Chapter 36
Julia
Flannel could be incredibly sexy, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on how. Cash and I initially laughed when we sorted through Dylan’s closet to make way for renovations, dismayed to find that he owned a flannel shirt in every color under the sun.
He even had flannel jackets and one pair of flannel underwear —he insisted that the last one was a gag gift from one of his brothers— along with his classic steel-toed boots for working out on the homestead.
“It’s practical!” Dylan argued as he wiped grimy hands on his dark jeans. “It’s cheap to buy and easy to match with every outfit. Besides, I’m more concerned with putting the new roof on than putting on a show.”
Cash snorted. “That’s his way of saying he’s got no fashion sense.”
“Come on, Red. Help me out here.”
Red shrugged and said nothing. He much preferred to go shirtless while working on the house, which I had to argue was evensexier. While Dylan climbed down the ladder after installing the last roofing panel, Red moved the last bits of two-by-four to the woodshed. We could always dry the pieces out and use it for kindling come wintertime.
As they worked, I walked around the perimeter of the property with Cash, one hand on the small of his back for support. He’d made a significant amount of progress in the last three months. His doctor was admittedly astounded at his speed of recovery.
“I want to be further along by the time the baby gets here,” he explained. “I need to pull my weight, and I can’t do that if my leg’s too stiff to use.”
We went on these walks every day, slowly picking up in speed as time went on. While Cash was certainly getting faster and walking his laps, I —on the other hand— was getting slower and slower. At seven months pregnant, my belly was as round as a balloon. Sometimes it was a killer on my back, but I had no shortage of loving boyfriends willing to give me a back rub if I asked.
“The house is really coming along,” I said, admiring Dylan’s handiwork.
“Yeah, it’s beautiful,” Cash said sweetly. “I was joking with Dylan about getting him to build us our own personal gym. Do you know what he said?”
“No?”
“The crazy son of a gun said he was all for it. I told him I wasn’t being serious, but I think he’s already got his mind set on turning the southwest section of the property into a gym for us. Between you and me, I think he’s trying to show off.”
I laughed. “Now why would he do that?”
“To impress you, of course.”
“Itisreally impressive watching him work with his hands.”
“I could build you a house if I wanted to.”
I leaned over and kissed Cash on the cheek. “I know you could, baby. I know —ah!”
A sudden jolt passed through me, a mild discomfort radiating from my stomach.
Cash grasped my arm, concerned. “Julia? What’s wrong? Is it the baby?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just kicking up a storm.”
After discussing when we could find out what we were having, we decided to be surprised at the birth.
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Let’s head back to the house so you can sit down.”
“I’m sure it’ll pass. Besides, you haven’t finished your lap yet.”
“Your well-being and comfort are way more important than finishing a lap.” He placed his hand on the small of my back. “Come on, Julia. I think that’s enough walking for today. I won’t have you overexerting yourself.”
I patted my stomach lightly. “Sometimes I wonder if they’re going to grow up to be a soccer player. I’m convinced they think my bladder is a ball for them to kick around.”
I waddled toward the house. Red was already waiting with two chairs set out on the front porch. He offered me his hand and helped me sit down. It was a relief to get off my feet for a little while.
“Baby’s kicking,” I informed him. “Want to feel?”