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“Oh, wonderful! I can’t wait to see it. I’ve actually got a gift for the two of you. It’s just a gift card to Gap Kids. I’ve loaded it up so you should be able to buy at least a year’s worth of clothes.”
“That’s kind of you, Annabeth, but not necessary,” I say.
“Oh, hush. Are you going to deny me the chance to spoil my grandson rotten?”
I put my hands up in mock surrender. Annabeth says this with a smile, but there’s an edge underlying her tone that I don’t feel like testing. I’d rather live to see my boy’s first breath.
The rest of the day is an uneventful affair, but I don’t see that as a bad thing.
Uneventful means peaceful, and peace is all I want for this little life I’ve carved out for us. The rest of Los Angeles is loud and constantly on the move, but for us, we’ve got a tiny slice of heaven on Earth.
No worries about photographers camping out outside our gates.
No word from Jack Walton and his empty threats.
No signs of my stalker haunting us at every turn.
Could it be that we’re finally in the clear? Is the worst finally behind us?
As dangerous as it is, I allow myself to hope.
Chapter 45
Tip #45: Safety is an illusion.
EDEN
“Hunter!” I shout at the top of my lungs. “Hunter, come quick! It’s the baby!”
The sound of his footsteps come as a thunderous stampede. I’m pretty sure I hear a lamp break in his haste to get to me.
“What is it?” he gasps, rushing into our bedroom. He’s dressed in a formal tuxedo, his dark hair slicked back and shoes perfectly polished. “Are you okay? Is it time?”
In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have phrased it the way I did. Now that I’m eight months pregnant and my due date is just around the corner, every little thing makes Hunter jumpy. I just know he’s going to be a great father.
“No, sorry,” I say with a giggle. “I just wanted to tell you that Lucas is kicking. You said last time you wanted to feel.”
Hunter sighs, relief washing over his features. “You’re going to give me a heart attack one day,” he says, but there’s nothing but fondness in his tone. He walks over to the bed and sits down on the edge, gingerly placing one hand on my belly. Lucas kicks twice, almost as if he knows his father is here to greet him.
I adore how Hunter’s face lights up. There’s nothing quite like it.
“Hey, little man,” he says, low and gentle. “You better be good and treat your Mama nicely while I’m out. You’re the man of the house until I get back.”
“When do you think you’ll be back?” I ask.
“The premiere showing is scheduled for nine tonight, but there will be at least two hours before dedicated to red carpet interviews and photo ops. There’s an after party, too, but I’m only going to stick around to shake a couple of hands so I can come right back to you.”
I shake my head. “Don’t rush on my account. This movie’s a big deal to you. I want you to savor the experience.”
Hunter chuckles, continuing to lovingly rub my tummy. “I’ve been to a million of these events, sweetheart. Nothing I haven’t seen before. Besides, what if you need me?”
“I’ve got your number on speed dial, silly.”
“Still, please don’t hesitate to use it if you need to. If you or Lucas needs anything at all—”
I roll my eyes, grasping the lapel of his tuxedo jacket to pull him down for a kiss. I tease his lips apart with the tip of my tongue, granting him the briefest hint of a taste before pulling away. “I know, Hunter. You’ll be the first person I call.”
He grins at me. “That’s my girl.”
