Chapter 30
CHAPTER THIRTY
EMMA
“ W hy did I have to go for a six-foot-four giant?” I muttered mostly to myself.
I shifted on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position. My swollen ankles protested and my back ached no matter how I sat. A sigh escaped my lips as I rubbed my belly, marvelling at how much it had grown in the past few weeks.
“Because you have excellent taste in men, obviously.”
Charlie smiled at me from the other end of the couch, my feet in his lap. His strong hands worked magic on my swollen ankles, kneading away the aches and pains.
I rolled my eyes, not bothering to hide my exasperation. “Oh yes, clearly. My taste is so refined I managed to get knocked up by a stranger at a wedding.”
His thumbs dug into a particularly sore spot, eliciting a groan of relief from me. “A stranger? Is that all I am to you now, Sullivan?”
“You know what I mean,” I grumbled, shifting slightly as he moved to my other foot. “I swear this kid’s going to be a linebacker or something. How am I supposed to push out a baby with your genes?”
Charlie’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he continued his ministrations. “I’ll have you know my genes are top-notch. You should consider yourself lucky to be carrying such a prime specimen.”
I snorted.
“Oh yes, I’m so blessed. Truly, I wake up every day thanking my lucky stars for your ‘prime specimen’ genes that are currently turning me into a human incubator for what feels like a future NBA player.”
“Now, now.” His hands moved up to massage my calves, his touch sending shivers through me. “Don’t go giving our little one a complex before they’re even born. Besides, my money’s on NHL, not NBA.”
I nudged him with my foot, but there was no real heat behind the gesture. “Your obsession with hockey is going to be the death of me, I swear.”
He smiled, but his focus remained on a particularly tight knot in my calf. “What’s really bothering you? You seem more uncomfortable than usual today.”
I sighed, letting my head fall back against the cushions. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just feeling... sluggish? Like I can’t move properly anymore. Everything’s an effort, and I miss being able to do simple things without feeling like I’ve run a marathon.”
Charlie nodded, his brow furrowing in thought. Then, his eyes lit up and I bit back a groan. Here we go again. The last time he got that look, I ended up with a new wardrobe.
“You know, I was reading in one of those pregnancy books?—”
“Oh god. Here we go again with the books.”
“Swimming! It’s supposed to be great for pregnant women. Low-impact exercise, helps with back pain, reduces swelling, improves circulation — all that good stuff.”
I eyed him sceptically. “Swimming? In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly in bikini shape right now.”
“Nonsense. You’re beautiful, pregnant or not. Besides, who’s going to see you but me? We have a perfectly good pool in the backyard.”
“I don’t know...”
“It’ll make you feel better, I promise,” he said, his voice soft and encouraging. “And if you’re really that worried about the bikini, you could always skinny dip.”
I gasped, smacking his arm. “Charlie!”
He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “Kidding, kidding! But seriously, give it a try. What have you got to lose?”
I chewed my lip, considering. The idea of feeling weightless, of escaping the constant pull of gravity on my expanding body, did sound appealing. But still...
“What about the neighbours? I don’t want them seeing me like this.”
“We have a privacy fence. Unless the neighbours have suddenly developed x-ray vision or a penchant for peeping, no one’s going to see you but me.”
I hesitated, my resolve wavering. “Okay,” I relented finally. “But if I hate it, I’m blaming you.”
His face split into a triumphant grin, and I couldn’t help but mirror his smile. “Deal. Now go get changed, and I’ll meet you by the pool.”
T wenty minutes later, I stood at the edge of the pool, clutching my robe tightly around me. The water looked inviting, shimmering in the late afternoon sun, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability.
“Ready?” Charlie called as he stepped through the patio door wearing swim trunks.
My breath caught as I took in his toned physique. It wasn’t fair that he could look like that while I felt like a beached whale.
He approached me with a gentle smile, holding out his hand. I glanced nervously at the fence, double-checking for any gaps or low spots.
“Are you sure no one can see in?”
He chuckled, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Positive. It’s just you and me, Em. No judgement, remember?”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Okay. Here goes nothing.”
Slowly, I untied my robe, letting it fall open. Charlie’s eyes roamed over me, a spark of appreciation lighting them up. I fought the urge to cover myself, feeling exposed despite knowing that he’d given me the most intense orgasms of my life.
“You know,” he said, his voice low and warm, “I’ve seen you naked plenty of times now, but there’s something about you in that bikini...” He trailed off, shaking his head with a soft chuckle. “You’re gorgeous, Em. Pregnancy suits you.”
“You don’t have to say that.” My fingers twitched, desperately wanting to take the robe back and cover my body.
“I’m not just saying it.” He stepped closer. His hand came to rest on my belly, warm and comforting. “You’re carrying our child. How could that be anything but beautiful?” His eyes met mine, sincerity shining in them. “Besides, you know I can’t resist you in any state of dress... or undress.”
My heart fluttered at his words, and I couldn’t stop myself leaning into his touch. The way he looked at me, like I was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, chipped away at my insecurities. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“You’re ridiculous,” I murmured, but I couldn’t keep the smile from my face.
“Maybe. But I’m also right.” Charlie grinned, his hand sliding to my lower back. “Now, are you ready to get in this pool, or do I need to throw you in myself?”
I let him guide me to the steps and down to the first level. The water lapped at my ankles, cool and inviting. I hesitated, unable to forget how exposed I was. My stretch marks seemed to glow in the afternoon sun, announcing themselves with glee.
Charlie’s hand remained steady on my back, a warm anchor. “Take your time, love. No rush.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath. One step, then another. The water rose to my knees, then my thighs as I made my way down the steps. With each inch, I felt a little of the weight lift from my body.
“Oh,” I breathed, surprised by the sensation.
“Good, right?”
I nodded, unable to form words as I waded deeper. The water cradled my swollen belly, supporting its weight in a way I hadn’t experienced in weeks. My feet left the bottom of the pool, and I gasped at the sudden weightlessness.
“I’ve got you.” Charlie’s arm wrapped around my waist to steady me.
For a moment, I froze, hyper-aware of his touch on my bare skin. But just as quickly, I relaxed into his hold, relishing the buoyancy.
“This is...” I trailed off, searching for the right word.
“Amazing?”
I laughed, the sound lighter than it had been in weeks. “Yeah, amazing works.”
We floated together, his arm a steady presence around me. The tension in my lower back eased, and I sighed in relief.
“Feeling better?” Charlie asked, his voice low and intimate.
I nodded, closing my eyes and tilting my face towards the sun. “I forgot what it felt like to not ache.”
His thumb traced circles on my hip, sending little shivers through me despite the warm water. “I’m glad. You deserve to feel good at all times.”
I opened my eyes, catching his gaze. The tenderness there made my breath catch. For a moment, I let myself imagine this wasn’t just about the baby — that his care, his touch, meant something more.
“Thank you,” I whispered, meaning it for more than just the swim.
His smile softened. “Anytime, love. Now, how about we do a few laps? Get that circulation going?”
I groaned. “And here I thought this was just about relaxation.”
Charlie laughed, the sound echoing across the water. “Can’t let you get too comfortable. Come on, I’ll race you.”
“Oh, you’re on,” I said, surprising myself with my enthusiasm. “But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because I’m carrying precious cargo.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Wouldn’t dream of it. On three?”
We counted down together, and then we were off. The water parted around me as I swam, my body feeling lighter and more agile than it had in months. He kept pace beside me, his powerful strokes creating small waves that lapped against my skin.
By the time we reached the other end of the pool, I was breathless and laughing. The lap had no effect Charlie, but then he hadn’t exactly raced me, more kept pace.
“Tie?” he asked, his hair plastered to his forehead.
I grinned, affection rushing through me for this ridiculous man. “Tie. But only because I’m being generous.” And you let me win.
He clutched his chest in mock offence. “Generous? I’ll have you know I was holding back.”
“Sure you were.” I splashed him.
His eyes narrowed. “Oh, it’s on now, Sullivan.”
Before I could react, he sent a wave of water crashing over me. I squealed, the sound echoing off the fence.
“Charlie!” I sputtered, wiping water from my eyes. “You’re dead.”
What followed could only be described as an all-out water war. We chased each other around the pool, splashing and laughing like kids. For those moments, I forgot about my swollen ankles, my aching back, and all the worries that had plagued me. I felt light, carefree — happy in a way I hadn’t been in too long.
Eventually, we called a truce, both of us breathless and grinning. Charlie swam closer, his hand finding mine under the water.
“See? Told you swimming would be good for you.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. “Alright, alright. You were right. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic.” He tugged me towards the shallow end. “Come on, let’s cool down a bit. Don’t want you overdoing it.”
We settled on the steps, the water lapping at our chests. Charlie’s arm draped casually over my shoulders, and I leaned into him, savouring his warmth.
“So,” he said after a moment, his fingers tracing patterns on my arm. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.”
My heart skipped a beat. Those words never preceded anything good. “Oh?”
He nodded. “I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself, but...” His eyes lit up, a smile tugging at his lips. “I might have secured a spot for our little guy at Celestial Heights Preschool.”
“Isn’t that one of the top private preschools in LA?”
He nodded, looking a bit sheepish. “It is. I know it’s early, but their waitlist is insane. I figured it couldn’t hurt to get our foot in the door.”
“That’s... wow.”
His grin widened. “I know, I know. I’m getting ahead of myself. But I want our kid to have the best, you know?”
Our kid. The words echoed in my mind, filling me with a longing I hadn’t allowed myself to feel before. I placed a hand on my belly, imagining a little boy or girl with Charlie’s eyes and my stubborn chin.
“You keep saying he,” I said, trying to keep my voice light. “What if it’s a girl?”
Charlie shrugged, his eyes twinkling. “Then she’ll be the best damn hockey player LA’s ever seen.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “You and your hockey obsession. What if our child wants to be a ballerina? Or a scientist?”
“Then she’ll be the most graceful ballerina on the ice,” he said without missing a beat. “Or the scientist who invents rocket-powered skates.”
The image made me chuckle.
“Seriously, though, whatever our child wants to be, I’ll support them. I just... I want them to have every opportunity, you know?”
I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “I know. Me too.”
We fell silent for a moment, the only sound the gentle lapping of water against the pool’s edge.
“You know,” he said after a while, a hint of mischief in his voice. “I may have also been eyeing some baby skates.”
I groaned, but I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. “Charlie, no. Our child is not going to be on the ice before they can walk.”
“But think of the head start they’ll have!” His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, his grin widening as excitement radiated from him. “By the time they’re in kindergarten, they could be the next Gretzky!”
“The next who?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He gasped, pressing a hand to his chest in mock horror. “Wayne Gretzky? The Great One? Only the greatest hockey player to ever live?”
I shrugged, biting back a grin at his scandalised expression. “Sorry, not all of us grew up worshipping at the altar of ice and pucks.”
“Well, that settles it.” He pulled me closer. “We’re going to have to educate you on the finer points of hockey. Can’t have our kid growing up with a mother who doesn’t know Gretzky from Gandhi.”
Our kid. There it was again, that causal assumption of a shared future that made my heart race.
I stared up at him, studying his profile as he launched into an impassioned speech about the importance of knowing hockey history. His eyes lit up as he spoke, and he gestured animatedly with his hands. It was captivating. Not the words, but the man himself. The way his brow wrinkled in concentration, the curve of his smile, the enthusiasm that radiated from every pore.
This wonderful, ridiculous man who secured preschool spots before we even knew the sex, who bought baby skates, who looked at me like I hung the moon even when I felt like a beached whale would be the father of my child.
But it wasn’t enough. I wanted more.
More than just co-parents, more than friends with benefits. I wanted lazy Sunday mornings and heated debates over whose turn it was to change diapers. I wanted a future where our child grew up with two parents who loved each other as much as they loved them.
But did Charlie want the same thing?