Page 65 of Embers in Our Past

“I see; I look forward to that moment then,” I say, winking at her. “Can I get anything else for you before I go shower?”

“No, I’m good, thank you.” She smiles at me.

“Well, we’re going to get going,” Kennedy says.

“Lola, come,” River says. Lola stays rooted in place. Abby gives Lola a few extra scratches and then gives her permission to go off with River and Kennedy. She finally relents and takes off.

River looks at us like he’s taken offense that his dog doesn’t want to leave.

“That’s low, Abby, stealing another man’s dog.” River brings his hand to his heart like he’s wounded.

“So dramatic, River.” Abby rolls her eyes.

Kennedy rounds the bed, gives Abby a hug, and whispers, “Lean on me whenever you want.” Kennedy kisses her cheek, and I can see the two of them have grown close in a short amount of time.

River grabs the bags Kennedy had brought, and once I hear the front door close, I turn to Abby. “Are you sure you don’t need anything before I grab a shower?”

“No, thank you. I’m not on bed rest, Clay. I can get up, remember?” she says with a wink, sipping her tea and taking a bite of her toast.

“Right. Still feeling alright?” I ask, probably for the hundredth time.

She rolls her eyes, likely annoyed by my pestering, but I don’t even care. “Yes, drill sergeant. Go!” She shoos me off, and I start to walk away.

“What time should we head out? Ten forty-five?” We have an appointment with her regular obstetrician. It’s a fun one because we get another ultrasound. Any opportunity to see the baby is one we look forward to.

“Yeah, that should be enough time to get to the office,” she says, already focused on the screen in front of her.

I’m about to walk out of the room when she screams.

“Oh my gosh, what is it?” My heart may literally leap out of my chest.

“I think the baby just kicked. I have been feeling little movements. They’re more like flutters for me. Samara told me, last I spoke to her, it would feel like a fish swimming against your skin at first. But this one felt like a limb. Oh my gosh.” She’s got her palm against her belly, her smile so wide, tears instantly pooling.

“Do you think I could feel?” Even though we’ve been intimate, I still don’t know where we stand. Everything feels fragile between us, so I’m tentative as I approach her.

“Of course,” she says, one hand still splayed on her belly while the other motions for me to come over.

I walk around the bed and sit down opposite her.

The minute I take a seat, she grabs my hand and presses it against her warm belly, directly against her skin. At first, I don’t feel anything. She makes a face, disappointment etching her features.

She uses her hand and guides mine around her belly, hoping to capture the movement again.

“Come on, little one, let Daddy feel you move,” she coos at the baby.

This is the first time she’s spoken to the baby in front of me, and it’s the first time the acknowledgment ofdaddyis made from her to me. A lump forms in my throat. I try to tamp it down but find it futile. It’s hard to hide the emotion.

She presses my hand against her belly, and I try to resist, not wanting to hurt her.

“It doesn’t hurt, Clay,” she says, as if reading my mind.

Before I can protest, I feel it, this little kick from the inside. I take a breath in, my eyes go wide, and I am not even the least bit embarrassed to admit I cry. The tears fall down my cheeks as our baby kicks against my hand, and that life that I believe brought us back together makes it known to us both.

“Our little miracle,” Abby whispers. She’s looking down at her belly, which is still so small in comparison to something so powerful, yet it holds so much love.

“Yes, truly a miracle,” I say, bringing my other hand to hold her belly on the opposite side, and on instinct, I kiss the center. Abby moves her opposite hand through my hair, and I relish the feeling.

I whisper a soft,I love youto my little son or daughter and hope they hear me. Nothing sweeter has ever existed.

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