“Here I am.” I throw my arms open wide and raise my chin so I can meet his lips. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” I press my cheek against his strong chest.
“You haven’t been working too hard.” It’s not a question, because he knows the answer. “Babe, the doctor said to take it easy.”
“He also said the pregnancy is going well.” I look up to meet his blue eyes, a shade I hope the baby inherits. “Completely normal and on track.”
“Well, let’s keep it this way.” His big hand lands on my stomach. “I want our daughter to remain relaxed and sleepy in there.”
“I think it’s a boy, hon.”
Xavier rises to full height. “No.”
“I would know!” I laugh because honestly, I don’t have the faintest clue. But, I love playing this game. Pushing each other’s buttons in jest is part of our relationship.
“Nope.” He takes my hand and we head to the kitchen.
“Hey, we’re going out to eat. Don’t spoil your appetite.”
Xavier furrows his brow in my direction. “Have we met?” I roll my eyes because it’s true. The man’s appetite is truly remarkable. I don’t think he’s ever felt full in his life. If he didn’t hit the gym as much as he does, he’d probably weigh a thousand pounds. I’d love him either way.
He grabs a quick snack before we’re back in the car and heading toward our favorite place in town. Rosie’s is already slammed for Saturday supper. “Are you sure you don’t want to go somewhere else?” I ask, knowing damn good and well the answer.
“Hell, no.” He leans over and presses his lips against mine. His kisses are soft, but charged. I know what we’ll be having for dessert—each other. “This is our place. Besides, I think Rosie has a crush on me.” He raises his brows before I playfully slap him on the arm.
She probably does. How could she not?
Inside, Rosie sees us immediately and wraps us each in a hug, Xavier’s lasting a beat longer than mine. The old gal does love him, and it makes me proud. Then she leads us to a booth and we order milkshakes to start.
After dinner, we start a fire in the fireplace and Xavier has a glass of red wine while he makes me a cup of hot cocoa. He nuzzles close to me on the sofa. “It’s so quiet.”
“Yeah,” I say, then yawn. “Not for long, though.”
Xavier pulls me close to him. “No, not for long.” He rests his hand on my tummy as we watch the embers float through the air. I can’t believe I ever doubted this could work. The truth is that you can make anything work if you want it bad enough. I’m just lucky that it’s me that Xavier wanted. Turns out, he was right. We are more alike than I ever would’ve thought.