The Surrogate (Clearwater) by Marissa Dobson Read Free Book Online

unfolded it
and handed it to him. “Being as big as a whale, if I get down there I might
never get back up, so it leaves you to put it around the base.”
    “You’re beautiful.” He kissed
her cheek then did as she had asked.
    “I love that you find me
beautiful even when it looks as though I’ve swallowed a beach ball.” She
pressed her hands against the cushions of the couch for extra momentum to get
up.
    “You’ve always been beautiful
to me, but now you have a glow around you like nothing I’ve ever seen. It makes
your beauty radiate.”
    His words alone would sweep
her off her feet if she let them. But knowing he meant them meant more to her
than just the words. He’d told her years ago she was beautiful, but after that
one kiss they’d shared he seemed to erect a wall that no matter how much she
tried she couldn’t scale. It was what prompted her to sign up for the semester
abroad. Would things have been different if she hadn’t? That she would never
know.

Chapter Six
     
    The snow was coming down heavily
again and was forecasted to only get worse through the hours. Jessi’s nerves
were shot as she waited for Michael to get back from picking James up at the
airport. In Denver she had to deal with snow, but not like this. This was more
than just a snowstorm, it pounded the sleepy town with ice. The roads were a
disaster.
    “Ms. Macis, can I get you
anything?” Cathy asked from the doorway.
    “I’m fine, thank you, Cathy.”
She pulled back the curtains to look out upon the driveway again. Even though
Michael had used the snow blower on the driveway before he left it was covered
again. The snow was at least three inches thick already, with the possibility
of four feet over the next few days.
    “I know you’re worried, but
Mr. Johnson will be home soon. Maybe you should rest. I don’t want you going
into labor without him here. I don’t think we could make those roads in either
of our cars.”
    “I’m not due for over a week.”
With her hand rested on her stomach she turned to face Cathy.
    “I’ve been around long enough
to know that in multiple baby pregnancies the mother rarely make it to their
delivery date.” Cathy scooted one of the chairs closer to the window. “Humor me
and sit.”
    Jessi nodded and obeyed. How
could she argue when the woman was looking after her?
    “I’m just in the kitchen.
Holler if you need me.” With that Cathy returned to her duties leaving Jessi
alone with her worries.
    Her cell phone vibrated on the
coffee table, tearing her gaze from the window. “Please don’t let that be bad
news.” She eased her hand toward it like it might bite.
    “Hello.” There was a
hesitation to her voice as she tried to push the Pause button on her fears. She
didn’t remember to be this full of worry before the pregnancy, had this brought
out her motherly instincts, forcing her to worry more about those she loved.
    “It’s me.” Michael’s voice
came through the phone.
    “Oh Michael, is everything
okay?”
    “We’re fine, I didn’t mean to
worry you. We stopped to help a car that ran off the road just on the other
side of town. I didn’t realize how long it took us to get it out of the
snowbank. I just wanted to let you know we’ll be there soon.” She heard the
engine start up.
    “I’m glad you’re both okay.
Drive carefully.” She didn’t care how long it took him to get home as long as
he made it safely.
    “Will do. I love you.”
    The first time he said it she
wasn’t sure how to respond but in that minute she knew she shared his feelings.
“I love you too.”
    “I’ll see you soon.” By the
tone of his voice she knew she caught him off guard. He hadn’t expected her to
return the sentiment.
    * * *
    Most of the evening Michael
hung back giving Jessi time with her brother, biding his time until they were
alone. When James finally retired for the night, Jessi snuggled up on the
couch.
    He rose from his chair,
wanting to be closer to her. “May I join