“Jesus, get a room. No wonder she’s pregnant already.”
I pull away from Merick laughing. “Control yourself, big man.”
He smiles arching a brow questioningly. “Big man?”
I grab onto his sides and smile. My stomach growls loudly, making my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. I swear lately all I do is eat.
“My baby is hungry. You guys go sit and relax.”
Lily wraps her arm around my waist and we head into the living room and snuggle up in front of the fire catching up on all the things I would normally share with my best friend—her life in the city, all her failed dates, and yes, the man in the next room that is more than I could have ever bargained for.
Merick lifts Lily’s suitcase out of the back of his truck. My bestie has to head home two days early due to an emergency at her office. I hate that our visit was cut short but now that she’s been here, I’m sure she’ll be back.
Lily pulls me into a hug. “I love you girl. Take care of yourself.” “That hunk of a man will take care of you for sure.” That last part she doesn’t say out loud but I’m glad the two of them got along so well.
She didn’t get to meet Rowan. We were supposed to meet her for lunch tomorrow but since Lily is leaving that obviously isn’t going to happen.
I squeeze her tight. My eyes begin to burn with unshed tears. “I love you too. Come back soon okay? This baby is going to need to know their Aunt Lily.” I kiss her cheek and she kisses mine before I back away.
Merick steps forward and gives her a quick hug. “Our home is open to you whenever you want to come.”
“Thanks big man. I may take you up on that. Next time I request you have some hot men for me to meet. If I have to listen to you guys boning all night, then at least offer me my own party favors to play with.”
On that note, my friend struts into the airport like she’s stepping onto the runway during fashion week.
It’s not until we’re on the way home that I begin to cry.
My wonderful mate grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. “I meant what I said. She can stay anytime.”
“Thank you. And thank you for being such a wonderful host. She had a great time.” I let out a contented sigh and lean my head back and watch the passing scenery. A flutter in my belly causes me to freeze. “Oh my god. I think I felt the baby move? Is that even possible?”
I look at Merick and he reaches out placing a hand on my lower belly. “Uh...I don’t see why it couldn’t happen because we don’t know how long your pregnancy will be, other than it’ll be shorter than a normal pregnancy.” He’s quiet for a minute. “Can you hear the baby?”
“I don’t know.” I close my eyes and listen closely for any sign that my baby can communicate with me, but the only thing I can hear is Merick softly singing to the radio. “I can’t hear anything, but you.”
I grab his hand from my stomach and bring it up to my lips, kissing the palm. We decide to get some lunch on the way home. The moment we walk into the Celestial Cafe everyone seems to stop talking.
Of course, that doesn’t stop me from hearing their thoughts.
“That’s her.”
“I wish Merick was mine. She shows up and the town hunk is immediately attached to her?”
“That baby she’s carrying is powerful, I can feel it.”
I remember what Marissa taught me about blocking out the voices. When we’re seated, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and block it all out. When the whispers stop,I open my eyes.
Merick brushes my hair back. “You okay?” He leans forward kissing my forehead.
I look into his eyes and feel nothing but love from him. “I’m good, I promise.” I lean forward and kiss his lips.
“Ahem...can I take your order?” We break apart and find Amber, Amelia’s sister, standing by our table with a huge grin on her face. “Hey guys. Taryn, you look so pretty.”
“Thank you. Can I get some Earl Gray tea?”
Amber nods, and then looks at Merick. “I’ll take a bottle of Bud. What’s the special today?”
“Homemade potato soup, topped with bacon and shredded cheddar cheese served in fresh baked bread bowls.”
My stomach growls, “Oh my god, I’d love that please and can I have a side salad with ranch dressing.”
Merick chuckles before ordering himself a burger and fries. Amber leaves us and I smile at my man. “This baby makes me hungry constantly, but I’ve barely gained any weight. Is that a shifter thing?” I say that last part quietly.
He nods. “We have high metabolisms so we need lots of fuel. The baby is part shifter, which is probably causing your own body’s metabolism to increase. As long as you’re getting enough to eat, I don’t care how big you get. I want you and our baby to be healthy. That’s all I care about.”
Amber brings our drinks. I add cream and sugar to my tea. I moan after the first sip and then sit my cup down. “I’m going to tell my parents about you tomorrow. I’m sorry I waited,” I tell him quietly.
“Baby, I knew you’d tell them when you’re ready. This is a lot to take in.”
Amber brings our food and I won’t lie, I pig out. Every bite is like heaven in my mouth. Merick watches me and I should feel embarrassed, but this is his fault, therefore I’m not going to be. Once we finish eating, he pays the bill, leaving Amber a hefty tip.
He helps me into his truck and we make the trek back
