Page 66 of Blurry Little Lines
“That will be one hell of a refund if a mistake was made.” Max laughs, on the brink of tears.
“Congratulations.” The balloon guy smiles at us. For a moment, I forgot he was on board.
Our giant balloon begins to descend as I hope to believe Max’s promises to keep rising. His words have not proven doubt since the day I was trapped in an elevator so many years ago.
“I’m getting a baby sister!” Mallory runs over after Max and I get out of the balloon.
With the congratulations from my family, Emmett takes me by surprise. So does the soft-featured, fresh-faced girl with auburn hair. Emmett smiles, opening his arms for a hug. I roll my eyes and embrace him.
“I knew you and Max would end up together at some point.” He nods toward Max. “I’m happy for you both.”
“Thank you, Emmett.” I smile, and Lauren waves me over. “I’ll be right back.” Max kisses my temple and continues the conversation with my brother.
“Please tell me you’re not mad about going behind your back and doing this.” Lauren sucks her cheeks in anticipation of my answer.
“Goodness, don’t go and puke.” This woman is notorious for vomiting when feeling overwhelmed. “Thank you for today. You and Max worked really hard on making this a special moment.”
“Can you say that with a smile?” Lauren raises her eyebrows with hopeful eyes. “You’ve been so quiet about this baby.” If anyone knows detachment, it’s Lauren.
“There is so much to process, and nothing currently feels real.” I sigh, glancing around the field of people watching the other balloons fly above. “My divorce, the tabloid article, my feelings for Max and this pregnancy, all seem like an alternate reality I can’t escape.”
“It will all work out, Kelsie.” Lauren takes me by surprise as she wraps me in a hug. “Timing is everything.”
So I keep hearing.
“Mind if I come in?” Max lightly taps his knuckles on my bedroom door.
“Not at all.” I close the book that has taken me longer to read than I intended. “What’s up?” He takes a seat at the foot of my bed.
“My mother is in town and I’m meeting my parents for brunch tomorrow.” Max looks nervous, skating around what he really wants to talk about.
“Okay, I’ll go with you.” My lungs deflate with a strong sigh. “Why do these nerves make me feel like I’m sixteen about to tell your parents I’m pregnant.”Maybe because you were reckless like a teenager, Kelsie.
“Come on, you know my mother will be over-the-top thrilled to finally have a granddaughter.” He lies down and reaches his arms out, rubbing my calf. “I’m also supposed to get the story of why my mother abandoned me.”
“Are you sure you want me to be there for that?”
“I wouldn’t have asked, Kelsie.” He sits up and nods with a soft smile. “I hope our daughter looks like you.”
“Well, it’s a shame my brown eyes will dominate your pretty blues.” His smile turns mischievous as he moves up my body.
“You’ve really taken a liking to that dominant word, haven’t you?” His body hovers over mine, and I fight like hell to suppress my own urge.
“I do miss you taking charge.” I toss him the bait. “But, today has exhausted me and now going to brunch has my mind too preoccupied to focus on anything.”
“Is that a challenge?” His mouth brushes mine and my body goes to war with my mind all over again.
“Goodnight, Max.” I give his lips a soft kiss, before pulling back and lying down on my pillow.
“Goodnight, Kelsie.” He kisses my forehead. “Goodnight, baby girl.” Max moves down my body and places a kiss on the covers over my stomach.
“You’re going to have to pick who keeps that nickname.” I laugh. “For obvious reasons.”
“I’ll come up with something special for her, then.” He smirks, placing a soft kiss on my lips.
“Atta boy.” I wink, causing him to pause and process. “Oh, do we have the same response toward an encouragement kink?” My tone is playful as his eyes darken.
“You just wait until I have you naked again.” His voice drops, lighting me up. “Sleep well.”