Now that fire season was over and he wasn’t hiking up mountains with little sustenance for days, Zeke had begun to bulk up, and he seemed to feel better in his own skin, despite still feeling dizzy and nauseous at times. But even when I tried to scale back, Zeke tore himself up every workout, filling out and cutting down in record time.

I watched him eat multiple times a day—mostly protein—while he chatted happily about his family back home or places he wanted to walk hand in hand with me. So many plans, it was hard to keep up, but it didn’t matter. Zeke was all about the future, and I loved that he effortlessly included me in it all.

“Babe?” I said, hopping down mid-chin lift to check on Zeke.

He was bent over next to the gym trash can, holding up his finger when I got to close.

“Lunch isn’t setting well with me.”

“I don’t think any meal has set well with you for a week.”

He grabbed his knees, he’s breathing becoming labored.

“Why do you go at it so damn hard? Listen to your body,” I said.

“That would set a precedence. Then I’d have to start listening to Jenn, and you, and my sisters…”

I smiled, crossing my arms. “Very funny. It’s been a month. Time to make an appointment.”

“I ate two steaks and six eggs on ab day, honey, I think I deserve this.” He stood, his lips the same color as his face.

“You’re pale,” I said, frowning. “Sit.”

“Babe…”

“Sit,” I demanded, pointing at the floor. I crossed my legs under me, watching him. He seemed dazed as he rubbed his shoulder. “You’re overdoing it.” Before he could argue, I continued, “Why?”

“Ask any of my guys. It’s just what I do in off-season.”

I stared at him for a while, trying to decide if he was leaving anything out. “You workout until you puke?”

“No, that’s new,” he said with a smile.

“You’re not funny.”

“I’m a little funny,” he said, the color coming back to his face. He bent over and kissed my forehead. “Let’s eat. I’m starving. Then we’ve got some Christmas shopping to do. You’re going to finally understand exactly how big my family is very soon.”

I arched an eyebrow, watching him walk a few steps, and then he turned when he realized I wasn’t following.

He lifted his arms. “C’mon, babe. I’m fine, and I’m not going without you.”

“Make an appointment.”

He shrugged. “Fine,” he said, nonchalantly scooping me into his arms.

I kicked, not trying hard at all to free myself.

He pulled me toward him, waiting patiently for me to stop flailing, and then he kissed me. “You ‘bout done?” he asked.

I kissed him again then shook my head.