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“I know. I’m sorry, Jame.”
“It is what it is, right? I got myself into this situation,” she said as they walked in and found Duncan in the living room with his dad.
He gave her a look. “Do you owe me a coffee again?”
She blushed a little, liking their inside joke. “Maybe.”
He rubbed his hands together. “Excellent.”
Jamie playfully punched him and a smile spread across his face. She walked past on her way to the kitchen with Shannon and glanced back to see him shake his head, the smile still hanging on his lips.
But the moment was spoiled as soon as she stepped into the kitchen and noticed Dréa. She was wearing an apron, helping Nana, Aunt Pauline, and Mrs. McGregor. Shannon instantly joined them, which left Jamie feeling a little out of place just standing there.
“Can I help with anything?” she asked.
Nana looked over at her. “Jamie dear, how are you feeling?”
“Pretty good, Nana. Thank you for asking.” Jamie caught Dréa’s unhappy stare and gave her a weak smile before she was startled by a kiss on her cheek.
“Hey, beautiful.” Max’s facial hair scratched against her skin.
“Hey.” Jamie reached up and touched his beard, and she noticed how pleased Dréa looked at their interaction. “Wow! This grew fast.” When they’d last seen each other two weeks ago, he’d had a little bit of scruff, but this would become a full-on beard if he let it go.
“I know. Once in a while I decide to stop shaving. You like?”
She had a weak spot for guys with beards. “I like.” She reached up to run her fingers through it just as Duncan walked into the room. The look on his face told her he didn’t like what he saw. Not one bit. And deep down, that pleased her.
Duncan walked over and wrapped his arms around Dréa’s waist, leaning in to kiss her cheek, and Jamie thought she was going to lose her breakfast, even though she was long past having morning sickness.
“I’m going to get some air,” she announced as she moved past Max and headed for the back yard.
This was exactly what she feared, witnessing their lovey-dovey displays of affection. She may be the one having his baby, but seeing them together drove home the fact that she didn’t have his heart.
Max followed her outside, and they sat down in a couple of lawn chairs. He talked about work and everyday things that had happened since they’d seen each other last, but she struggled to pay attention, especially when the baby moved. This baby was a constant reminder of Duncan, and it always would be.
“Jamie? Did you hear me?”
She shook herself out of the fog. “I’m really sorry. My mind is somewhere else right now.”
“I asked how work is going.”
“It’s fine. I’m staying busy.” The inquiries were steady, but she had been shooting less than usual. She had turned down a couple of engagement shoots recently, mostly telling herself it was because of how tired she was, but it was hard to photograph happy couples lately. It wasn’t a smart decision to turn away clients. She needed to keep a steady income, especially with the baby coming, but her hormones were messing with her head, and the last thing her clients needed was a weepy, emotional photographer who couldn’t see through her tears to shoot their session.
“Do you want something to drink?” Max asked.
“Water,” she replied.
“Okay, be right back.”
The yard had filled up quickly with family members. Jamie loved that Shannon and Duncan were close with their extended family, especially Nana’s side. Jamie had aunts and uncles, but not many cousins. The McGregors were blessed to have a large, loving family. And now her baby would be a part of that too.
Jamie was sure they would welcome her in as well, because of the baby, but she knew she would always feel like an outsider.
The smell of barbecue pork floated across the lawn, and Jamie’s stomach growled. This pregnancy made her more hungry than usual. For being petite, she had always been known for her voracious appetite and quick metabolism, allowing her to eat pretty much whatever she wanted and never gain weight.
Now, though, she was gaining all sorts of baby weight, and she didn’t mind one bit. She had taken to looping an elastic hair tie through the button hole of her favorite jeans so she could keep wearing them. But she knew she would have to figure something else out soon because, over the next few months, those jeans were no longer going to fit. Maybe she would size up in jeans because she didn’t want to wear maternity clothes. Shannon had taken her shopping, and she hated every frumpy maternity outfit she saw. Nope. She’d wear leggings and long shirts for the winter if she had to. But no jeans with cotton panels and elastic waists. Not for her. No way.
It was crazy to think of winter clothing when the sun was beating down on this warm September day. There wasn’t much of a breeze either, which was causing Jamie to perspire. Her attention turned to some of the cousins and their kids, jumping off the dock into the cool blue water.