Page 21 of Love Unexpected

I sit up straight, panic flooding my system. “What is it? Did I hurt you?”

“No, I’m okay," she replies, her laughter mixed with embarrassment. "The baby just kicked me really hard in the rib, and I wasn’t expecting it.” She chuckles, rubbing the spot below her right breast.

Without a second thought, she grabs my hands and places them on her abdomen, dangerously close to her breasts. “Here, feel it.” I sit still and a few seconds later, I feel a series of kicks one after the other. A wave of emotion washes over me and I can’t move my hands away. The kicks are strong and distinct.

“Wow. I have never felt anything like that before. That’s just… wow.” I stare at her belly in amazement, roaming my hands in order to find another kick.

“It’s pretty great, isn’t it?” Marcus chimes in, proudly. “I love feeling the little dude kick.” My stomach tightens at hiswords and I fight to swallow down the jealousy. The implication that he touches her like this, makes my anger rise just beneath the surface.

The emotions I felt moments ago vanish as quickly as they appeared. Marcus and Emma begin discussing baby names, their voices a hum in the background as I sit back and sip my whiskey. What am I doing here? Getting cozy with Emma on my brother’s couch, touching her every chance I can? Nothing has changed between us, and yet here I am acting like she’s mine. I need to leave, but I can’t force myself to.

I down the remainder of my whiskey, trying to steady the conflicting feelings inside of me. I should leave, but it feels like there’s an invisible magnet pulling me to her and it's impossible to resist. So I stay, trapped in this web, and listen to them talk about the baby’s nursery. The pain in my chest gets tighter and tighter.

Chapter 20

Emma

This time after the movie ends, we don’t hang around. Instead, we all share brief goodbyes before Noah and I part ways to our own homes. Just when I feel like we’re making progress, something spooks him and he retreats again. I think about the way his eyes lit up when he felt the baby kick earlier. There was something so raw and emotional in that moment. But the instant it passed, his demeanor changed, and I felt the distance growing again.

Saturday morning I wake up with a renewed sense of determination. Lying in bed, my mind swiftly drifts back to thoughts about Noah. I believe hewantsto give our relationship a try, but fear keeps holding him back. He thinks he will turn out to be a monster like his father but I’m certain that would never happen. He just needs a little help getting through the darkness. I just need to push him a little bit.

The more time we spend together, the more I see Noah let go of his fears piece by piece. I catch glimpses of the man I know he can be—sweet, caring, and carefree. But the second we separate, I can practically see him building those walls right back up.

I'm determined to break through the defenses he's built around himself. We just need more time together in order to strengthen our connection. With a plan in my mind, I get dressed quickly into something cute and head out for the day—my favorite baby boutique awaits.

I realize I’ve been neglecting the baby’s room, but today I will change that. Stepping into the boutique, I'm overwhelmed with the variety of options. The store contains the most beautiful nursery furniture and adorable outfits. Each item I pick up sparks more excitement in

me. I lose track of time, completely absorbed in my shopping spree, and before I know it, three hours have already passed. When my back can’t take it anymore, I head to the checkout counter and a friendly salesman helps load the items into my SUV.

The back of my car is filled to the brim with the essentials and then some. I bought everything from a crib and matching changing table to a soft rug and rocking horse. I think I’m set for now. I can hardly believe how all of this fits into the back of my car. Compact boxes for the win! Before I pull out onto the road, I send a quick text to Noah. Excitement courses through me.

Me: Hey. Sorry to bother you on a Saturday evening. I was wondering if you could stop by and help me unload some heavy boxes from my car? I completely understand if you already have plans.

Noah: Give me about 20 minutes.

I bite back a squeal and my heart races with anticipation of seeing him again. There’s a nervous flutter in my chest the closer I get to my house.

True to his word, approximately twenty minutes later, there’s a knock on the door. When I open it, I’m met with a freshly showered, clean-shaven Noah. He looks utterly irresistible. Wearing dark blue jeans that cling to his thighs just right, paired with a fitted black t-shirt that shows off his biceps, and crisp white Vans; I’m practically drooling over his simple outfit.

“Thank you so much for coming. I hope I didn’t interrupt any plans?” I ask coyly.

“Nope, not at all,” he says, walking backwards from the door. He holds his hand out, gesturing for me to lead the way to the car.

Popping open the trunk, I watch Noah nervously. His eyes widen at the avalanche of boxes packed in my car.

“Well, this is not what I was expecting,” he laughs, his voice filled with genuine surprise. He wastes no time and begins carrying the pieces in one by one. I can't help but admire the way he effortlessly handles the heavy boxes. I'm practically in heat when he gets to the crib, which has to be incredibly heavy, and lifts it over his head. His biceps flex under the snug sleeves of his shirt, and I have to remind myself to close my mouth. Quickly shutting the trunk, I follow him inside.

Once we step into the warmth of the room, he gets to work. The sound of cardboard tearing fills the air as he pulls out the pieces of the crib.

“You don’t have to do that. I really just needed the heavy boxes brought in here. I can manage the rest, you’ve done more than enough for me already.”

“I don’t mind at all,” he insists. “Besides, this is a lot of work. You shouldn’t be doing all this. Sit and prop your feet up.”

As I watch him expertly assemble the crib, my heart swells like a balloon filled with too much air, ready to burst. I'm flooded with emotions. Admiration. Longing. He embodies everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner.

“You okay?” he pauses with the screwdriver in hand, his eyebrows frowning.

“Yep. Yeah. I’m fine, just hormones. Ignore me,” I reply in an attempt to downplay the tidal wave of emotions surging through me. I don't want to freak him out. I rapidly blink back the tears threatening to give my emotions away. “Let me grab you something to drink”.

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