Mirabella shoved their near-kiss out of her mind as she and Lincoln hired a kayak to explore the reef off Catseye Beach. She sat in the front, her skin prickling with the sensation of him watching her as they paddled. The still, shallow water was clear enough to observe the sandy bottom and watch as silvery fish darted in and out of glittering coral.
But Mirabella couldn’t forget. She remembered what it was like to kiss Lincoln. How his kisses had melted her into a puddle. How they’d made her feel alive. Home. Safe.
‘Bella, look.’
She blinked, returning to the present beneath the hot sun as Lincoln pointed towards the water. A sea turtle glided beneath the surface only metres away, his olive shell glistening.
‘Oh, wow!’ She grinned and tossed a glance over her shoulder. Lincoln’s seat in the kayak was close enough for comfort, but too far away to touch. His gaze flickered to hers beneath his hat. Her heart pounded as their eyes locked …
Then they quickly looked back at the turtle.
Taking a deep breath, Mirabella pushed her paddle through the water, but her heart didn’t stop racing. Lincoln was still attracted to her. She knew that now and it sent pleasure shooting through her bloodstream. But she still had a big task ahead of her if she wanted him to see past his demons.
How could she make him realise he could love her child?
Mirabella struggled with that question for the rest of the day. They had dinner at the Marina Tavern before staying for trivia, where they did surprisingly well and won vouchers for free gelato. They cashed them in and Mirabella indulged in her choice of caramel crumble as they strolled back to their room.
He offered her the privacy of the bathroom first as they got ready for bed. Having showered before dinner, she brushed her teeth and listened to Lincoln’s footsteps padding against the carpet as he moved about and turned down his bed. Sharing the room had come to feel more natural as the nights passed, but she wouldn’t pretend it got any easier. Last night, the scent of his lime bodywash had mixed with her memories of their teenage kisses, creating insomnia that only her pregnancy fatigue could conquer.
Sighing, she zipped up her cosmetics case and exited the bathroom. Three nights down. Eight to go.
She slipped into bed and snuggled onto her side. A few minutes later, Lincoln switched off the bathroom light and slipped into his own bed.
‘I’d forgotten how much fun trivia is,’ he said.
Mirabella adjusted her head on the pillow she hugged so she could see him. ‘We did well considering it was just the two of us.’
Lincoln settled on his back and swiped his phone screen to set their alarm for the morning. ‘I used to go to trivia all the time at uni with some mates. Always had a blast.’ He placed his phone down, then rolled over to face her. ‘But tell me. How did you just know which US president served more than two terms?’
Mirabella smiled, ignoring the heat curling inside her as Lincoln pillowed his hands beneath his head. He lay only a few feet away, close enough that she could see flecks of gold in his brown eyes and breathe in the mint on his breath.
‘Why shouldn’t I know that?’ she asked, pulling her knees in closer towards her belly. It did nothing to dull the ache.
‘American history wasn’t exactly taught in our Aussie school. And you were never much of a history buff.’
‘Not at school, I wasn’t. But when I lived in America—’
‘Ah, that’s right.’ His eyes lit up as he smiled. Mirabella clutched her pillow tighter. ‘I’d almost forgotten about that.’
Taking the opportunity to distract herself from the warmth spreading across the chasm between their beds, Mirabella let her mind wander back to her time as an artist in New York. ‘It was awesome, Linc. I soaked up a lot of history while I was over there, learned all about the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. How they built that blew my mind. Then one weekend, I visited Washington DC and it was seriously the most fascinating place. I learned all about the presidents and visited all of the spectacular memorials, so that’s why I know Franklin Delano Roosevelt served four terms.’
‘Fair enough.’ He sighed softly, his breath brushing over her arm. She shivered. ‘It must have been cool living there.’
‘Best year of my life,’ she admitted, her heart swelling as she gave him a brief overview of living in New York. Lincoln asked further questions, which led to an hour of her talking about the stunning museums, the congested traffic, and the majesty of Broadway. When she ran out of anecdotes, nostalgia replaced the warmth in her belly. ‘I actually planned to apply for another residency there …’ Her gaze left his and dropped to the base of his bed. ‘But that’s never going to happen now.’
Uncertainty twisted inside her and she hugged her pillow tighter. How could she possibly raise this baby? Would she ever be able to work overseas again?
‘Never is a long time, Bella. A baby isn’t supposed to hold you back. I’m sure that once you come up with a plan, you’ll still be able to do everything you’ve ever dreamed of.’
Unless Marc exercised his rights. Mirabella blew out her breath. ‘I know. And I’ll come up with a plan. It’s just …’
Lincoln reached between their beds and touched his fingers to her forearm. Her heart leapt and gaze shot to his. ‘Trust me. You are an amazing artist, a strong woman, and you’ll make it work.’
The warmth in his eyes and gentleness of his touch made Mirabella’s shoulders sink as she softened into the mattress. ‘Thank you, Linc.’
‘No worries.’ He withdrew his hand and settled back onto his pillow. ‘Now, what did you do with Honey while you were in New York?’
Mirabella smiled. ‘I only got her when I returned. She turned two a few weeks ago.’
‘Did you have a party?’ he asked, quirking his eyebrow.
‘Yep.’ Her smile widened. ‘I baked her a pupcake.’
Lincoln laughed, his chest heaving as he rolled onto his back. Mirabella curled her toes into the sheet. ‘I guess that’s what you do for a birthday,’ he said on a yawn. ‘But if you want be at the koala encounter on time tomorrow, we better get some sleep.’
‘We should,’ she agreed, although part of her wished they could stay up all night chatting. Gazing into each other’s eyes. Maybe pushing their beds together or leaping across …
Sighing, Mirabella shoved those fantasies away as she readjusted herself and closed her eyes. ‘Night, Linc.’
‘Goodnight, Bella.’
They went straight to the wildlife centre after breakfast for their koala cuddle booking. Mirabella had seen native Australian animals before of course, but she grinned nonetheless as the small grey marsupial was placed in her arms. Lincoln was right; it wasn’t soft and cuddly. The koala’s fur scratched her skin, its claws dug into her arm, and the little animal was surprisingly heavy. But she smiled for her photo, which made for a wonderful souvenir. She and Lincoln looked around for a little while at the dingos, cassowaries, and kangaroos, but they didn’t stay long. Lincoln had parasailing scheduled and after waving him off, she set off to complete some drawing.
Selecting a sunlounge on Catseye Beach, Mirabella lay in the shade of the thatched roof with her sketchbook. She opened to a blank page, but quickly became distracted by a young family sitting metres away on the crowded beach.
Her heart filled as she watched them. Mum rubbed sunscreen onto her toddler’s face while dad wrestled the little girl into her pink swim shirt. Mirabella placed her hand on her belly, the ache inside her building. Her big happy family … it was never going to happen.
‘Just you and me, little one.’
Smiling sadly, Mirabella tore her gaze away and glanced at the blank page. Her plan was fruitless. She’d never make Lincoln see what she wanted him to. Not when his heart was set on seeking adventure. Not when he refused to even discuss the possibility of changing his mind. The man was in denial. She could seduce him all she liked, tell him what a wonderful father he’d make, but none of it would make any difference. Freya was right. If she pursued this plan, she’d only end up getting hurt.
Of course, she could still try to win Lincoln’s heart … but she needed to be ready to face single motherhood if she failed.
Exhaling, she opened her new set of pencils and settled in with her sketchbook. Perhaps it would be fine, raising this baby on her own. After all, it had only been her and her mum since she was eight years old. Sure, she’d always missed her father. His loss had left a large hole inside her that she’d never been able to fill. But life had gone on. She’d grown up happy. She’d been loved and supported. Being raised by a single mother hadn’t done her any harm. It wasn’t ideal or what she wanted, but it wasn’t the end of the world either.
Smiling softly, she felt the vice around her heart ease as she focused on capturing the beauty of Catseye Beach. Deep in her heart, she knew she could do it. She could be a single mum. Because she had the best example in the world to follow.
***
Lincoln hung up with Eva, unable to contain his grin. Talking to her and remaining connected with work helped keep him settled. And Eric had done the deal. They’d secured the project in Byron Bay and construction would begin mid-November.
He had to give Eric credit. The man knew how to do business. Then again, Lincoln had always admired Eric for his work ethic and commitment to a company he held in trust. The man may have sent him off to boarding school and shown him little affection, but Eric had never done wrong by Lincoln. Or the company.
That didn’t mean Lincoln hadn’t grown up wanting more from him though. Eric was the only father he’d known. His mother had married Eric before Lincoln had turned five. Besides his grandfather, Eric had been the main role model in Lincoln’s life. He’d looked up to—and inspired to be like—both of them. So, at least that was one goal he’d met with satisfaction. Like his grandfather and Eric, he’d be CEO of Jacobs Property Group next year.
But it’d broken Lincoln’s teenage heart the day he’d realised Eric would never love him like a son. The day he’d told Lincoln he thought it was best he moved into the boarding house at a school only minutes away from his family home.
A familiar tightness filled Lincoln’s chest as he slipped into the golf buggy and drove to the resort centre. His relationship with Eric wasn’t terrible. Eric had helped him study as a teenager and encouraged his piano lessons. Since entering adulthood, Lincoln had considered Eric a good friend. A good mentor. But even though he’d accepted it long ago, Lincoln still didn’t understand why Eric couldn’t have provided warmth and affection, and loved him like a stepfather should.
He rolled his shoulders and shoved the thought away as he parked the buggy and headed for the beach. The past didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered was the thrilling possibilities the future held. Parasailing had been fun and the view of Hamilton Island breathtaking as he’d soared a hundred and fifty feet in the air.
Alone.
Lincoln’s heart clenched. It probably would have been safe for Mirabella to join him as parasailing had been a breeze. But she’d chosen to spend the morning drawing and he couldn’t blame her for wanting to indulge in her art.
His skin prickled as he crossed through the open-air, wooden atrium of the resort centre. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Mirabella since that brief moment he’d held her in his arms yesterday. It had been such a stupid thing to do. What had he been thinking?
He shook his head. What was the alternative? Not comfort her and dry away her tears? The woman had been his best friend and he’d meant what he’d said. Letting her go had been the hardest thing he’d ever done.
But he didn’t regret it. His life had been good these past eleven years and she’d had a fantastic career thus far. Since university, she’d had one local exhibit, and completed multiple residencies in Melbourne and one in New York. She was starting to make a name for herself and even her idea of Tuscany sounded amazing. Lincoln could easily imagine Mirabella sketching the hills and valleys of Italy’s famous wine region. She’d always loved tranquil landscapes.
But even though he didn’t regret letting her go, it didn’t make him ache for her any less. Talking to her last night, snuggled in their beds with only a few feet between them, had been torture. All because he couldn’t have her.
No, they’d be better off remaining friends. He might even become something of an uncle to her child. Surely, he couldn’t let the kid down too much if he fulfilled that role instead of stepfather. And he’d do all that he could to ensure Mirabella’s situation with Marc was handled to her satisfaction.
Lincoln’s teeth clenched as he strolled past the pool. He hated what Marc had done to Mirabella, but nothing would change the fact that he was the baby’s father. Lincoln could only hope that if Marc didn’t want Mirabella or the baby, then he would do the kind thing and let them go.
If not—if he chose to put Mirabella through the hell of custody battles—then Lincoln would handle that too. He didn’t know much about Marc, but money talked. Eric had taught him that. And while Lincoln didn’t like to think about money, he would use it to ensure Mirabella was safe.
Lincoln’s long, determined strides moved him onto the beach. He pulled up short when he spotted her. Mirabella sat on a sunlounge, knees bent upwards and sketchbook open against her creamy thighs as her delicate, manicured hand created a masterpiece in watercolour pencils.
He approached slowly, not wishing to disturb her. His breath caught at the sight of the drawing. She’d captured the white-gold sand perfectly against the turquoise waters and the forest-green outcrop. He’d always known she was talented, but to watch her sketch now … It was a privilege.
Lincoln had no idea how long he stood there, captivated, but she soon put her pencil down and drew back to examine her work.
‘So, what do you think?’ she asked and Lincoln jolted. Had she known he was there that whole time?
He swallowed as he approached and regarded the drawing closer. She’d captured the essence of the view flawlessly, sunshine dancing off the deep-blue water. ‘It’s amazing.’
She glanced up beneath the brim of her hat and grinned. A shock ran from his heart directly to his stomach, sinking deeper until desire coiled hot and heavy. Damn, she was beautiful.
‘It’s hardly my best work, but it’ll make a nice keepsake.’
‘Absolutely.’
‘I was thinking of heading back to Flat Top Hill Lookout in the next few days. I’d like to sketch that view.’
‘We could do that on Friday.’
She closed the sketchbook and swung her long, slender legs over the side of the sunlounge. ‘You don’t need to come with me.’
His stomach clenched. ‘I don’t like the idea of you hiking up there alone.’
‘I’m perfectly capable.’
‘I know, but what if you fall? Do you remember how hard it was coming down?’
‘Yeah …’ she said slowly. ‘But I managed. And I’ll be careful. It’s an easy walk, Lincoln. I might be pregnant, but I’m also fit.’
Lincoln sighed. He was probably overthinking it, but he didn’t like the idea of her venturing into the bush alone.
‘Besides, what are you going to do for the two or three hours I’d like to sit there and sketch?’
He slipped his hands into his pockets and shrugged. ‘Read a book?’
Or watch you.
Mirabella slid the sketchbook into her bag and stood. ‘We can worry about that later. But don’t turn all protective on me, Lincoln. There’s enough things on this island that I can’t do without you adding bushwalking to the list.’
Lincoln’s throat tightened. Where had this concern come from? After all, it was a ridiculous request on his part.
‘All right. I’m sorry.’
Her shoulders softened. ‘No worries. Now, let’s go for a swim. I’m dying for a mocktail at the island bar.’
Lincoln followed Mirabella towards the main pool, his pulse racing. Why was he eyeing her more closely? He’d told himself before he’d known she was pregnant that she was off-limits.
But it didn’t help matters when she dropped her bag onto a vacant sunlounge, kicked away her shoes, and peeled off her T-shirt to reveal her dark blue bikini top. Lincoln’s heart lodged in his throat. Was it just him or were her breasts looking better every day? Didn’t pregnancy do something to them? Make them swell or firm or just plain mouth-watering …
Lincoln mentally shook himself as she slipped her fingers into the waistband of her shorts. He tore his gaze away and focused on his own disrobing, taking his time to unbutton his shirt. He waited until she was in the pool before risking another glance.
Mirabella surfaced through the glistening water and brushed both hands through her dark hair, her breasts rounding even further. Lincoln gritted his teeth. Maybe swimming wasn’t the best idea after all.
‘Hurry up, Linc!’ she called, wading through the water towards the island bar.
Lincoln exhaled and slipped into the pool. Thank God it was cold—just what he needed as he slid onto a stool beside her at the bar. Maybe a cocktail might help silence his ridiculous thoughts. Or not. But he was on holiday and cocktails at three in the afternoon sounded perfect.
He ordered a pina colada and Mirabella chose a tutti-frutti mocktail. When their drinks were served, she raised hers for a toast, grinning with an ease he wished he shared.
‘Here’s to our fabulous holiday. And to rekindling our friendship.’
‘Hear, hear,’ he said, tapping his plastic cup to hers.
She sipped, moaned, and placed her drink down. ‘Thank you, Lincoln. Really. For all of this.’
His shoulders softened. ‘You’re most welcome.’
She gave a little jump and twisted in her seat to face him better. Water lapped against the bar. ‘I feel that for the first time since I discovered I was pregnant that I have a hold on things. I know what I’m going to do. I don’t need to run away to Tuscany.’ She placed her hand on his forearm. ‘You’re right. I’ll do the adult thing and call Marc when I get home. But I’m glad to have this opportunity to feel free and relax, because in eight months’ time, my life is never going to be the same.’
He sipped his pina colada and allowed the mix of Malibu, pineapple, and coconut cream to settle over his tongue, then swallowed. ‘No, I guess not.’
‘But that’s okay.’ She grinned and Lincoln’s heart somersaulted inside his tightening ribcage. ‘Because it’s also exciting! Don’t you think? I’m going to be a mum. A single mum, but a mum nonetheless. And I’ll make a fantastic mum.’
Lincoln tore his gaze from her sparkling eyes and placed his drink down. Everything inside him hardened like a vice. ‘I don’t doubt it.’
‘Of course, I wish I had the full package, but you never know.’ She shrugged and sipped her drink. ‘Maybe one day.’
He tried clearing his throat. It didn’t help. His heart pounded as sickness roiled in his gut. ‘Hopefully. You deserve it, Bella.’
Sighing, she nursed her mocktail against her plump breasts. The water rippled in circles around her narrow waist as she swayed gently from side to side. ‘Yeah. If Mum could do it, then so can I. I can’t wait to tell her and was going to call, but I thought I’d stop in and see her when we return to Sydney. I’ve booked my flight to Melbourne, by the way. For the day after we get back.’
Lincoln frowned at the bar. He couldn’t look at her. ‘I said I’d do that.’
‘No, you’ve already given me enough. But anyway, I just wanted to say that I’ve come to a realisation. And I’m damn excited. I’m having a baby, Linc. A baby!’
He gritted his teeth. Yes, he damn well knew that. And yesterday, he’d been happy for her. Today, he’d used it to remind himself he couldn’t be with her.
But now … now he was so jealous of Mirabella he could barely breathe.
***
Lincoln couldn’t shake the foul mood that had descended over him like a dark, unwavering cloud. He and Mirabella had returned to the room after their swim, where he’d tried to warm his gloomy thoughts beneath the hot spray of the shower. But nothing would ease the agony that throbbed deep in his chest.
Mirabella was having a baby. He should be happy for her. He was happy for her. So why did the thought leave a bitter taste in his mouth? She’d be an excellent mother and she deserved this miracle she’d been given. And it was a miracle considering she’d been on the pill.
Fate, again, was determined to be cruel. Because Mirabella was having a baby.
And he never could.
Lincoln swore as he shut off the water and stepped out of the shower. He had to stop thinking about it. He wanted to enjoy himself, not brood over everything he’d lost. Yet he scarcely said two words while Mirabella chatted over their Thai dinner of spring rolls, rice, and curry at Coca Chu.
They left the restaurant via the winding path by the pool, the neatly trimmed hedges rustling in the evening breeze. Mirabella gestured towards the beach. ‘Do you want to go for a stroll?’
Lincoln’s chest tightened. If he strolled with Mirabella along the moonlit beach, he’d be tempted to wrap his arm around her, to walk in the waves and gaze into her sapphire eyes until …
He shook his head. ‘I’m sort of beat. How about we go back to the room and … rent an in-house movie?’
She shrugged, disappointment flashing across her face. ‘All right.’
They wandered in silence back to the room, where they changed into their pyjamas and slipped into their respective beds before choosing a comedy film. It almost helped ease the tension from his shoulders, but the moment the credits rolled, Lincoln flipped out the lights, turned his back to her and said goodnight.
Her voice was barely a whisper. ‘Goodnight, Linc.’
He lay in silence, unmoving as he glared into the darkness. His hands tightened around the pillow he clutched to his aching chest as Mirabella’s sheets rustled. Every night she adjusted and kicked about until she finally got comfortable, but tonight it seemed to go on forever.
Finally, she settled and her soft breathing soon altered. He rolled onto his back, his preferred position to sleep. He closed his eyes and told himself not to, but his head turned on his own accord. Eyes opened. Mirabella lay on her side, her foot poking out from beneath the covers where her knee wrapped around the pillow she hugged. Her lips parted softly, her face serene. The scent of coconut filled the air and everything inside Lincoln tightened as he imagined his own body in place of the pillow.
He gritted his teeth and clapped his hands over his face.
It took him forever to get to sleep.
After comforting himself with pancakes for breakfast, he escaped Mirabella and drove the golf buggy to the marina to join his fishing tour. Lincoln wasn’t sure what to expect as he’d never been fishing before, but he’d decided to give it a go. After all, the Whitsundays were renowned for fishing and he was open to all new experiences. If he was lucky, he might even catch tonight’s dinner, which sounded a little romantic in a primitive, caveman sort of way.
Lincoln swore inwardly and shoved his hand through his hair. Dammit, he wasn’t looking for romance, but the thought of leaving Mirabella to her morning at the spa didn’t make his heart race any less. What would a facial do to a woman? Mirabella’s skin was already clear, creamy, and beautiful. She wore a glow that wasn’t only thanks to pregnancy. But after a facial … would he return to find her irresistible?
He blew out his breath as he walked down the pier towards Renegade, the fishing charter boat, and joined his tour group. Stepping onto the deck, he slipped into a seat beside a middle-aged man. All he needed was to get out on the water and unwind.
The man smiled. ‘G’day, mate.’
‘Hey.’ Lincoln offered the man a small nod. ‘How’s it going?’
‘Not bad. Name’s Jim.’
He shook Jim’s outstretched hand. ‘Lincoln.’
‘Good day for it, hey?’
Lincoln glanced up at the bright October sky, an endless dome of blue without a hint of cloud. The weather hadn’t changed since they’d landed four days ago. ‘Yeah, I suppose.’
‘You fish often?’
Lincoln shook his head. ‘No. You?’
‘All the time. Live out west now, so only get to go to creeks or rivers. First time on the reef for my boy here.’ Jim slapped his hand onto the shoulder of the young man beside him, who couldn’t be older than twenty. Lincoln’s heart sank into his stomach. ‘Looking forward to something other than barramundi, hey, mate?’
The boy grinned. ‘Yep. Hoping for some coral trout or red throat emperor.’
‘Reef fish is better than the freshwater species,’ Jim said. ‘So, what about you? Here on your own?’
Lincoln swallowed past the knot in his throat. ‘Yeah. I mean, fishing, I am. But I’m here with a … friend.’
‘He not into fishing?’
Lincoln paused. ‘No.’
‘Too bad,’ Jim said, and Lincoln thanked the heavens as their charter guide called for attention and Jim finally shut up.
***
In a secluded bay somewhere off Whitsunday Island, Lincoln found peace. Apart from water lapping against the boat, the occasional small whisper, and the whirring of a fishing reel, all was quiet. Apparently, fish only came when it was quiet.
If he was honest, Lincoln hadn’t thought he’d enjoy fishing, but time faded away and he found himself relaxing as the morning wore on. It also gave him a chance to think as he stared out over the rippling, azure water. There was so much more to life than fatherhood. So much more to look forward to. He could live his life with committing to anyone. He could come and go as he pleased. He could spend three months over Christmas snowboarding in Canada because he had no family ties. Nothing to ground him. He was free. He could go anywhere he wanted and do anything he pleased.
He’d go on safari in Zambia. Skydive in Hawaii. Bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge. Hell, he might even trek to the Everest Base Camp! Why not?
But while he had that freedom, he wouldn’t be happy if he didn’t keep some ties or commitment. And now that Mirabella was back in his life, he didn’t want to lose her friendship again.
Shame washed over him at how he’d treated her last night, but he’d shaken his bout of depression. He’d return with tonight’s dinner and apologise. Hell, maybe he’d even walk along the moonlit beach with her if that’s what she wanted to do. Because he was an expert at resisting Mirabella Goldring and he’d continue to do so. She was too important to him to risk their friendship. And that’s what she needed right now—a friend.
A tug on his line shook Lincoln from his thoughts. Oh God, he’d caught a fish!
His heart pounded as he followed the guide’s instructions and reeled in his catch, unable to stop the grin from spreading across his face. Others stopped to watch and help. He’d caught a coral trout, apparently, and Lincoln had to admit, he was quite chuffed.
His tension had all but disappeared by the time they returned to Hamilton Island Marina. Lincoln returned Jim’s wave goodbye as he left the boat with newfound determination and a spring in his step. The crew would deliver his fish to Mariners Restaurant, where the chefs would prepare it for tonight. But in the meantime, he needed to find Mirabella and apologise for being such a grump.
As he wandered by the shops on his way to the golf buggy, Lincoln paused and glanced into a window. Maybe he’d buy Mirabella a gift. Yes, something nice because … Well, because he wanted to. There was no other reason. So, he entered Salt and poked around. Jewellery? A sarong to cover that gorgeous body of hers?
Then another thought occurred to him and Lincoln halted. He knew exactly what she needed.
Turning on his heel, he strode out of the shop.
***
Mirabella pulled her hat low over her face as she escaped to the outback in the novel she’d picked up at Trader Pete’s. She’d always loved these stories with the wide-open spaces, strong women, and sexy boot-wearing, denim-clad, tough country men.
Sighing, she flipped the page, quite content as she reached for the mango madness mocktail beside her. She could get used to this—lying around, having facials, and drinking by the pool. Her morning at the spa had made her feel fresh and pretty, and she was glad she’d added the lip hydration treatment. Her lips felt amazing and hopefully looked even better. Delicious. Inviting. Kissable …
Mirabella grimaced and placed her drink back on the table. She had to stop thinking about kissing. Even if she wanted him to, she doubted Lincoln would kiss her. She wasn’t sure what was bothering him, but he’d been low-spirited since their swim yesterday. Yes, it’d been foolish of her to suggest a moonlight stroll along the beach, but it had looked so lovely with a high tide coming in and a cool sea breeze.
Nevertheless, she’d enjoyed the movie and hearing Lincoln’s half-hearted laughter before she’d drifted into a dreamless sleep.
‘Now that’s the Mirabella I remember.’
An initial wave of irritation washed over her at being interrupted, but she grinned as she glanced up. ‘And I’m enjoying myself very well.’
‘Am I interrupting?’ Lincoln held up his hands in mock defence. A paper shopping bag hung from his wrist and a smile she’d missed seeing spread across his handsome face. ‘Sorry, I know better. It must be a good book.’
‘It is, but I don’t mind. I’ll read it later.’ Mirabella slid the bookmark between the pages and snapped it closed. ‘How was fishing?’
‘Good. I caught us dinner for tonight.’
Mirabella wrinkled her nose. ‘You want to eat it after you—’
‘Yeah, let’s not think about that.’ He sank onto the edge of the sunlounge beside her and rested his elbows on his knees. Mirabella focused on the bag dangling from his fingers and not how sexy his legs looked in shorts. ‘But fishing sure was relaxing. Might even have me hooked. Could be fun to add it to my list of things to indulge in. Key West in Florida’s supposed to be good for it. Might have to go there one day … do some scuba diving too.’
He’d probably go just about anywhere now that travelling was his life goal. No ties. No commitments. Just him seeking adventure because he couldn’t—
She suppressed a gasp. Oh no! Had she laid it on a little too thick yesterday? ‘I’m having a baby!’ And you never can …
Mirabella dipped her head, hiding her face beneath her hat as her cheeks flamed and she squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe it had been ill-advised to go on about it, but she’d been so excited. As she’d sat on the beach sketching away, she’d felt the first genuine joy since discovering her pregnancy. Her shock and fear had subsided and she couldn’t wait to get home and start preparing. She’d even made an appointment with her doctor and a list on her phone of the things she needed to buy.
Yet, she’d been insensitive.
Heart pounding, Mirabella sat up and swung her legs over the side of the sunlounge to face Lincoln. ‘I’m sure you’ll fish and dive all over the world. It’ll be an amazing life. Of course, I do hope you find someone to share it with … but I can see where you’ll have lots of fun.’ She gripped her hands together and sighed. ‘I’m just sorry that I went on and on yesterday about having a baby.’
Lincoln’s hand shot out to grasp hers. ‘Hey, don’t be. I’m sorry I reacted so badly. I was a bit of a grouch.’
She shook her head. ‘No, you weren’t. Well … you were, but it’s okay. We still had a good night because that movie was good.’
He smiled. ‘It was, hey?’
Her spine softened. ‘Yeah.’
‘But I am happy for you, Bella. I want you to know that. So, here.’ He offered her the bag he carried. ‘I bought this for you. To show you how much I care.’
‘Oh, Linc.’ She smiled and accepted the bag. ‘You didn’t have to.’
‘Yeah, I did. I just hope you like it.’
She placed her book aside and reached into the bag, expecting to find a little trinket or souvenir of some kind. But when she withdrew the soft material and let it unfold into her hands, Mirabella found herself speechless.
The onesie was so small, cute, and utterly perfect with its grey trim and koala printed across the front. Her throat closed over and her heart felt too big for her chest. She thought she might even cry as she laid the outfit over her knees.
‘You don’t like it? I can take it—’
‘No.’ She swatted his hand away as he reached for the onesie. ‘No, I love it. I …’ Mirabella choked back a sob. ‘Thank you, Lincoln.’
‘Bella …’ He breathed her name and pulled her into his arms as tears fell down her cheeks. She gripped him tight, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she sniffed.
He smelled like fish.
‘I didn’t mean to make you cry.’
‘I know.’ She held him a moment longer, then drew away and wiped her eyes. ‘It’s just … pregnancy hormones, you know?’
A smile quirked the corners of his lips. ‘Uh-huh.’
‘But I love this.’ She clutched the onesie to her chest. ‘And so will the baby.’
He grinned and Mirabella’s heart somersaulted. ‘I’m glad.’
She folded the onesie and slipped it back into the bag. The fact that he’d thought to buy it made her body ache. And her mind race.
It really was unfortunate that he couldn’t have children because Lincoln would make an excellent father. And even though it was a terrible idea to pursue … if he only gave her a chance, she would share her baby with him in a heartbeat.
But she wouldn’t push it. She couldn’t risk her heart by hoping to include Lincoln in her life. Not as anything more than a friend. She’d be crushed if it didn’t work out. So, instead, she sighed and forced a smile to her face. ‘You hungry?’
‘Starving.’
Mirabella stood and gathered her things. She was just about to slip her phone into her bag when it rang. She glanced at the screen and her heart screeched to a stop.
Her breath caught.
Lincoln moved beside her. ‘What’s wrong? Who is it?’
Mirabella swallowed and lifted her gaze to his. ‘It’s Marc.’