He sat down and picked up his glass of iced tea, sipping it and looking toward the water. “What a great day.”
“In every sense.”
He tilted his head, studying me. “Did you find some great bargain? A new piece of furniture you’re trying to figure out where to put?” he teased.
Our home had changed a great deal since I’d arrived. Evan’s once bare walls were now filled with artwork, photographs, and my paintings and sketches. There’d been many trips and memories—all captured on film, our favorites displayed on the walls. Pieces from local artists we’d picked out together. Our life’s story told in frames and souvenirs that made us smile. Celebrations of moments of the love that we shared.
And I had the most special one to give him.
I slipped the small square from my pocket. “I bought you something.”
He grinned eagerly, holding out his hand in anticipation. He loved presents, and I had a feeling this one might top them all. I handed him the package, smiling as he studied it.
“Too small for a sofa.”
“Nope.”
He pursed his lips. “Not a friend for Chester. Too square.”
I laughed. “Open it.”
He slid off the simple brown paper and rattan ribbon and lifted up the tiny square frame. It was simple, a creamy yellow with ducks on it. Evan frowned. “Ducks. How…whimsical. Ah, a new frame for our next adventure?”
I chuckled. “Actually, we’ve already had this adventure. Look closer, Evan. Look inside.”
He stared at the black-and-white image which he had thought to be nothing. I knew the second he realized what he was looking at. His entire body froze, and he lifted his head, his expression one of such joy—filled with so much love and tenderness that it took my breath away.
“Holly?” he uttered. “Really? A baby?” He swallowed. “My baby? Our baby?”
I nodded, unable to speak.
In a moment, he was on his knees in front of me, and I was wrapped in his embrace. He pressed kisses to my cheeks, forehead, nose, and mouth, finally dropping his head to my lap. He looked up, his large hands spread wide across my stomach.
“Are you okay? Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” I assured him. “Carol took me to see the doctor today, and he did the ultrasound. He said everything looked fine. Our baby is due at the start of January.”
“I missed the ultrasound?”
“You can come to the next one.”
“To all of them,” he insisted. “I’ll be there for everything.”
“Okay.”
“Say it, Holly. Tell me.”
“You’re going to be a daddy, Evan.”
“I think I just found another set of favorite words.”
I laughed. “I knew you’d like them.”
His smile was wide. “A baby. Oh God, Holly, I love you.”
I cupped his face. “I love you. We both love you.”
His happiness couldn’t be contained. He wrapped me in his arms, holding me safe and secure. “I love you, Holly. Thank you, my Angel.”