Chapter Six

“So did you tell your friends last night? That we’re trying?”

Katie looked over at Adam Pierce, and smiled. He was standing in the kitchen with a steaming cup of decaffeinated coffee, his blue eyes bright in his handsome face. He was dying to be a Daddy, she knew, and she was dying to see this hulking ex-boxer cradling their tiny child in his tattooed arms.

“Not yet, babe,” she said.

His face fell. “How come?”

“Honestly? Because it wasn’t the right time. Reena’s worried about the trial, and Maggie’s upset about being around Joe again, and I think that Mia would be hurt by it.”

Adam walked over and handed her the coffee. “Mia hurt? Why? Has she said something?”

Katie sighed. “No, not in so many words. But… well. She and Nick have been together longer than any of the rest of us – but they’re the only ones who don’t live together. I know when I moved in here with you, she was happy for us, but she also kind of hoped that she and Nick might finally have the ‘living together’ talk. She brought it up with him a couple of weeks ago, but he said he wasn’t ready for that.”

“He did?” This was surprising information. Nick Spencer was Adam’s business partner and best friend, and he knew for a fact that Nick wanted a future with Mia. He wanted it badly, in fact.

“Yeah.” Katie shrugged, equally perplexed. “And if she heard that we were trying to have a baby, she’d be upset. I know she really wants to be a Mom, but she’s scared to even mention the word ‘baby’ to Nick. I mean, if he can’t handle the thought of living with her, how’s he going to react to that level of commitment?”

Adam shook his head. “I really don’t get this. I mean, the guy adores Mia. He worships the ground she walks on. Why won’t he take the next steps?”

“No idea.” She sipped her coffee, trying to not miss the caffeine too much. “Anyway, that’s why I didn’t bring it up. Too much going on in my friends’ lives right now.”

“Aw, but I want to tell people we’re trying.” Adam’s face lit up again. “I’m so ready to see you pregnant and I want a baby with you. Like, now.”

She smiled at him. “I have never met a man so ready to be up all night taking care of a squalling infant, I swear.”

“I’m nuts, I totally get that, but I’ve wanted to be a Dad forever.” He looked at Katie. “And I want to marry you, you know.”

“And I’ll say yes to that, as soon as you ask me formally.”

“I’m still working on it.” He looked mysterious. “I want the proposal to be special.”

“Oh, Adam.” Katie touched his face. “It will be, just because it’s you asking. I don’t need a fancy proposal or an expensive ring. You get that, right?”

“Yes. I do.”

She laughed. “Isn’t that my line?”

Adam took her in his arms, loving her long, slim curves against his muscle and bulk. “It is indeed, sweetheart. And mine too… eventually.”