Though her pregnancy thus far had gone pretty smoothly they’d had a few instances where Sarah had panicked because it’d been too long since she last felt the baby move. She’d called the doctor who advised her to drink something really cold and lie on her side. She didn’t think it would actually work but she did as she was told and several minutes later after feeling the baby jolt she felt incredibly guilty that she’d woken him or her that way.

Angel didn’t want her working full shifts at the restaurant anymore. He preferred to know she was home resting and staying safe. He wasn’t thrilled about her driving around too much anymore either. Even a fender bender might do her some harm and he said there was no sense in taking chances. So Sarah wasn’t going very far on her own these days.

That morning she’d gone to her mom’s for breakfast and now she was going to put a few hours in at the restaurant and then head home early. She was beginning to feel more and more tired now that she was getting bigger and it was starting to affect how comfortable she could get at night to sleep.

She’d just stepped out of her car in the parking lot when she heard him. “Lynni!”

Her heart leaped as she turned and saw Sydney step out of a cab. They rushed to each other and hugged. He picked her up off the ground, laughing. “God, this is perfect timing.”

They moved out of the way to let a car that had pulled into the parking lot go by. Raul waved as he drove by but looked at her a little weird. She turned back to Sydney. Her once-chubby childhood friend had grown into a rugged, handsome man. He’d let his hair grow out a little and he had a five o’clock shadow but not like he’d forgotten to shave. It was too clean like he was wearing it that way on purpose and it suited him. “What are you doing here? How come you didn’t tell me you’d be coming?”

“I wasn’t,” he said looking her up and down. “I just had a stop here between flights and I took a chance. I actually gotta get back; my flight leaves in less than an hour. I knew it was a long shot that I might actually catch you here, but I’m so glad I did. Wow.” He rubbed her belly. “Look at you, Lynn. You’re absolutely stunning.”

She smiled, placing her hand over his and pulled it to the side of her belly. “Feel.”

His eyes opened wide as the baby tapped the side. “He or she’s been very active this morning.”

Sydney’s bright smile softened a bit. “I still can’t believe you’re going to be a mommy soon.”

“I know.” She slipped her hand in his. “Can you come in and have something to eat?”

“No, sweetie. I gotta go. This,” he gestured back to the waiting cab, “is crazy! I did this on a whim. Hopped in a cab and kept my fingers crossed that I might find you here. So when we pulled up and I saw you getting out of the car I nearly jumped out before it even stopped.”

Sarah laughed then pouted. “So you really have to go now?”

He pouted too and nodded. “But I’ll be sure to make it a point to come out just to see you—hang out for a few days. Maybe after the baby is born. It’s ridiculous that we’ve let this much time go by without visiting each other.”

“It is.” She agreed. “You have to come back when the baby is born.”

“I will. I promise.” He looked at his watch and frowned. “I gotta go. I’m so glad I got to see you.” He hugged her again holding her for a bit and she took in the smell of him. It brought back so many memories. He pulled away and smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

“I miss you too.”

He kissed her hand then rubbed her belly again. “I love you, Sydney.” The words just came out. She hadn’t realized how much she missed him until she saw him.

“I love you, too.” He promised he’d be back soon before saying his final goodbye and walking back to the cab. She watched and waved as it drove away, memories of running with him and their long ago lengthy chats on the phone danced in her head. Years of her life that seemed at times now gone, almost as if they never were. She walked through the parking lot lost in thought.

It happened so fast, she never even saw the concrete parking block she tripped on, before she could even try to break her fall, she hit the ground on her side hard.

CHAPTER 4

A.S.A.P

It had been a while since Angel worked the bar. He’d been so preoccupied the last couple of weeks with baby stuff he’d messed up on the schedule and three bartenders were off today so he was helping out. Raul had walked in minutes ago and was in the back getting suited up. He could have him work the bar today and when Sarah got there he’d have her take orders though she wouldn’t be carrying any of them out.

It was actually good every now and again to get away from the back room. Lately he’d been glued to computer looking through catalogs of all the stuff he wanted to shower his baby with. The backyard play set Alex got for the twins was awesome and Sarah had laughed when she caught him on the website that had them custom made. She said what he should be looking into was starting up a college fund for the baby. School was expensive and the sooner they got started the better. That was true but those websites were boring.

Raul came out from the back but stopped when David, one of the other waiters stopped him to tell him something and they both laughed loudly. “Hey when you’re done messing around I’m gonna need you in the bar today.”

Raul walked away from David with a smile. “Sure thing boss. Did someone call in?”