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“Really?”

I’m probably a little more surprised than I should be but I’m happy to just be having this conversation with him.

“Yeah. Let’s put that at the top of the list and then remove all the other ones you suggested so far.”

I giggle and my anxiety eases as I rub at my large baby bump under my overalls.

“Since you want to be involved in everything now, I should probably tell you Izzy and Gigi planned a baby shower in a couple weeks. It’s mainly going to be just family and a few friends like Lauren. I didn’t want to have one, but Izzy convinced me it was mandatory.”

Warren nods in agreement, apparently on Izzy’s side. Good he can be the one to open all the presents and be the center of attention while I sit to the side and watch. I don’t want to be fawned and cooed over.

It’s going to be really weird with him there though too. Now that he’s announced himself as the father to my doctor, it’ll take maybe a day or two for the word to get around. Maybe by the time of the baby shower everyone will already know, and we won’t have to talk about it. One can only hope.

“Of course I want to go to the shower. It’s not supposed to be an all-girls thing, is it?”

“No. I don’t know enough girls to fill a whole party with.” And I’m totally fine with that. My small group of family and friends is all that I need.

“I’m sure you could if you tried. You have more friends in town than you think,” he says like he knows something I don’t.Does he know something I don’t?

“What do you mean?” I make a face at him that he doesn’t see because he’s being a good driver and focusing on the road.

We’ve made it to my row of buildings, and he turns down an alley to head for the back parking area. The bump of thedriveway jostling my bladder and I’m pretty sure a bit of pee comes out.

“All the ladies on your book delivery list would be pleased to join your party. Everyone I’ve been to on my deliveries has asked about you and the baby, commenting on how sweet you are and how they wish you the best.

“I know you think people in town are just nosy but most of them just want to know you’re doing well. That’s not to say there are some who are just nosy busybodies who like talking about others. You don’t have to invite those ones. But people like Mrs. Niedermeyer would love the company.”

My brow pulls tight in thought as I pick at the cuticle on my fingers. I’d never thought about it that way before. I do like Mrs. Niedermeyer, she’s talkative for sure but also nice and friendly and I would actually have something to talk about with her since we both have a love for books.

“Maybe I’ll mention that to Izzy, and she can invite a few more people.”

“I think that’s a great idea. Even if it is only Mrs. Niedermeyer.”

We park and Warren helps me out of the truck, then up the stairs to my apartment. It’s been a busy morning and with my large belly my back is killing me and all I want is to soak in a hot bath for the next hour.

When we reach the top of the stairs and enter my apartment, I press one hand to my low back and one under my stomach trying to lighten my load and stretch.

“Is your back hurting?” Warren asks, circling me like a mother hen.

“Yeah, the side effect of carrying around a watermelon on my stomach and cantaloupes on my chest.”

Okay my boobs aren’t that big but they sure as hell feel like it with how swollen and tender they are.

“Can I try something I read in one of the books, I think it might help.”

I groan and flop my hands at my side. “Anything if it helps relieve the stress on my spine.”

“Okay just stand still.”

Warren circles behind me and like before he wraps his arms around my middle. This time he cups both his hands on the underside of my stomach and laces his fingers together. After the count of three he performs magic, because the forward pulling weight and the pressure on my spine lightens as he lifts.

“Oh my god, that feels wonderful.”

I lean back against him and revel in the feeling of weightlessness. Warren presses a kiss to the side of my head, and I sigh. The pro side of my list of Warren living with me keeps growing with every day.

“Can you just walk around like this all day?” I ask with a chuckle.

“Whenever you need me to, I will gladly help hold the weight of our son, in or outside of your womb.”