His Baby Her Gift: The Slow Burn Duology 2 by LaShawn Vasser (the dot read aloud .TXT) 📕

“We all know that you and Carter were loyal to Damian. You shouldn’t have any guilt about moving on and finding happiness.”

“I keep telling myself that.” Harlem placed a hand on her tiny baby bump knowing that a piece of Carter was growing inside of her.

“It might take a little time for those feelings of guilt to fade, but if Carter’s the one, don’t let him slip away.”

“Do you know if he is coming?” Anxiously, Harlem massaged her stomach in a circular motion. Her movements quickened the longer it took for Melody to answer.

“Nate said he was going to be here.”

A thread of electricity flowed through her at the thought of being in the same room with him. Her feelings were so foreign. But Harlem was determined not to let fear or guilt keep her from taking the next steps with Carter–if he still wanted to. Her nerves were another problem, but Harlem wouldn’t let those get the better of her either.

“It’s good to see you smile,” Melody said.

“I didn’t realize I was smiling.” Harlem could feel the heat from a blush on her cheeks.

“Well, you are.” She laughed. “I’m not sure if it’s your pregnancy or Carter that is the culprit, but either way, it looks good on you.”

The thought of Carter definitely makes me smile. Harlem wasn’t going to say that. Instead, she kept her response honest but straightforward. “Thank you, Mel.”

Melody always thought that Harlem was attractive, but pregnant, she was stunning. Harlem was indeed glowing from the inside out, and it made her one of the most beautiful pregnant women she had ever seen. Her brown skin was positively radiant, and her large almond-shaped eyes sparkled. They were cat-like–sometimes more green than brown or sometimes more brown than green, but intense. Her nose hadn’t swelled like Melody’s had. It looked the same. Harlem hadn’t really gained very much weight except for her middle. Melody would also pay money for Harlem’s lips. They were full and the perfect bow shape. When Harlem smiled, she revealed perfectly straight teeth. Harlem was gorgeous before becoming pregnant, but the pregnancy had only enhanced her beauty. “Anybody who can put that look in your eyes has my full support.” As if the matter was settled, Melody grabbed hold of Harlem’s hand and squeezed. “You know, I cannot wait for our children to grow up together.”

“Me too.” Harlem really was excited about it. “I hope I’m half the mother you are.”

“Me?” Melody was awed by the compliment.” Her smile faded as she glanced around Harlem. “Oh, shit. Kid down. Yep. I’m the freakin’ mother of the year. That’s the I’m not really hurt but need my mom cry. Let me get over there.” Melody laughed as she rushed over to rescue her son.

*****

Harlem took another walk around the house. Her face was hurting from all the smiling she’d had to do at people offering condolences and well-wishes. It was both physically and emotionally exhausting.

Carter still hadn’t arrived.

Maybe he wouldn’t come. Perhaps he didn’t want to be around kids since he hadn’t really wanted any. Maybe Carter had changed his mind about them too. Their contact with each other had been so limited. Harlem’s nerves were causing her to have all kinds of wild thoughts–some irrational. Others, not so much.

Maybe if I eat something, I can think more clearly. Harlem was starving and decided to grab a hotdog from the food table. She turned around in search of food, and her heart skipped.

From across the room, Carter saw her at the same time that she noticed him. For a brief moment, their eyes met and held. Then, someone engaged Carter in a conversation, and he turned away.

Almost immediately, Harlem missed his attention.

*****

Carter spotted Harlem the moment he arrived. It took everything within him not to make a beeline for her.

Was that a hint of a smile at the edge of her lips? He would give anything to kiss them. Harlem could stop a man’s breath with just a glance as she’d just so easily proved. He wasn’t exactly sure where they stood, but Carter planned to make her understand that she was it for him.

He watched her move as she spoke to different people. Graceful was the word that came to mind as he observed her managing the attention of all of their friends and Damian’s former employees. It seemed like everyone wanted to offer words of encouragement. She was radiant and glowing. Carter took pride in knowing that she was carrying his child. He would give her a little more time before walking over.

Every second was a slog to get through. At the thirty-minute mark, Carter figured, it was long enough. He was just about to head over in her direction when Nate stepped into his path.

“C’mon, man, you can’t be looking at Harlem like a whipped puppy.” He said jokingly.

“What?” Carter tore his eyes away from her.

“Harlem got a hold on you,” Nate said. “Never thought I’d see the day that Carter Owens would fall-in-love.”

Carter nodded in agreement. “Me either, and I am not ashamed to admit it.”

“I heard that. I puff my chest out every time I think about Melody. It’s still hard to believe I’m the man she chose.”

It was a surprise to Carter too, when Melody and Nate started dating. It was like the prom queen dating the class geek. Nobody said it, but they all thought it. Over the years, everyone came to realize Nate and Melody