Meant for You (The Connor Family 3)

“It’s not your fault. These things happen.” I tried to work every ounce of bravado I could into my voice.

Will wrapped a towel around his lower body and stepped closer.

“Paige, you’re shaking. You’re nervous.”

He could see that? How? I wasn’t shaking that visibly, was I? I turned off the water, unsure of what to do, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. Will offered me a robe. Stepping out, I put it on. I knew we should talk, but right then I really wanted to feel Will’s arms around me. I was too afraid to ask for a hug, though. As we left the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I was seven shades paler, looking as if I’d lost blood. No wonder Will had guessed my terror. I went to the kitchen, though I wasn’t sure why.

&n

bsp; “Paige?” Will’s voice was soft. “What do you need? I’ll do it for you. You’re still shaking. Tea?”

I nodded. “Tea would be good.”

It was a good thing he’d taken over, because my fingers were too shaky to be of any good. A few minutes later, he handed me a steamy cup. We were still standing awkwardly in the kitchen.

“Now you’re going to tell me why you’re so terrified.”

I clasped the cup tighter. “Because this can have consequences, and... I can’t take the morning-after pill. I took it once a few years ago, and it messed me up hormonally. My ob-gyn advised me never to take it again. It’s also why I’m not on any form of birth control. I have a hormonal sensitivity.”

I was mentally building up arguments, waiting for him to push the idea of the pill. He didn’t look angry, which was good.

“Okay, no pill then.” The knot loosened a bit, but I was still on edge. “Paige, talk to me.”

His expression lightened up, and the next words came out easier.

“I know the chances of... pregnancy are slim. I’m not even in the ovulation portion of my cycle. But we don’t need this stress of uncertainty in our relationship now.”

Will stepped right in front of me, taking my face in his hands. “It doesn’t mean we can’t handle it.”

“And what if it happens?” I whispered.

“Then we’ll have a little girl or boy. Personally, I’d keep my fingers crossed for a girl.”

I blinked a few times, setting the mug on the counter. “You’re not scared.”

“Not one bit.” He kissed my forehead and wrapped his strong arms around me, giving me that hug I needed so much. “I understand if you are, but I don’t want any of that fear to have to do with me. Whatever happens, I’m here for you, Paige.”

“Because you’d do the right thing.”

He pulled back just enough to be able to make eye contact. “This isn’t just about duty. I care about you.”

Something amazing happened. A sweet warmth overpowered my fears. Then I was drowning in embarrassment. I fixed my gaze on Will’s Adam’s apple.

“I’m sorry I freaked out.”

“Being scared is human, Paige. I’ll be there for you through all of it.”

I smiled. “Are you saying these things because there might be a mini-Will in here?”

“Maybe I’ve wanted to say them for a while but didn’t find the right moment.”

I felt flutters in my belly. “Is that code for you were afraid?”

Will pulled my bottom lip into his mouth, then kissed the bow above the upper lip.

“I did just say it’s normal to be scared, so I’m gonna man up and admit that I was.”

I felt so much lighter, even though I knew that if the unlikely happened, it would put a strain on our relationship.