Page 73 of Smoke and Glitter

My heart does something annoying in my chest. "That's cute."

"Don't tell him I said that."

"I have no loyalty to you."

"Can I feel?"

Her face softens. "Of course."

I move around the table and crouch beside her chair. Summer takes my hand and presses it against the right side of her stomach.

Nothing. I wait.

"She's ignoring me."

"She doesn't perform on command."

"That's inconvenient. I'm leaving the country tomorrow."

Summer snorts, and then something bumps against my palm.

I look at her.

"Was that her?"

"No, Autumn. I swallowed a hamster."

"Fuck you."

Another movement rolls beneath my hand, smaller this time.

"Hi, baby."

My voice comes out softer than I expect. Summer doesn't say anything. I leave my hand there another few seconds before sitting down again.

"You're sending me everything."

"Everything?"

"Ultrasounds. Pictures. Updates."

"So when I have gas?"

"Don't be disgusting."

"You said everything."

"Baby everything."

"Very important distinction."

"And if anything happens, you call me."

Summer's expression changes just enough.

I wrap both hands around my coffee.

"I'll come back. For your shower. And for her birth."