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“I am. And bossy. It’s probably why I’m single.”

“You’re single because all the men you’ve met until now have been blind. And maybe because I’m a lucky SOB. Lie down.”

She did as he requested, moving close enough to put her head on his shoulder. He immediately took her hand and put it on his chest. As if they did this sort of thing all the time. As if they belonged together.

He was warm everywhere they touched. His shoulder was muscled, as was his side. Slowly, cautiously, she shifted her right leg so it rested across his thigh.

“You can touch me anywhere,” he told her. “What’s mine is yours.”

“I wish I was brave.”

He smiled. “What would you do if you were?”

Wanting flared. “I think we both know the answer to that.”

He tangled his fingers in her hair. “Yes, we do, and best not to go there. I have a limited amount of control, and I meant what I said. This isn’t the right time.”

Did he want to mention when the right time might be? Just so she could clear her calendar and maybe get a pedicure at the nail salon?

“How’s your morning sickness?” he asked.

Now there was a change in subject. “Much better. It’s very much only in the morning and less and less each day. I’m still wearing my bracelets, but at some point, I’ll risk going without them.”

“You’ll be entering your second trimester soon.”

“I know. It’s exciting and scary at the same time. Mostly exciting. So far my stretchy clothes are all fitting, but that will change in the next couple of months. It’s so odd to think about. I know I’m pregnant, but sometimes I don’t feel it.”

“You’ll get there. You’re going to be a great mom.”

“Thank you.”

“Now close your eyes.”

She tilted her head to look at him. “What? I’m not tired.”

“You are. Your blinks are getting slower and slower.”

She wanted to protest that wasn’t true, but before she could say anything, he shifted so he could kiss her. For a second, he loomed over her, and she wished with all her heart that they were going to make love tonight. Just this one time.

But after brushing his lips against hers and staring deeply into her eyes, he reached over her and turned off the lamp, then did the same with the one on his side. He rolled onto his back again and pulled her close.

“Go to sleep, Dena. I’ll be right here.”

He felt so good, she thought, snuggling close and resting her hand on his chest. Warm and safe and everything she’d ever wanted. Not that she was going to sleep. She planned to stay awake so she could remember every moment. She would need the details for when she was eighty and reliving the past.

Only the next time she opened her eyes, the bed was empty and Micah’s side was cold. She turned to look at her clock and saw it was nearly five thirty. She had no idea what time he’d left or if he’d slept at all. All she knew for sure was that he was gone, and now she had to wait to see if he would come back.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Toby stared out the window, looking at the sky. The clouds had come in overnight—thick and heavy and gray. Had it been any other year, he would have been sure of snow, but this year had been disappointing for everyone. Still, he was hopeful. It was cold enough, and the local weather forecaster had promised. By two o’clock, it was supposed to be snowing across northern Washington State, with the snow lasting at least two days.

He had plenty of work he could be doing, but waiting for snow seemed more interesting. That and thinking about Reggie. He hadn’t been able to get her off his mind, not since her recent visit, when she’d given him the pie holders. He’d contacted the manufacturers and had confirmed the bids, then had held a Zoom call with his team. Everyone had been blown away by her design. He’d overnighted samples to the Seattle office, and they were already sourcing food-grade paper and looking for ways to get a logo on it.

What he hadn’t shared was how generous she’d been, simply giving him the design. He still didn’t understand why she’d done it. Yes, she’d said she was helping a friend, but he couldn’t wrap his mind around that. The best explanation he’d come up with was that he was so used to holding back from people, he’d forgotten they could act the way Reggie had.

Fluffy white flakes started to fall. He checked his watch to mark the time, then willed them to keep falling. Ridiculously, anticipation filled him. At the five-minute mark, the snow was even more steady and starting to cover the ground. At seven minutes, he shut down his computer and picked up the backpack he’d prepared yesterday morning. It already contained plastic glasses, napkins and cookies, along with chocolate-covered strawberries he’d ordered on impulse. He grabbed his outdoor gear and went downstairs.

Shaye stood at the open door, watching the snow. She smiled when she saw him.