Read Online With Honor by Rhonda Lee Carver - Free Book Online Page A

into the kitchen.
    “These are the things that I use on a regular basis. The rest is in storage until I move into my own place,” she said.
    “Was the trip okay?”
    She filled the kettle with water and then placed it on the burner. “I’m worn out, but I’m here now.”
    Shawn went to the refrigerator and opened the door, wanting a beer. He found chick food. “Carrots? Milk? Juice?” Taking out a clear bag of what looked to be a shriveled green rock, he held it up for her. “And what’s this?” He pushed on it. His fingers left an indent.
    Grabbing it, she shook her head. “This is an avocado. It’s high in protein and good for you. I read that it’s great to eat while you’re pregnant.”
    His stomach rolled. “Let me take you to dinner.” Shutting the refrigerator door, he wanted to forget about the thing she called avocado.
    “Take me to dinner?” Confusion marred her expression.
    “You do need to eat. Something besides rabbit food.”
    “You don’t have to feel obligated to me, Shane,” she said.
    “I don’t feel obligation. You have to eat. I am starving. So let me take you out and introduce you to the best burger this side of the country. Anyway, if you weren’t here I’d be in the gym for the next hour.”
    “You came home because I’m here?”
    “Sure. I’m not used to having company, but I think I can get used to it.”
    A smile lit her features. “Let me go freshen up.” She turned the stove off and walked away.
    He couldn’t help himself; he liked having her around already. And unfortunately, he was headed into trouble.
    * * * *
    Thirty minutes later, Jasmine and Shane walked into the restaurant. She’d changed into a simple white sundress, but the lightweight material was no barrier to the heat from Shane’s large hand on the small of her back as he led her toward the booth in the back. They slid onto the red vinyl seat. Shane ordered a beer, she ordered iced tea, and they both decided on the house special, a garbage burger platter.
    Jasmine’s mouth watered at the promise of a juicy burger with the works. She couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into it, considering she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast and her stomach rumbled in protest.
    The crowd grew in the restaurant as people got off work. Interestingly, she felt comfortable with Shane, like they’d sat together many times for dinner.
    “I hope you feel at home in Lackland.”
    “I’m sure in time I will,” she said. “I worried that I wouldn’t find another doctor, but my old obstetrician, the doctor you spoke with, recommended a doctor here. I called today, and thankfully they were accepting new patients.”
    “I guess I didn’t think how difficult that must be to leave your doctor. You said he was also a good friend.”
    She appreciated his sincerity. “I’m sure it’s for the best. I’m already scheduled for an ultrasound with the new doctor.” She waited.
    He didn’t respond.
    “Do you know what an ultrasound is?” His blank expression answered her question. “An image of the baby in the womb.”
    His eyes widened. “Is there something wrong?”
    “No. This is normal procedure. The doctor wants to know how the baby is growing. You and I will see the beating heart and get a definite due date. I’ll have several more ultrasounds done throughout the pregnancy.”
    “You and I, as in us?”
    “I assumed you’d go with me.” Her chest tightened. Maybe she shouldn’t have assumed Shane would want to go. “It’s okay, Shane. You don’t have to go.”
    “I want to go. Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” His smile brightened the room.
    “Then I’ll remind you a week before,” she said.
    The waitress brought their drinks and Jasmine looked at Shane as she sipped through her straw. Lowering her glass, she said, “I’ve started reading a book about what a parent should expect during pregnancy. There seems to be a lot involved. I’m overwhelmed. This can get very