LITMIR.BIZ

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do anything but allow them to get to know each other better. It was a first date without the expectation of any romance.

      Even knowing that, she couldn’t help the way her heart beat just a little bit faster in his presence. Hormones, she told herself...crazy, pregnant hormones. That had to be why a pleasant energy raced through her as he got into the truck, bringing with him a scent of minty soap and a clean, fresh-scented cologne.

      “It looks like this is a nice neighborhood,” he said, as he backed out of her driveway.

      “It is nice. I bought the place soon after I found out I was pregnant, so picking a good neighborhood and a nice house was very important to me.”

      “I’m sorry you’ve had to go through so much of this process alone. Do you have family here?”

      Her heart constricted. “I have my father, but we aren’t really close.”

      “I’m sorry to hear that.”

      “Thanks, but it is what it is.”

      “By the way, congratulations. I heard through the grapevine you got your man yesterday.” He shot her a quick glance. “I’m not surprised. You were quite passionate in your closing argument.”

      She smiled. “I’m quite passionate about getting bad guys behind bars, especially drug dealers.”

      By that time they had arrived at the restaurant. The Bluebell Diner was located on Main Street, along with the general store, Lone Star Pharma, a corner store and Kain’s Garage. There were also various other kinds of businesses on the main drag, like a grocery store and an ice cream parlor.

      Since it was Friday, the parking spaces in front of the diner were all full. It was definitely a popular place for the people in Whisperwood to dine, especially on the weekends.

      “Why don’t I drop you off here at the door and I’ll find a parking space down the block,” he suggested.

      “Oh no, that isn’t necessary,” she protested. “Walking is actually good for me.”

      “If you’re sure...”

      “It’s fine,” she assured him. “I could use the exercise.”

      He found an empty space in the next block and they got out of the truck to walk back to the diner. As they went they chatted about the storefronts they passed. She pointed out the boutique where she had bought most of her maternity clothes, and he told her where he bought his cowboy boots. They both agreed that Edwards’s Ice Cream Parlor was a favorite place to visit.

      Within minutes they entered the busy diner. The air inside smelled of simmering meats and baked goods, of rich sauces and vegetables. Avery’s appetite came to life. The sounds of people talking and laughing and the clinking of glass and silverware filled the room.

      They wove their way to the back and quickly staked claim to a blue-and-white-gingham-tablecloth-clad booth. “At least the noise level is a little less intense back here,” he said, once they were settled in.

      “You do realize you’re going to be the object of gossip after this evening,” she said. She’d been acutely aware 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

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