curve upward into a smile. A warm sensation spreads throughout my chest from connecting with our baby, who is clearly excited the crib is built.
“The baby is very active today,” Ava beams, placing her hand near mine. ‘It’s either because you’re around or the brownie and cookie combo I ate earlier.”
“Not long to go now,” I remind her with ease. “Have you thought about a birthing plan?”
“Birthing plan?”
“Yeah, like if you’re open to pain relief, natural birth, water birth.”
Shaking her head, Ava almost looks mortified. “Um, no to the water birth. Open to pain relief. I think, if it’s safe?”
“It’s safe, Ava, just something to think about.”
“Do I have to think about it now?”
“Not right now, but you’re thirty-four weeks tomorrow.”
Ava acknowledges with a silent nod, then takes a seat on the rocker chair her Aunty delivered to her.
“It’s happening.” Ava gulps while pressing her hands on her lap. “Thank God my sisters are keeping me sane by sending me videos of random things like a flamingo dancing to some old ‘80’s song.”
I’m glad Ava and Millie finally moved past their differences. Without mentioning anything to Ava, I’ve seen a noticeable change in her behavior. She’s back to her usual self, being dramatic over the smallest of things and gossiping about stories that are of no interest to me whatsoever.
The two of them have been inseparable for as long as I’ve known them. When Millie left for college, Ava was lost without her. They have a sisterly bond no one can break, so reconciling is a good thing.
“Even as a lawyer, I’m glad Millie still has the time to entertain you,” I muse, glancing at the crib, proud of my efforts.
“Between her and Addy, I don’t know how they get anything done. It reminds me why I muted their conversations back when I was a workaholic.”
“What do you mean back when you were a workaholic?” I tease with a grin. “You still are. Lex Edwards’ work ethic is part of your DNA.”
“Hey,” Ava raises her voice in annoyance, then crosses her arms in defiance. “I resent that. Last night I didn’t even take my laptop to bed.”
“Oh yeah? What did you do then?”
Ava’s eyes widen, her cheeks turning bright red. She immediately drops her gaze to the floor. “Um, just scrolling my phone, you know, watching videos.”
“Videos? Work videos?”
She rubs the back of her neck, still unable to make eye contact with me. “Uh, no. More adult content.”
Throwing my hands to my face, laughter escapes me. She will be the death of me.
“You’re killing me, Ava. You know that?”
Biting her lip with a mischievous grin, she places her hand on her chest. “Me? How about you stop standing there looking like a piece of delicious candy, and I can’t have it because I'm diabetic.”
“But you don’t have diabetes?” I tease.
“You know what I mean. It’s off-limits, or the consequences are dire.” The sound of her phone distracts us both. “Saved by the bell.”
Gritting her teeth, Ava presses her lips tight before answering the call, but I welcome the change in the conversation since my pants start to become tight with my dick falling hard again.
“Hey, Luna, what’s up? I’ve got you on speaker, and Austin is here.”
“Oh, hey, Austin!”
“Hi, Luna, long time no speak. How are you?”