Page 38 of Connected By Christmas
I kiss him softly, trying to ease some of the tension I feel running through his body. My due date is in two days, and the closer I get to it, the more I can tell he’s nervous. It’s not about being a father that worries him but the thought of me goingthrough a painful delivery. Even though I’ve reassured him several times that I feel calm inside and have this deep knowing that everything is going to be okay, he’s still always wanting to protect the ones he loves.
I’ve been dreaming a lot about my mom lately, and I can’t explain it, but I feel her very strongly around me, and it’s taking all my anxiousness away. She’s letting me know she’s with me and everything will be fine. I truly believe and feel that with my whole heart.
“I promise I will let you know if I get tired and need to leave. It’s just dinner and a few games of pool, so we won’t be out late.”
“I’m being overprotective again, aren’t I?” He sighs and rests his forehead against mine.
“Yes, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” I laugh softly. “It’s who you are, and I love you for it.”
“I just want to keep you safe,” he whispers. “It’s going to be hard to sit back and watch you go through this without me being able to do a damn thing to help.”
“I want to do this, Noah. I’m bringing our baby into this world. There’s no greater gift to be given than that. You just being there with me helps. If the pain becomes too much, I’ll get the epidural like we talked about, but I know I can do this. Your mom has taught me everything I know about breathing techniques, and I teach others to do the same in their yoga practice.”
Noah’s mom owns a yoga studio in town, and shortly after we got engaged, I went through the yoga training and now teach two days a week at her studio. I taught up until a couple of weeks ago, and I plan on returning once I’m able to so I can keep up with my practice. I want to be at home with our daughter as much as possible, so I’ve set it up with Miss Sylvia at the library to run the children’s program remotely, leaving me time to still work on my next book.
“I never had any doubt that you couldn’t do this. You’re the strongest person I know,” he smiles and brushes back my hair. “I can’t wait to meet our baby girl.” His blue eyes shine with so much love that it takes my breath away.
“I can’t either.” I bring him down for one more kiss before shooing him away. “Now let me finish getting ready in here, or we’ll be late.”
“Okay, okay,” he laughs. “I’m going to take Nala out before we go, and I’ll meet you downstairs.” He smacks my butt on the way out and grins when I yelp.
Laughing, I quickly finish getting ready and meet him downstairs.
The drive to Joe’s is a quick fifteen-minute drive in our small town. With pool tables and great bar food,Joe’s Rack’em and Leave’emis a popular hangout for the locals. The rustic beer signs and worn-out wooden floors and tables give it a dive bar feel, but you feel welcomed the moment you step in.
Joe waves to us behind the bar as we walk over to say hi. He’s older with a white beard covering his face and always wears a grin. I immediately took a liking to him, and he’s like an uncle to us all. Noah and Maverick grew up playing pool here, and more than once, Joe has kept them out of trouble.
“I thought for sure that baby would be out by now,” Joe grins at me and starts to make my favorite mocktail without me having to ask.
“Any day now,” I say, rubbing my belly. “I wanted to get one more of your hamburgers in me while I’m still able to get around.” He hands me a Shirley Temple with extra cherries, just the way I like it. “Thank you.” I take a sip and pop a cherry in my mouth.
“You’re welcome,” he grins like a proud parent. “You want the usual Noah?”
“Yeah, thanks, Joe.”
He fills Noah's glass with the local craft beer and hands it to him. “Everyone is at the back table,” he nods toward the corner. “I’ll send Sally over shortly to take your food order,” he winks at me.
“You’re the best.” I lean over and kiss his cheek.
“You just make sure to bring that baby by at some point so I can meet her.”
“We definitely will.”
Noah chuckles as we walk to the table.
“What’s so funny?” I ask, giving him a sideways glance.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Joe blush. He was beet red under that beard when you kissed his cheek. I think he’s smitten with you.”
“Joe is a sweetheart to everyone. He makes the best Shirley Temples, and his hamburgers are to die for. He deserves all the kisses on the cheek.”
“You’ve definitely made his night. I’m not surprised, though. The whole town is in love with you.”
“And I’m in love with this town. I especially love the town handyman slash secret author slash builder. He’s my favorite and wears many hats in this town.”
“Says the librarian slash yoga instructor slash children’s author,” he chuckles.
“I guess we both wear a lot of hats,” I laugh.
