Page 57 of Rome
“Are you sure that’s all it is, Abs?”
I didn’t bother to answer. I figured my eye roll told him everything he needed to know.
“I’m moving back home.” I shot him a look of disbelief. Surely, he didn’t think I’d forgiven him already?
He held up his hands in front of him as he pled his case. “Just hear me out. I know you aren’t ready to forgive me, but at least let me stay on the couch for now. I need to be nearby when you go into labor, and I’m gonna have to be there to help after she’s born.”
I knew he was right. I’d actually thought about it several times since Dr. Chen had told me I’d be giving birth this week one way or another. I was just hoping I’d actually go into labor without having to make a decision about it.
I reluctantly agreed, and Caleb quickly ended the session. I think he was afraid I’d change my mind. He told me to go home and rest, and he would head to Sinner’s to pack his things and would pick Ethan up from school.
Amelia was making lunch when I got home. She immediately started making a sandwich for me as well, as I told her that Caleb was coming home.
“Do you want me to stay, Abs? I don’t mind, or if you’d rather have some time alone with him –“
“No,” I interrupted her. “Please, stay. I need you as a buffer, Lia. It just…it fucking hurts to look at him.” She wrapped me up in a hug and held me as I cried a little.
“I know, sweetie. I’ll stay as long as you need me to,” she promised soothingly. “Now, go sit your ass down on the couch and put your feet up. I’ll bring your lunch to you in a minute.”
I ended up taking a nap on the couch, only waking when Ethan came barreling in through the door with Caleb on his heels.
“Mommy, Daddy picked me up in Pop’s truck!” E was fascinated by that truck, and I could never figure out why. It must be a little boy thing.
We spent the next few hours trying to act like a family, and it was absolutely exhausting. I helped Ethan go over his spelling words after dinner – which Caleb had cooked – then sent him up to get his shower.
“I’m gonna go grab my bag out of the back of the truck while he’s occupied,” Caleb told me quietly. I nodded and picked up my Kindle, intent on ignoring the sight of him moving back in. Everly had been really active during dinner, and the pressure on my pelvis and back was getting stronger. As soon as Ethan was in bed for the night, I went upstairs to take a shower. I hoped that the warm water would help loosen the tightness in my lower back.
I stopped short as I walked into the bathroom, the shock of seeing Caleb’s toiletries sitting on the counter making me forget my discomfort.
For the past nine days, it had seemed so strange to see only one toothbrush in the toothbrush holder, and for his end of the countertop to have been empty. Now, the sight of his toothbrush next to mine, his electric razor plugged in, and his sandalwood cologne sitting out seemed strange, too.
The shower helped me relax a little, and I pulled on my nightshirt, brushed my teeth, and slid under the covers. I was reaching to turn the bedside lamp off when I heard a soft knock on the bedroom door.
“Abs?”
I took a deep breath before I called out, “Come in.”
Caleb opened the door and stepped into our bedroom, leaving the door cracked open behind him. I saw his gaze roam over me, and a look of sadness crossed his face.
“Are you feeling any better?”
I nodded. “A little.”
“Good.” He stood there awkwardly for a moment, then gestured toward the bathroom. “I’m just going to brush my teeth and grab some sweatpants to sleep in, then I’ll get out of your hair. I’ve already got the couch made up.”
I nodded again, not sure what he wanted me to say. A few minutes later, he walked over and turned off the lamp for me before running his hand over my hair.
“Goodnight, baby girl. Let me know if you need anything during the night.”
He walked over to the door, closing it softly behind him.
“Goodnight,” I whispered into the darkness. Everly shifted slightly, and I rubbed my belly. “Oh, sweet pea. What the hell am I going to do?”
Chapter 17
Rome/Caleb
I was up bright and early Wednesday morning, wanting to make sure that Ethan didn’t find me sleeping on the couch. I was amazed that so far, he hadn’t noticed anything unusual, aside from the fact that I was “working late” a lot more often. He also hadn’t questioned why Amelia was still staying here either, not even when I’d moved the extra twin bed from his room last week and put it in the den – which we used as a work-out room – so she’d have a little privacy.
