I took his hand, placing it over my belly where mine had been. I tilted my head back so I could see his face. It seemed to take forever, and I began to wonder if I’d imagined it after all. And then it happened again.
His gaze shot to mine. “Is that…is that the baby?”
I nodded. “I think so.”
His smile was incandescent. “Jesus.” Tears welled in his eyes, or maybe it was mine. “I love you so much, Kellie.” He kissed me, and then sat with his hand on my belly waiting for another kick.
“Do you want a boy or a girl?” I asked.
“Both. A whole brood of them.”
I laughed. “All at once?”
“No. I want to make each and everyone of them with you, when we’re ready.” His hand gently rubbed my belly. “I was thinking we made this little one in Paris.”
I turned enough in his arms that I didn’t have to crane my neck and head so far to see him. “You’ve been thinking about this, have you?”
“I have. I remember women’s reproduction in middle school health class. If you were just starting your cycle at the beginning of our honeymoon, then it should have happened after that.” Then he gave me a goofy smile. “Or maybe I’m just being silly. What I remember of that night was feeling like shit that our time together was over. It felt different between us when I made love to you. At least it did to me. I know its nuts, because you don’t have to be in love to get pregnant, but I can’t help but feel this baby was made in love. In our love. Is that too saccharinely sweet?”
I pulled him to me in a kiss. “It’s perfect. I was in love with you then too. My heart was breaking that we were going back to our normal lives.”
“I was an idiot not to say anything then.”
I pressed my palm to his cheek. “You were worried about rules and propriety. I understood. I could have said something.”
He dropped his forehead to mine. “I don’t know that you could or would. I was your boss. And I’d been adamant about friends with benefits. No wonder you didn’t say anything.”
“We’re here now, Ryan. It’s all turned out even better than I could have ever imagined. I love you so much. And I’m so happy to be your wife.”
He gave me a slow, lingering kiss that melted my toes. “I didn’t know what I was missing until you, Kellie. Now I can’t live without you.”
“Lucky for you, you won’t have to.”
We kissed again, until Ryan groaned. “We should head up to our room, or I’m going to consummate this marriage right here on the beach.”
“Well, then, Mr. Strong, let’s go to bed.”
He stood and helped me. “Those are some of my favorite words.”
I laughed. “Let’s go to bed?”
“Yes. Those and, Yes, Ryan, more…and my favorites are I love you.”
I pressed my hands over his heart. “Yes Ryan, more…I love you. Now let’s go to bed.”
He smiled broadly and swept me up into his arms. “Your wish is my command.”
As he strode back to our suite carrying me like Prince Charming, my beliefs were fully confirmed. Fairy tales are real and dreams really do come true.
If you loved Say Yes to Love, make sure you check out Hunter and Natalie’s story in Book 2 of the series. This one is called GIVING IN TO LOVE, and is an enemies to lovers office romance, that you are going to swoon over.
He’s my boss.
Okay, he’s my enemy at best.
A friend with benefits?
No.