focusing my gaze on the waste bin. “He had to leave.”

“It was so nice of Dr. Stevens to stop by. The women here trust him, and that’s a godsend.”

“He’s a wonderful doctor, with a fantastic bedside manner.”

“He’s a wonderful man, Tallulah.”

I shrug, hoping for a change in the conversation. “I suppose.”

---