Chapter 79

Emma isn’t a big girl beside the bump. She’s a little shorter than me, and despite her curvy figure, she is quite petite. I’m not overly tall or built, but I am strong and athletic, and I am fairly sure I can get her up and mobile to a comfier room. I aim to try, anyway.

I manage to haul her to her feet with a little gentle coaxing, an awkward balancing act as I totter with her when I try to get her upright over her bump. Jake always makes this look effortless, and I internally scold him for his height, strength, and lack of presence. I have my arms around her back and hers on my shoulder, easing her slowly towards the kitchen door and away from the table, pushing chairs out of my way with an extended foot as I shuffle backward.

Emma stops mid-step, and I feel every muscle in her body tense and go rigid. The arm around my shoulder tightens mercilessly, and her gasp and groan set every one of my panic alarms off. Emma starts to pant, screwing her eyes shut again, and this