Page 76 of While We Waited

“Don’t think I didn’t notice how you changed the subject.”

“I thought the subject was whether I wanted children before you.”

I wag a finger at him. “I’ll allow you to avoid the sore subject for now.”

“Good.” He pulls into a parking spot in front ofSmuggler’s Cove.“Because we’re here.”

I stare at the restaurant. “We can’t be here.”

“Why not?”

“TheSmuggler Reenactment Dinneris tonight. It’s impossible to get tickets.”

“I got tickets.”

“Did you bribe someone?” He shrugs and I gasp. “You did! You bribed someone.” I giggle. “You’re getting the hang of Smuggler’s Hideaway after all.”

He kisses my nose. “I did grow up here.”

“What are you waiting for? Let’s go. Let’s go.” I reach for the door handle and he growls.

“Wait for me.”

“Hurry up, Grumpystilskin. There are smugglers waiting.”

“Smugglers wait for no one,” he claims but he does get out of the truck and walk around to open my door.

I jump into his arms. “Let’s go, Mr. Grumpalotoulos.”

“Am I Greek now?”

“Tall, dark, and handsome is Greek.”

He smirks. “You think I’m handsome.”

“Duh. I made this baby with you, didn’t I?”

He sets me on my feet and places his hand on my lower back to guide me into the restaurant. It’s crowded when we enter. I start to push my way through the throng of people but Hudson maneuvers so he’s in front of me and can lead the way.

“Reservation for Hudson,” he barks at the waitress.

I wave to her. “Hi, Hazel!”

“Nova, how are you doing?” She opens her arms to hug me but Hudson growls at her.

“Sorry, the caveman is out tonight.”

She giggles. “I heard you snagged the most eligible bachelor on Smuggler’s Hideaway.” She nods to my belly. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” I thread my arm through Hudson’s.

She grins. “The girl banned from cheerleading is now dating the football player.”

I roll my eyes. “I wasn’t banned from cheerleading. You can’t ban someone from cheerleading for life.”

She snorts. “I was there. Broken bones happened. They totally banned you for life.”

“It wasn’t my fault.”

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