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“You are. And don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
“How can you say that after all of this?”
“Because I’ve known jerks in the past, and you’re not one of them. You’re kind and thoughtful and you want everyone around you to be happy. You were willing to move a thousand miles away from your baby for me.”
Duncan pulled her in for a hug, which she stiffly returned. He kissed her cheek as he let go. “Thank you for loving me.”
She wiped a tear away as she nodded. “I hope you and Jamie and the baby will be very happy together.”
“Well, that’s not going to happen since she’s dating Max now.”
Dréa gave him a pointed look. “That’s nothing, Duncan. It’s obvious she loves you too.”
“I don’t know.”
“I do. And so does everyone else when you two are together. I just didn’t want to see it.”
He gave her a weak smile as he stepped outside the hotel room door.
“Goodbye, Duncan.”
“Bye.”
The door clicked behind him and a wave of sadness washed over him. Did that just happen? Did he and Dréa break up?
He shook his head as he walked the hallway, his mind turning to Jamie. His steps increased in speed on his way to the elevator, which closed and went down just before he reached it. With no patience to wait for it to return to his floor, he opted for the stairs and pulled out his phone as he raced the three flights to the lobby, texting Shannon as we went.
Duncan: Are you still at Aunt Paulie’s?
Shannon: Yes. Why?
Duncan: Is Jamie there?
Shannon: Yep.
Duncan: Please keep her there. I’m on my way.
Chapter 37
Jamie wasn’t sure so much laughter was good for the baby, as much as it was making her stomach hurt. She, Micah, Shannon, and Sophia were being entertained by Max’s silly shenanigans around the bonfire.
“I’m serious. You have to stop, or I’m going to go into labor right now.”
Max’s eyes widened. “It’s a little early for that. You aren’t even showing yet.”
Jamie frowned. “Yes, I am.” She tugged her shirt, flattening it against her stomach to show the baby bump that had formed.
He held his hands up in defense then squinted at her belly. “I’m sorry. I see it now … I think.”
She punched him playfully in the arm.
He clamped his hand around her wrist and gently pulled her toward him, sliding his other arm around her back until she was tucked into his side.
Her stomach somersaulted at the flirtatious look he was giving her.
“You’re cute when you’re feisty,” he whispered into her ear.
“I guess you bring out that side of me,” she replied.