My Ex's Baby (Crescent Cove 8)

I tucked the paintbrush into the handy little can that kept it from drying out because there were still some places I needed to fix, but it would be good for now. I quickly washed my hands and put myself into some semblance of order.

Being just about six months pregnant meant there was a lot more of me to get organized these days. Not that August seemed to mind. We’d found some inventive ways to deal with the added belly clearance.

I checked my phone. August was on his way home and would be here any minute.

I pushed the bookcase over in front of the window and set the changing table converter on top. The pads of my fingers found the little carved trio in the corner. Our hallmark for the baby line of furniture.

August already had a waiting list for his designs, just like I knew he would.

But our baby would always have the first one.

I stacked the little pile of baby clothes on the changing table and added the carved ladybug August had gifted me for my birthday. It had more than one meaning for me now.

Finally, I set the little onesie in the middle of the table on the blue polka dot pad.

I’d spent all morning embroidering the little ladybug on the white cotton. Not to mention the words below it. Part of me wondered if I should wait until the baby came, but the other part knew it was right.

Will you marry my mama?

“Kin?”

“Back here,” I called.

I curled my shaking fingers into my palms.

“I smell paint. Did you paint without me? I told you I didn’t want you on that ladder without me around.”

I turned around, leaning against the padded edge of the table. “No ladders here, Mr. Bossy Pants.”

Goddess, he was pretty. Even if he was getting bossier every day.

He reached above the doorjamb, stretching out his back. He wore a hunter green T-shirt that was minus some sleeves. Sawdust dotted his tanned shoulders and he had his toolbelt slung low on his hips. A tiny pencil was tucked behind his ear and there was more sawdust on his backward ball cap. “You’ve been busy.”

“You too, evidently.”

“Yeah, I just delivered the princess bed over at Sage’s. Star loved it.”

“Of course she did.”

He grinned. “You have to say that. You’re biased.”

“No, I’m just right. Come here.”

He looked down at himself. “I’m dirty.”

“I don’t care.”

“Not what you said yesterday.”

Goddess, he was a pain in my butt. “That was yesterday.”

He lowered his arms and walked in. “Looks really good.” He stopped in front of me and dropped a light kiss on my lips. “Exceptional.”

“Sweet talker.”

He waggled his eyebrows and went for a deeper kiss.

I twisted my fingers into his shirt and nearly caved when he unbuckled my overalls. I pushed him back. “Hang on a second.”