“Ma?” Cody asked, standing in the doorway with Ryder. “You o-okay?” Her son was looking at her, but Ryder was staring at her stomach. Ryder’s hand rested on Cody’s shoulder.
“I’m good.” She smoothed her shirt. “What did you two decide?”
“Yes. Of c-course.” Cody looked up at Ryder. “I’m glad he’s g-gonna be my dad.”
Ryder nodded, squeezing his shoulder.
Her heart ached at her son’s easy declaration. She looked at Ryder, then Cody, and blew out a slow breath. Maybe her plan was a huge mistake. One that would hurt everyone. Not that there was anything she could do about it now. She nodded, forcing herself to smile. “Now that that’s decided, how about you tell me what we’re making for dinner with Grandma Flo,” she said, opening the refrigerator and looking inside. There wasn’t much to choose from. Grocery shopping hadn’t been a priority this weekend.
“Waffles?” Cody asked, staring into the fridge.
She smiled down at him. How many nights had she fed him waffles recently? For the evenings when she was too tired to cook a real meal, waffles had become a staple. Not that Cody complained. He didn’t complain about anything.
“Waffles sound good,” Ryder agreed. “You’re in luck. I can actually cook waffles.” He moved the milk jug. “And bacon. And eggs.”
“You think Grandma Flo will approve?” she asked.
“She wants to be with us, Ma.” Cody smiled. “I don’t think she cares ’bout the food.”
That was one long sentence. A long sentence without a single stutter. She glanced at Ryder, saw the smile he was wearing and knew he’d caught it, too.
“What time do we need to get her?” Ryder asked.
Annabeth glanced at the clock. It was four thirty. On a Sunday. The weekend had gone too fast. “Now.”
“Cody and I’ll go,” Ryder offered. “In case there’s something you need to do to get ready for the week.”
“Yeah, Ma, you chill,” Cody piped up.
“Chill?” She burst out laughing.
Cody nodded, grinning.
“I’ll get some laundry going and then I’ll chill.” She ruffled his hair.
Cody stood on tiptoe, kissing her cheek. Ryder leaned forward, adding his kiss to her cheek. Cody’s grin grew bigger.
She rolled her eyes, making Ryder wiggle his eyebrows at her. “We’ll be back shortly, Mrs. Boone.”
Cody giggled, all but bouncing out the front door.
* * *
RYDER WAS EXHAUSTED and it was only Tuesday. The past few weeks had been some of the best of his life. He had a family, one he was proud of. There were lots of smiles around the dinner table, easy conversation and active interest in each other.
Last night had been...different and frustrating. A lot of his frustration was his own fault. He knew he should sleep on her lumpy couch at night, but he couldn’t do it. Lying next to Annabeth, feeling her against him, was something he looked forward to all day. But last night she’d been restless. She’d whispered Greg’s name in her sleep, almost a plea. Guilt consumed him, followed by anger. Not at her, or Greg, but himself. Even now, she’d pick Greg over him. Because she could rely on Greg—something she still couldn’t do with him. As misplaced as it was, he was jealous. Of Greg. His dead best friend. What was wrong with him?
He’d stared up at the ceiling, frustration coursing through him. He’d been ready to slip out of bed and the house when she whimpered.
He’d rolled onto his side. Moonlight had spilled through her lace curtains, making it easy to see her erratic breathing, the rapid-fire shift of emotions on her face. Whatever she’d been dreaming about, it wasn’t good. He’d pulled her close—to soothe her. And, maybe, himself.
Then her hands had slid down his chest, edging toward the waist of his boxers and making him ache. When he’d tried to disentangle her, she’d kissed him. It had taken every ounce of control not to respond. He’d wanted to—he’d been about to burst. But she’d been asleep. Instead, he’d wrapped her in his arms and tucked her against his chest.
She’d sighed, turning her face into his chest.
He might have controlled his body, but his mind had had other ideas. Every time he would doze off, Annabeth would be there—wanting him as much as he wanted her. He’d wake with a start, on edge and breathing hard. Over and over, all night long. He hadn’t gotten much sleep.
He drove by the house, but there was no one there so he headed to the elementary school. Lady Blue was one of the only cars in the parking lot.