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“But, of course,” Mason said, smiling. “You’re growing a tiger in there.”
Ellie murmured back, her attention slipping away as a wave of fatigue swept over her. It was quite pleasant, not painful, but it did make her feel like she was falling asleep constantly.
“Are you okay?” Mason asked. “Do you need a doctor?”
Ellie shook her head, blinking her eyes open to see the sky was now studded with twice as many stars. The evening breeze was becoming colder, setting goosebumps flowing across her shoulders.
“No, I’m not in any pain,” she said. “But we should go in.”
“Of course,” Mason said, helping her up. “Lean on me, Ellie. That’s it.”
He supported her with one arm around her waist, holding her against his body. Ellie leaned on him gratefully. She was about seven months along now, and she needed more and more sleep each day. Her doctor had told her it was perfectly normal. It was just her body’s response to the high metabolism of the shifter child growing within her.
“I’ll get you settled on the couch, then order the food. You nap just as long as you need. Do you want me to run you a bath?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “But a foot rub wouldn’t go astray.”
Mason laughed. “I’m on it.”
Ellie let him help her up the stairs and onto the couch, where she stretched out, sighing as she took the weight off her legs. Mason brought her a blanket, and she snuggled into it. She was only wearing a thin dress … the tropics were warm during the day, but she felt a chill at night.
Ellie barely noticed Mason hurrying around the room as he got dressed and arranged for food to be delivered. She was still drifting peacefully when he settled on the couch between her feet and began to slowly rub the tension out of her toes.
“So, I was thinking we should head home soon,” Mason said. Ellie smiled, loving the way his voice warmed when he said that magic word.
Home.
“Yes. Chase will be wanting an update.”
“Well, we both wanted a little trip before the baby was born. I know we were thinking of Paris, but I’m worried about how tired you’ve been. I’d like to check in with the doctor.”
“Yes, it couldn’t hurt,” Ellie agreed. “He said not to worry, but I’ve been so tired.”
Mason ran his strong, skilled fingers up Ellie’s ankle and massaged along the back of her calf, teasing out a small knot. Ellie sighed with pleasure.
“I don’t want to push on to Paris,” Mason said firmly. “I’m going to make some calls and tell the other business heads to manage without me for a while.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Ellie muttered.
“Yes, I do,” Mason replied. He stroked her skin gently, teasing tension out of her muscles as he moved to the other foot.
Ellie drifted on the pleasurable sensations, letting Mason’s hands comfort her. She felt no fear about the upcoming labor because she knew Mason would be right there with her the whole time.
“Are you asleep, babe?” he whispered. Ellie murmured, shaking her head.
“No, not yet.”
Mason laughed softly. “You can nap if you like. The food won’t be here for a little while.”
“I’m okay,” she said, sighing. Then she let out a sharp yelp as the baby kicked her firmly in the side.
“What is it?” Mason asked. Ellie was constantly comforted by the confident, easy way he took everything. She had no doubt that he would be her rock when labor began, supporting her completely without flipping out from excitement or anxiety.
“Just a kick,” she answered, putting her hand on her side. Mason immediately reached out and covered her hand, smiling as he felt the strong movement of his child in her womb.
Ellie leaned back, taking the pressure off her side. Mason ran his hands over her tight belly, making Ellie sigh with pleasure.
“Forget the foot rub,” she said. “Give me a whole-body massage.”
