of the curious stares that had followed them from the diner’s front door to their booth.
“Gossip has never scared me,” he replied easily, and then frowned. “Does it bother you?”
“Heavens, no. I’ve been the subject of town gossip since the moment my pregnancy started to show and there was no man in my life,” she replied.
“Then I have a feeling the two of us are going to generate a lot more gossip in the future,” he said drily.
“I’m happy to keep the busybodies busy.”
He grinned at her. “I like the way you think.” His grin was a wide, warm one that shot an unexpected heat through her.
Thankfully, at that moment Susan Blake, one of the waitresses, appeared at their booth. She greeted them and handed them each a menu. “How are you folks this evening?” she asked pleasantly.
“We’re good,” Avery replied.
“What can I get you both to drink?” Susan asked.
“Water is fine for me,” Avery said.
“I’ll take a cup of coffee,” Dallas added.
“I’ll be right back with those drinks and to take your food orders.” With that, Susan left their booth.
Avery opened the menu and Dallas did the same. She was acutely aware of the man across from her even as she studied the food offerings.
His energy wafted across the table to her. He seemed to command the space around him. He had a quiet confidence about himself that was vastly appealing to her.
But did that confidence manifest itself in arrogance? Was he a control freak? Was it his way or the highway? So far there had been no indication that he was any of those things, but time would tell, and it was important for her to learn exactly what kind of a man he was and what kind of a father he would be.
“What looks good to you?” His gaze held hers over the top of the menus. His eyes were like crystal blue waters, waters she had easily drowned in seven and a half months ago, but certainly wouldn’t be drowning in again.
“Everything looks good to me,” she replied with a small laugh. “Actually, I think I’m going to go with the chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes. The kids seem to crave comfort food lately.”
“Have you had any strange cravings like I’ve heard pregnant women do?” he asked.
“Green olives with potato chips,” she confessed. “I never really liked green olives before I got pregnant, but now when I snack I want olives and salt-and-vinegar potato chips.”
“An interesting combination,” he replied.
“Some people might say it’s a gross combination,” she said ruefully. She was rewarded by his laughter. It was a wonderful sound, deep and rich, and she immediately wanted to hear it again. “So, what are you ordering?” she asked him.
He closed the menu. “I’m having the meat loaf special. I’m pretty fond of comfort food, too.”
Susan returned to their table with their drinks and then took their food orders and disappeared once again. Dallas stared down into his coffee cup for a moment and then gazed at Avery.
“When you found out you were pregnant did you, uh, consider other options?”
“No,” she replied firmly. “I never considered anything other than having the babies. I was at a place in my life where I wanted to start my family, but not only did I not have a significant other in my life, I didn’t really want a significant other. These babies felt like a gift from heaven to me and I never considered anything but giving them life.”
“I feel like they’re a gift from heaven, too. Uh...did you have morning sickness?” He looked slightly uncomfortable and this time his smile was sheepish. “I don’t mean to pry. I just feel like I’ve missed out on so much.”
“Dallas, I don’t feel like your prying, and please feel free to ask me whatever you want to know. I’m an open book.” Actually, she was glad that he wanted to know what he’d missed so far about her pregnancy.
Maybe that meant he really was planning on sticking around and being in the babies’ lives. “I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t have much morning sickness. I have had some heartburn, but nothing really severe.”
She didn’t want to share with him the moments of intense loneliness she’d suffered during the last seven and a half months, a loneliness that had surprised her.
It had to be because she didn’t have Zeke in her life anymore. Zeke, who would have made an awesome uncle. She didn’t want Dallas to know that there had been lots of times she’d desperately wished somebody special was around to share the wonder of pregnancy with her.
There had also been moments when she’d felt bad that her babies would not have a father in their lives. She had been acutely aware that it was a choice she had made for them and not a choice they would have made for themselves.
“That’s good. Overall, how are you feeling?”
“Totally fat.” She laughed. “I know it’s all baby fat, but it’s starting to get difficult to get comfortable and by the end of the day I usually have a backache. But it won’t be long and they’ll be here, and I know the minute I hold them in my arms I’ll forget any aches and pains I’ve had.”
Once again his gaze held hers intently. “I just want you to know that from here on out, you aren’t alone in this. From here on out, Avery, I intend to be by your side. And you don’t look fat, you look pregnant and pretty.”
“Thank you,” she replied, as the warmth of a blush filled her cheeks.
His words found that empty well of loneliness inside her and filled it up. They also brought unexpected tears to burn her eyes. She’d thought she was fine and strong to have the babies by herself, and she would have been. But it was nice that he was here now, nice that she didn’t have to go through the rest of this all alone, and that there was a real possibility her babies would have their father in their lives.
Thankfully, at that moment Susan arrived to deliver their dinner, and Avery managed to get her crazy emotions under control.
The main thing she had to remember was the handsome, seemingly kind and slightly shy man across from her was only with her for one reason...because she was pregnant with his babies.
He cared about her only because she was carrying his children. She had to remember he wasn’t with her because he had any kind of a romantic interest in her.
* * *
As they ate their meal the conversation stayed light and easy, even though there were a hundred things Dallas wanted to know about Avery.
He told himself he had to be patient. He didn’t want her to feel like he was coming at her with all his questions at once. He certainly didn’t want to force anything. He just wanted this new and unusual relationship to grow naturally.
It would be great if they could become good friends for the sake of the babies.
