Addison closed her eyes and took a deep breath, hoping it would rid her mind of the thoughts poisoning her, but after a few minutes, she gave up. She picked up the glasses and left the room just as Joanna and Chauncey came through the front door.

“I poured you a drink,” Addison said.

“Thanks, but I can’t have that. It’s not safe for the baby.”

“Oh, right. I forgot,” Addison said with a frown, placing the other glass on a nearby table. In silence, she stood and watched as Joanna squatted down and played with the pup until he scampered up the stairs.

“I think I’m going to follow his lead,” Joanna said as she stood up.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m tired. I’m going to go bed.”

Addison looked at her watch. “But it’s not even eight o’clock yet.”

“I know,” Joanna said, and walking over she wrapped her arms around Addison’s waist and rested her head against her shoulder. Joanna relished the familiar warmth, but after a few seconds, she pulled away and gazed at her wife. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired. Busy day and all that.”

“All right,” Addison said, looking toward the upper floor. “I’d offer to join you, but I’m not at all sleepy.”

Joanna tried not to let her disappointment show. Addison hadn’t touched her since she had been told about the baby, and while Joanna was truly exhausted, for Addison not to even hint at things delightfully carnal wasn’t like her. It wasn’t like her at all.

Joanna pulled out of their embrace and headed to the stairs. “Sorry, but you can always work or go for a swim.”

Addison let out a sigh as she watched Joanna climb the stairs. “Believe it or not, I didn’t bring anything home with me,” she said as she looked toward the study. “Maybe I’ll check out some of those books you bought. Find something to read.”

Joanna jerked to a stop at the top of the stairs and spun around. “Shit!”

In an instant, Addison was taking the steps two at a time and in no time flat she was holding Joanna by the shoulders. “What’s wrong?” she said, eyeing Joanna’s belly. “Are you all right? Do I need to call a doctor?”

Joanna pressed her lips together, preventing her laugh from escaping. Other than the annoyingly repetitive questions Addison plagued her with over morning sickness, the woman had yet to act like an expectant parent so the panic in Addison’s eyes, while unnecessary, warmed Joanna’s heart. With a chuckle, she said, “Relax, sweetheart. I’m fine. I just forgot to tell you something. That’s all.”

“Seriously woman, you just scared the shit out of me,” Addison said, dropping her hands to the side.