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Dena did as she was told. Once her hands were clean, she pulled two serving platters from the cupboard and set them on the counter. She removed large baking sheets from the two ovens, inhaling the scent of melting cheese, potato and bacon. Her stomach growled.

She moved the loaded potato skins to the platter and carried them into the dining room, where several guests were already gathering, most of them with wineglasses in their hands.

“Hello,” she said cheerfully, surprised to see Micah among the crowd. “You’re going to love these, I promise. Ursula has worked her usual magic. If anyone needs me to change a dinner reservation to later, just let me know.”

“Because we’re going to get full?” Mr. Bingly asked with a laugh.

“You’re going to be very tempted,” she said as she put down two platters. “Be sure to try all the sauces. Each one is delicious.”

She pushed the stack of plates closer to the food, moving a snow globe with silver glitter and a cardinal to the side to make room, then stepped back.

“Enjoy, everyone.”

Her guests all lined up to try the potato skins. Only Micah hung back, walking toward her rather than the food.

He looked amazing, she thought, ignoring the hitch in her breathing. Not just his face, but how he held himself, and when he smiled, she wasn’t sure if she was going to melt from the inside out or go up in flames. Not exactly appealing visuals, but genuine nonetheless.

“Hi,” he said, stopping in front of her. “How are you feeling?”

“I threw up in the prep sink,” she admitted with a sigh. “Ursula was totally grossed out.”

“Ursula needs to give you a break.” He held out a small box. “I ordered these for you. I’m not sure if they’re going to work, but you can try them.”

She looked down at the small brown box. “You bought me a gift?”

The smile returned. “Don’t get too excited. They’re bracelets people wear to stop motion sickness. There are instructions inside, telling you where to place them. Based on the research I did over the weekend, they help about seventy percent of women with morning sickness.”

“I don’t understand,” she whispered. “You did research, then ordered these for me?”

“Sure. You’re not feeling well. What else would I do?”

Her pesky hormones went into overdrive, making her lower lip tremble and her eyes fill with tears. He was being nice. So nice, and he was so easy to look at, and she just wanted to throw herself at him and have him hold her and kiss her and—

Stop! She had to stop or she would humiliate herself!

She took a step back and tried to smile. “Thank you, Micah. You’re very thoughtful. Now, you really need to try the potato skins. They’re delicious and they go fast. Try the dill sauce. It’s my favorite. I think you’ll really like it. She uses fresh dill because, well, that’s what you’d use, right?”

She knew she was babbling but didn’t know how to stop, so she thanked him again, then turned and bolted. When she was safely upstairs in her apartment, she quickly texted her sister.

I need to see you. Please tell me you can get away and meet me somewhere.

The reply came almost instantly.

Sure. Mom and Dad are out with friends and I was just about to rummage in the refrigerator for some dinner. Want to meet at Joy’s Diner?

Perfect. See you there in ten minutes.

You okay?

Dena had no idea how to answer the question, so she texted back a quick I’m fine before grabbing her coat and gloves, then heading outside for the quick walk to Joy’s Diner.

She arrived first and was able to grab a booth in the back. Reggie arrived about two minutes later, hurrying to join her.

“Hey, you,” her sister said, hugging her before sliding into the booth. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. The baby’s fine. It’s just . . .” Dena honestly didn’t know how to explain her situation without sounding ridiculous, but maybe that was the point. She was ridiculous and should just accept it.

Their server appeared at the table to take their order. They agreed to split a chocolate mint milkshake. Dena chose the chicken salad croissant sandwich, substituting a salad for the fries, while Reggie asked for a Reuben with extra fries.