Mike brushed a stray strand of hair off Lizzie’s cheek and tucked it behind her ear. She snored softly on his shoulder. Hadn’t even made it halfway through the movie. Or given him time to rub her back. He’d noticed how she’d been holding it lately and asked Myranda what kind of massage would help.

When he’d started planning this night it had been for her. She worked too hard. Took on more than a pregnant woman should. And, knowing her like he did, he doubted she’d taken any time for herself. The wives had told him as much. More than once. Hell, they pretty much threatened his life if he didn’t do something to take the stress off Lizzie.

But, somewhere along the way his plans had changed from being about her to being about them. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her. Missed the traditions of their past.

He let his head fall back against the sofa and stared at the ceiling. What a mess. His game plan had been purely about Lizzie. Not about him getting the warm fuzzies and wanting this night to never end.

Dammit.

Warm fuzzies? Oh, hell, no.

His ideas to help Lizzie relax and slow down for a night had backfired and he’d be damned if he made it about them. He knew how to stick to his guns and those bullets didn’t have ‘daddy’ written on them. Not for him.

He picked up the remote, turned the television off, and carefully unwound his arm from around Lizzie. With care, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. When he lay her down and pulled the quilt over her she let out a contented sigh but didn’t wake up.

Mike stared down at her for a moment, struck by her classic beauty once again. He had to admit, she looked even more gorgeous pregnant. It added a glow to her he hadn’t seen before.

He reached out a hand to touch her cheek and pulled it back as if he’d been burned. No. Not getting sucked into her trap. He’d been there and done that. It landed him in jail, then the Navy.

Best to stay focused. He wasn’t dad material. End of story.

With that thought echoing through his head he retreated to the living room to clean up and make his bed on the couch.

And that’s where he stayed for the rest of the night.

Lizzie woke up with a twinge in her back and joy in her heart from the memories of what Michael had done for her last night. He’d always had that sweet side, he just didn’t show it to anyone. It had drawn her in from day one.

And she’d fallen asleep for all of it.

With a frown, she rolled onto her side, rubbing her lower back. Pregnancy woes. Or, if the wives had their way, too much working and being on her feet. Right now, Lizzie was inclined to agree with the wives because her back was killing her.

When that didn’t work, she rolled to her other side and tried rubbing the ache again. No luck.

With a sigh, she reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. The clock read five am. If this were a work day she’d be late in getting to the shop. Normally, by this time she had the chocolate made and most of the candies dipped and decorated.

Anxiety rushed through her. She had to get to the shop. She’d nearly sold out yesterday and there wouldn’t be enough to get through an entire day. Not this close to Christmas. Gina would be in at ten to work the counter, which would help later, but not with the baking. And, she had to prepare the spare room for her parents who would be here in two days. So much to do, so little time.

Not that she wanted this private time with Michael to end, but, life had to go on. Not time for wishful thinking that this had been the start of something more.

Michael didn’t do more. He did the here and now.

Pushing the thoughts from her head, she went through the morning ritual of getting out of bed. Thank God no one ever witnessed this part of her day. She could only imagine what she looked like rocking back and forth, reaching for her toes that she would never reach over her protruding belly, trying to launch herself out of bed.

Finally, after a hundred tries it seemed, she was on her feet. The door opened just as she reached for the handle and Michael stood there, wide awake and concern on his face.

“Are you ok? Is it the baby?”

He must have heard her struggling. How embarrassing. “I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” She dropped her hand from her back. “I need to get to the shop.”

“Now? It’s only five.”

“Yes, now.” She hadn’t meant to sound short, but between her backache and her anxiety over not having her work done she was feeling a bit wound.

A slight frown pulled Michael’s brows down, but wise man that he was, he didn’t argue. Instead he nodded and said, “I’ll get the car started.”

They rode in comfortable silence. More comfortable than they’d been in days. Even her anxiety had calmed. Last night had been like a fantasy dream and the effects were still there. Somehow, she knew Michael felt it, too. She wouldn’t go as far as saying they had turned a corner in their relationship, but she would admit something had changed.

It was the holiday season after all. A time for miracles.

Maybe, just maybe, she would get her miracle for Christmas.