"In this one of her profile, I can. Like a mini you."
I smile, trying to squeeze back into my jeans and growing breathless while doing so.
"How’re ya doin’?" he asks, glancing over his shoulder.
"Yeah, just great." I groan, kicking my legs out to stretch the fabric.
"Stop being stubborn about maternity clothes," Payton says.
"I'll wear them when you do. It's only fair."
"I think you're gonna have to give in eventually." He smirks when I fight to pull up the zipper and lose.
I point at my stomach, then to him. "This is your damn fault."
"Excuse me?" He raises a brow, crossing his arms. "Care to explain? Because I'm pretty sure it takes two to—"
"You're always making delicious food or bringing home carbs from the B&B and serving me desserts."
Payton shakes his head, laughing.
"And you're always reminding me to eat!"
"Kaitlyn." He steps toward me, then rests his hands on my shoulders. "You're carrying our daughter. Gaining weight is normal. She's healthy and growing. That's all that matters. So for now, either buy new clothes or wear sweatpants," he says the last part with amusement.
I grind my teeth, hating that he's right, and I'll need to cave pretty soon.
"Just help me button them, and I'll stop whining," I say.
"Alright." He chuckles, reaching down and struggling just like I had. But then after I suck in a deep breath, he manages to get it closed.
"See? They fit fine." I beam.
"Let's go." He takes my hand, and we meet my mom in the waiting room. She eyes me curiously before glancing down at our hands.
Great, now she's really going to give me a hard time.
That kiss was technically our second, but it felt nothing like the first one six years ago.
That was the night of my birthday party Knox threw for me. I blew out the candles, and one was left, so they told me I had to kiss one person. Nearly everyone in the room was either related or taken, minus Payton. So for funsies, I marched up to him, told him not to overthink it, and smacked my mouth to his. He had barely flinched, and we never talked about it again.
But that doesn't mean I hadn't thought about it a couple of times since.
The way he devoured my lips today had my body buzzing, which was something I hadn't expected.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
PAYTON
ONE MONTH LATER
Kaitlyn hasn’t been feeling the best lately. She’s recently had some of her roughest days, and I hate that she’s been sick. She woke up feeling a lot better yesterday, so I planned a surprise for her since it’s Saturday and we both have off.
She’s still peacefully sleeping when I sneak into her room. She told me not to let her sleep too late because it throws off her weekly schedule. Knowing how much she loves coffee, even if it’s not the real deal with caffeine, I grind some beans and make a fresh pot.
Not wanting to startle her awake, I sit on the edge of the bed and lightly touch her arm. Her beautiful blue eyes flutter open, and she smiles. “What time is it?”
“A quarter after eight. Made you coffee with your favorite creamer.”