I wake a little while later to a dark room. Turning my head to the window, I see that my room is not the only darkness. Glancing around the room, I find Conrad sleeping in the chair. His head is tilted forward, and his arms are crossed over his chest. I’m not surprised to find him here. I knew he wouldn’t leave me.
His voice and his touch are what pulled me through all of this. I know that sounds crazy, even to my own ears, but it’s the truth. I wanted to scream at him that I loved him too, but I couldn’t. Now that I can, I want to tell him over and over and over again.
My eyes dart to my still flat stomach. A baby. I’m going to be a mom. Aurora and I are having babies at the same time, and I couldn’t be happier. I will never forget the look in Conrad’s eyes when he told me. His eyes held nothing but love for me and our unborn child. I’m excited and scared, but that’s to be expected with the unknown. What I’m not is worried about doing this alone. I know he’s going to be there with me every step of the way.
I lie still, watching him sleep. This man, the love of my life, the father of my unborn child, he’s everything I could ever want and more than I ever could have hoped for.
“I feel you watching me,” he says, stretching.
“Come lie with me.”
Not needing further invitation, he kicks off his shoes, and I move over to one side of the bed. Carefully, he climbs into the bed next to me, pulling me into his arms. “I love you so much,” he says softly. “I thought I lost you, babe. I was so angry at myself for not telling you sooner. I was scared as hell that I was going to lose you without ever having the opportunity to look into your beautiful hazel eyes and tell you what you mean to me.”
“I’m right here.”
“I missed you.”
I smile. “I love you, Conrad Riggins. Or maybe I should call you baby daddy.”
“Daddy,” he muses. “Don’t think I’m losing my mind or anything, but, Aspen, I love this baby so much. Already. How is that possible? How can I love this tiny living human inside you who I’ve never met?”
My heart melts at his words. I place my hand on his cheek, relishing the feel of his beard beneath my palm as I stare into his eyes. “Because he or she is a part of you. Conceived out of love.”
His lips press to mine, and just like that, all is right in my world. Sure, I’m in a hospital bed, but I’m okay. Our baby is okay. This man, he loves me with an intensity that fills my soul. I get lost in his kiss, sore throat be damned.
“Will you move in with me?” he asks, breaking the kiss.
“Yes.”
His smile lights up his eyes. “Just like that?”
“Just like that. I don’t want to fight this anymore. Life is too short. I used to be worried that you would decide you didn’t want me, but I see it in your eyes. I feel it in your touch. Our souls are one.”
“You and this baby, you’re everything to me.” He goes quiet. “I don’t know what kind of shape the bakery is in. In fact, I didn’t even ask. I know that it’s terrible you and your sister lost your business, you lost your home, but all of that can be replaced. I could never replace you.”
“You’re stuck with me, Riggins.”
“Bring it, baby momma.” He grins. “Bring it.” He sits up and moves from the bed. “Come on. Aurora brought you some clothes. Let’s get you a shower.”
“Oh my God, did they say I could shower?”
“Yes. They’re releasing you in the morning.” He points to my hand. “The nurse stopped the IV, but they have to leave it in just in case. It’s hospital protocol, but you’re no longer hooked up to anything.”
“Will you shower with me?” I ask him.
“I thought I heard you yell that you needed help washing your hair.” He winks. I watch him as he grabs a small bag and carries it to the bathroom. “No lock,” he tells me, checking the door.
“I guess we’ll just have to take our chances.”
“I guess we will. Come on, you.” He helps me stand and walks next to me into the bathroom. “They brought me clean clothes as well.” He points to the bag.
“We’re lucky to have so much support.”
“We are. We’re going to need it when this little one comes.” He presses his hand over my still-flat belly.
Together we shower. He’s very attentive, taking extreme caution with me, all while making sure any remnants of smoke from the fire are washed away from my hair and skin. His hands roam over my body, and I not only feel cherished, but I feel safe—safe in his arms, safe by his touch.