Page 43 of Once Upon a Holidate
“You two are going to figure this out.”
He hugged her back. “I hope so.”
“Don’t give up on her. She needs to know that you can’t be pushed away by her attitude.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
As he spoke, he leaned close and pressed his mouth to hers. She relaxed into the kiss, liking the feel of his lips on hers.
Wanting flickered to life, but she ignored the need. With Hunter playing video games just down the hall, nothing more was going to happen, but just kissing was nice.
He moved back and forth a little, but didn’t deepen the kiss, as if he, too, knew the limitations of the night. When he drew back, he smiled at her.
“I thought it was supposed to be easier when kids got older.”
“I wish.”
He stared into her eyes. “Me, too.”
And for now, that was enough.
***
Joylyn sat in the backyard watching butterflies drift from one flowering bush to another. She supposed that in other parts of the country, people were bracing to deal with subfreezing temperatures and snow, but in the desert southwest, there were still flowers and butterflies.
She told herself she had to get moving, that not showing up for her doctor’s appointment was a dumb move. And being scared because the doctor was new to her didn’t make any sense, either. She was eight months pregnant—she needed to be seen by a medical professional.
Brushing away tears, she stood and walked into the house. She peed, then got her handbag and was halfway to the front door when the doorbell rang.
“Oh, hi,” she said, surprised to see Wynn on the porch. “What’s up?”
“I’m here to make an offer,” Wynn told her. “Feel free to say no. Your dad told me about your doctor’s appointment this morning. I would imagine you’re not excited about seeing someone new when you’re so far along. If you think it would help, I’m happy to go with you. Not into the room or anything, but just on the drive and in the waiting room. For moral support.”
The unexpected act of kindness brought the ever-present tears back to the surface. Joylyn blinked them away.
“That would be really nice,” she said, her throat tightening. “I was a little nervous about going, so a friendly face would help.”
“Then let’s go. Want me to drive?”
“Do you know where my appointment is?”
“Yes. I use the same practice. All the doctors there are great.”
Joylyn got into Wynn’s car and fastened her seat belt. Some of her tension eased.
“How are you feeling?” Wynn asked as she backed out of the driveway.
“Good. The baby is very active, which I like.”
“Do you talk to your husband much?”
“We FaceTime a few days a week, but I still miss him.”
“You’re down to less than a month until he comes home, right?”
“I’m counting the days. I keep telling myself I should have stayed on base rather than moving in with my mom. I miss my friends there.”
“When will you go back?”
