Page 211 of Chasing Sparks

Huh?

I blink up at him, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“This.” Ash grabs the blanket and yanks it away in one swift motion.

“If this is your idea of foreplay, we need to have a serious talk,” I mutter, curling into a ball. “Be nice to the pregnant woman.”

“Trust me,” he whispers, scooping me up in his arms. “I plan on beingverynice to you.”

“What’s going on? I figured after all the craziness of the opening, we’d lounge around today.”

Ash shakes his head. “No can do. Too much happening.”

He carries me to the bathroom and turns on the spray. Judging by his appearance—freshly showered and dressed—he’s been up for a while. He’s also got this anxious energy buzzing through him, which doesn’t bode well for me.

But I’m too tired to analyze it—much. Best to wake up before I start freaking out over contrived scenarios.

“I’m picking up breakfast for us. You want an omelet?”

“Sure,” I mumble, stepping into the shower. “And tea, please.”

“You got it.” He leans his head into the shower, shooting me a dimpled grin. “Dress casual but nice.”

“So, no sweatpants? Is that what you’re telling me?”

“That’s what I’m telling you.”

“Damn. Fine.” I smack a kiss on his mouth before shooing him from the room.

The warm water does its job, loosening the knots in my neck. As I glide my hands along my body, I pause when they slip over my abdomen. Glancing down, I notice it.

I’m showing.

It’s barely noticeable and only when I’m naked, but it’s there—the faintest bump, the first undeniable sign of this new life growing inside me.

Wow.

I stand there, my hands resting on my belly, allowing my mind to wander. I picture the next several months: late pregnancy, a baby shower with piles of cute gifts, strange cravings, midnight runs for pickles and ice cream, the first kick, and Ash’s head resting on my belly as he talks to our baby.

But what if Ash isn’t here for any of it?

That thought opens a floodgate of bittersweet images: decorating the nursery alone, picking out the crib, prepping my hospital go bag.

Me. Me. Me.

God, I hope I made the right choice in telling him to go.

“Well, Ori,” I say aloud to the steamy tiles. “No take backs. We’re going to be okay, no matter what. There’s enough love in this little town to carry me through the darkest nights. And Ash will?—”

“What will Ash do?” His voice cuts through my thoughts, and I whirl around to see him poking his head in the door, barely visible through the steam.

Shit. I didn’t realize he was back already. How long have I been in here, musing about my future?

“You okay, little one?” Ash asks, pulling back the curtain slightly. “You almost done?”

I shut off the water and offer a rueful grin. “Lost track of time. That’s what a lack of caffeine will do to you.”

“Come on. Let’s eat, and then it’s time for your surprise.”

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