Page 73 of Bound Hearts

I’m going to question religion more if suddenly a baby in the family changes everyone’s interactions in some way.

But today, I want to avoid him.

I clear my throat. “Anyhow, let’s quickly say goodbye.”

“Only if you want to leave. Otherwise, I can grab a cab. I need a nap. I’m more tired than I thought.”

All of my focus returns to her. “Then a nap is what you shall get.”

“Clearly, my brother is taking care of you. We should go for lunch soon, all three of us. I barely know you,” my brother suggests.

Sutton smiles sweetly at him. “True. Sure, we can do lunch. I’m sure we will see you soon. Enjoy your afternoon.”

“You too,” he replies, his eyes pinned on her peculiarly.

“Take care,” I add without emotion before I usher Sutton away.

Sutton and I enter the foyer, and she nudges my shoulder. “Because that wasn’t odd. You and he really have an interesting way of interacting.”

Snickering a sound, I couldn’t agree more. “Who knows. Maybe becoming a dad will soften my patience level.”

“Hopefully. I’m sure he will come around. It must be hard for him to see that you’re getting all the things that he doesn’t yet have.” Sutton is understanding, and she could be right.

Even with my mood suddenly uplifted again, the pit of guilt remains.

20

SUTTON

“Istill have eight weeks of this, and I’m toddling along like a hippo,” I complain as I enter the kitchen still in my pajama shorts and top. “I’m very happy it’s the weekend.” I have to admit, I’m not that huge, and I’m sure it’s in my head, but my feet and back don’t enjoy the extra weight.

Foster is already dressed for the day in jeans and a shirt, and he smirks to himself because he has heard my complaints daily. “You’ve had a long week and are still insistent on wearing heels. Celeste still being Celeste?” he asks as he searches for something in the fridge.

I slide onto the stool at the island, my hand brushing the countertop for balance. “Nah. At least, she is treating me the same, with a workload that screams how she lacks empathy. But it’s okay, I asked her not to lighten my load. I’m pregnant, not incompetent.”

He emerges with a smoothie bottle and closes the door. “Very true. Still, I have a surprise for you if you’ll allow yourself to reap the pregnancy benefits.”

I strum my nails on the counter. “Do tell.”

Leaning his forearms onto the counter, he gives me that accomplished look. “I booked you a massage for today. The best pregnancy masseuse, apparently.”

I light up. “Ooh, that is a surprise I can get on board with.”

“Thought so. It’s at the club where I go to play squash with my dad, but apparently their spa is award winning in that department.”

I bring my finger to my chin in thought. “It’s perfect. I’m meeting Elodie and Savannah for a late lunch, and the restaurant is right around the corner from there, I think.”

He sprawls across the counter to give me a peck on the lips. “It works out then. I’ll probably have the guys over. It’s been a while.”

“Ah, you’re getting rid of me. I see your plan,” I tease him.

He grins. “But really, how are you feeling? You’ve been tossing and turning at night.”

I shift in my seat and gesture toward my belly. “Because your son decides that’s when he wants to kick the most,” I reply, rubbing my belly with a faint wince. “Plus, even sprawled across that body pillow, I’m not used to feeling so… big.” My shoulders tense as I recall another restless night.

“Is that it?”

Shrugging, a weary sigh escapes me as I run through the list in my head. "I’m just always tired," I admit, rubbing my eyes. "Also, even though the nursery is done, I still need to wash all of the new clothes and put them away." I force a small, anxious laugh. "It totally slipped my mind until a colleague told me that you need to wash everything first. I just keep stockpiling clothes in the corner of the room." I point a finger at him with mock sternness. "Which you shall not sneak a peek at until I say." My hands tighten on the edge of the counter. "I keep thinking we’re forgetting something. We have time, but I don't know." My voice trembles slightly. "You've seen all that stuff out there. Like, do we need a baby wrap for the city, then one for hiking, and another for beach walking?"