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What surprised her most was that Malcolm took her news in stride and even assisted with the preparations. She wished every day that she could forget a certain someone and come to love Malcolm. Maybe with a little more time she would. He was a sweet and supportive person.
“You can always have another baby,” he suggested, wriggling his eyebrows.
She snorted. “I better focus on getting this one out of the oven first.”
The two of them hadn’t slept together. At first, she suspected he might be gay since he didn’t push, but she noticed the looks he cast her way and changed her mind. He was being a gentleman, another plus for him.
“Should we have dinner at your house or mine today?” He held up a onesie in neutral lime green. She nodded in agreement.
“Um, I don’t know. I’m not feeling anything formal. I have a serious craving for pizza.”
“A normal craving for once. They’re the only way I can tell you’re pregnant. I mean other than the belly. When my sister was pregnant with my two nieces and one nephew, she complained of swollen ankles and aches and pains. You never complain.”
“Mm.” She didn’t commit to a real comment.
“If you tell me where it hurts, I can give you a massage. I got good at rolling a tennis ball on her back and across her shoulders. I promise it helps.”
“Her husband didn’t do it?”
“He works all the time,” Malcolm explained. “I never thought I’d miss taking care of her the way I did, but when he was transferred they had to go with him. I’ve thought about moving to be nearer.”
“But you said you’re not a big city man. They’re in New York city, aren’t’ they? You could make some big bucks in your field there.”
“Money isn’t everything. Family is.”
“And your family is there.”
He hesitated. “I could have one here—of my own.”
She leaned over a bin of discounted baby toys and books. It was too soon to think of Malcolm in that way, marrying him, making him her baby’s stepdaddy. The fact that the baby was half dragon shifter was an issue—a huge one. For all she knew, Malcolm could run for the hills as soon as she told him the truth.
How could she explain to him that her pregnancy was just the way Janessa had once explained it to her. The dragon shifter’s healing abilities kicked in during pregnancy and took away all negative symptoms. Carrying Gerard’s baby was an amazing breeze, and if she weren’t so heart broken, she would enjoy it.
Then there was the problem of what would come at birth and after. Would the baby burst out of her like some alien? Was there a special ritual to keep her safe during delivery? Would the baby be like Bannon and remain human unless his daddy awakened him? Was it okay if that side of him stayed asleep all his life?
She had so many questions. At the same time, she owed it to Gerard to tell him about the baby. Not to mention getting advice about the raising of such a unique infant.
Talking to Gerard might stir up emotions—for him and for her. She was starting to feel calmer, sometimes even content. If he was the same, she didn’t want to mess things up for him. He deserved happiness after so much tragedy in his life.
Yeah right, Lachelle. Like you’re such a big person that you want him to be happy with Kelly.
She moaned, and Malcolm rested a hand at her lower back. “What’s wrong? Are you tired? We’ve been here a long time. Let’s get you home.”
“I’m fine. Just thinking.”
“Thinking about what?”
“Um, nothing.” Because he still looked worried, she decided to pretend to need the rest. “You know what? I am tired. Let’s order in and watch a movie. I can put my feet up.”
He brightened. “Great. I’ll pay for the pizza, and I have a surprise. I bought some of that readymade dough, and I can make some chocolate chip cookies for dessert.”
She grinned. “What would I do without you?”
“You won’t need to find out. I’m not going anywhere.”
Her heart sank, and she kicked herself that she couldn’t dredge up love for him. Sure, she liked him a lot, and she might even say she felt affection when she thought about him. More and more, she thought about what she would say if he ever asked her to take their relationship to the next level. What would she say if he asked her to marry him?
I’m not the same as I was a couple years ago.
