Page 42 of Shattered Love

A softer kick.

I rub my belly, trying to picture her chubby pink cheeks, ten tiny fingers and toes. A wave of love washes over me.

* * *

I walkdown the stairs fancyingchocolate chip ice cream. I hear Dominic in the living room on the phone.

Cooper comes up to me, nudging my hand so I scratch his head. “Hey, boy.”

Opening the freezer, I move stuff around.

“ I’ve got to pop over to the station quickly.”

I close the freezer. “I’ll come with you. I need to grab a few things.”

His lips twitch. “You’re out of ice cream?”

Rolling my eyes. “Shut up. It’s not my fault your daughter is obsessed with it!”

His body shakes with silent laughter and I slap his hard abs.

“Come on, feed your women!”

Dominic opens my car door. Grabbing my hand. “Come on, let’s get you some ice cream.”

He kisses me, stopping my snarky reply.

“You go do what you have to do. I’ll meet you back at the car.”

He frowns and I know he’s going to argue. I place my hands on his chest.

“It’s going to take less time. Then we can get home and maybe you can help me find some creative ways to eat my ice cream.”

He winks and God I melt.

His eyes darken and he pulls me as close as he can with my bump in the way, taking my lips like I’m his first drink after days in the desert. We both break away panting, promise and love swirling between us. He stares at me as if he’s unable to take his eyes off me, his look so tender I can feel it.

I grab three tubs of the largest size ice cream the store has to offer along with some chocolates. I grab a pack of beer for Dominic and a treat for Cooper.

Once I get to the line, I see Dixie, a girl I went to high school with. We both had the same friends. She went to New York and worked as an editor for a big magazine. She looks amazing.

“Oh my God, Avery Carmichael.” A full smile graces her face.

I smile, too, pulling her in for a awkward hug with my giant mountain of a belly. “Dixie Lancaster, how are you?”

“Good, my mom’s been sick, so I’m in town for a while.” Dixie’s mom, Charlene, was a hippie that still lived and dressed like it was the 70s. She was a character around town but she was the sweetest woman, she also owned the café Dixie I worked in while I was in college.

“I’m sorry, I hadn’t heard. I’ll make sure to send her some cupcakes.”

Dixie smirks. Leaning in as she makes sure no else is listening. “Unless they’re filled with her special ingredients, she won’t eat them.”

My eyes widen. “Those were pot cakes?”

Dixie nods and we both burst out laughing. I had forgotten how fun Dixie is.

“So, I’ve heard some rumors that Dominic Stone is a policeman now? I still can’t believe he asked you to prom. He never did anything at school. Do you still see him?”

I hold up my finger to show her my wedding ring. “Got married. Our fourth wedding anniversary next week. We’re expecting our first baby in about a month and, yes, he’s a police officer. He’s actually in the station now.”

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