I’m enormous, Conner thought, staring ruefully at his belly. The baby kicked gently; he patted her.

“Good morning, Con.” Veri hugged him as usual. “Pretty soon I won’t get to do this,” she laughed.

“Morning.” Conner blushed.

She noticed. “Am I bothering you?”

“No. I...you’re gorgeous, you know?”

“I do. And I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to say it. You’ve come a long way.”

Tom ambled into the room, smothering a yawn. “Mornin’. Glad you two are gettin’ along so well.”

Veri pulled him into their embrace.

Finally Conner said what he’d been thinking. “I never knew Christians could be so...nice.”

Tom snorted; Veri actually laughed. Then she said, “That’s unfortunate and way too common. What did you think about us?”

“Well, I always heard that you’re jealous of your mates, but here you are letting me hug you.” His blush deepened.

“It’s natural to be jealous at first,” said Tom. “But we’ve been together five years and I trust her and she trusts me. Right, love?”

“Right.” She kissed Tom’s nose. “Besides, life’s so much better when you assume the best of people.”

Conner couldn’t help but agree.