Page 13 of Curvy Girl and the Ex-Military Firefighter

The tension from earlier seems to melt away as we stand there, remembering that night. How one impromptu date turned into this – us, a baby, a future.

"Emma! Max!" Aunt Linda's voice shatters the moment. "Dessert's ready!"

I feel my shoulders tense again. Max must notice because his arm tightens around me.

"We don't have to go back in," he whispers.

But before I can answer, the back door creaks open.

Chapter 7 - Emma

Uncle Jack appears in the doorway, sunlight glinting off his medals. Max's arm tightens around me protectively, and I feel him straighten up – a soldier's reflex.

"Linda's made her famous apple pie," Uncle Jack says, but something in his eyes makes my stomach flip. And it's not morning sickness this time.

"Uncle Jack—" I start, but he cuts me off.

"You know," he says, his voice softer than usual, "I met your aunt at a USO dance. Knew right away she was the one. Sometimes, when you know, you know."

I feel Max tense beside me. My fingers clutch at his suit jacket, wondering if Uncle Jack somehow figured it out. He always could read me better than anyone else in the family.

"And sometimes," he continues, "family lunches aren't as important as taking care of what matters most."

My heart skips. He knows. He has to know.

"Sir—" Max starts.

"Take her home, son." Uncle Jack gestures toward the driveway where Max's truck sits. "I'll handle Linda."

"But the dessert—" I protest weakly, more out of habit than anything else.

"Will keep for another Sunday." His eyes meet mine, full of understanding. "When you're feeling better."

The way he emphasizes 'better' makes my breath catch. Tears threaten again – damn these hormones – but these are different. These are for the uncle who's always protected me, who's giving us an escape route now.

"Thank you," Max says beside me.

Uncle Jack turns to leave but stops at the door. "Thompson?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Take care of her."

I watch Max's throat work as he swallows. "Always, sir."

We watch Uncle Jack disappear inside, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Max's hand finds mine, tugging me toward his truck before Aunt Linda can chase us down.

I glance back at the house as we reach the driveway.

"Do you think he knows?"

"Maybe. Your uncle didn't make it through three tours without developing some serious instincts," Max says, opening my door.

My hand drifts to my stomach as I climb in. The morning feels like it's lasted a week, and it's barely 1 pm. The pregnancy test sits in my purse like a ticking bomb, but somehow it feels less scary now.

Max slides into the driver's seat, loosening his tie. "Sara's?"

I shake my head. "Can we just... go to your place?"

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