Chapter 27

I feel like and look like a beached whale struggling to get out of bed. 'Ryker!' I call out. A moment later, I hear Ryker running up the stairs.

'What's wrong? Is the baby coming?' He asks. I laugh.

'No, we're fine. I just can't sit up. My belly is so huge.' Ryker smiles and walks over to the bed to help me sit up before kneeling beside me and placing his hands on both sides of my belly.

'I can't wait to meet you, little one. It won't be much longer now,' Ryker says, kissing my stomach. Ryker pulls me to my feet, helps me dress, and we walk downstairs for breakfast.

I think twice about sitting on Ryker's lap when I'm as big as I am. Instead, I pull out another chair, breaking our morning routine.

'Wait,' he says, standing and sitting down in the chair I have just pulled out. Then, he gestures for me to sit in his.

'You're so sweet,' I say, smiling at him.

'Only the best seat in the house for you, my love,' he says, giving me a wink and a smile.

'Astrid, you must let Hayley and I t