Page 5 of Carly's Heart

“I need to find a place to live. I have to move out before I get huge and can’t function.”

“My cousin has a condo for sale on Seventh Avenue. I could give him a call to see if he’ll rent it to you instead of selling.”

“Would you?” Hope blossomed in her chest. Last night, Mike had punched a wall in his frustration with her nagging. She wasn’t going to stop hoping he’d change, and he wasn’t going to get used to her pleas. Leaving was the only option.

“Consider it done.”

Amid the sadness, a tiny seed of hope sprouted.

♥ Chapter Four ♥

Birch glared at Carly’s husband. How could he just sit there while they loaded up Carly’s things? Didn’t the man care that he was losing this precious woman. Mike should be on his knees begging her to stay.

“Thanks, Birch,” Carly said with a soft smile. “I appreciate all the help.” She leaned against the wall, one hand on top of her swelling stomach. God, she was beautiful. Pregnant women really did glow.

“You’re welcome. What comes next?” He and his father and his two younger brothers had already loaded all the big items into the back of their pickup trucks for the trek to her new place.

“Just the boxes in the small bedroom.”

“What about a bed? We haven’t moved a bed yet.” He looked around in case he’d missed it.

“It’s being delivered in a couple days. I’ll sleep on the couch until it arrives.”

“No, you won’t. You’re pregnant. You need a real bed. Come stay at the ranch. Mom and Dad won’t mind.” She must be insane thinking of sleeping on a couch in her condition.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve slept there twice already. It’s quite comfortable. But thanks for offering.”

Her smile lit his insides from his heart to his toes.

“Just sit on the steps, while we get these last boxes. You should be resting.” He shot another glare at Mike who gave him the finger in return.

Mike staggered over and grabbed Carly by the arm. “Don’t go. Stay,” he begged.

His pleading was too little, too late as far as Birch was concerned.

“Mike, I’m done. I’ve been warning you for a year. It’s over. Done. Finished.” Her voice trembled.

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