After our little impromptu make-out session, I decide to take a nap in Bree’s room. I’m exhausted from my eventful day and need a solid hour to recuperate. Or three.

Once I wake up, I look at the clock and see I’m late for dinner.

I rush to the bathroom, run a comb through my hair, and stumble down the stairs toward the dining room.

We eat a delicious traditional dinner with turkey and all the fixings. It is amazing, and I’m officially stuffed.

No one mentions the make-out session, thankfully. I’m able to pretend nothing is out of the ordinary, except for Luke’s hand when he casually brushes it against my thigh underneath the table every few minutes.

I catch myself sighing every time he does it, which seems to spur him on. Before long, his hand is gently resting on my thigh. His thumb lightly rubbing back and forth rhythmically across my yoga pants.

Yes, I changed back into yoga pants. So sue me.

I keep wondering if we’re just playing an epic game of chicken, but then I catch glimpses of Breezy smiling wistfully in our direction, and I am reminded that these feelings are real and definitely not one-sided.

The only question I have now is, Are we moving too fast?

I still have so much to think about, and so many things to consider. I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. Until I look at Luke. He must see all my emotions written across my face, because he gives my thigh a slight squeeze and smiles at me reassuringly, silencing all my chaotic thoughts.

“Want to go for a little drive? Or maybe watch a movie? I would ask you to go on a walk with me, but someone complained it was a little chilly last night.” He nudges my shoulder playfully.

I laugh at his teasing before grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the couch. Christmas is tomorrow and I’m in the mood for another cheesy holiday movie.

Luke sits first, and I plop down next to him, throwing my legs into his lap and snuggling into the upholstery. He throws a fluffy blanket over us then grabs the controller and selects the Hallmark Channel. A grin tugs my lips as Luke rubs my feet and coos at Little Man.

The Liv Whisperer strikes again.

--

I wake up to find Luke snuggled behind me on the couch. By some miracle we both seem to fit while spooning.

The room is dark except for the twinkling Christmas lights hanging on the tree. I’d say it was “magical” if that wasn’t such a cheesy description. Eh, we did just watch a Hallmark Movie, so…yup. The twinkling lights are definitely casting a magical glow around the empty room.

I smile at my wittiness, knowing no one would appreciate my lame humor except Luke, and maybe Bree.

I peek at the glowing display on the blu-ray player informing me that it’s well past midnight, and officially Christmas. I turn onto my back, causing Luke to stir before placing a gentle kiss on his lips and whispering, “Merry Christmas.”

His sleepy green eyes flutter open before he smiles warmly, our faces mere inches away from each other. “Merry Christmas, Liv. I’m not gonna lie, I think I could get used to waking up with your lips on mine.” He leans in and gives me a peck before lightly scrubbing his scruff against my cheek, teasingly.

I giggle at his affection and lift my hand, scratching his face like a puppy. “Well aren’t you just the sweetest thing I’ve ever met? Yes you are! Yes you are!” I coo, using the same voice I usually reserve for cute little babies and cuddly animals.

He pretends to pant with his tongue out before licking my chin, causing me to push his face away and laugh even louder at his playfulness.

Luke has always been friendly and playful; but it feels like since our first kiss, a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. It’s almost like he was holding himself back before. He’s more carefree and open with his feelings now. I feel like, even though I’ve known Luke for forever, I’m getting a glimpse of a different side of him.

It’s only making me fall for him more.

Before I can focus on my heart any longer, a Braxton Hicks contraction hits me like a freight train. I immediately curl into my belly and squeeze my eyes shut, attempting to breathe evenly as I wait for it to pass. It feels like a boa constrictor is tightening its grip across my midsection.

I open my eyes to see Luke’s concerned gaze. “You okay, Sweetheart?”

I breathe deeply as the pain subsides and nod, expressing that I am, indeed, okay.

Whoever said Braxton Hicks don’t hurt is full of shit. I can only imagine what real labor will feel like.

Yikes.

“Let’s get you up to bed, Liv. I’m sure Little Man isn’t too happy about hanging off the couch half the night,” he smirks while helping me sit up and pulling me to my feet.

Have I mentioned how I feel like a beached whale half the time?

“Thanks.”

He shrugs off my gratitude, leading me up the stairs toward Bree’s bedroom.

Once we reach the top, Luke places his hands on my stomach before giving me a stern warning. “If you keep having those contractions, you better tell me. I want to make sure we track how often and how painful they are. Dr. Fellows gave me strict orders.” I can’t help but grin at his bossy attitude.

Luke is a pretty laid back guy until you bring me, or my unborn baby, into the mix. That’s when he goes a little crazy. I swear, I’ve even seen his fist twitch a time or two as if he’s about to pound on his chest and claim us as his own. I kind of like how protective he is, though. It makes me feel this weird pinching sensation in my chest and behind my eyes.

I grasp his hands that are resting on my stomach and intertwine our fingers before resting my head on his broad chest. I breathe in deeply, taking in his masculine scent and rubbing my cheek against the soft cotton of his t-shirt.

“I will definitely keep you informed,” I tell his delicious pecs. I nuzzle in closer before whispering more seriously, “And thank you, Luke. Thank you for taking care of me. Of us.”

He releases my hands before bringing his palms up to cradle my face. “I will always take care of you, Liv. Both of you. No matter what.” He kisses me sweetly, his lips tenderly touching mine. I find myself holding my breath as he lowers his hands to my stomach and whispers, “Night, Little Man.” His green eyes pierce my own as he looks at me. “Night, Liv.”

He turns, slowly making his way into his room, and closes his door gently behind him. I continue to stare in his direction, whispering softly, “Night.”

Luke

I had to walk away before I escorted her to my own room instead of Bree’s.

I’ve had so many conflicting emotions swirling inside of me since this morning when we went to Adam’s childhood home. I haven’t been there in forever, but I couldn’t believe all of the memories that hit me like a ton of bricks as soon as I pulled into his driveway.

And then for Susan to have the audacity to accuse me of trying to steal Liv? Painting me as the bad guy, instead of acknowledging what really went down?

I shake my head angrily.

It didn’t help that Liv asked me about it in the car afterwards. I couldn’t decide whether to come clean and feel a giant weight lifted from my shoulders, or to keep her in the dark, where she’s safe and happily unaware of a mistake made so long ago that it shouldn’t even matter anymore.

But if she thinks I lied to her? If I lose her for a mistake that wasn’t even mine?

I swallow thickly and decide to stick my head in the sand.

No.

Not possible.