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And maybe an impromptu show-and-tell of baby clothes would provide the segue necessary to begin the discussion they needed to have.
As if on cue, Drew walked in accompanied by a cool gust of air. Just the sight of him kicked Hope's pulse up several notches. But what else was new?
"Hey," he greeted her, closing the door behind him.
"Hey."
Drew unbuttoned his jacket but didn't take it off. "Did you and Tess buy out all the stores?"
"We definitely made a dent." She held up one of the sleepers. "We did find a few baby departments, and I couldn't resist."
His features softened as she held up the rest of the outfits for him to see. "Everything's so tiny."
"Considering the baby is only about the size of a coconut right now, I think everything will be plenty big enough come May."
"A coconut?"
She nodded. "On the baby app, they usually compare the size of the developing fetus to fruit or seeds. So far, he or she has grown from a poppy seed to a coconut and weighs about a pound."
"Unbelievable," Drew murmured in pure awe.
"Look at these." She handed him a pair of miniature work boots and couldn't help puddling up at how gingerly he held them in his big, strong hands. But it was the raw emotion shimmering in his beautiful blue eyes that snatched the breath right out of her lungs.
Before she could form a coherent thought, let alone try to speak, Drew set the shoes on the counter, cupped her cheek in his work-roughened palm, and lowered his lips to hers. Brief, yet quite potent, the kiss rocked Hope to her core.
Exhaling slowly, Drew rested his forehead against hers. Their breath mingled as his spicy scent combined with the fresh winter air from outside cocooned her. Aroused, Hope resisted the urge to wrap herself around Drew like a vine and beg for more of his delicious, toe-curling kisses.
But giving in to her baser instincts would only delay the inevitable and quite possibly complicate their yet-to-be-resolved situation further.
"I'm sorry you had to face my mother alone this morning," Drew apologized as if he could read her thoughts.
Smiling, Hope pulled back enough to meet his gaze. "At least we don't have to worry about how to break the news about the baby to your parents anymore."
"There is that."
Hope gestured at what she'd bought while out shopping. "Obviously, Tess also knows. She bought the horse."
"Then it's a safe bet she's already given Jack the news."
"You know, I assumed they were a couple until today when she told me they were only friends." She began to put the clothes and shoes back in the bag. "But I guess you already knew that." And what possible difference did it make when they had their own relationship to sort out?
Having this conversation shouldn't be so freaking difficult. They were two intelligent and reasonable adults who both wanted to do what was best, even if it meant stepping out of their respective comfort zones. Besides, what was worse—continuing to worry themselves into an ulcer about all the potential what-ifs or laying all their cards on the table toward finding an amicable resolution?
Best to cut straight to the chase. "Drew, we need to talk."
"I know." He swallowed visibly. "And I promise we will. But first, I have something I want to show you."
She narrowed her gaze. "What?"
Drew took her coat off the hook and handed it to her. "We need to go for a little ride to see it."
“In the snow?”
He nodded. “Dress warm.”
With curiosity winning the battle over apprehension, Hope zipped herself into the jacket, yanked a knit cap on her head, and slid her hands into the leather gloves she pulled from her pocket. Drew rebuttoned his coat and grabbed a colorful granny square afghan off the back of the sofa.
"Ready?"
