Page 54 of Love Me Forever

"We need to talk about you taking it easy."

"Oh, Travis." I laughed, pulling up my zipper and closing my jacket. God, it was cold outside. "I was sure you were going to bring that up."

"Bonnie," he said in a serious tone.

"Yes, I heard the doctor too. I'll take it easy. I know."

"You promise?"

"Yes."

He was looking at me intently. "Another thing. My mom and my cousin want your number. They're pestering me."

“Let me guess. You want me to save you from them and tell them they can call me?"

"Something like that. Besides, the two of them are great. Mom kept saying she can give you pregnancy advice."

I smiled. "Oh, that sounds wonderful. I don't have many people I can talk to about this. None of my friends have kids."

"Okay, then I'll give them your number. Word of warning. They can be a bit much."

"Like you?"

He smirked. "No, actually. I'm the easiest Maxwell to handle. If you make a list of 'difficult Maxwells,' I’m not even on it."

I narrowed my eyes. "If you made that list, sounds to me like you’re trying to fool me."

"Actually, my mom made that list. I'm sure she'll give you the nitty-gritty of the family."

"I can't wait. And thanks for coming today.”

“I loved every second of it. Seeing that heartbeat... well, it was something.”

“Yes, it was,” I whispered.

“What are you doing this afternoon?” He cocked a brow, almost making me laugh. I was sure that no answer except “relaxing” would be good enough.

“After shopping, I’m going to sleep a bit. And make dinner, or order something. Probably the latter. I’m dying for some calamari salad, and I’m hopeless at cooking seafood. I miss The Fish.” I stifled a yawn, running a hand through my hair. “I need a nap, though. I’m sure I look terrible.”

“I disagree. You’re fucking beautiful.” A twinkle played in his eyes.

I pointed at him. “Don’t start.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Don't worry, Bonnie. I'm not going to flirt with you. Not until you want me to.”

My knees instantly turned to jelly. Why would he say that? Of course I wanted him to. I was hanging by a thread here. I couldn’t believe I alternated between being standoffish with him and practically melting. I hoped I’d get a grip on my hormones and emotions soon enough.

“Call me if you need anything,” he said before heading to his car.

I pressed my lips together, deciding it was better not to reply. I was too caught up in the magic of the day and seeing that tiny heartbeat for the first time.

I was grateful Travis had been here with me, squeezing my hand, patting my head. Today it became crystal clear just how easily the lines between us could blur. It felt like he was my partner—my lover, not just the baby’s father. I had no idea how we were going to navigate this.

***

Iwas exhausted bythe time I got home four hours later. I’d bought some clothes and odorless cleaning supplies. I didn’t have morning sickness, but when I tried to clean the windows over the weekend, I almost gagged at the smell. It was too late to nap, so I was just going to try and stay up as late as I could before crashing for the evening.

As I took off my shoes, my phone beeped with a message from Travis.

---