Duke’s face screwed up in an expression of pure panic. “Babies are…babies. They’re soft and squishy and…breakable.”
“You’ll be fine,” Mia said, her hands already going for the carrier to unstrap Scarlett.
“Yeah, Duke. You’ll be fine. If you can teach a fourteen-year-old girl how to hold her own in a schoolyard brawl, you can hold a baby,” Willa teased.
“It’s not like I showed her how to defend herself with a knife,” Duke muttered. “Just her fists.”
“Stab and twist,” Mia said absently.
We all looked at her.
“What? You think I don’t know that? I’m a biker’s wife, for crying out loud.”
Duke sat in one of the leather chairs near the changing rooms, and Mia placed the baby in his arms. He looked terrified for a few minutes, but he eventually relaxed.
“She’s so tiny,” Duke commented, gazing down at the baby, clearly mesmerized.
Mia snorted. “She didn’t feel so tiny when she was coming out of me.”
Willa barked out a laugh.
“Thanks,” I said dryly. “What a lovely reminder of what’s to come.”
Mia linked her arm through mine and led me in the direction of the leather clothing display. “How are you feeling?”
“Morning sickness. That’s about all so far.”
“So, your waist hasn’t thickened yet?”
“Nope. Pants are feeling a little snug though. Might have to move into stretchy clothing territory soon.”
“I’m a fan of that. If you ever have any questions, or you just want someone to talk to about what you’re going through, please call me. I mean it.”
“Thanks,” I said quietly. “I appreciate that.”
“Though I guess you could just talk to your mom about it.” She pulled a dress out. “This is cute.”
“It’ll probably be easier to get a hold of you. My mom ran out on me when I was a kid.”
She looked at me. “Shit. I’m sorry. I just blurted out—”
“It’s fine.” I forced a smile.
“I lost my mom young,” she admitted. “I called Darcy every time I had a question.”
“You guys really lean on each other, don’t you?” I asked.
“Yes. We’re more than friends. We’re family.” She put the dress back and picked another one with a cut that would show off her cleavage. “Oh, yeah. I have to try this on.”
“I’m sure it’ll look great on you.”
“You should peruse the back of the boutique,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
“What’s in the back?”
“The lingerie section.” With a wink, she headed in the direction of the changing rooms.
How was I supposed to shop for lingerie when Duke was sitting in the store?