Page 61 of Playing It Forward

“Nope,” Nolan says as he strolls toward me. “I’m your pirate quarterback for the day.”

My brow wrinkles. “You didn’t tell me you were helping out today.”

“I’ll be…” Jade waves her arm vaguely before sneaking away.

“I wanted to surprise you. Good morning, sprite.” He bends down to kiss my cheek. The simple brush of his lips against my skin has my nerve endings sitting up and taking notice.

“How are you feeling?” he whispers. “How’s our little mermaid?”

I place a hand on my stomach. “I’m okay.”

“I’m prepared either way.” He pats his bag. It’s one of those big beach bags mothers carry.

“Your bag is big enough to catch a mermaid. What did you bring?”

He opens it up to show me. “I’ve got bottles of water and protein bars in case you get hungry or thirsty.”

I point to the refreshment stand. “We have food and drinks.”

“It’s a moonshine-themed root beer stand.” His eyes narrow. “You can’t have moonshine.”

“They have other stuff.”

“I bet they don’t have ginger ale and crackers in case you’re feeling nauseous.”

I melt. He’s been worried about me being sick since day one. He pulled my hair back while I threw up. And he bought me cases of ginger ale and crackers.

“And I also have a mini fan and a hat for the heat. Sunscreen since you burn easy. Cooling towels, electrolyte packets, a folding chair because you’re not standing all day, a blanket in case you get cold later, a portable phone charger, an umbrella for shade—”

I hold up a hand to stop him. “How long are you planning to stay at this event? Until winter arrives?”

He shrugs and the tips of his ears darken. “I want you to be comfortable. It’s hot, and you’re pregnant.”

“Let me look.”

He opens the bag and I notice bands around his wrist. I point to them. “What are those?”

“Extra hair ties. Women are always losing them.”

He brought extra hair ties for me? What else did he bring? I glance inside the bag. “Is this kinesiology tape?”

“Yep. The internet said it helps with lower back pain.”

My eyes widen. “You researched pregnancy back pain?”

“Maybe.”

“I… thank you.”

He smiles and his dimple pops out. I hope our child has his dimple. And his blue eyes. I place a hand over my stomach.

Nolan steps closer. His gaze dips to my stomach. “Are you feeling okay? I have ginger candies or saltine crackers. What flavor do you prefer?”

He starts digging in the bag but I stop him. “I’m okay. But I’ll take a hair tie, some lip balm, and the bug spray.”

“I knew the bug spray would come in handy.”

I wag a finger at him. “Don’t get smug or I’ll tell the kids to aim the footballs at your face. I know how much a football to the nose hurts.”