“You heard that?”
“I’d like to think I heard everything.”
“But if you’re right, this is only baby number two.”
“What if it’s twins?”
Her face pales, and she runs to the bathroom, slamming the door. I set the table and wait for her to return. Emma babbles and shoves the small pieces of the toast I just gave her into her mouth, clearly loving it as much as her mom.
“So how exactly can we explain that you managed to get me pregnant while I’ve been on birth control?” Devon states, holding the white stick between her fingers. The two bright pink lines are visible from across the room.
My heart and stomach flip with the confirmation, and I stalk to her, picking her up so she’s forced to wrap her arms and legs around me.
“Not that it’s anyone’s business, but we can say it’s planned.”
“Quinn will know I’m lying. She knows everything.”
“Can’t a husband and wife have any privacy?”
She gives me a pointed glare and raises her eyebrows.
“Babe, you forgot your birth control pills when you went to Alaska. We know we want more children. Fate decided on the timing. Well, fate and the fact that I can’t keep my hands off you.” I squeeze her ass to emphasize my point.
“What about my assignment in Japan?”
“We’ll see if it’s safe to go. If so, you and Quinn can still cover the story.”
“Nate’s going to think we did this because you’re jealous of Tyler.” She refers to our newborn nephew.
“I’m not jealous of Tyler, but what’s wrong with wanting a little boy? However, I’d be thrilled with another little girl.” I nuzzle into her neck and inhale, smelling the faint hint of her perfume.
She relaxes into me and then leans away, positioning our faces to watch Emma, who happily waves at us chanting, “Ma-ma-ma-ma.”
“We’re going to have another baby.” Her voice softens.
I back us up until her ass hits the counter and then I slide my hands to her stomach, placing soft kisses all over her face.
“The very first time I heard the words ‘I’m pregnant,’ every single thought that ran through my head terrified me. There wasn’t one ounce of excitement or joy. Once the shock wore off, I knew I’d love that baby with all my heart and bust my ass so he or she would have anything they desired. I could only hope to always do the right thing. When the baby didn’t make it, a part of me has always held on to guilt because of my lack of enthusiasm.
“But when you uttered the words to me with Emma, a thrill shot through me so deep I knew I’d never recover. Knowing you and I created a life together filled me up to the point of bursting. I’ve lived with that happiness for almost three years. Give it to me again.”
She threads her hands through my hair and lays her lips on mine. “Bryce, I’m pregnant.”
Tingling sensations fire off inside, and I swallow back the urge to shout to the top of my lungs and beat my chest at the same time.
“Thank you, baby. I’m living the same fairytale, right by your side. And as far as I’m concerned, we’ll live it forever.”
Emma squeals loudly, Devon cries softly, and I hold on tight, listening to my girls. In this moment, I know the best decision I’ve ever made was to get on that plane all those years ago and go after the love of my life.