Page 69 of Pieces of Us
He looks at me. “What’s up, Mel?”
“What do you think—”
At that very moment, I feel the oddest flutter in my belly that has me rendered speechless. I place a hand where I felt it. I feel it again.
“Is something wrong?” He sits up in his seat, looking at where my hand is placed.
“I think I felt the baby kick for the first time.”
His face changes. “No way. Can I feel it?”
I grab his hand and place it on my stomach. We both barely breathe as we wait to see if it will happen again.
Then I feel it, and Linc sucks in a breath. “Holy shit.”
“I know. She’s still so small, but you can feel it.”
Linc leans over, his head level to my bump. “Millie, it’s Dad. I can feel you.”
Oh my God, he’s speaking to her. This moment is overwhelming. I feel tears collecting in my eyes.
He looks up at me, beaming. “I think hockey is out, soccer for this one.”
I laugh through my tears. “We’ll let her choose. You need to be a bit rough for hockey.”
We sit, both holding my belly for a while longer, but her little show is over.
“I think she wore herself out.” I release his hand.
“That was the weirdest, most amazing thing ever.”
“Imagine feeling it from the inside.”
“I can’t even think of what that would be like. Promise you’ll tell me if you feel it again?”
“I promise.”
He tucks my hair behind my ear. “Were you going to say something before?”
I pause. I don’t want to ruin this moment. “I think there was something, but I can’t even remember right now. Stupid pregnancy brain.”
“Well, if it comes back to you, let me know.”
I tuck back into his side, and he puts his arm around me like it’s just what we do. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble with my revelation coming back to me. Like a flip has switched in my brain, I want more. What if we could actually be a family? I just pray I haven’t pushed him to the point that he’s given up on me.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Melonie
After a long Friday, I walk through the door. I set my laptop bag down and kick off my shoes. I have officially transitioned to flats.
“Linc?”
The apartment is still silent. Maybe he had to work late or run an errand. I walk to the kitchen to get a water, and there’s a huge bouquet of pink roses and purple-tinted hydrangeas on the island with a card propped against the vase. I reach for the envelope and open it.
Mel,
Happy birthday!
