Page 62 of Forsaken Trail (Runaway 4)

She put her hand on my arm. “I’m not going to leave over a kiss.”

The air rushed from my lungs. “Okay.”

“I’m starving. I came in to scrounge for a snack.” She hopped off her stool and went to the fridge, opening the door. “Did you eat?”

“No.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Because you were waiting.”

“I was waiting.”

“I’ll make us something.”

“Ron has leftovers. Enchiladas. Pasta pomodoro. Roasted chicken and vegetables.”

“Wow.” She whistled. “Go Ron. What do you feel like?”

“Food.”

Aria laughed and pulled out the container on the middle shelf. Then she went about warming up our plates. Enchiladas. When she settled in beside me, we both tore into the meal.

“Didn’t you eat dinner?” I asked.

“Yes, I did. But I get hungry at night.” She put her hand on her belly. “This kid is going to be a night owl.”

“I’m excited,” I admitted. “I get more anxious every day to meet him or her. To learn what he or she will be like.”

“So do I.” Aria’s eyes softened. “I’m really excited.”

The giddiness on her face was a rush. A comfort. Who else could I share that with but her?

“I haven’t told anyone,” I admitted. “Except Ron.”

“I didn’t have many people to tell but Clara and the girls from the junkyard.”

“What did they say?”

She smiled. “They’re happy for me. Gemma just had a baby. Katherine is pregnant. Londyn has a little girl and a baby too. Clara has August. It’s been fun to share this with them. To have that in common.”

“I’m glad.”

She ate a few bites, then set her fork down. “Why haven’t you told anyone?”

I sighed. “Because my family has a way of ruining the good things in my life. I won’t let them ruin this.”

“That’s understandable. I can’t see your grandmother doing cartwheels over the fact that this stray is pregnant.” Aria rolled her eyes. “But eventually, you’ll have to tell them.”

“Eventually. Like when he or she graduates from high school.”

Aria giggled. “Do you want to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know. Do you?”

“No.” She grinned. “I like surprises.”

“Then a surprise it is.” I nodded and took another bite. “This is good.”

“Ron is quite the chef.”