“It’s being done now. One team is meeting up at Wolf Gap shortly, and the other in about twenty minutes at the barricade near the Bradys’.”
“Smart thinking.”
Christian rotated in his seat. “Grace, there’s no delicate way of saying this, so I’m just going to say it. I was…more or less, planning to join them.”
Grace didn’t respond.
“And I don’t want you mad at me for wanting to, or for doing it.”
“That’s silly. I’m not mad at you,” she said.
“You’re not?”
“No, not at all.” Grace paused. “And the more I think about it, it irritates me that you’re still sitting here.”
Christian squinted in disbelief. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yep. I feel fine.” Grace giggled. “In fact, it’s the best I’ve felt in a while. Why do you ask?”
“Eh, no reason.”
“Okay. Want some coffee to take with you?”
“No, thanks. I think I can do without.”
Grace regarded the stove and sighed disgustedly. “I’m glad you answered with a roundabout ‘no’. There’s not even one single ember left in here, and it’s going to take me for-fucking-ever to get it going—God, I miss my Keurig…and hazelnut Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cups. And electricity.” She turned and shot a glance down the hallway. “Where is everybody? Where’s Lee? And that Ken dude with the limp? And his hose beast friend who flirts with you? What’s her name? Jem? Jasper?”
Christian smirked and casually pointed his thumb at the door. “Search parties.”
Grace slammed her eyes shut and put the back of her palm to her forehead. “Shit. I’m a dumbass. You did just say something about that, didn’t you? Well, whatever…what are you waiting for? Get out of here, go get dressed or geared up or whatever, and help them. I’ll stay and attempt to come up with a dinner plan, and if the stove cooperates, get some food going. Everyone should be famished by the time they get back. Any requests?”
Christian went to her. He put a hand on her hip and the other gently on her belly. “None. I’m not picky except about this, so hear me out, please. After I leave, lock that door behind me, and keep it locked. If you see anyone you don’t recognize, anyone at all, you call for me—after you shoot them.”
“Christian, please. We’ve been through this a hundred gazillion times. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can. But do this for me, please. I’ve got a bad feeling about what’s happened, and I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you, especially when I’m not here to prevent it.”
Grace glimmered. Elevating to her tiptoes, she reached for his face and pressed her lips against his. “I love you—for that…and a lot of other things. Worry not, my valiant knight. I’ll remain in the castle out of harm’s way, pending your return. Oh—before you go, can we chat about something? It’ll only take a minute.”
Christian extended and pulled away to gauge her expression. “Yeah, of course. Anything.”
Grace clasped her hands together with enthusiasm. “Yay! Okay, so listen…I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and I didn’t want to make any decisions without your input. So, real quick, let’s you and me discuss names.”
“Names?”
“For the baby, duh.”
“It was a response, not a question. I knew what you meant.”
“Well, I should hope so,” Grace cooed, rubbing her belly through her shirt.
“What have you come up with?”
Grace cocked her head. “Before I answer that, what have you come up with?”
Christian hesitated. “I honestly haven’t even begun to consider any.”
“You haven’t? And why the hell not?”
“I don’t know. I just haven’t.”
“Well, I have…not like I have a choice.” Grace put a hand to her hip and pouted. “You really haven’t given this any thought at all, have you?”
“The baby? Of course I have. I think about it all the time. But baby names? Admittedly, no.”
“Our baby,” Grace corrected. “Need I remind you that we’re going to be parents soon? Like before we know it? I mean, this is real shit here, Christian. Serious freakin’ adult shit. I’m going to be a mommy for my first time ever, and you, sir, are going to be a daddio.”
Christian’s expression humbled. “Grace, you’re already a mommy.”
“Aww, that’s sweet. And you’re charming. And I’m…blarneyed. And thank you. But back to names.”
He pointed to the table, indicating they should take a seat, but Grace vetoed the idea. “Sure, but since I didn’t come prepared for a conversation of this magnitude, maybe you should start.”
“Your sarcasm is strong today. I approve. But whatever. Fine.” Grace took a long pause. “I was thinking of naming him…Isaiah.”
“Isaiah,” Christian repeated, bringing a hand to his chin to contemplate. “I like it. That’s a great name. What made you think of it?”
“Christian, are you doing this to me on purpose?”
“Am I doing what to you on purpose?”
“Jerking my chain. Playing dumb. Pretending you don’t know. And you did it again just now.”
“I did what again?” He halted Grace’s response with a finger. “Never mind, don’t answer that. Let’s sidestep this before you wallop me with another tangent. Just…tell me what made you think of the name, because I really am clueless here.”
Grace studied him. “Oh, silly me…I’m a dunce. How could you have known? Isaiah is Dad’s middle name.”
“Really? No shit,” said Christian. “Now I think I like it even more.”
Grace perked up. “You mean it?”
“Absolutely. I think Isaiah would make a superb name for our son.”
For a moment, Grace’s emotions appeared close to overpowering her, but she regained composure. “Okay, it’s settled, then. Isaiah. But what about middle names? And should he have my last name or yours? Or should we hyphenate?”
“Whatever floats your boat,
