Page 135 of The One I Hate
He pushes a piece of hair behind my ear. “Not nearly as much as I love you.”
His hand drifts to my stomach, and right on cue, Baby Bug kicks.
No…Lainey kicks.
“Hey, Lainey, it’s daddy,” he says, putting his face next to my stomach. “Your mommy and I can’t wait to meet you. But pleasehold off for a few more months, because I haven’t called my paint guy yet and I need to make your nursery the best nursery there’s ever been.”
I laugh, and cry a little, as Simon kisses my stomach. My hands brush through his hair as we just sit and bask in the moment. If this was six months ago, I’d be telling myself that the other shoe is about to drop. I’d be looking up for the rain clouds or for the anvil to come crashing down on my head.
But not anymore. Because right now at this moment, I don’t know how anything could ruin what we have.
Chapter 32
Simon
Idon’t think a day can go bad when it starts with french toast.
And sex.
Sex and french toast. Better than any coffee on the planet.
“Quit smiling,” Charlie says as she pours me a cup of coffee. “Customers are going to suspect something.”
“Can’t a guy smile?”
“Not like that unless he’s auditioning for the role of a Disney villain.”
“Very funny.” I lean over the counter to give her a quick kiss. “What do I owe the pleasure of you being here to serve me my coffee?”
“I’m just in a good mood,” she says. “Things are running smoothly. The baby is cooperating so far today. My mushroom order appeared last night, which means my stern talking-to with my weed loving mushroom distributor finally worked. And I get to see to my…boyfriend…baby dad…you.”
I laugh. “Not liking any of my official titles?”
She shrugs as she takes off her apron and puts on her coat. “Boyfriend feels high school. You know how I feel about babydaddy. Partner is the best, but still sounds like we work at a law firm together. Just nothing feels right.”
“I agree,” I say as I lean a little closer. “I think husband would sound much better.”
I’m greeted by her patented “you’re ridiculous” eye roll and a smile.
It’s her love language for me.
“How about one major life event at a time?” Charlie comes around the counter and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I have to run to the bank. Your french toast is being made now and one of the girls will bring it to you.”
“You’re the best.”
“I know.”
She gives me a wink before heading out the door. I watch as she crosses the street, choosing to walk the block and a half toward the bank instead of driving. I don’t blame her. It’s a beautiful February day. A little chilly, but the sun is a welcome change from the days of dreary winter we’ve had.
Once she’s out of sight I turn back to the counter, where I’m greeted by my plate of french toast.
“The perfect start to the morning.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Before I realize what’s happening, Emmett is grabbing my plate of syrupy deliciousness and sliding it in front of him.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
