It’s been a few weeks, and things are going good. Micah continues to tell me he loves me and that I’m beautiful—and I continue to try and work on believing him. My self-confidence issue seems more significant than his trust issues, but I know he has them still, even if he doesn’t tell me. So, I’ll do little things here and there, to keep the balance between us.

Like a couple days ago, I’d just left my last class of the day, and I usually wait for Micah’s class to end. Ryan, a guy I’m in class with, held the door open for me as I left. I went over and leaned against a small barricade, pulling out my phone while I waited for Micah.

“Hey,” Ryan said. “I was wondering if you want to grab a drink at the café with me. I’ve got twenty minutes before my next class.”

He’s a cute guy. Broad shoulders, shorter hair than Micah’s that’s just a touch darker shade of brown. His midnight blue eyes are confident. He gives off that arrogant air that Taylor does, but I know Taylor, so it makes him funny. With Ryan, it comes off as conceited.

“Oh, thanks, but I’m waiting for my boyfriend.”

“Ah,” he chuckled. “A boyfriend. He doesn’t let you get food or drinks without him?”

Wow, that’s rude. And completely expected from the little I know of him. But before I can reply, Micah appeared next to me, wrapping his arm around me.

“She can do what she wants,” he said, pulling me closer. “But I do get vetoing power if it’s some guy trying to hit on my girl.”

Ryan eyed Micah up and down, no doubt taken aback by him. I’m sure a pudgy girl like me, he was probably expecting someone completely opposite of Micah. Scolding myself, I remembered Cindy telling me to never think of a negative thing about myself without thinking of a positive. I’m … fun? I don’t know, I’m still working on it.

Ryan’s demeanor changed, and he raised his hands in defense. “Oh, my bad.”

“Yeah, it is your bad.” Micah stared him down.

I have to admit, it would’ve been scorching and lust-worthy how Micah got if I didn’t have an idea of what was going on in the back of his mind.

Wrapping my arms around him, I let out a soft giggle. “How was your class?” He doesn’t answer. Lifting my eyes, I see his vision clearly locked on Ryan as he continues to walk away. “Micah?”

“Yeah?” he responds, still staring.

“Hey.” I reach up and pull his chin down, so his eyes meet mine. “Stop doing that.”

His face finally softens, cracking a smile. “Sorry.”

Letting out a sigh, I grin with an idea of trying to defuse the situation. “He does have a cute butt.”

His jaw drops as he leans back, staring at me like I’ve gone crazy. “Excuse me?”

“What? I mean, it’s not all perfect and pinchable like yours, but you know, as far as butts go …”

He shook his head, laughing. “That’s it. I’m forcing you to come to school with blindfolds on.”

“Dumb boy.”

So, yeah, he still has some issues, but I think we’ll be okay.

My eyes crack open as I lay in bed, feeling his hand on my waist, his thumb caressing my skin. When I see him, he’s already staring at me, smiling, and leans in with a kiss.

“Morning,” he says with a smile.

“Morning. How long have you been awake?”

“Only a few minutes.”

My lips curve up with the thought of him watching me sleep, then I remember his words. “Okay, that’s not creepy at all.”

Laughing, he quickly kisses me again. His lips travel down my chin and along my neck. As I run my fingers through his hair, he moves lower. “Micah—” I try to talk, but my breath is caught short. “You know I’m—”

“I know, I know. Out of order,” he says with a chuckle. “I was thinking something while you were sleeping.” His head hovering over my stomach, a slight tinge of nervousness hits me as his hands slide under the hem of my shirt, pushing it up slightly. I’ve worn the lingerie a couple of times, but most of the time I still sleep in one of his shirts.

“Can I?” he asks, looking up at me. I know he won’t move it anymore unless I give him the okay, and somehow that puts me at ease. Biting my lip, I give him a slight nod.

Keeping my hands on his head, I stare up at the ceiling and feel my shirt lift up just below my chest. He lays his face down on my stomach, and I feel his hand slide over my hip. As skittish as this position makes me, there’s also a calm sweeping over me. He moves his face a little, and his stubble scratches and slightly tickles. Then his hand lands over my belly button, and he pauses.

“So, I have to tell you something,” he whispers, sending a pang of anxiety through me. “I was watching you sleep right now, and a thought hit me. You know how I feel right now, no matter how you look. But one day you’ll be bigger than you are.” The anxiety morphs into real panic as he looks up at me. “And when that day comes, I’m going to be honest, my feelings are going to change for you.”

I shut my eyes, trying to force away any negative thoughts. Micah loves you, I repeat in my mind. He pulls down my shirt and crawls back up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Do you want to know why?”

I work on my thoughts again, trying to remember everything he says he loves about me. Things I’m trying to love about myself. So even though the fear is there, I nod slowly, still keeping my eyes shut.

“You’re gonna be bigger because one day,” he chuckles, “not any day soon, but one day, you’re gonna be pregnant.”

His words halt any more thoughts. My eyes pop open.

“You’ll be a mom one day, Veronica. And I have no doubt you’re going to be an amazing mom. So when that day comes, and you’re carrying my baby—in case that isn’t clear.” He smiles, and it forces a small laugh out of me. “Of course you’re going to be bigger. And my feelings will change. I don’t know how because it’s kind of hard to fathom right now. I love you so much, and I can’t imagine loving you anymore. But I know, when that day comes, I will. Because you’ll not only be my love, but we’ll be starting a family, and I know that love is just going to grow. Somehow, I’ll love you even more, but I just don’t know what that’ll feel like until it comes.”

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he kisses me with everything he has. His fingers sweep through my hair, as his other hand holds me tightly. The uncertain thoughts have vanished, replaced with nothing but searing love. To know that’s what he’s thinking makes me want to stay in bed with him, his hands on me, and my lips on his, forever.

His mouth breaks away from mine, and I sweep my fingers across his swollen lips. “I love you, Vero. I’ll always love you.”

I don’t want any space between us, so I reply while keeping my lips pressed against his. “I love you, too. And I really wish I wasn’t on my period right now.” My words make him chuckle.

“Silly girl.”