He arches a brow. “You look so beautiful, all round and puffy.” He chuckles. “I remember your momma looking just like that.”
I snort, the corners of my mouth quirking up. “She would have made it look damn good.”
His grin widens, and he brushes his calloused thumb across my cheek. “You make it look damn good too, kid.”
I set the glass on the coffee table, the ice cubes clinking. “Now you’re just being nice. It’s okay, Father. I know you’re having secret fantasies about pushing me on the ground and watching me try to get back up.”
He snorts, laughter lines crinkling at his eyes. “Fuck, I can’t lie, it has crossed my mind. Be a great party trick.”
I cradle my swollen belly. A soft blue blanket is draped across my lap, and the gentle weight of it feels reassuring.
“Violet!”
I turn just in time to see Travis coming through the door. He’s holding Amber’s small hand, and she bounces in behind him, her blonde curls catching the afternoon light. I sit up straighter, relief flooding me at the sight of them. Amber launches herself onto the couch, collapsing into my arms with a delighted squeal.
“Hi there, princess!” I murmur, smoothing her tangled hair.
“Daddy said you’re going to have the baby soon,” she announces, eyes wide. “Like, maybe today?”
“I hope not today,” I laugh, “but yes, very, very soon.”
“I can’t wait. I hope it’s a little sister.”
“I hope so, too,” I grin, giving Travis a look.
“We don’t want any more boys!” Amber wrinkles her nose.
“Hey now,” Travis calls, chuckling. “What about me?”
Chief clears his throat. “And me?”
“Granddad,” Amber calls, stretching the word out proudly. “I think you’re the best.”
I love that he has basically adopted her as his own, and she considers this whole family hers.
“See that? Someone loves the old fella. What do you say we go get Violet some ice cream? She’s been whining at me all morning and I bet you would like some.”
“Have not,” I mumble to myself, but I can’t wipe the smile.
“Oh yes! Can I get bubble gum?” Amber’s eyes sparkle with excitement.
“You can get whatever you want, kiddo,” Chief says, taking her hand.
Travis laughs from behind me. “You’re such a sucker, Chief.”
“Yeah, can’t help it,” Chief admits.
“You better bring me back the best ice cream, old man,” I say, grinning at him.
He cocks his head. “I’ll bring you back a big, black boot to put up your ass.”
“Granddad!” Amber gasps, hand over her mouth.
I laugh—and wince simultaneously as a sharp cramp pulses through my belly. Travis slides onto the couch next to me and lifts my feet into his lap, his fingers tracing gentle circles on the arches. The tension melts away under his touch.
“Eww, feet,” Amber cries. “Come on, Granddad, let’s go!”
We both burst out laughing as Chief and Amber head out the door, hand in hand, leaving behind the sweet sound of Amber’s excited chatter. The door clicks shut, and a hush falls over the room. Travis leans in, lifting my shirt, his warm breath ghosting across my belly. His fingers wander, drawing light, loving patterns over the curve of my stomach.
