Gibson
I walked Sacha to her car, reluctant to let go of her. I hadn't expected to react so strongly to hearing the baby's heartbeat, but I was practically floating. Now shit was getting real. I didn't want this feeling to end, and Sacha was holding onto my arm like she wanted to extend the glow too. I had to think of something to keep her with me.
"Sacha, have you had lunch? Or I guess it's closer to dinner, huh?"
A shadow of a frown crossed her face, and she pulled out her phone to check the time. I figured it was close to five because the sun was sinking behind the buildings. My own stomach rumbled in response to the question-I hadn't eaten since breakfast.
"Well, I guess we could grab something near here, and let the traffic die down. My place is a few miles up the freeway."
"Great. Looks like there's a restaurant across the street. You in the mood for Chinese?"
She agreed, so I clasped her hand and led her to the crosswalk. When we reached the restaurant, I held open one of the heavy, bright red doors for her. Inside, the scent of ginger and soy sauce perfumed the air, making my mouth water. We were led to a cloth-covered table, positioned near a huge fish tank that spanned the length of one wall. Sacha smiled and pointed to a yellow and blue tang swimming idly through the water.
"Cool. I used to have a fish tank when I was a kid."
"Me too. Not as big as this one, though."
We were interrupted by a server who took our drink orders and frowned when we both said, "water." When the server left, Sacha's green eyes met mine. She steepled her fingers, a smile creeping onto her lips. "So, I guess we should start thinking about names."
A sudden mental image of my father intruded. Holy crap. If it's a boy, we can't name him "the fourth." That's ludicrous. My father was still upset I never liked being "the third." Surely my parents wouldn't insist?
"It's up to you, darlin'. Well, as long as it's not something goofy."
Her eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, the server returned with two glasses of water and a basket of wonton chips. Once our food order was taken, I braced myself for Sacha's retort. I didn't have to wait long.
"If you leave it up to me, you'll have to accept it, even if it is goofy."
"Really? And what about a last name?"
The flash of her eyes told me this was the wrong question to ask, but I'd be damned if I was going to let it go undiscussed. I had railed against the numerical designation of "fourth," but the child would still be a Colebank, and an heir. Of course, I hadn't yet divulged that piece of information to her.
Sacha's voice wavered, an indication of her discomfort with the subject. "Well, I had planned on giving him or her my last name. Rowan."
"That doesn't change the child's parentage. He'll be a Colebank too."
She arched a brow. "Yes, but unless we are married, I can't see having him use your name. I can have you listed on the birth certificate, if that's what you're worried about."
I gripped the edge of the table to keep my hands still. Heat flared up my spine in response to her comment. The Ice Queen was back, turning an otherwise happy moment into a business transaction.
"I want him to know who he is, what family he comes from. To have pride in his name. Or hers."
"And what's so great about the Colebanks? You haven't told me much about them, you know. Only that they live in Atlanta somewhere. What does your father do? Will your mother like me?"
I released the table to run a hand across my head. This conversation was becoming more uncomfortable by the second. I mentally kicked myself for bringing it up. "You'll get to meet them soon enough. I didn't want them involved until you and I had…worked things out."
"I see."
The server suddenly appeared with food, sparing me from further questions about my parents. I changed the subject to her weekend plans, since I was hoping to spend the night with her. I'd packed a bag, in case she agreed.
"We have plenty of time to discuss our families once we figure things out. Until then, I was hoping we could spend some more time together while I'm down here. I know it's short notice, but I can always help you out around the apartment, get things ready for the baby and all that."
She didn't look at me but kept twirling noodles around on her fork. I knew it was kind of rude to invite myself, but I couldn't leave without trying. She didn't seem upset, though, just hesitant.
"Thanks, but there's not much to do. I'm not going to worry about a crib and all that until later."
It wasn't a flat-out no. There was still hope. "Well, at least let me see you to your door. I insist."
She agreed, and the rest of the meal passed without argument. I only half-listened to her conversation because my mind was filled with images of the passionate kiss I was going to give her when we reached her door. The one that would have her begging me to stay the night.
~*~