He also has a notebook sitting next to him where he jots down notes here and there. It’s kind of adorable.
Suddenly, he sits up straighter and looks at me in awe, “I didn’t realize there were so many food restrictions when you’re pregnant. Certain fish because of mercury? No sushi,” he gets a thoughtful look on his face, “but that one does make sense.”
I grin at him and shake my head. “I’m not a huge sushi fan to begin with. I like some tempura stuff, but the raw fish thing is not for me.”
“Well, that makes it easier,” he muses. He eyes me suspiciously. “How much caffeine have you been drinking?”
I don’t know how I do it, but I manage to keep a straight face. “Do I look like a caffeine addict or something?”
He purses his lips as his brown eyes study me like I’m hiding some sort of coffee addict declaration. “I don’t know about addict, but I’d think coffee is part of any office culture, especially since you mentioned the long hours you worked.”
I soften, no longer able to tease him. Because he listened, really listened to me. I’m not even sure when the last time a man cared about me enough to do that. And isn’t that sad? It costs nothing except for time and attention, but even that was too much for someone like my father to give me.
“I do enjoy coffee,” I admit. “I talked to my doctor about it and was told one cup is fine. After that I drink water for the most part. I do like tea,” I share with him.
His eyes light up and he reaches for his notebook. “Have there been any teas you’ve particularly liked? I read something in here about ginger tea being good for morning sickness.” He frowns slightly as he looks at me. “Are you still having issues with morning sickness? The book says it becomes less of an issue in the second trimester.”
“I’m good,” my voice is filled with amusement as I try not to laugh, at least not in his face, with how seriously he’s taking all of this.
It’s funny, but it also warms my heart and makes me feel special. I didn’t think I was going to have these kinds of moments when I found out I was pregnant. I couldn’t envision having Bridger at my side, even though I wanted him to be.
“I like peppermint tea during the winter,” I share with him. “It always makes me think of Christmas. I really love red hibiscus tea. Other than that, I’m open to trying anything.”
He jots down my answers and I cover my mouth to hide my smile. When he’s done, he rests the book down on his lap and looks at me, really looks at me.
“Are you scared, Avery?”
The vulnerability written all over his face has me reaching for him. I cup his cheeks with my hands and feel his surprisingly smooth and soft beard under my fingers.
“I’m scared, Bridger,” I admit after swallowing around the lump in my throat.
“I’m scared too,” he whispers. “I remember Wyatt talking about all the things that could go wrong, especially when Tenley was close to delivering.”
As I nod slowly, I make sure to look in his eyes before saying, “A lot can go wrong. But that doesn’t mean something bad will happen. I am less scared now, though. You wanna know why?”
“Why?” He rasps.
“Because you’ll be at my side. The thing that scared me the most was not having someone with me who would advocate for me if I couldn’t do it myself. I was scared that I wouldn’t have someone there who could make sure our baby was taken care of when I’m too exhausted to do it myself.”
“Avery,” he whispers, my name a flutter on his lips. “I won’t let you down. I’ll be there. I’ll make sure you and our baby get the care and attention you need.”
“I know you will.” I give him a soft smile. “You’ve already shown up more than anyone else in my life ever has. You’re already ensuring I get the care and attention I need. It’s why I’m not as scared as I was.” I arch an eyebrow and ask, “Do you know why you don’t have to be scared?”
“Why?” He narrows his eyes slightly with a hint of suspicion.
“Because you have people, a family, who will have your back as you have mine.”
“Yeah,” he breathes out. Then as if he’s remembered something, he stills and narrows his eyes. “They’re going to try to steal you from me.”
I snort out a laugh. “They’re not going to steal me.”
“They’re going totry,” he mumbles, clearly put out by the thought. He huffs out a breath. “And I’m going to have to let them because you deserve all the love and all the family you can get.”
I run my nails along his jawline and through his beard. He lets out a groan filled with approval which goes right to my clit.
It’s been far too long since I spent the night with him. Just being around him would be enough to turn me on, but then he’s been caring, kind, and so fucking sweet. I’m going to have to change my panties soon because these are ruined. Just soaked through.
When I lean a little closer and brush my lips across his, just to see what he’ll do, he sucks in a breath and closes his eyes. I freeze, unsure whether his reaction is a good one or not.
