Page 105 of Julian

He heard movement behind him and turned to see Kiara approaching with a plate of cookies. She set it down on the coffee table, then straightened, resting her hand on her stomach.

“Do you want coffee?” she asked.

“Are you making some for yourself?”

She shook her head. “I’m going to have some hot chocolate. Would you rather have that?”

“It’s been forever since I last had hot chocolate.”

“The way I make it is amazing,” she told him. “You should have a cup.”

Julian couldn’t help but smile. “Okay. You’ve convinced me.”

He trailed her back to the kitchen, then stood at the island counter, watching as she prepared two large mugs of hot chocolate. When she was finished, she slid one to him, and they carried their mugs to the living room.

They settled on the couch, with Julian taking one end while Kiara took the other, tucking her feet beneath her. The flickering fire cast a warm glow across the room, creating dancing shadows on the walls. Julian took a careful sip of the hot chocolate, letting the rich, sweet liquid coat his tongue.

"You weren't kidding," he said, surprised by how good it was. "This is amazing."

Kiara smiled, her face brightening at the compliment. "It's a secret recipe. Well, not really. When I made up a batch of the mix, I added some cinnamon and a little bit of cayenne pepper."

Julian took another sip, detecting the subtle spices that gave the hot chocolate depth and complexity. "The spice really makes a difference."

"That's what I think too." She reached for a cookie and took a small bite. "So how was Dubai? Did you get to see anything outside of the office?"

"Not really," Julian admitted, settling more comfortably against the cushions. "I was pretty much confined to meetings the whole time. I did get to eat at a few good restaurants though."

"That's something at least."

Julian watched the fire for a moment, feeling the tension of travel gradually releasing from his shoulders. There was something soothing about being here, in this house, with Kiara's quiet company and the crackling fire.

"How about you? What else have you been up to besides learning to drive UTVs?"

Kiara's fingers traced the edge of her mug. "I've been reading a lot about childbirth. I found some great books, and there's a class at the hospital next week that I’ll be going to."

Julian felt a flicker of guilt. He should probably be learning about childbirth too, even if he wasn't going to be in the delivery room. "The class sounds good. When is it?"

"Tuesday evening at seven. It's a two-hour class."

Julian nodded, considering his schedule. "Would it be okay if I came with you? I mean, I know I said I wasn't going to be in the delivery room, but I should probably at least understand what you'll be going through."

Surprise flickered across Kiara's face, followed by something that looked like hope. "Really? You'd want to come?"

"Yeah, I would. Even if I'm not in the delivery room, I should know what's happening."

"I'd like that," she said softly, her fingers curling more tightly around her mug. "It would be nice to have someone with me."

Julian felt a twinge of concern. Had she been planning to go alone?

"Angie wasn’t going to attend with you?" Julian asked, reaching for a cookie.

Kiara sipped her hot chocolate before answering. "I haven’t asked her. I think I was hoping…" She trailed off, then shook her head slightly. "Anyway, I'd really like it if you came."

Julian nodded, feeling a strange mixture of relief and anticipation. "Then I'll be there."

The fire popped and crackled, sending a shower of sparks against the screen. Julian watched the flames dance, feeling more at peace than he had in weeks. There was something about being here, in this space, with Kiara, that felt right. It felt like… home.

Kiara put her mug on the end table, then burrowed into the cushions on the couch. The silence that settled between them was comfortable, and Julian didn’t feel the need to break it.