Changing Roles

I kissed her head as her sobs eased off and pulled back a bit to gently wipe away the wetness from her cheeks. She gazed at me with sad, teary eyes.

“It’s okay, Beaker.” I grinned. “It was a short one this time.”

Her bottom lip started to tremble again, and I did the only thing I could think of to stop a second weeping session. I used the one hormone I could count on—HS. Cupping her face, I crashed my mouth to hers, sweeping my tongue in and kissing her deeply. It took her about two seconds to catch up, and then we were on. Her hands gripped and yanked at my hair, pulling me closer. I tilted her head to get deeper into her mouth, panting and groaning at the sudden passion. It was only the sound of the throat clearing behind me that reminded me we weren’t alone.

“You know,” Everett’s amused voice spoke up. “That’s how you got into trouble in the first place.”

“Actually, there was a wall involved.” I smirked as I winked at Shelby, stroking her warm cheeks. “And a very sexy kilt.”

“TMI, Liam!” he snapped and walked out of the room.

“You started it!” I yelled after him.

Shelby giggled, and I sighed with relief.

“Sorry,” she whispered.

“So am I. I shouldn’t have eaten the cupcakes. They looked too good to ignore.”

“I shouldn’t have yelled.”

I chuckled. “Yell all you want. But I’d prefer it if you didn’t cry. I hate it.” I pulled her back into my arms, nuzzling her hair. “It makes my chest hurt when you cry.”

“You love me too much.”

I tightened my hold. “I do. It’s a shame.”

The buzzer went, and Shelby huffed.

“Do you want me to tell Lily to come back another time?” I asked gently as I led her to the table, trying not to eyeball the cupcakes still sitting there. One emotional outburst today was enough.

“She’s here with dresses for the Oscars. I need to choose one.” She grimaced. “If I can fit into anything she brings. I’ll be almost six months by then, and I’m already fat! Maybe I should stay home.” Her lips started to quiver, and I quickly kneeled in front of her, trying to stave off the tears.

“No. I need you with me.” Douglas and I were presenting two categories, and I needed her beside me on the red carpet; I needed to be able to see her while on stage. “You’ll be the most beautiful woman there,” I insisted, laying my hands on her rounded bump. “You are not fat, my darling girl. You’re pregnant.”

She sniffed. “You’re just saying that because you made me fat. Your OJ injection did all this.”

“First off, I am proud of my injection. And secondly, I am not saying that because it’s my fault. Which it’s not. You are sexy, Shelby—and you’re only getting sexier. I love how you look, round and curvy with our son. I can hardly wait to see you all dressed up for me.”

Gently she placed her hands over mine. “Our son,” she whispered.

I kissed her full mouth. “My sexy wife.” Leaning down, I kissed her tummy. “My healthy son.”

Lily walked in. “My beautiful dresses. You’ll be stunning when I’m through with you. And you should see the shoes I found. Tiniest heel ever!”

I stood, chuckling. “I doubt you have anything with you as beautiful as she is, Lily. But you can try.” I winked at Shelby. “There better be a red one in there. You know how I love her in red.”

Shelby’s face flushed at my words, but she smiled warmly.

“Liam,” she called quietly as I walked away, knowing better than to stay and offer fashion advice. My outfit was chosen and ready, Lily sworn to secrecy. Douglas and I were both wearing dress kilts to do the presenting in homage to The Highlands. Shelby didn’t know yet—I knew she’d love it, my only hope being she didn’t attack me until we left the ceremony. I’d hate to have to walk onstage with a torn kilt.

I turned back, smiling at her.

“Take the rest of the cupcakes. I’ll make more tomorrow.”

Grinning, I covered the distance between us in three strides, hauling her up and kissing her breathless. Then I grabbed the plate and left quickly before she could change her mind. I’d share my score with Everett.

Well, at least two of them.Shelby was beautiful at the Oscars. Beside me, she glowed as brightly as the jewels she wore under the lights. Her red dress left her shoulders bare and flowed like a waterfall over her rounded tummy. She took my breath away when I saw her walk down the stairs toward me, and I was beyond proud to have her on my arm. Having her close and seeing her in the audience kept me calm and focused. She always kept me centered, and my need to make sure she was okay overrode anything else. By the end of the show, she was exhausted, and I was more than happy to shake a few hands and take her home for a nice foot rub. Douglas and Caroline stayed behind for the after parties, giving him a chance to talk up The Highlands even more. The buzz about the movie was already high, and he wanted to make sure it stayed that way until its release in the fall.