Page 77 of Make it a Double

I told myself it was fine. This was always the plan—once I had the baby, anyway. But we were supposed to have weeks left before that happened. Now, they were in a bind and having to find a replacement much sooner than expected. Feeling so useless was shit. I didn’t want to be pampered or to rest. I wanted to work. To earn my keep. It was stripped from me before I had even realized I had worked my last shift.

“It was the lesser of two evils,” I grumbled. “We may need to talk about updating your computer system, though. That monstrosity looks older than I am.”

“I’ve been telling Duke that since I came on as partner, but he’s attached to the thing. It’s sentimental.” She chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Don’t worry. I have a new one on order. It should be here sometime next week. Then we can set it up, do some training, and you’ll be on your own!”

“Yeah, yeah. Can’t wait,” I said, turning my attention to the window once more. I wasn’t sure what the guys were speaking about, but Beckett had his head thrown back in laughter as Lukas made exaggerated movements with his hands. Even Duke seemed to be cracking a smile.

I was thankful to my friends for taking Beckett under their wing. Something told me the relationships he had back home lacked any real depth. Kind of like the people I saw during happy hour at Frank’s. They could talk all day about work, but rarely crossed into personal details. It was fine, I guessed. Served a basic purpose of feeling somewhat close to those you worked with. I don’t know. Maybe I was spoiled because my co-workers were more like family than acquaintances.

“Are you excited for your baby shower, Sawyer?” Cleo asked. She slid a tray of cookies into the oven, and my mouth watered. No one baked quite like her. She was the best of the best.

“Excited isn’t quite the word I would use,” I said, shooting Liv a glare. She just shrugged, never looking up from the cutting board. “But I’ve accepted there’s no way out.”

True to her word, Liv had spent weeks planning the party. It was still weeks away, but she wouldn’t give me a single hint as to what I should expect. With her, there really was no telling. It could be a simple, intimate affair, much like this, or an extravaganza that involved the whole damn town.

“Why aren’t you excited?” Cleo asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t really like being the center of attention. And knowing people will be sitting around, playing weird baby games, and watching me open gifts isn’t really my idea of fun.”

“Well, you won’t let me go crazy on your baby registry, so this is the alternative,” Liv huffed, wiping her hands on the towel draped over her shoulder. “Here. I can’t stand to look at your sad puppy dog face anymore.” She held out a baking sheet with the wrapped potatoes on it. “Take this outside, will you? The grill should be ready by now.”

I stood, quickly grabbing the tray. “Ah, I could kiss you!”

“Sadly, Duke doesn’t share, but it’s noted,” she said, moving out of the way. “Go get your man.”

“He’s not my man,” I muttered, heading down the hall toward the back door.

I didn’t need to see Liv’s face to know she rolled her eyes.

I didn’t believe myself either.

Beckett and I hadn’t talked about our relationship. He said he would stay and that we would raise this child together, but I had no idea how it would work. He’d been staying in the rental cabin for a month now. As far as I knew, he’d made no effort to buy a house or plant roots here. Eventually, he’d have to shit or get off the pot.

If he did, then what? We talked all the time, whether it was falling asleep on the phone or when he’d send a text checking up on me while I was at work. We were both getting bolder, asking for the things we wanted or trading kisses like it was second nature. He’d done it just this morning when picking me up, leaning over the console with that cocky grin on his face. I hadn’t been able to help myself, leaning in without thinking and pressing my lips to his.

I had no idea where that left us, but sooner or later, we’d need to talk about it.

The air was warmer than it had been recently. Thankfully, there was very little wind, and I was fine stepping out into the sunshine wearing just a sweater and jeans. The guys came into view, still standing around. Lukas was telling another story about some work project when Beckett spotted me coming out of the house.

“Hey, sugar.” He jogged over, meeting me halfway. His hand was already reaching for the tray when I pulled it back. “What’s wrong?”

“Listen, this is the only thing Liv has let me do all day, so I’m going to walk my ass over there and deliver these potatoes just like she asked,” I said, defiantly.

Beckett tried to suppress his smile, gesturing me forward. “Far be it from me to keep you from your quest, my lady. Go forth and conquer.”

“Thank you, kind sir.” I dipped my chin because there was no fucking way I was going to be able to curtsey properly with my swollen belly. “I shall.”

I sauntered past Beckett, feeling his eyes on me as I went. Having his attention felt too damn good. I craved every look, every touch, every kiss more than the last. Was this what love felt like? Or was it lust? There seemed to be a fine line between the two, but I knew which side I was leaning toward.

Even if I wasn’t ready to admit it out loud.

“I come bearing gifts, boys,” I called out, raising the tray for emphasis. “Your first victims.”

Duke took it from my hands and set it down on the counter beside the grill. “Are you sure you should be⁠—”

“If someone says one more thing about my condition, I will scream,” I warned him, narrowing my gaze for emphasis. “Don’t push me.”

He raised his hands in surrender. “Duly noted.”