Elissa’s resistance was obvious, her frown deepening.

“Hold on…” Ernest paused and released her. His gaze landed on her shoes. “Those shoes?”

What could possibly be wrong with them?

A simple pair of small heels, just two inches—nothing unusual for someone in her line of work.

“That won’t do. You shouldn’t wear heels anymore. It’s too risky—you could easily twist your ankle. What if you fall?” Ernest’s expression tightened.

Every word was laced with genuine worry, each thought meant to protect her. Ironically, his fussing only made things worse.

Elissa could hardly stand it. She shrugged off his hand and moved to get away.

“Hold on!” A sudden grip on her arm made her stop in her tracks.

Irritation flickered across Ernest’s face. “Did you not hear me just now?”

“I heard you just fine.” Sarcasm colored Elissa’s reply. “The shoes are already on my feet, aren’t they? What do you expect, Ernest? Want me to go barefoot?”

Her decision came in a flash. Annoyed, she kicked off the heels and marched forward, bare feet on the cool floor.

The move caught Ernest off guard, but instead of snapping, he burst out laughing.

A moment later, he closed the gap and swept Elissa up into his arms without warning.

Shock left her wide-eyed and speechless. Before she could gather herself, she was off the ground.

“What are you doing? Let me down!” she protested.

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“Stay still. If you fell and hit the floor, you could hurt the baby.” He shook his head, his tone gentle but firm. “This child is just as important as Locke was.”

The words struck Elissa silent. Her resistance softened; she settled a bit in his arms.

An unspoken satisfaction flashed across Ernest’s face. This child really had come at the perfect time.

The car pulled up to Jewel Avenue.

Elissa was still nestled in Ernest’s arms as they rang the doorbell.

The front door swung open, and Hadley’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ernest? Elissa? What on earth—”

“Hadley.” A bright look crossed Ernest’s face. He turned to her with a cheerful explanation. “She can’t walk at the moment, so I had to carry her.”

Puzzlement etched deeper on Hadley’s face. She wasn’t sure what to make of the scene.

Exasperation got the better of Elissa. She smacked his shoulder. “Enough already. Put me down.”

“No way. You’re barefoot. Planning to walk across the house with nothing on your feet?” Ernest tightened his grip, refusing. “If you slip, that’s a risk I’m not taking. You need to be extra cautious now.”

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