But I look amazing in it.
I scan the room, spotting Kieran deep in conversation with the Seattle distribution guys. Three months ago, I'd have been right there, closing deals and making connections in that take-no-prisoners way that built Cascade from nothing.
Now? I'm weirdly content just watching from the sidelines as Summit practices what feels like an entire MMA fighting routine in my belly. Kasen’s hovering beside me like I might suddenly get the vapors if he steps away for two seconds. It should irritate me. It would have driven me insane three months ago. But somehow I'm actually... enjoying it?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Pregnancy hormones are a bitch.
But also, so is falling in love because now I’ve becomethis.
So sappy with all these feelings and ugh.
"Did Miller's lawyers ever respond to that cease and desist?" Kasen asks, nodding toward the Eugene brewers who've recently jumped ship to our distribution network.
"Yep." I can't help the smug grin that spreads across my face. "Full retreat from the Portland market, just like we demanded. Kieran framed the letter and hung it in my office."
"Of course he did." Kasen laughs, andgodthat sound does all sorts of things to my insides. "What about those other contracts?"
"Another brewery signed yesterday," I tell him, not bothering to hide my pride. "The Henderson account expanded to include their seasonal line, and we've got meetings with two new microbreweries next week who are practically begging to join our network."
"And Timber's revenue is up eighteen percent since bringing distribution under Cascade." His fingers trace distracting patterns on my back. "We make a good team, Pink."
"We do," I admit, looking up at him. "Though I still think your winter porter needs more body."
"And I still think you're full of shit." But there's no heat behind it. Just that teasing undercurrent that somehow transitioned from genuine hostility to our weird version of foreplay.
Clover appears through the crowd, balancing Noble on her hip. The kid's gotten huge in the past few months, his chubby cheeks and grabby hands a terrifying preview of what's coming for us in a few short weeks.
"There's my favorite sister-in-law," she greets, attempting an awkward hug with Noble and my belly squished between us.
"I'm your only sister-in-law," I point out, but accept Noble's sticky hand when he reaches for me. "Unless Kasen's hiding another wife somewhere."
"God, one is more than enough," Kasen mutters, earning himself an elbow to the ribs.
"How are you feeling?" Clover asks, eyeing my belly with sympathy.
"Like I'm housing a future soccer star who's determined to break my ribs," I reply, wincing as Summit delivers a particularly enthusiastic kick. "But otherwise fantastic."
"Enjoy these last few weeks of sleep," she warns with that knowing smile all mothers seem to have. "Pretty soon you'll be lucky to get three consecutive hours."
"Don't remind me." I force a smile even as my back screams in protest. Just one more hour, then I can go home, take off this bra, and make Kasen rub my feet while I complain about everything.
Kasen doesn't miss my wince. Of course he doesn't. The man has developed some kind of freaky sixth sense about my discomfort.
"We should probably head home soon," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Before, I'd have bitten his head off for that authoritative bullshit. Now, I'm embarrassingly grateful for the excuse to leave early. Even though it’s our party, I don’t really want to be here anymore.
"Fine," I give in. "But only because these shoes are killing me, not because you're telling me to."
His knowing smirk says he sees right through me, but he doesn't call me on it. "Of course. It's all the shoes."
We make our goodbye rounds, Kasen's hand never leaving my back as we navigate the crowd. His constant touches used to drive me crazy in the worst way. Now they're just... always there. A steady reminder that I'm not alone. That I have a partner in this mess of a life we're building.
When we finally make it to his truck, I collapse into the passenger seat with an embarrassing groan of relief.
"That bad?" he asks as he slides behind the wheel.
"Worse." I kick off my flats and rub at my swollen ankles. "I think I'm retaining more water than the Columbia River."
