Page 157 of Forever After All

“Living room!” She was wrapped up in two blankets, and fighting her way out of the burrito didn’t sound like something she should attempt on her own. Not when she’d become so front-heavy lately.

She tried to look over her shoulder as Blake entered the room. “How was work?”

“Cold,” Blake said as he rounded the couch. “Long.”

He sat on the couch beside her–as close to her as possible–resting one arm on the back of the couch behind her and one hand on her belly. She moved the blankets so he could see better.

“She’s been kicking. And squirming. And doing somersaults,” Everly said, guiding Blake’s hand to the harder spot on the right side of her bump.

They sat still and quiet for a few seconds before the baby started kicking against Blake’s hand.

“I’ll never get used to that. It’s amazing.” His voice held all the awe she felt whenever she thought about the baby growing inside of her.

“She missed you. I did too.”

Blake brushed a hand over her cheek and pressed his lips to hers. She breathed him in, relaxing into the peace and love he radiated.

“I missed my girls too,” he whispered before pressing another quick kiss to her lips.

Then he readjusted in his seat until he leaned over her belly. “Hey, sweet pea. It’s daddy.” His hand roved over Everly’s side, chasing the tiny pulses. “Mommy said you’ve been practicing gymnastics today. I can’t wait to see you do flips one day.”

Everly grabbed his hand and pressed it to the spot he was searching for. Blake liked to talk to the baby every evening, and she always jumped and kicked even more when she heard his voice. It was the strangest thing Everly had ever seen, but there was definitely more movement when Blake was around.

Blake shook his head. “I can’t wait to hold her, but I’m gonna miss this.”

“You’re telling me. I’m anticipating the separation crisis already.”

He looked up at Everly, and his smile grew. He’d been growing his beard out lately, though he talked about shaving it every now and then.

Truthfully, Everly loved the bearded look on him. He looked more like a dad than the GQ model sports agent she’d met all those years ago. He’d traded in his suits and ties for flannel and boots, and she wouldn’t change a thing.

She’d been stepping away from the event venue at the ranch over the last few months, spending most of her time training the new event coordinators. She loved the work, but she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Blake completely supported the move.

Blake’s gaze shifted from her eyes to her mouth and back again. “I love that she’s a part of you,” he whispered.

Oh no. That was too sweet, and the waterworks were about to start flowing. “I love that she’s a part of you too.”

“The best parts of both of us.” He brushed a hand through his tousled hat hair. “I might not sleep until she gets here. I’m so excited.”

Everly chuckled and patted his cheek. “Better sleep now. We’ll be wishing for it after she’s born.”

“You’re right.” He tipped his chin toward her laptop. “What are you working on?”

“The book is due to my editor next week. I’m having a hard time writing the ending.”

“Is this Linc and Jess’s book? The end is that they live happily ever after and ride off into the sunset. Literally, they’re riding in Montana for the next few weeks.”

Everly playfully shoved his shoulder. “I know how it ends. I’m having trouble with the actual words. What’s a good way to say ‘I love you forever’ without using those words?”

Blake frowned. “Who is saying it? Jess or Linc?”

“Linc.”

“He’d just buy Jess a new saddle or something. He’s not big on the words.”

Everly tapped her thumb against her lip. “You’re probably right. He did get her a saddle for Christmas.”

Blake reached for her hand, pulling her jittering thumb away from her mouth. “No stressing. You know your editor always loves your books. Then, the readers love them too. No stressing. Remember, this is something you love, and it’s how you like to share the gospel. You’re the boss, and the only one you have to report to is the Lord.”

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