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“Is that a serious question?”
He chuckles. “Powdered sugar it is. Bacon or sausage?”
“Bacon. Oh, and the leftover eggs from dipping the French toast, add extra cinnamon.”
Walking out of the bedroom backward, he blows me a kiss. “Extra cinnamon. Check.”
Pans and bowls clang outside the bedroom as I slowly slip out from under the covers. As I enter the bathroom, my pulse mimics the same turbulent beating from earlier. My heart feels bigger, heavier, almost painful. Every other beat, I gasp for air, but it doesn’t fill my lungs. Not fully.
I plop down on the toilet, grip my knees, and close my eyes. Bend at the waist and drop my head. Inhale deeply and hold it until my lungs burn.
Several breaths pass before my pulse returns to normal and the pain in my chest subsides. Slowly, I sit up and open my eyes. Rub the center of my chest with the heel of my palm. The backs of my eyes sting as worry seeps in.
What is happening? Maybe this is a normal side effect of pregnancy. Should ask Cora and Autumn tonight.
After I use the toilet, brush my teeth, and untangle the bird’s nest on top of my head, I tug on one of Devlyn’s T-shirts and a pair of sleep pants.
The scent of maple and cinnamon and butter fills my nose as I head for the kitchen. The worry from minutes ago fades to the background. My stomach growls and I press a hand to the beast, muttering, “Almost time.”
Before long, Devlyn piles two thick slices of French toast, scrambled eggs, several strips of bacon, and mixed fresh berries on plates. He dusts the French toast with powdered sugar, then fills glasses with orange juice. He delivers it all to the dining room table and waves me off when I try to help.
I pour a generous helping of real maple syrup—not that sugary brown goop—and dive in, moaning around my fork. Devlyn smiles in satisfaction as he lifts scrambled eggs to his lips.
“Maybe we should have breakfast for all the meals,” he suggests.
Holding up a finger, I mumble around the bite. “I’d vote yes, but there’re too many other good things to eat.”
His smile widens. “True, but breakfast seems to be your favorite.”
It is definitely a top contender. I point my fork at Devlyn. “Anything you make is my favorite.”
A brow arches on his handsome face. “I’ll have to remember that.”
Why do I feel like I just walked myself into a corner?Because you did. Oh well, too late now.
* * *
We park at Jonas and Autumn’s house just before seven. Two cars other than theirs are here—Gavin’s SUV and Micah’s truck. I scoop up the bag on the floorboard between my feet and Devlyn reaches for it.
“No.” I hold it just out of reach. “I know I shouldn’t be lifting anything heavy, but this is like three pounds max. It’s freaking side salads.”
“Shell…” Devlyn looks out the windshield and sighs. “Just trying to help,” he mumbles.
My hand rests on his forearm as I wait for his eyes to meet mine. “I know you are and I love you for that.” I take his hand in mine, lift it to my lips, and kiss the top. “But I’m not helpless. I can still do some things myself. Yes, I need to be cautious. But that doesn’t mean I stop living.” Holding up the bag, I say, “I got this.” He nods as his lips fumble between his teeth. “And if I need help, I promise to ask.”
“It’s just…” He breathes heavily. “I worry.”
I graze his cheek with my fingertips and his eyes close briefly. “Me too. But we’re doing everything according to plan.” I lean in and press my lips to his. Let the warmth of his touch and breath comfort me. “For now, let’s try not to worry. Let’s try to not stress ourselves over the what-ifs.”
For a moment, we just stare at each other. Neither of us says a word. Then subtly, he nods. “I’ll try.”
We amble to the door, hand in hand, and are greeted by Clementine and Spartan first. Hugs are exchanged with everyone and it isn’t long before I get pulled away by Cora and Autumn. Clementine watches over Clara and Ryker while we catch up for a few.
Two songs later, the house is bustling with all of our friends.
Laughter floats through the room and outside on the back patio. Hickory and the scent of grilled meats and shish kebabbed vegetables fill the air. Old-school rock plays from speakers mounted on the back of the house while fire lights tiki torches around the yard.
Devlyn chats with some of the guys while I sit with Cora and Autumn on the lounger.
