Page 200 of Not Over You

“That’s great. I’m glad you figured it out, so when you move back here you can get right back to it.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

“How long are you staying?”

“Maybe a few months. Hunter is taking a class up here that his work is paying for. It really worked out great that we could be here for Sheila. And it’s a good place for us to be when the baby is born. I don’t know who’s more excited, Marcus or Sheila.”

The distinct sound of a whisk in a mixing bowl floats through the phone. “What are you whipping up?”

“A new muffin recipe that I’m trying out.”

“Things going well for you?”

“Great. Busy as can be. The bakery side of the business is really taking off.”

“I knew it would.”

“Hey, I meant to ask. Did you get a renter for your house?”

“Nah, we decided not to since we’re staying for free with Sheila.”

She laughs her singsong laugh. “That’s great. I wouldn’t want them messing up that pretty paint job.”

“Me either.”

The back door opens and Marcus comes spilling inside. The boy is all knees and elbows with long bones between. He’s going to outgrow Hunter soon. I frown at him. He’s covered in sawdust. He grins and starts backing up toward the door. “Hey, Dad wants a drink.”

My heart trips up a little bit at his words. He started calling us Mom and Dad not long after we got married.

“Hey, Maddy, I’m gonna run. Gotta take care of my men and get back to ordering next season’s accessories. Kisses.”

“Kisses. And you better call me when that baby is born!”

“Promise.”

I head for the kitchen at my only speed… slow. “Hang on, I’ll pour some lemonade.”

Marcus is standing outside the door patiently waiting when I get back. I’m handing him the glasses of lemonade when a sudden pain hits me. A big one.

Maybe those twinges I’ve been feeling this morning were the real thing. It is time. Tomorrow is my due date.

Marcus’s eyes go wide as he watches me grab the door jamb. “Uh — what can I do?”

“Get Hunter, please.”

He disappears like he’s got a firecracker under his feet.

Hunter runs up the stairs to the back porch. “Oh, my god… is it?”

I nod. “I think so.”

He grabs my face and kisses me. “I’m so excited.”

I nod even though I do not share his enthusiasm at the moment. Another pain hits.

I cling to his arm. “Oh boy. That was kind of close together. I think we need to hurry.”

He wrings his hands for a few seconds. “I know we practiced all this, but, right now, I’m kind of short circuiting.”

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