Page 92 of A New Chapter

“I better…”

“Go ahead,” Emma said. She had become used to the interruptions because of Gracie, and with another child coming, there would be no letup.

Zack pulled his phone out of his pocket and grinned as he read the text message. “Phil says we can make out later. He sent me the address to a steak place and wants us to join them for a celebratory dinner.”

“We better go,” Emma said, even though she’d rather stay in Zack’s arms for a little longer. “We can talk on the way.”

After they were seated in Zack’s rental car, Emma began with, “So, when did you decide to come down here?”

“Yesterday afternoon. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. It didn’t seem like you to take off to North Carolina so suddenly.”

Emma huffed. “Why doesn’t anyone believe that I could be spontaneous once in a while?”

Zack shot her a duh glance. “Because you aren’t. Anyway, after I dropped Gracie off with Alicia, I stayed at a hotel near the airport so I could catch an early morning flight. And here I am.”

“Was Phil in on this?”

“I sent him a text last night, and he was all for it.”

Emma giggled. “So that explains why he wanted to stay home and watch football today. He knew you would be joining him!”

Zack shrugged. “Us guys have to stick together. So now it’s your turn. How are you feeling? About the pregnancy, I mean?”

Emma leaned her head back and sighed. “Gosh, so many things I don’t know where to start.”

“I’m all ears,” he said encouragingly.

“Well, first of all, now I understand why you’re so protective of Gracie. Our baby is no bigger than a pea, and I’m already fiercely protective of her.”

“Her? Don’t be so sure of that. There could be a Zack junior floating around in there.”

“Lord help us,” she said with a laugh.

“You’re right. A baby Emma would be better. How are you feeling physically?”

“I’ve had some nausea, but so far, I’ve been able to keep food down. My breasts are tender, and I’ve felt overly emotional, but other than that, hey, I’m good!”

Zack chuckled. “That all sounds completely normal, although you should probably make a doctor appointment when we get back.”

“I will.”

They were silent for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. Zack pulled into the parking lot of the steakhouse and shut the car off, but he made no move to get out. He rested his forehead on the steering wheel and let out a loud sigh.

Emma laid her hand on his back. “Zack? Are you ok?”

She gently rubbed his back and waited for him to get his thoughts in order. She’d already had time to get used to the idea of having a baby, but he had known for less than an hour. When he finally looked up, there were tears swimming in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m good. It just hit me. I’m going to be a dad again.”

Emma smiled softly and nodded. “Yes,” she said, “And lucky me, I already know that you’re going to be a damn good one.”