@motelgenesis βHm?β
The sound of her voice β a soft, girlish melody β caught him entirely off guard. A flicker of surprise passed through him, his jaw tightening almost instinctively.
βYou canβt just say things like that,β
He replied, a subtle edge to his voice. Yet he couldnβt help the >
@motelgenesis < at home with Norma had become his sanctuary β quiet evenings on the couch, savoring the sight of her growing belly, marveling at their daughterβs lively kicks, especially after dinner.
βI believe thereβs still a bunch of candy at home waiting for you to dig in.β
@motelgenesis βPromise,β
He murmured, sliding into the driverβs seat of his sheriffβs truck with a sigh of relief. Finally, they were on their way home.
βI know you think I live for these events, but trust me, Iβd rather be at home right now.β
His words held the weight of truth. Nights >
@motelgenesis < her comfort meant more than any crowd.
He placed a gentle hand on her cheek, his thumb tracing small, tender circles before he let his hand fall to her lower back, guiding her from the crowd with quiet care.
βThen letβs go, honey. I honestly donβt mind.β
@motelgenesis < overstimulated, and tonight was no exception. Pregnant or not, she was sensitive at heart, and when she was ready to leave, he knew it was time to go.
βYou wanna head home?β
He asked softly. He didnβt mind the glances, the disappointed faces. His heart was with her, and >
@motelgenesis < his hand over her belly. He wanted everyone in town to know just how proud he was to soon be a father β and how honored he was that Norma would be the mother of their child.
@motelgenesis < photo. This picture would mark something special β their first official picture together with Norma visibly pregnant. Though rumors had already swept through White Pine Bay, her growing belly was now a gentle declaration in itself.
In a quiet gesture of pride, he placed >
@motelgenesis < indulgence.
βWould you like another?β
He asked, noticing sheβd served him a rather generous amount. And after all, she was eating for two.
@motelgenesis He could do nothing but part his lips, accepting the offering of cake β and, to his surprise, it was quite good.
Heβd never had much of a sweet tooth, unlike Norma. Especially now, with her cravings blossoming as if the sugary treats themselves were her heart's secret >
@motelgenesis < much to feel part of it; she was content just being there, watching it all for now.
They reached the refreshment table, and he watched her expression change the moment she spotted the funnel cakes. He had to get her one.
βIs it good?β
He asked, gently brushing a stray >
@motelgenesis < close by. After all, smong her recent diagnoses was anxiety, a quiet shadow that sometimes crept forward in social situations. He just hoped sheβd be fine tonight.
@motelgenesis < the cool night air. So far, it felt like a blessed Halloween.
"How do you feel about the party tonight?"
Tonightβs gathering would be for adults, and as the sheriff, Alex knew heβd have to make the rounds, engaging with everyone there. But heβd already planned to keep Norma >