A Gentle Kiss*

Ethan rested his head on Helena's still-flat stomach. He expected something to happen. "Why no movement? Won't the baby kick when the father kisses the mom's belly?"

"Idiot, how many months do you think it is?" Helena retorted, annoyed. "It's not big yet. Maybe the baby is still the size of a potato."

Ethan laughed at Helena's comment. He wasn't completely ignorant about pregnancies, but he didn't know much either. He was fairly certain the baby in Helena's womb was only the size of a peanut, about six weeks old.

"You read too many romance stories!" Helena said, playfully pinching Ethan's cheek.

But the word "pain" triggered a memory in Ethan. He remembered the wound he had inflicted on Helena's back. His playful expression turned sad. He had caused Helena even more pain than she was experiencing now.

"Can I see your wound?" Ethan asked. He swallowed heavily, pleadingly looking into Helena's eyes.