As much as he wanted to push for an answer, he didn’t. So John did as she asked, he felt around her stomach … And it was incredible. The way it grew, how it expanded each day to hold a baby. John had never really given it much thought until now, but it was pretty damn cool. His fingers grazed the seam of her shirt. Taking a chance, he slipped his fingers under just a bit.
Without having to ask, Alyssa lifted her shirt, baring her tummy. Her heart pounded against her ribs, scared at what John would think about her overstretched skin.
“Alyssa,” he whispered. “I have no words. Does it hurt?” he asked, staring at her belly, perplexed.
“No, I don’t really feel it growing. Some days it itches and that’s how I know, but typically I don’t feel anything.”
“What does it feel like?”
She chuckled. “Like I swallowed a giant watermelon.”
“A watermelon that kicks?” he joked, a brow raised.
“I guess,” she laughed.
“I think he’s break dancing,” John said. “He has better moves than me.”
“Oh, yeah? Still set on a boy?”
He looked deep into her eyes. “You know it.”
“What would you name him?”
John paused. The first name that came to mind was Jace, but he didn’t say it. Just uttering his name caused an ache in his chest.
“Dexter.”
“Dexter? Like that serial killer show?” she asked, appalled. “And call him Dex? Not a chance.”
“Travis?”
“No way.”
“What’s wrong with Travis?”
She shrugged. “I just hate that name. It’s ugly. How about Albert?”
His face dropped and she chuckled. “Alyssa, don’t you dare …”
“You don’t like it? Albert Winters?” She asked sweetly, and he almost agreed.
“No, it sounds stupid. What about Mason?”
She puckered her lips together. “Mason I could do, but then I’d always think of Mason jars so I guess I can’t.”
“How about Dierks? Like the country singer? He’s incredible.”
“A country—”she stopped to regain her composure. “John—I just can’t. Not happening.” No way was she naming her kid after some country singer she never heard of.
“Kip?”
“Is that another country singer?”
His lips formed a tight thin line. He tried to hide his smile but it was useless. John laughed and said, “You should see your face right now.”
John was purposely provoking her. He had to be. There was no way he could be serious. “You want to name my kid after a country singer?” she said, horrified. “Since I’m carrying him for nine months, I should be able to pick the name. How about Ethan?”
John looked at the ceiling. “I could do Ethan. I like that name,” and Alyssa smiled.