Page 54 of Hitched

“Aye, sir, that’s what I’m working on, if I can get a word with you in private.” He winks at me. “Away from the bairn.”

I smile at him. He’s so cautious of Peg. I love him for it.

“Certainly. Come with me into the office.” Da says, clapping Caleb on the back.

We take Peg to the furniture store, where she picks out the cutest little princess bed and some bedding to match. Caleb even gets her a curtain that will drape over either side of the bed, so that it looks like she’s camping, princess style. A matching lamp and a holographic projector with images of various princesses and other regal themes is added to the mix, before we take Peg back to Caleb’s house, and his brothers Declan and Ethan pop over to lend a hand with the assembly, and to better acquaint themselves with Peg.

“I should get back to work.” I say to Caleb. “I got a doctor’s appointment for later this afternoon.”

“What time?”

“It’s at six. He squeezed me in and the receptionist already got me an appointment for a sonogram right after.”

“Can I take you? I can come pick you up at five-thirty, if that works.”

My stomach does a flip. I can’t hide the smile. “I was hoping that you’d say that.”

We’re careful to speak softly, so that his brothers and Peg can’t hear. We haven’t discussed when we’re going to make it official, but I’d like to at least make sure I’m one hundred percent pregnant before telling everyone.

He kisses my lips. “I love you. I’ll see you later.”

“I love you, too. Are you going to be able to head back to work later?”

“Aye. I’ll bring Peg into work with me after, and my mama’s dying to see her, so I’m thinking I’ll leave her with my parents while we go to the doctor’s.”

“That’s a great idea.”

The day literally speeds past me, and before I know it, it’s almost time to go. My phone rings and I see that it’s Brandy, so I pick up. “Hey.”

“How’s it going?”

“Good. I’m getting ready to go to the doctor with Caleb shortly.”

“Are you freaking out yet?”

I sigh. “No. I’m not sure that I will. This is actually a lot of fun. Peg is great. Everyone loves her. You should come over and meet her later.”

“Maybe I will. When do you think you’ll be home?”

“Oh, I think we’ll end up over at Caleb’s house. Why don’t you give me a call later?”

“Sure. Sounds good.”

My assistant is messaging me that Caleb is here. “Oh, I should go.”

“Okay. Talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

I grab my purse and walk out of the office, to questioning glances and sizing looks from all over, which I ignore. “Mandy, you can go home now, if you wish.”

“See you tomorrow.” She nods. Caleb rises from the guest chair in the lobby.

I say nothing but I smile at him, so glad to see him. He takes my hand in his and as we walk out the front door, he leans in and kisses me tenderly. “Man, I thought they were going to eat me alive in there.” He chuckles.

“Wait until they find out that you knocked me up.” I tease.

He winks. “Come on. Let’s go.”

---