Another kiss on the tip of my nose. “Still.”
“And we’ll talk on the phone.”
“Still,” he repeats.
“So dramatic,” I tease. But to be completely honest, I’m going to miss him just the same.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Kendall
THEN
The driveto the airport is stop-and-go for the most part. A lot of travelers heading home for the holidays means a packed airport and a rushed goodbye at Terminal 2.
“You have your ID?”
James pats his back pocket. “Yeah.”
“And your laptop?”
Another pat against his backpack. “Yeah.”
My hazard lights are flashing, creating a sense of urgency I’d prefer to ignore. People are hopping in and out of cars while airport personnel repeatedly remind them this isn’t a parking spot and their cars will be towed if left unattended.
“Call me when you land.”
“I will.”
“And your mom too,” I add. “She’s going to worry if you don’t.”
He rests his backpack on top of his carry-on, freeing his hands. He scoops me into his arms and we prolong this goodbye for a few more minutes, pushy staff and all.
“Are you going to be at home all day?” he asks.
“Sylvia’s coming over. We’re going to wrap presents and order some pizza.”
We’re making small talk, sharing details to stretch our time to its thinnest point. He releases me, keeping his hands around my waist, when he swoops down to his knees. He’s at eye level with my belly button, his jeans rubbing against the dirty pavement.
“You be good while I’m gone, okay?” he says to my stomach. “Don’t give your mom too much trouble.”
I laugh. “I don’t know how much trouble a growing fetus can give me from inside my womb, but sure.”
He nuzzles his face against my sweater, humming a happy sigh with his cheek pressed against me. “Fine then. Just make sure to stay safe in there.”
His request is met with a harsh thump. I feel it in my belly where it ripples across my skin.
“Was that?”
“I think that was a kick.”
James’s hands encase my stomach, covering every free inch so he can feel even the slightest of movements from inside. Sure enough, we feel another playful tap, this time, it hits James’s palm.
James scrambles to his feet, his hands still on my stomach. “Holy shit. I can’t believe it.”
Another round of bumps flutter across my belly, and this time, it feels more angry and urgent.
“Whoa,” I exclaim. “Easy there, kid.”
