Page 69 of Through the Storm

“I can’t eat anything else,” Katy groans, leaning back in her chair. “It was all amazing.”

I chuckle. It makes me ridiculously happy to see her having fun. We’re at her favorite restaurant, and earlier we went to the movies. We’ve laughed the entire time.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I say with a stupid grin.

She yawns, blinking slowly. Jesus, she’s cute.

“Okay, sleepy girl. Let’s get you home.”

Before I even start the car, she rests her head on my shoulder, and I know she plans to keep it there. Just how she always used to do.

Except she covers my hand with hers and guides it to her stomach. And the baby kicks. Hard.

I go completely still.

Another thump lands against my palm, strong and certain, and something sharp cracks open in my chest.

“Oh,” I breathe, voice rougher than I mean it to be. “Wow. Hi there.”

Katy laughs through a sound dangerously close to a sob. I lift myeyes to hers and lose whatever fight I’d been putting up. My eyes sting.

“Hey, little man,” I murmur, resting my forehead against hers. “It’s me.”

I don’t saydad.

But I think it so hard it hurts.

I’ve never wanted anything this badly. My thumb strokes once over the curve of her stomach before I can stop myself.

“I think he really likes you,” she whispers, like she’s afraid to say it too loud.

“I hope so,” I whisper.

“Stay there,” I tell her when we pull up to her house.

She obeys without question. I round the car, open the door for her, and help her out. I keep my hand on her lower back as we walk to her front door. That’s when she stops and looks at me.

“Can you stay for a little bit?” she asks, biting her lip like she’s nervous.

“Of course.”

I follow her to her room and close the door behind us. I think no one else is home yet. She settles on the bed, pulling the quilt around herself like armor. One hand resting on her belly without thinking. I take the armchair across the room on purpose. As far away as I can be without leaving.

She pats the spot beside her.

I hesitate for half a second, then I’m next to her in less than two.

The night breathes around us, but the tension in this room is becoming unbearable. I’ve never wanted to touch someone so badly while being this afraid of doing it wrong.

“Ben,” she says quietly, almost pleading.

I look at her. “Do you want me to go?”

I would if she asked.

“No.”

She says it shaky enough to ruin me.