Page 11 of Where We Call Home

“Just over halfway. Twenty-one weeks.” My hand found my belly instinctively, a habit now and one I barely noticed anymore. It was my way of staying connected to the little life growing inside me.

I liked when people asked about her.

She was already my proudest accomplishment, even though she wasn’t here yet. What I’d once thought was a mistake had turned into something bigger, something more. She gave me a purpose beyond my career, something I hadn’t even realized I was searching for.

Rhodes let out a thoughtful grunt, his gaze flicking back to my stomach, like he could see her through my skin. “If you need anything, let me know,” he said, voice steady, serious.

Then, his eyes lifted to mine, and something in them stuck, made my heart stumble over itself.

“I mean it,” he added, low and firm.

The warmth of his words curled through me, slow and all-consuming, like sitting too close to a fire on a cold night.

“Okay,” I whispered, offering a small smile before looking away. His gaze was too much, masculine in a way that made my stomach flutter. I could only take so much attention before I retreated.

As the sun dipped lower, the air cooled, signaling that it was time to head out.

Driving at night wasn’t my favorite, especially in this car. My old Camaro wasn’t built for dodging deer, and somehow, the chances of running into wildlife always seemed higher after dark.

We’d spent the rest of the evening just existing together, but I kept my distance from Rhodes.

Too much exposure, too many eyes on us. The fact that we walked into the party together was more than enough to get Aspen and Penny following a lead that wasn’t even there.

Instead, I sat next to Logan, keeping things surface-level—city restaurants, his parents’ careers, baby talk.

“I’m gonna head home,” I said eventually, tapping Aspen’s shoulder to get her attention.

She was curled up in a plastic chair, her signature glass of wine in hand.

“You can stay over with me and Penny!” she offered, standing to hug me. “We’re having a sleepover. Staying up late, drinking wine, probably passing out on the couch.”

I hated saying no to their invitations.

But lately? I justcouldn’t.

Long nights and makeshift sleeping arrangements weren’t in my wheelhouse anymore. I needed my own bed, my coziest pajamas, and an uninterrupted night of sleep.

“I wish I could,” I murmured, hugging her a little longer than necessary. “But my back needs a real bed.”

Aspen laughed, letting me go. “Fair enough,” she said, though I knew she didn’t quite understand.

One day, she would.

“I’ll see you around.”

I lifted a hand in a half-wave to the rest of the group, who sang their goodbyes.

At the start of my pregnancy, I could still keep up with them.

Now? My energy was spent.

Life was changing. I couldn’t just drop everything for spontaneous plans like I used to.

It was easier to entertain myself than to inconvenience everyone else.

As I turned to leave, my gaze lingered on Rhodes.

I gave him an extra smile, and he caught it—nodding, returning one of his own.

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