She let out a contented moan. “You feel even better.”
“I can promise you I love you and that I’m here to stay, but I can’t promise I won’t need some guidance on this emotional give-and-take business.”
She brushed a kiss over his lips. “Oh, I think I can guide you. You just need to have an open mind.”
“My mind is open... to lots of things.”
She grinned. “Why don’t you tell me what you have in mind.”
He rolled to his side, taking her with him. “I could spend the rest of the night telling you what I have in mind.”
“What about furniture shopping.”
He held her in his arms, grateful for a second chance. “I think that can wait. After all, neither of us are going anywhere.”
She smiled. “Not for a long, long time.”
EPILOGUE
The now-familiar sound of the baby’s heartbeat sounded in the small examining room. Nikki felt the rush of warmth fill her body and when Kevin squeezed her hand, also her heart
Dr. Molloy moved her instrument over the gel coating her stomach. “Have you two decided on whether you’re ready to know the sex?” she asked.
Nikki’s stomach leapt in anticipation. They’d discussed the possibility last night into the late hours of the morning. Talking and bonding with Kevin had been almost more moving than making love.
Almost. Because nothing could compete with the sensation of joining their bodies together and knowing that bond transcended the physical. And always would.
“We want to know,” Nikki said.
Kevin cleared his throat “Are you sure? Because there’s no going back. Once we know, there’s no surprise.”
“I’m sure. For a number of reasons.” Once they knew the sex, they’d know the name and then the bonding process could begin even stronger pre-birth. “Are you sure?” she asked him.
“Absolutely.” His grip on her hand became stronger.
“Okay then, let’s see if this little guy—or girl—is wi
lling to cooperate.” The doctor moved the instrument around her stomach. “Sometimes they get shy. They lie on their side, or they cross their legs.”
Nikki laughed. “That would figure.”
“A-ha. Here we go.” Her hand movements stilled and both Nikki and Kevin stared at the monitor. “Now remember, this isn’t foolproof.”
“How’s your record running, Doc?” Kevin asked.
“Well I don’t want to brag, but I haven’t been wrong yet.”
He chuckled. “I’ll take those odds. How about you, Princess?”
These days, that name made Nikki feel safe and cherished. “I’m dying here. Would you two stop stalling?”
“Want to take a guess first?” the doctor asked.
“Girl,” Kevin said. “With violet eyes and dark hair.”
“Boy,” Nikki disagreed, recalling how certain she’d been for so long. Then sudden doubt assailed her. “Make that a girl.”
At Kevin’s raised eyebrows and quizzical look, Nikki shrugged. “It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. Especially a pregnant woman.”