Page 71 of Where We Call Home

“Keep your hand there,” she urged, her voice soft and coaxing. “She’ll do it again. Say something.”

“I don’t even know what to say,” I admitted, the words catching in my throat.

The baby kicked again, this time with more force. It was incredible, this little life making itself known so distinctly.

Theo laughed, her joy bubbling over. “Looks like that was enough.”

“Can she… hear me? Does she know who I am?” I asked, the question almost whispered.

“Maybe. Babies can start picking up on familiar voices even now. That’s why some people play music for them or talk to them, they recognize it when they’re born.”

The idea that she might already know me, even in the smallest way, made my heart twist. I wanted to keep my hand there forever, to feel her move again.

I leaned down and kissed the top of Theo’s head, letting my lips linger as I searched for the right words. She moved her hand from my chest to rest it over mine, silently telling me she wanted me to stay.

“Will she move like that a lot?” I asked after a beat.

“Yeah, but she usually gets more active when she hears something she recognizes.”

“Hmm.”

“Does it… weird you out?” she asked tentatively, her voice laced with uncertainty.

“What? That she moves and you can feel it?”

“That, and… me being pregnant. And us—” she hesitated, the words faltering. “You know, being together like this. I know the situation isn’t exactly ideal.”

“God, no. Not at all. It’s beautiful,” I said, my voice resolute.

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and the smile that followed was breathtaking, like a bright star lighting up the night sky. I wanted to remember it forever, to hold onto it for the times when life felt dark.

“Do you have a name picked out?” I asked, eager to learn more about the little one growing inside her.

“I do,” she said with a mischievous glint, “it’s a secret. Not even my mom knows.”

I respected that, even if the curiosity burned in the back of my mind. I felt weird referring to her as, “the baby,” because she was more than that but in time, that would change.

“Why don’t we plan to work on the nursery next weekend?” I suggested, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “After your appointment this week, maybe I can come with you, and we can pick up what you need?”

Her expression shifted, the light dimming as she cleared her throat. “Oh, no. I can go by myself. Don’t worry about the appointment. I’ll grab a few things tomorrow.”

Her words stung more than I wanted to admit. I’d overstepped, pushed too far. Embarrassment tightened my throat and I forced a smile. “Okay,” I said softly.

Before the moment could settle into awkwardness, I tilted her chin gently with my fingers, drawing her attention back to me. Her hazel eyes met mine, and for a second, everything else faded away.

“Wait, stay like that!” she exclaimed, sitting up and scrambling to climb over me, her excitement infectious.

She waddled down the hallway as fast as she could while still naked. I laughed to myself and shook my head; she was something else.

Theo disappeared for a few moments before returning with a camera around her neck. Grinning at me, she approached with her face in the viewfinder.

“You looked handsome. I need to capture the moment.”

“Oh no, I look crazy.” My hair was a mess,andI was naked.

“It’s for my eyes only! Please,” she begged, dragging out the last word.

Saying no to her was impossible.

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