Page 72 of Together

Chuckling, we head to the conference room to get ready for the day of interviews. For the most part, everyone coming today has been vetted already. Because of the urgency of the job, we need people who already have worked as electricians, which means, for the most part, today should go smoothly. As long as the references check out and we don’t get a bad vibe from him or her, they’ll be hired.

Luckily, I already know that tonight will be a good way to end the day. Ashley asked me to come over for dinner and to look online at a few houses with her that she found through her realtor. The problem seems to be finding something that’s decent in her price range.

But I have to get through these interviews first.

Then I can see my girl.

And just like every other day, I’ll be counting the minutes until that time comes.

Chapter Sixteen

Ashley

“Now listen here,my little bundle of joy paired with a pain in my ass. You had your chance two weeks ago to show us what was between your legs. You chose to be private. That’s a good trait to have in the future but right now, your daddy and I would really appreciate a little less modesty.”

Lying in bed, I rub my small round stomach, talking to the baby, and trying to rest. We had our ultrasound two weeks ago where we had hoped to find out the sex of the baby but he or she was being difficult. Seeing the baby had been wonderful, of course, and finding out that the baby is healthy and is developing right on track was even more wonderful.

But darn it all, I want to know what names to focus on.

Today is my regular checkup with Dr. Fletcher and we’re hoping that she takes pity on us and pulls in the portable ultrasound machine to do a quick check. She had mentioned it once, and Nik already promised that if she didn’t bring it up, he would. I have no doubt that he’ll follow through. He’s nothing if not ambitious when it comes to the baby. Well, in most things, but especially about the baby.

The baby kicks me and all I can think is that he or she is trying to tell me that they can’t be told what to do.

“Don’t you sass me, Mr. Or Miss. Whatever.”

Another whopping kick that makes me gasp.

“You stinker!”

I get out of bed, still scolding the baby about talking back while inside the womb, and almost pee myself when I hear my front door open and close followed by very heavy footsteps.

Footsteps that didn’t take the time to remove his or her shoes which is not a good scenario. Everyone who comes to my house knows to immediately remove their shoes. But also, I’m the only one who has a key to my house aside from Grace.

She asked for one in case she felt like not being home and around Samuel again. I hesitated at first because she had been so awful to Nik. But when the six of us got together for dinner a few weeks later, she pulled him aside and apologized to him without me having to tell her to. Grace doesn’t admit she’s wrong or apologize easily, so to me, that was a big step in the right direction. She didn’t make excuses for her behavior, she simply said that it was uncalled for and that it would never happen again.

I’m not sure that I believe that she won’t act that way again, but I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt and hoping for the best. It’s not forgotten, but I refuse to dwell on the past.

But the sound of the feet that are coming into my house are definitely not Grace’s. I look around my bedroom, hoping to find a bat or a gun or a big stick. But since I have none of those, because I don’townany of those, I stand in my bedroom completely unprepared for the person who just broke into my house.

“Don’t worry,” I whisper to my stomach. Then I rush to my nightstand and grab the only thing I can find then brandish it like a shield, extending it out between the door and myself.

Holding my weapon in the air, my heart beats out of control as I wait for my demise.

“Ash?” Nik calls.

I blow out a breath. “Oh my gosh, Nik. What are you doing?” I call back, walking toward my bedroom door just as he appears.

“What do you mean? I’m here for your appointment. Your door was unlocked.”

“So you just came in?” I shriek.

“I knocked three times. Sorry, when you didn’t answer, I got a little worried.”

“I didn’t hear it, sorry. Dang.” I place my hand on my heart. “You scared the crap out of me. I…” I trail off when I notice how wide his eyes are, staring right at my chest. That’s not entirely uncommon because he’s a boob guy and mine have just so happened to double in size. It’s been quite something. But that’s not what he’s staring at.

He’s staring at my weapon of choice.

I stare at his face and wonder if this is how he felt when I saw his teddy bear tattoo. No. This is far worse.

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