Page 122 of Doctor I Do

“Your friends didn’t want him to hover and not let you have fun.”

I giggle. “He’s a little protective of us,” I say, touching my bump.

“Who can blame him? I’m grateful you have him.”

“I know he’s taking extra caution, but…it’s early for a baby shower. I’m only twenty-eight weeks.”

We had our big scan recently. I received the all-clear and, finally, I feel like I can breathe. But realistically, I don’t know if I will fully relax until I hold her in my arms.

“Again, he wanted you to rest in the final stretch not party.”

I snort. “Mom, it’s a baby shower. I’m not clubbing.”

Her lips lift, and I know she agrees.

“You know Alex,” she adds.

“I do. And I love him. My helicopter husband.”

“Helicopter husband?” she asks, perplexed.

“Just a phrase, Mom.”

“Okay—” she’s cut off when the door sounds.

My eyes widen.

“Go shower. Take your time. I’ll let them in and set up,” she says, shooing me away.

I exhale and smile. “Thanks, Mom.”

I grab my dress and head to the bathroom, but not before sending Alex a thank you text. I love him so much it hurts to be without him, even for a moment.

Epilogue 2

Alex

One Year Later

I wake to a cold bed. Rubbing my eyes, I stretch and get up. It’s just before seven in the morning. I stroll down to the kitchen, following the delicious smell.

A wide smile takes over my face as I see Tahlia making coffee. I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her middle. Touching her growing bump is my favorite thing to do. Resting my hands there, I murmur into her neck, “Smells good.”

“Yeah, I’ve finished making your coffee. Sit down, and I’ll serve breakfast.”

“I’ll help.”

“I’m fine. You always cook me breakfast and coffee. It’s my turn,” she says with an odd twinkle in her eye. The curve in her lips makes me think something up.

Looking around the kitchen, I take a seat. I can’t help but notice there are no dishes.

“Where’re the dishes?”

“Ah. I cleaned up.”

My mouth purses, trying to contain a laugh.

But she bursts out laughing first.

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