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“Are you not fucking terrified?” Ishout.
We’re on the sidewalk outside the doctor’s office, which isn’t too far from the town square where most of the people hang out and gossip. There’s a chance someone might hear us, but I don’t care rightnow.
He takes a deep breath. “Nervous? Yes. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.” He takes the step separating us and runs his hands over my arms. “You can do this.Wecan do this. You’re going to be a great mother. When the babies come, your instincts will kick in, and you’ll have it figured out. Hell, I’ve seen you do shit for Stella that’s more demanding than children. So, yes, I’m nervous and surprised as fuck, but I’m relieved, knowing our twins will have a kick-ass mother. I trust you. I have faith in you. It won’t be easy, but we’ll make itwork.”
I scrunch up my face when he snorts. “What’s sofunny?”
“I bet you’re glad you didn’t hide this from me now. Admit it. You’re going to need myhelp.”
“You’re changing all the diapers, by the way. That’s your daddyduty.”
“Whatever you need, I’ll be here.” He rubs his hands together. “Now, how ’bout thatlunch?”
“Lunch together? Like, in a publicplace?”
He chuckles. “Yes, together. There’s a diner down the street that serves the best sandwiches and pies you’ve everhad.”
I fake a yawn. “Thanks for the invite, but I’m prettyexhausted.”
I used to feel comfortable with spending hours with Dallas. We traveled together for weeks straight at times and ate meals together, and it never felt weird.So, why does it seem like such a big deal now?We slept with each other, for God’ssake.
“Come on.” He places his hands together. “Please.”
“Fine, but a quick meal, and that’s it.” It’s hard to turn down thisman.
He grins in victory. We pass small shops and bakeries before stopping in front ofShirley’s Diner. Large windows line the front, and I see the prying eyes before we even step foot inside. My anxiety triples when I follow him to a booth at the front of the diner sitting along thewindow.
“You okay?” he asks when we sitdown.
I lean in and lower my voice. “They’re staring at me like I’m from a differentplanet.”
“They’re just curious.” He rests his hands on the table. “Say the word, and I’ll get up from this table and tell them tostop.”
“You’d do that?” I grab his arm when he starts to get up and let my fingers linger around his muscle before slowly peeling them away. “No!” I spread my napkin across my lap in an attempt to calm my nerves. “Forget I saidanything.”
An older, dark-skinned waitress comes to our table. “Dallas, it’s nice to see you. I was afraid you’d been cheating on me with a newdiner.”
Dallas chuckles. “You know I’d never betray you, Shirley. I’ve just beenbusy.”
She waves off his response with a grin. “You know I’m only giving you a hard time.” Her lips form a sincere smile when she glimpses at me. “And I see why you’ve been busy. What can I get for you, sweetie? Iced tea?Lemonade?”
“Lemonade.” I hold the menu up and set it back down. “And whatever today’s specialis.”
“I’ll have the same,” Dallas tellsher.
Shirley grabs our menus. “Coming rightup.”
“She’s nice,” I comment when she scurries over to the booth across fromours.
“Blue Beech is filled with nice people,” hereplies.
“I’m assuming you meant to say nosy people.”How bad will it get when news about my inhabited uterus getsaround?
“Yes, they’re nosy, but they’ll lend you a helping hand without asking for anything in return, feed you, take care of your pets when you’re out of town, and always make sure you’re doing okay when something tragic happens. They’re only staring because they want to get to knowyou.”
“Or because they’re not used to seeing you with someone who’s notLucy.”
A hint of a frown hits his lips, and his shoulders stiffen. “You could say that. I’ve been the town’s brooding bachelor for a minute now, who’s never been seen with anotherwoman.”
