Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

“Why not? These guys have said worse, trust me.”

Tanner’s hand slid over Melanie’s thigh beneath the table, drawing her attention to the fact that he sat so close, the entire side of his body brushed against hers.

She tipped her head and found his gaze locked onto hers.

“Feeling alright?” he asked.

“I feel fine. Stop worrying.”

This morning she’d been mortified that he’d been there to witness her first bout of morning sickness, but he’d been so attentive and caring, she was sort of glad she hadn’t been alone.

They all ate and raved over the finger foods and the fabulous raspberry and vanilla torte. And Melanie had thought that cupcake was divine. This slice of cake was positively heavenly. No doubt her little one would be enjoying this.

Hey, it was fruit, so that totally counted as a day’s serving.

What seemed like hours later, Melanie stretched and came to her feet. Jade was across the room talking with Sophie, and Tanner had congregated in the corner with Jax and Cash. After all she’d eaten, she seriously needed a nap. Who knew growing a child took so much energy? She’d read in several places that the second trimester brought on less sickness and more energy. She couldn’t wait to hit that twelve-week mark.

“Can I feel your tummy?”

Melanie turned around to see Piper with her wide eyes glued to Melanie’s midsection. She couldn’t help but laugh.

“You can, but there’s not much to feel right now. My belly hasn’t gotten any bigger yet. The baby is just the size of a raspberry.”

She gasped. “Like the kind we had in the cake?”

Melanie laughed. “That’s just the comparison. My baby will grow, and as she does, my belly will grow. It won’t be long and you’ll be able to feel her moving around.”

“You think it’s a girl?”

Melanie shrugged. “I really have no idea. That just came out.”

“I’m going to guess a boy.” Piper laid her little hands over Melanie’s flat belly. “Just don’t name him Austin. There’s a kid in my class and he always pulls my ponytails. His name is Austin and I hate him.”

Melanie bit the inside of her lips to keep from smiling. Piper was passionate about everything she ever discussed. That’s what made her so special and perfect. Melanie hoped she never changed.

“You about ready to go?” Tanner asked, coming up to her side. He wrapped his arm around her and smiled down at Piper. “You feeling for the baby?”

“I think it’s a boy, but Aunt Mel said a girl.”

“I think it’s a girl, too,” Tanner said, surprising Melanie.

“You do?” she asked.

“I’ve just had a feeling.” He gave a slight shrug. “I guess when I think of the baby, I instantly think of her having your blond hair and bright green eyes.”

The fact that he’d given so much thought to the way their baby would look had her heart lurching even more toward him. There was no way at all to keep her heart from becoming involved. Tanner had made it impossible.

Which made her wonder just exactly h

ow he felt about her. He’d asked her to move in, but that could have more to do with the baby. He’d said at first that’s why he was so protective, but now, did he truly care for her on a more permanent level, or did he just want to keep a closer eye on her?

“We should say goodbye to everyone,” Melanie stated before turning her attention back to Piper. “Maybe when the time comes, you could help me decorate the nursery. You’re the only kid I know.”

Piper’s eyes lit up. “Could I really? No matter if you have a boy or a girl?”

“No matter what,” Melanie promised.

Piper threw her arms around Melanie’s waist, her little head resting on Melanie’s belly. “You’re the best, Aunt Mel.”