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I smiled, and my hand absently fell over my stomach. Which reminded me that I’d managed not to barf this morning. Score one for me!
“I wasn’t going to badger her about a baby. I was going to make sure she was okay. That’s all,” the woman said.
She was cute. She had a short, pixie haircut that allowed her red hair to flow freely around her face. She had laugh lines around her eyes and mouth, offset by a peach colored lipstick that matched her flowy chevron printed dress to perfection.
She looked like one of those people that probably got dressed up just to run to the supermarket, but that was all right.
“I’m awake,” I said, startling the two of them.
Both of their eyes pinned me to the spot, and I waited patiently while they surveyed me for long moments.
“Channing!” Loki’s mom exclaimed. “Come over here. Are you hungry? I’ve started sandwiches, but I’m more than happy to make you anything you want.”
I shook my head and walked up to the kitchen island where they were standing side by side making said sandwiches. “No, sandwiches sound heavenly, thank you. Can I help?”
“No, girly girl, you just sit right there and take a load off. We’ll make the sandwiches. Anything special on yours?”
I pursed my lips and thought about it for a few moments. “Pickles. Lots of pickles. And relish. And olives if you have any.”
“Pickles used to be my favorite when I was pregnant. Sounds like they’re your kryptonite, too,” she smiled wistfully.
I blinked at her stupidly. “H-how did you know?”
“That would be because I told her,” Loki said from behind me.
I turned in surprise to find him leaning against the entranceway of the kitchen. He said it so casually that it took me a few moments to react.
“How did you know?” I glared.
He gave me a ‘you’ve got to be joking’ look. “Honey, I’ve been a police officer for a long time now. I’m not stupid. I can put two and two together to make pregnant.”
I snorted, which was repeated by the two behind me.
“Well, you could’ve at least said something,” I accused. “I’ve been trying to tell you for a while, I just didn’t’ know how to.”
“Would’ve been nice to know here, too. How long have you known?” Loki’s stepfather asked from behind me.
I turned to find him staring at his wife.
She raised her eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He pointed the mayonnaise-covered knife at her. “I’ll remember this.”
“Ohh, I’m so scared,” she said sarcastically, as she waved her hands in the air.
I was too busy reeling about the revelation that Loki knew to continue listening to their bantering.
When I felt his body behind me, I turned to look up at him. “How long have you known?”
“After our shower the other night. I felt pretty dumb that I hadn’t put those two things together before that. Some detective I am,” he muttered.
I laid my head against his chest, and listened to his slow and steady heartbeat. Cool as a cucumber. No freaking out, or screaming, as I’d feared. Only calmness.
“You’re okay with it?” I whispered against his t-shirt covered chest.
“It’s not the most ideal of situations, but I’m not unhappy about it. Do I wish we were married first? Yes. With that said, that doesn’t mean that I’m not over the moon about being a father. I wished you would’ve told me earlier, though. Not that I don’t understand what kept you from telling me, however.”
I nodded against his chest. “I missed a doctor’s appointment yesterday, FYI. I rescheduled for the day after Christmas, so we have to make sure I’m home by then. It’s the important one where they test my blood sugar and all that fun stuff.”
