Didn't Expect You (Against All Odds #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,67

sickness doesn’t improve. On Wednesday, Pierce’s sister-in-law, who is a doctor, drags me to her practice to draw blood so she can confirm the pregnancy. On Thursday, she tells me the bloodwork not only confirms that I am expecting a baby, but I’m healthy. She prescribes me prenatal vitamins and recommends the same thing as Mom, that I eat tiny meals often. Nate calls in the morning and at night. He texts me during the day. It’s just to check on the blueberry demon and me.

This would be swoony, if it wasn’t sad. His attention reminds me that I don’t have anyone to be there for me and the baby. The books I read keep talking about my partner and…someone has to rewrite those books because they are not only outdated but definitely depressing. Sometimes I want to yell at the book, “There’s no partner to hold my hand while I’m going through this freaking journey. How about you erase those stupid lines?”

By Saturday, I’m ready to leave Baker’s Creek first thing in the morning. I have to be in New York by Monday. I decided to arrive a couple of days early to fight the jetlag, play with Brock since Nate is still there, and go shopping for new clothes.

All my work clothes are currently in storage. I could go and fetch them, but what is the point in going through all that trouble when they won’t fit in a couple of months. According to a blog I’ve been reading, it makes more sense that I buy baggy clothes and a few maternity basics like jeans and black pants. Last night, when I spoke with Nate about it, he agreed to take me shopping later today or tomorrow.

As I close the door of my hotel room, I receive a text from Nate.

Nate: Are you awake?

Nyx: Yes, I’m leaving the hotel soon. I want to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to buy a ticket, check-in, and eat something before I board the plane. I’m dreading the five-hour flight. Why are you up so early?

When I look at the time, I realize it’s just a few minutes before eight o’clock his time. That man needs less coffee. I bet he already went for a run, hit the gym, and showered. If I video chat him right now, he’s going to look handsome, well rested, and probably ready to go and jump from a plane.

Nate: Well, you said you wanted to leave early for New York. I had to be at the airport at midnight to make it on time.

I stare at the phone and frown. Has he been waiting for me at the airport since midnight?

Nyx: Where are you?

Nate: I’m downstairs, waiting for you.

Nyx: In Baker’s Creek?

Nate: Yes. Do you need me to come upstairs?

My heart is racing fast at the prospect of seeing him, and my lips stretch into a wide smile. I push the lobby floor button three more times hoping it’ll make the cart go faster.

Nyx: I should be downstairs soon.

Nyx: Why are you here?

He doesn’t answer. When I step out of the elevator, Nate is right outside. He receives me with a big smile and open arms.

“Hey,” I greet him, walking into his embrace.

“How is the blueberry spawn and her mama?” he asks, kissing the top of my head.

“We’re doing well,” I answer, placing a hand on my soft belly. It’s still strange to think that there’s a tiny person growing inside me. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

“Well, I didn’t like the idea of you flying commercial,” he says, nuzzling my hair. “Plus, Brock and I missed you.”

“You did, huh?” I ask, snuggling closer to him so I can listen to his heartbeat and breathe in the scent of his cedar and sandalwood cologne.

Why did I miss him?

I shouldn’t have, but God, this week was too long and too exhausting. Nate makes everything more bearable—and Brock too. There’s something about having them around that makes everything easier, even breathing.

“Ready to go?” he asks, taking a deep breath.

“Yeah,” I answer, opening my eyes and moving away from his warm embrace. “Where’s my boy?”

“He stayed with Demetri in New York. But I promised the pup I’d bring you with me,” he says, grabbing my luggage and taking my hand.

All week long, I’ve been thinking not only about Nate but also the not just friends feelings I’ve been experiencing for the past few days.

The more time passes, the harder it is to convince myself that there’s