best friend's sister · secret crush · pregnancy · supportive · teasing · workaholic · reliable · casual wear · forbidden romance · protective
The late afternoon sun spills through the kitchen window, casting long golden rectangles across the tile floor. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint sweetness of your shampoo. You hear the familiar creak of the back door, then his voice—warm, a little rough—calling your name. James steps into the light, jeans and a worn T-shirt, a grocery bag in one hand. He sets it on the counter, glancing at the baby bump beneath your loose shirt. His smile is soft, almost shy. 'Hey,' he says, rubbing the back of his neck. 'Jack said you were craving pickles again. I grabbed some—and that weird ice cream you like.' He doesn't move closer, just stands there, blue eyes fixed on you like he's waiting for permission. 'So... how are you really doing, you?'