Chapter 79

Cole leaned closer, kissed her forehead, and then they returned to the table. He sat after she was seated, and they both began to eat. They were halfway through their meal, Hailey eating slowly, when Cole spoke.

“I can order another bottle of wine for you.”

“No, thank you,” Hailey said immediately. She put down her cutlery, picked up her napkin, and wiped her lips.

“Are you sure?” Cole asked.

She nodded. “I’m already feeling tired, so I’ll stick with water. Wine would make me more exhausted.”

“Do you have any breaks coming up soon?” Cole asked.

“There’s always work to do in both companies. If I need a break, I take some time off. Why do you ask?”

Cole dropped his cutlery, placing his hands on his lap and fiddling with his fingers. “I saw a beautiful place, and I’d like us to spend the weekend there.”

A small smile appeared on Hailey’s lips. “Just the two of us?”

Cole nodded. “I don’t know if Debbie would be willing to watch the twins, but if she can’t, we’ll have to bring them. But the plan is just for you and me.”

Hailey nodded. “Debbie loves them. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. What date did you have in mind?”

“Next weekend?”

“I’ll clear my schedule!”

“So, where are we going?” Hailey asked excitedly.

“You’ll have to wait until we get there to find out.”

Hailey smiled. “I can’t wait.”

Cole stared at her with such adoration in his eyes. “I’m glad you’re excited.”

“Thank you,” Hailey said, taking Cole’s hand as he helped her out of his car.

Cole closed the door, put his hand on the small of Hailey’s back, and led her to the door. They stood facing each other. “I can pick you up from work tomorrow if you’d like.”

“I’m not sure,” she replied.

Cole looked at her inquisitively.

“I think I’m going to be really busy tomorrow. I’m not sure, but I’ll text you.”

Cole nodded. “I’ll be waiting for your text.”

Chapter 79

“I want to kiss the boys goodnight before I leave.”

“Are you asking permission?” Hailey teased.

“I can’t wait for us to start living together.”

Hailey smiled and nodded. They went into the boys’ room. Cole kissed them goodnight, and Hailey walked him to the door.

Before she could leave, Cole possessively wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned in and kissed her quickly. “I’m just a call away if you need anything.”

“Sure. Thank you for tonight. I’m sorry, I almost ruined it.”

Cole shook his head. “You would have made a fuss about Natasha’s presence. Thank you for being understanding.”

Hailey shrugged. “I know I’m the queen of your heart, so I have nothing to worry about.”

“No one’s going to come between us.” Cole sealed his words with a long, passionate kiss.

“I was about to tell you both to get a room!” Debbie giggled as Hailey entered the living room.

Hailey rolled her eyes and sat on the couch beside Debbie.

“I embarrassed myself so much today.”

“How?” The smile faded from Debbie’s lips, replaced by a frown.

Hailey sighed deeply.

“Talk to me, babe,” Debbie said, looking worried. “Is it Vanessa and Connie again?”

Hailey shook her head. “There’s a small chance I might be pregnant.”

The worry left Debbie’s face, replaced by the biggest smile Hailey had ever seen. “Are you serious?!”

“Don’t get your hopes up. It could be a false alarm.”

“Does Cole know?”

“I’m not sure myself, so he doesn’t.”

“Well, if you think you are, then I trust your instinct. But why do you feel you might be pregnant?” Debbie glanced at Hailey’s flat stomach.

“I’ve been awfully tired, sensitive to certain smells, I threw up in front of Cole, and I don’t even remember if I’m late.”

“We ran into Cole’s ex at the restaurant. Or rather, she came over to flaunt her relationship with Cole.”

“Was she rude to you?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t trust her. I had an episode, so she came to check on me in the bathroom. She overheard me complaining to Cole about the strange taste of the wine. She’s a nurse, so she suggested I might be experiencing early signs of pregnancy.”

Chapter 79

“For someone you’ve never met before, she seems awfully forward to be prying into your business.”

“You can say that again.”

“How did she guess? It could just be a temporary change in your taste buds.”

“She wasn’t sure either. She asked if I had other symptoms, like nausea, and said it could be early pregnancy signs.”

“I’m shocked she didn’t say anything to Cole. Or so I think, because Cole didn’t say anything to me. I don’t think he’d be that calm knowing there’s a possibility I might be pregnant.”

Debbie smiled. “I think he would have taken you to the hospital to find out instead of bringing you home.”

“But how do you feel about it?” Debbie asked, staring intently at her best friend.

“Please don’t stare at me like I’m pregnant.”

“You could be.”

“I don’t know. I don’t feel pregnant. I just feel sick. Almost like I need a week of bed rest. I know I’ve been careless about making love with Cole, but I don’t know why this feels so foreign to me.”

“Should I get you a test?” Debbie asked Hailey, who didn’t seem convinced.