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Chapter 30
I thought I wanted a career. Turns out, I just wanted paychecks
“Where’s the baby shower?” I ask as Cole and I leave my apartment.
He groans. “It’s a surprise. You’re not supposed to know.”
“If you didn’t want me to know, you shouldn’t have laid out a dress for me to wear today.”
“I told you I’m taking you out to dinner.”
I indicate my watch. “It’s three o’clock in the afternoon.”
“At least act surprised,” he mutters.
“Don’t worry. I will.”
I’ve been acting surprised and not suspicious for two weeks as the women of Winter Falls popped in at the bed and breakfast over and over again to ask my opinion about all things baby. Subtle is not a trait the residents of this town are known for.
“At least tell me it’s not too far of a walk,” I urge as I hobble across the parking lot. My feet are swollen, and I haven’t seen my ankles in weeks.
Cole frowns when he notices my sneakers. Yes, sneakers. I agreed with the dress but there is no way I’m wearing heels. I stopped wearing pretty shoes weeks ago.
“Aspen’s bookstore is too far for you to walk. I’ll drive you in a golf cart.” He steers me toward one of the carts parked behind the inn for guests to use at their leisure.
“We should have a code phrase,” I comment as he drives us down Main Street.
He gulps as his hands tighten on the wheel. “A code phrase? I won’t be staying at the baby shower. It’s women only.”
“It is?” I know perfectly well my shower is limited to women – the gossip gals insisted on it – but watching Cole try to control the urge to make a U-turn and return to the inn is too much fun to resist. “Co-ed baby showers are all the rage.”
“I was told to drop you off shortly after three.”
I burst out laughing. “Had you—” I cut myself off when the baby kicks. No, not kicks. The baby is beating a rhythm out against my belly. “This boy is going to be a drummer.”
Cole pulls the cart over, and I grab his hand to place it where he can feel the baby.
“Hey baby girl,” he says and the baby kicks in response. He looks up at me, the awe clear to see on his face. “She’s going to be a soccer player.”
“Don’t say soccer in front of my dad. It’s football. American football doesn’t use feet.”
“Whatever you call it, she’s going to be the best at it.” He caresses my belly. “Aren’t you, baby girl?”
The baby kicks again at the sound of his voice, and I can’t help but smile. “I think he likes you.”
Cole leans forward to sip from my lips. “I know I’m going to love our daughter,” he says when he pulls back.
“Son,” I grunt, although I have to admit I’m leaning toward having a girl after observing how sweet and gentle Cole is with the baby growing inside of me.
How could I not fall in love with this man? Of course, I’ve yet to tell him my feelings. The idea of opening up to him scares the living daylights out of me, which is totally normal and does not make me a coward.
“You’re going to be a great dad.”
“I’m going to make a lot of mistakes. I didn’t have the best role model.”
“I’ll tell Amy you said that.”
I’ve talked to Cole’s mom once a week since we met at Christmas. She wants to know everything happening with her grandchild, and I’m happy to keep her up to date.
