God, if I get as big as the lady I met at my first doctor’s appointment, I don’t know how I’m going to make it through the rest of this pregnancy.
I brace a hand on the wall to keep me steady as I move down the hallway, pausing when my fingers brush the picture frame that holds the stitched ultrasound pictures. The very first ones. And that was all Connor’s idea.
He’s a sexy marshmallow with a soft spot for animals and babies.
Six more steps bring me into the family room. Toto’s halfheartedwoofisn’t even loud enough to wake up the cat curled around him. Not that I can see Baggy in the shadows, but I know that’s how they sleep now. Connor said Bagheera used to swat at Toto’s nose all the time, but he must have sweetened up since I’ve been here because I’ve never seen it.
And, thankfully, there haven’t been any more dead gifts lying in wait for me. God only knows how I didn’t throw up those first few times.
I adjust the dimmer switch to get just enough lighting so I can find what I need. I swear, never in a million years would I have ever tried the concoction I’m about to create. Cringing in anticipation, I peel an orange and arrange the slices on a plate before drizzling mustard onto the tops.
“So freaking good,” I mumble around a mouthful. The sweetness of the orange mixing with the tang of the mustard? It looks and sounds disgusting, but, holy moly,is it delicious!
Within seconds, it’s gone. I lean back against the counter and run a hand over my nightshirt. The babies are pretty active tonight.
No, they’re not just “the babies” anymore. We decided on names. Connor chose Anamaria, and I chose Elijah. Surprisingly enough, he can actually pick out a beautiful one when he’s not basing it off of a tv show.
Straightening, I glance toward the fridge. And now I want something else. Mhmm, but what? The chill from the open door sends a little shiver through me as I inspect the contents. A half-empty container of strawberries. Mayonnaise. Key lime yoghurt. My brain tells me what I want, but I don’t want to do it. These things shouldn’t go together!
Apparently, they do. At least for pregnant women. Getting little bowls to arrange everything on the countertop in front of me, I turn sideways—my belly won’t let me face it straight on—and dip the red fruit into the creamy mayo. Good God, the flavor explodes across my tongue and sends my taste buds into overdrive. And the mayonnaise hasnothingon the yoghurt.
When I reach the last strawberry, I hover over both bowls, unsure of which one I want. Or what about combining all three together? Mhmm. Mayo first. Right before it makes contact, I feel hot breath hitting my legs. A tail thumps against the floor as a soulful expression hooks my heart. “Hey, Toto. Is my sweet boy coming to keep me company?”
His doggy eyes flick to the berry in my hand, and he licks his chops in anticipation. Such a user. I love him, but do I really want to give him my last strawberry? When he gives a plaintive whine, that does it. I can’t eat this in front of him!
With a sigh, I slice it into three chunks. “Here you go.” He devours it almost as quickly as I did. Mourning the loss of my last bite, I wash my hands and kiss his head. “You’re lucky I love you. All right, back to bed with you now.”
Cravings somewhat satisfied, I head back to bed myself. Connor stirs as I awkwardly slip under the covers. “What is it? Need me to get you something?”
I whisper my reply. “No, baby. I already did.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?” The heat of him warms my back as he inches closer.
“Because I can still do some things myself.” I scoot back to meet him, digging my ass into his crotch, but not in a sexy way. Good God, no. I’m too tired now. “Arms.”
Obediently, he threads an arm under my head for a pillow and slowly drags his other hand up and down over my huge baby bump. The poor man was so disappointed that he wasn’t able to feel Anamaria and Elijah the first time I did—and even since then—but their movements were too small.
Now his hands are on me every chance he gets. Their little flutters are constant now, so maybe it’ll happen for him soon. I settle into his embrace and let my husband’s soft caresses carry me away to the sweet land of sleep.
“Fuck!” Connor jolts, the muscles under my head tightening. “Rosanna, you awake?”
I am now.I swallow a groan because he never complains when he’s the one whose sleep gets interrupted. “What’s the matter?”
“Don’t move,” he rasps. “Don’t move an inch.” His palm firmly presses on my baby bump.
Oh, God. Is it a roach? Snake? Intruder? I freeze, my heart thundering. Through a dry throat, I croak out, “What...is it?”
“I feel them.” Raw wonder colors his tone. “Under my hand. One of them just moved. Right there.” Forgetting that he told me to be still, he throws the covers back and slips down to nuzzle my stomach with his face. “Hey, babies,” he croons in his deep baritone. “It’s Daddy. What are you guys doing up so late? You finally decided to let me in on the fun?”
Daddy.Tears of happiness collect in my eyes. If I weren’t already lying down, I’d be swooning so hard.
His hands slip under my nightshirt and tuck it higher so he can feel them better. “Can you hear me? It’s nice to finally feel you. I want you to know that I loved you from the very first time I saw you, and I’m going to take such good care of you and your momma. For always and forever.”
Happiness slides down my cheeks, and I run my hand through my husband’s hair as he presses his lips to me and makes promises to my babies in the dark of the night.
Promises like a swing set. A treehouse. A rocking horse for Eli and a dollhouse for Ana.
Promises from a daddy who’s here to stay.
