Chapter 78

“You got the short end of the stick as you were growing up, but you didn’t let that stop you. You weren’t bitter about it or trodden down. And I remember thinking how strong you were when I met you.” He leaned in and brushed my lips with his. "It's the same now. If I were you, I would be so angry. But you're smiling and beautiful and happy about the snow..." He broke off and shook his head.

I threaded my fingers with his, not needing him to say another word. I knew what he was trying to say, and it meant the world to me that he felt that way.

Suddenly the baby kicked hard, and both of our mouths fell open, our eyes widening in surprise.

"You felt that, right?" I asked, knowing he hadn't been able to feel the baby move much at all up to this point.

He nodded slowly, his eyes glancing down at our hands. "He's going to be a soccer player."

I giggled when he bent over to place his head on my belly. "Kick for Daddy. Kick me."

It took a few pleas for him to get his wish, but he sat back