“I did. I like Marti, Steve’s wife. A couple of the guys who work for him joined us. Dinner was at two, which is a strange time, but traditional.”

“We ate at three.”

His expression turned concerned. “How did you do?”

“You mean did I throw up at the table?”

He grinned. “I wouldn’t have put it that way, but yes.”

“I was fine. I got queasy a couple of times, but there was no actual regurgitation.”

“Progress.”

“I wish, but I think it’s too early for my hormones to be calming down. Soon, though.”

She looked at him, telling herself not to get lost in his blue eyes. He was a guest and possibly a friend—nothing more. Besides, he was still getting over the loss of his wife and their baby. He was looking to recover, not get involved with a very ordinary, pregnant woman.

“Was the day difficult?” she asked.

“Parts of it. Adriana wasn’t one for traditions, so we usually traveled on the holidays.”

“I’ve heard people do that. I can’t imagine not being in Wishing Tree for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s what I’ve done my whole life.” She paused, thinking she could not sound more boring. “Except for when I went to college, I haven’t lived anywhere else.”

“You’re a small-town girl.”

Great. Because that was a thrilling description. “I am.”

“Is that why there’s no guy?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. I had a serious boyfriend in high school and again in college, but neither was the one.”

“You believe in the one?”

“I believe in falling in love. I want to give my heart to someone and have him do the same with me. I want to know we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together, no matter what.”

“People get divorced.”

“Sometimes people make a mistake, but sometimes they let go too quickly. I’d want to try harder.”

“You’re an idealist.”

She wasn’t sure if he thought that was good or bad. “My parents have been married nearly thirty-five years.”

“I remember. They’re renewing their vows.”

“Exactly. They’re still crazy in love. Just being around them makes me happy. I wanted that for my kids. But after college, I never found anyone. I dated a couple of guys, but the relationships never went anywhere.”

His gaze was steady. “You mentioned that you were tired of waiting for the one.”

“I still hope to meet him, but whether or not I do, I want children. So I decided to get pregnant.”

“Using a turkey baster.”

She laughed. “Yes.”

“That’s a bold move. It takes courage.”

“People have said that to me, but I don’t see it that way. I’m not being brave. I’m being practical. Women are biologically different.”

The smile returned. “Yes, and most men enjoy those differences.”