Page 74 of Mending Scars

What was I thinking?

I turned the TV off, then carefully went to scoop Kaiya off the couch so I wouldn’t wake up Nori. Neither woman stirred as I picked Kaiya up and carried her to our bedroom.

As I tucked Kaiya in bed, a new question surfaced as I stared down at her.

Am I really just imagining things, or am I too blinded by my love for her to see the truth?

I swallowed deeply and my stomach knotted uncomfortably. I didn’t know the answer.

Ryker’s apartment was madness as I watched Nori and some of the girls from my office run around trying to get everything ready for my baby shower while I sat on the couch.

There was blue everywhere. And I meaneverywhere.Streamers, balloons, banners, and other decorations were spread out over the living room, dining room, and kitchen. It was kind of overwhelming.

Finger foods were arranged on decorative plates on the counters in the kitchen, and presents sat on the coffee table in the living room. I snacked on some chips and dip as Nori set out the cake. “How you doing, girl? You need anything?”

I finished chewing my chip. “I’m good, just going to grab some fruit.” I started walking to the fruit tray.

“I’ll get it. You go sit down and relax,” Nori ordered as she softly grabbed me by the shoulders and stopped me.

I rolled my eyes. “You sound just like Ryker and Kamden.”

She gave me her take no shit look. “Go.”

“Fine,” I huffed before turning around and walking into the living room. My feet were already hurting anyway, so I didn’t mind following Nori’s demand. I needed to relax some before Ethan and Molly showed up.

I was so anxious about them coming over. I’d asked Nori a dozen times if my outfit looked okay, even though I felt like a walrus. I’d straightened my hair repeatedly, wanting my hair to look perfect for the occasion. Not to mention I couldn’t stop stuffing my face with food

I’d met Ethan a couple of times before, but not Molly or their son. To be completely honest, I really wasn’t looking forward to meeting Molly for obvious reasons. I already disliked her because of how much she hurt Ryker, but I was going to try to be as nice as possible for his sake. I wanted to give him all the support that I could.

Ryker wasn’t too thrilled about having to deal with Molly either, but he was making the best of it to mend his relationship with Ethan. Both he and Molly were at fault, but Ryker had found that it was easier to forgive Ethan since they were brothers and put most of the blame on Molly.

I waddled over to the couch to sit down before they arrived. I felt like a bloated cow ready to be milked, and everything was swollen—my feet, my legs, my stomach, everything. I was more than ready for this pregnancy to be over with so I could finally hold Hayden in my arms.

Only nine more weeks.

Ryker brought me a bottle of water and sat next to me. “How you feeling, Warrior?” He gently rubbed my stomach.

“Fat,” I answered with a sarcastic laugh. “I don’t know how you can stand to look at me.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I think you look beautiful carrying my son.” His fingertips trailed along my cheek as he looked down. “How’s my little man doing?”

I followed his gaze and smiled. “I think he knows we’re having a party for him—he’s been moving around a lot.”

Ryker focused on my bulging belly. “Oh yeah? Where is he now?”

I grabbed his hand and moved it to the opposite side, right under my ribs. “He’s been kicking me here for a while. It’s so uncomfortable.”

Ryker narrowed his eyes at my stomach. “Quit kicking Mommy, Hayden.”

I couldn’t help but giggle at how adorable he was. I caressed his scruffy jaw with my fingers.

God, I love him.

Ryker looked up at me and smiled. His rugged beauty still caused my heart to stutter when I looked at him.

How did I get so lucky?

Just then, the doorbell rang. Ryker glanced over his shoulder as he said, “That’s probably Ethan.” He stood and reached his hand out to help me up.

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