Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Oh, thank goodness.” Maren and I exhaled at the same moment and shared a giddy laugh.
“Not too big though?” she asked, a new worry seeming to crop up.
“The perfect size.” The tech continued taking measurements and moving the wand around Maren’s belly. “Compared to your last ultrasound, we’re seeing consistent growth. Your midwife will review all the results with you, but the placenta looks great, good blood flow and all that. You’re doing amazing, Mama.”
Maren gave a small, pleased smile. “I’m trying. It’s hard.”
“You’re doing it though,” I reminded her. “You can do hard things. Incredible things. You’re growing a whole human. And we’re all here for you.”
The little creature on the screen seemed to wave right at me. Hi, Grandpa! This was what was truly important. The baby. Maren. My family, which apparently now included Magnus and Diesel. Questions about our fling seemed so small and insignificant compared with the miracle happening on the monitor.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Magnus
I’d had a lousy day. It’d been a lousy start to my new year, honestly, and in the past, that would mean exhausting my overstressed body working out or brooding at home with a nice tequila or whiskey. Solitary pursuits because I wasn’t fit company, but at some point in the last few months, I’d started craving Eric when I had a shit day or wanted to vent.
He’d been on night shifts recently, so when we pulled into the driveway at the same late hour, a thrill raced through me, like I’d summoned him through sheer want.
“Another long shift?” I asked as I exited my SUV, trying not to sound too eager in case he’d also had a rough day.
“Nah.” Eric shrugged, greeting me with a slow smile. “Covering a partial for another paramedic. Trying to save up my own leave for after the baby comes so I can help Maren as much as possible.”
“That’s smart.” I huffed because I wanted to do similar, and the universe kept thwarting me.
“You’re the one who looks like you had a tiring day.” Eric stamped his feet, a bitter wind whipping between us. More snow was likely on the way. Up in the mountains, the skiers were having a record season, and down here, the town kept getting dusted by passing storms as well.
“Tiring is one way to put it.” I groaned, gesturing with a gloved hand. “Have a restaurant, they said. Be your own boss. It will be fun.”
“What sucked all the fun out of today?” Despite the frigid temperatures, Eric didn’t seem in a particular hurry to head inside.
“Supplier issues. A fryer acting up. And then one of the cooks quit in a huff.”
“I’m sorry.” After a fast glance at the main house, Eric patted my arm through my coat. “That sucks.”
“It is what it is.” Simply being able to talk about it had me relaxing considerably. Eric’s steady presence tended to have that effect on me. “Typical restaurant stuff. The only difference is, like you said, the urgency of trying to arrange work for time off when the baby comes. Not going to be able to do that as easily if I’m shorthanded at The Heist.”
“We’ll all pitch in with the baby.” Eric’s tone was pragmatic but reassuring. “And hopefully, you’ll find another cook soon.”
“Yeah, I’m going to reach out to your buddy Sean’s boyfriend. Denver. See if any diner cooks at Honey’s are jonesing for extra work or something different without outright poaching his people.”
“That’s smart.” Eric looked over at the house again. All the windows were dark. “Household seems asleep.”
“It does.” I nodded, hoping he was thinking what I was thinking. “You want to come over, drink a beer while I shower, maybe hang out a while?”
“Absolutely.” Eric gave a tight smile, body language seeming more reluctant than his easy agreement would suggest.
“Everything okay?” I asked as we walked toward the carriage house.
“Yeah. My day wasn’t bad, but it’s been a long week and not enough sleep. I missed yesterday’s scheduled nap to take Maren to an ultrasound.”
“It’s okay if you need to sleep.” I unlocked the door and greeted the eager dogs.
“I’m awake now.” Eric matched his pointed tone with heated eyes, and suddenly, I was also wide awake.
“And how did the ultrasound go?” I fetched fresh water for the dogs and handed out treats.
“Great. The baby appears more baby-like in the pictures, not as much of a mysterious shadow.” Eric hung his coat next to mine. They looked good in a row like that. Right. “No more concerns about size or growth, which is great. The birth is getting closer and closer. The baby shower is Sunday afternoon.”
“Yep. I’ll be there even if I have to rearrange some coverage at The Heist.”
“Good.” Eric’s expression was guarded. “If everyone who’s invited comes, it’s going to be a packed house. I guess it’s good that Rowan and Caleb decided to move the venue to the community center by the park.”