Page 81 of Pinch

I shrug. “I like ginger ale.”

“That’s cool.” He smiles. “You’re almost to the second trimester.”

“Baby is the size of a plum.”

“You’ve been reading.” He grins, and warmth floods my chest.

It’s hard to remember the fear that gripped me at Christmas. Now all I can think about is the tiny plum inside me, wondering if it’s a boy or a girl, if it’ll have dark hair, blue eyes, be tall or petite, athletic or scientific…

“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Gavin takes out the cookie sheet, arranging the tots on it before sliding them into the oven.

Chewing my lip, I hesitate. I know the correct answer, but I clasp my hands, holding them in front of my nose as I say it. “I want a healthy baby.”

“Cut the crap, Princess.” He straightens, putting both hands on either side of me on the counter, caging me in where I’m still sitting.

I put my hands on his shoulders, leaning closer to his handsome face. “What do you want?”

He kisses my cheek, the side of my hair at my ear. “I’d like a little girl who looks just like you. I’ll get her a crown…”

“There are no crowns in Star Wars,” I counter.

“There are crowns. They’re just smaller.” He reaches over to tap on the face of his phone, and music starts to play.

It’s a slow and sultry song about wanting it all, and he holds out his large hand. “Dance with me.”

A smile curls my lips, and I hop off the counter, going to him and resting my head on his chest. His strong arms surround me, and we sway to the words about falling for someone.

He kisses the top of my head, sending a rush of warmth through my veins, and it’s so perfect.

Those protective walls I’ve kept around my heart are gone. I know what I want.

22

Gavin

This is how it’s supposed to be. Haddy fits just right in my arms, and her cheek is against my chest. My lips are in her dark hair, and I inhale the sweet scent of jasmine as song lyrics about wanting it all float around us.

I want it all.

“You’ve been so good to me in all of this.” Her voice is soft as she blinks those pretty blue eyes up at me. “Thank you.”

I smile, tracing my finger along her jaw. “You’re welcome, but you don’t have to thank me for taking care of what’s mine.”

Her cheeks flush, and she blinks quickly, nodding. “I’ve decided I don’t care about the past or what might or might not have happened in college. I want to give us a chance.”

As much as I’ve wanted her to say that for so long, the way she frames it makes my insides twist.

I take a step back, my expression tight. “Really, Princess? You’re still there?”

“What do you mean?” Her brow furrows. “Are you angry? I just said I don’t care about the past.”

“You should care.” I shake my head, releasing her. “If you still believe what Karen said, you shouldn’t want to be with me.”

“I’m confused. I thought this was what you wanted.”

“It is.” My chest is hot and twisted. “But I don’t want you to make peace with someone you think is capable of cheating. I want you to believe me.”

Her lips press together, and I see her take a little gulp. Her cheeks are pink, and she looks down, which makes my stomach sink.