Songbird (28 page)

“You’ll handle it?”

“Yes. I’ll just send a message to his campaign manager and decline the invitation. She’ll
love
that, considering he couldn’t keep his hands off her. Jocelyn will have evidence he’s a creep, and I’ll never have to speak to him again. Two birds. One stone. Problem solved.”

She sounds so strong. So convinced. As if a message will stop him.

It wouldn’t have stopped me.

I remember the night we met and how I debated approaching her at the piano. Then she started to sing, and my decision was made. From that moment, I was determined to get her into my bed. If she’d refused, I would’ve pursued her mercilessly until she finally gave in. I don’t know Dominic Barkley that well, but I know the kind of man he is. It’s the same kind of man I used to be. I wouldn’t have taken no for an answer. I’m betting neither will he.

“I have to get ready for work. Are we okay?”

I nod. “I don’t want you to see him, okay? Send an email. Call. Whatever. But do not talk to his man in person.”

“Devin . . .”

“No, Callie.”

“What do you mean
no
?”

I sigh.
Of course that’d piss her off.

“Just . . . please don’t. Okay?”

She wraps her arms around my neck and presses her lips to mine. “You have no reason to be jealous, Devin. I’m all yours.”

“All mine.”

Closing my eyes, I let her soft lips and sweet touch consume me and soothe the jealous beast that reared his ugly head in what was otherwise an incredible morning.

“I won’t lie,” she whispers against my ear. “You’re really sexy when you’re jealous. I knew you were crazy about me.”

“You have no idea how crazy I am about you.”

Her eyes search my face before she presses her forehead against mine.

“I’m crazy about you, too. I think about you all the time.”

I smile. “What do you think about?”

“I think about the future.”

“So do I.”

“You do?”

“Of course. Speaking of which, I have something for you.”

Callie shifts onto the couch, and I race to the bedroom, digging in my jacket for the box tucked securely inside the pocket. I return to the living room, and her eyes widen when she sees the jewelry box in my hand.

“Haley’s Jewelry Store? That store’s in Brandywine. When did you . . .”

I smile and offer her the gift box. “Remember when I drove in to town to give you and your dad some time alone? I did a little shopping.”

She grins and tugs on the bow. “At the most expensive jewelry store in town. I bet Ms. Haley saw dollar signs when you walked in.”

“She did seem very happy to see me. Just open it.”

Callie takes a deep breath and opens the box. She gasps as she trails her finger along the sterling silver bracelet with a heart-shaped charm.

“It’s the baby’s birthstone. I know you don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but this is small, and I just wanted to give you something to show how much you mean to me . . . and something that symbolizes our future.”

Callie’s eyes fill with tears. “It’s so pretty, but it’s too much, Devin.”

“It’s not nearly enough.”

How could a tiny, overpriced piece of silver adequately signify how important she is to me?
I carefully remove the bracelet from its box and fasten it to her wrist.

“Thank you. I love it so much.”

“I’m glad.” I kiss her softly before glancing down at my watch. “Okay, since we’re both officially late for work, do you want to get some breakfast on the way?”

She smiles. “I’d love that. And you’ll let me handle Dominic?”

“Yeah. Send your message. But no more secrets. Any small, inconsequential contact he makes with you, I want to know about it. Deal?”

“Deal. See? We
can
compromise.”

With a wicked grin, she climbs out of my lap and takes my hands, pulling me off the couch. “I think we should compromise one more time before we leave for work.”

“Oh?”

“Race you to the shower.”

Callie winks and laughs as I chase her into the bathroom.

T
oday’s the big day.

Finally.

“Here you go. Aren’t 3D ultrasounds great?”

Dr. Clifton hands each of us a grainy image from today’s ultrasound.

“And we’re sure there’s just the one baby?” I ask, examining the picture closely.

The doctor smiles. “Just the one. The mother carries the twin gene, so the fact that Devin’s a twin doesn’t really matter at all. And since you don’t know of any twins in your family, the chances were slim.”

“It’s too bad Baby McAllister was feeling shy,” Devin says.

I grin. He’d really been hoping we’d learn the gender today. Dr. Clifton had offered to do some kind of blood test if we were really desperate to know, but we’ve decided to wait and try it again next month. There are just too few
good
surprises in life, so we’re content to stay in the dark for now.

Throughout the appointment, Dr. Clifton has been amazingly patient while Devin quizzes him on everything from my weird banana pepper cravings to my slightly elevated blood pressure.

“We’ll definitely want to monitor it. Are you feeling particularly stressed, Callie?”

Yes, Doc. I think I’m being stalked by a crazy mayoral candidate while trying to convince my baby daddy that it’s all good.

“There’s just . . . a lot going on.”

The doctor nods. “I know it’s easier said than done, but try to relax. The ultrasound looks great, so no worries there.”

Devin clears his throat. “Dr. Clifton, my twin sister passed away due to leukemia.”

“I’ve been expecting this question,” he says kindly. “I’ve known your father for a long time. Unfortunately, we know very little about what actually causes leukemia. Naturally, if a family member has cancer, your chances increase, but truthfully? It’s cancer. We’re
all
susceptible, so I’m afraid I can’t offer you any real assurance about this. For now, let’s focus on a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.”

I squeeze Devin’s hand.

“Any other questions?”

Devin smirks. “Well, there’s one more, yes. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?”

Dr. Clifton turns to me. “Are you feeling any discomfort during or after sex?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“I’m sorry?”

“We haven’t had sex since . . . well, conception. Devin’s concerned that it’s dangerous for the baby.”

Dr. Clifton smirks. “No sex since conception? No wonder you’re stressed out.”

“I know, right?”

Devin rolls his eyes.

“That’s actually a very real fear for most first-time parents,” the doctor says. “Devin, let me assure you. Sex during pregnancy is completely safe. Of course, if Callie feels any discomfort, or if there’s any bleeding or cramping, then that could be a concern and you should call me immediately. Otherwise, you’re good to go.”

We grin at each other.
Finally!

“And I’m guessing that’s your last question,” Dr. Clifton says with a chuckle as he leads us out.

We thank him and stop by the receptionist to confirm my next appointment before making our way out of the building. Instead of walking straight to the car, Devin abruptly grabs me by the hand and pulls me around to the edge of the building. He presses my back against the wall and levels me with a look so possessive and loving I nearly whimper. Before the sound can escape my throat, Devin crashes his mouth to mine. With a moan, I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him close while memories consume me, reminding me of the weekend that’s changed my life forever. We’ve kissed many times since then, but he’d always been careful. Reserved. Sweet. Apparently, being given the green light by the good doctor was all Devin needed to finally let go. I’m breathless and trembling when he finally pulls away.

“Take me home,” I whisper.

Devin gives me one last bone-melting kiss before leading me to the car.

My fingers fumble with the key as I struggle to unlock my door. Devin’s making it impossible, with his chest pressed against my back while he kisses my shoulder.

“Unlock the door, Callie,” he whispers against my ear.

I mutter a curse and finally manage to get the key in the lock. We’re barely inside the apartment before Devin’s kicking the door shut and lifting me into his arms. Wrapping my legs around him, I drop my bag and lift my shirt over my head as he carries me to the bedroom. We laugh as zippers unzip and buttons unbutton, but our laughter fades when he lowers me onto the bed and places soft, reverent kisses along my stomach.

“I love everything about you, Callie. I love that you’re pregnant with our baby. I love that there’s this little person inside of you, and he or she’s going to be the very best parts of you and me. And I don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, as long as it’s healthy and looks just like you.”

I smile and run my fingers through his hair. Goosebumps erupt across my flesh as his mouth blazes a trail up along my collarbone. He presses himself into me, making me moan, and I shift my hips in quiet invitation. Devin lifts his head, his eyes burning with intensity and desire as he gazes at me. Making me feel wanted and worshipped and—