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Chapter 21
Worrying works! Ninety percent of the things I worry about never happen.
The doorbell rings and someone knocks simultaneously. Not fair. It’s New Year’s Eve and the guests at the inn are all set. They should be out partying at the brewery or the bar now. No one should be knocking at my door.
There’s another knock and I cover myself with the blanket. If I can’t see them, they can’t see me, right?
“Ellie, I know you’re in there,” Cole hollers through the door.
“Ellery is not here at the moment. She’s not available until the new year has dawned. Please leave a message after the beep. Beep!”
“I’m coming in.” He pushes through the door.
“Hey!” I drop the blanket to glare at him. “Your key is for emergencies.” I know. I know. I’m the idiot who gave the man I can’t have a key to my apartment. What can I say? I’m working on my advanced degree in heartbreak.
He lifts the bags he’s carrying. “This is an emergency.”
“Shouldn’t you be out partying like it’s 1999?”
“1999 was over more than two decades ago.”
“It’s an expression.”
“Besides, I wanted to spend time with you.”
Caution! Alert! Time with me? How do I respond? I know I agreed to get to know him since we’re having a baby together, but I’m still reeling from Christmas and how cozy it was having him and his mom there. I have spent more hours than I care to admit daydreaming about what it would be like having him as part of my family – permanently. I don’t need him digging his way into my heart any further.
The scent of fried chicken wafts toward me and my stomach rumbles. When did I last eat? Thank you, food distraction. “Did you bring my mom’s fried chicken?”
“With all the fixings including coleslaw and potato salad. Plus, I picked up some chocolate chip cookies at Rowan’s bakery before he closed.”
“You may stay,” I announce all magnanimous.
He chuckles. “I figured.”
I begin to stand, but he motions for me to stay where I am. “I’ll get it.”
I’m too tired to argue. I plop back down on the sofa.
Cole returns and hands me a plate. “Cute pajamas.”
I feel my face heat at the reminder of the flannel pajamas covered in hearts I’m wearing. They’re one of the few pairs I own big enough for my belly. I really need to go shopping for pregnancy clothes.
“I wasn’t expecting company.”
“What are we watching?” he asks as he settles on the opposite corner of the sofa.
“Love Actually. Do you know it?” He shrugs. “It’s one of my favorite Christmas movies.”
“Push play.” He motions with his fork toward the tv.
“I’ll re-start it from the beginning.”
Once the movie is playing, I dive into my food. When my plate is empty, I consider licking it. I wasn’t kidding about being hungry.
Cole snorts as he stands and grabs my plate. “I’ll get you more food before you decide to chew on the plate.”
“Don’t judge. I’m growing a baby here.”
