This is Love by (Checkmate Duet 2)

“I meant the dog, asshole! Gryff kept nudging his way in between us.”

“Oh, sorry!” He puts his hands up in an apologetic surrender, and I laugh at his expense.

“And I have not gained fifty pounds, thank you very much,” she says with a scowl. “I’ve gained twenty-one, and the doctor said that was in the perfect range.”

“You’re beautiful no matter how many pounds you put on,” I tell her, but she doesn’t smile.

“You two suck.” She gets up and walks into the kitchen. She’s only two months away from her due date now, and I can tell she’s getting anxious. “Come on, Gryff. Let’s go stuff our faces in private where we won’t be judged.”

Drew and I sit in silence for a moment, and when I’m sure Viola is out of hearing distance, I lean toward him. “So, I have something to show you.”

I reach into my pocket, and Drew speaks up, “Dude if you whip your dick out, I’m punching you in the throat.”

“Hey, I did that one time! And I was drunk,” I say in my defense.

Once I’m done showing off Viola’s surprise, I stuff it back into my pocket before she and Gryff walk back in. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Want some help?” I grin, knowing she’ll probably smack me for that one.

“I could use some help shaving. I haven’t seen my vagina in a couple of weeks.”

Drew makes a gagging noise, and Viola laughs at his expense.

“You did that on purpose,” Drew complains.

“That’s what you get for the weight comment!” she fires back. Gryff follows her down the hallway as I stand up and set my cup inside the sink.

“I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into,” Drew says behind me. “She’s feisty as hell on a good day. I don’t even want to imagine when she gives birth.”

“I plan to wear a cup that day. And maybe even a helmet.”

“I heard that, Travis King!” she shouts from the bathroom.

“Oh yeah, forgot to mention her super-enhanced hearing. Some weird pregnancy hormone thing,” Drew explains. “Our mom had it too when she was in her third trimester.”

“Any chance she had an overactive sex drive after birth, too?” I chuckle as he rolls his eyes at me, looking horrified. “Hey, you go six months without sex and see what’s on your mind twenty-four seven!”

“Six months, huh?” he asks with an impressed tone. “And your hand hasn’t gone numb yet?”

“Surprisingly not.”

He pats me on the shoulder. “Hang in there, man. You’ll have sex again in eighteen years or so.”

“Comforting. Thank you.”

“I always save my best advice for you.”

Once Viola and I are both ready for the day, we take Gryff for a walk in the park, where families are all set up to enjoy the fireworks when the clock strikes midnight. It’s one of the dog parks around here, and even though it can sometimes be overwhelming, Gryff loves the interaction.

“So, are you getting excited about the reveal?” I ask her. We’re walking side by side, holding hands, and I can’t help thinking about how this night is going to change everything.

“I am!” She smiles. “You?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m already thinking of names for the little man.”

She rolls her eyes at me, once again, for commenting about it being a boy. “I hope you aren’t going to be disappointed if it’s a girl.”

“Of course not. I’m not sure I could handle another princess in my life, but I’m sure I could make room.” I smirk, bringing her hand up and kissing her knuckles. “Have you thought of any names?”

“Yes, but I’m pretty sure you’re going to veto them all.”

“Do they have anything in common with a certain book series?” I arch a brow, knowing damn well she’s thought of names based on her favorite books.

“Possibly,” she says with a glare. “No movie characters, though.”

“So, I guess Bridget Jones is off the table?”

She snorts and shakes her head at me. “Definitely.”

“Damn. I was hoping one day to be able to tell that story as the night we christened the living room floor.”

“Travis!” she scolds, slapping my arm. “I’m starting to think you get no votes now.”

“Aw, you don’t mean that.” I push out my lower lip, and she lets out a dreamy sigh.

We walk out of the park and head back home. She’s been doing pretty well, taking regular walks to keep up her momentum and strength. I know as the days get closer, she’s going to feel worn down and tired, but she’s been doing great so far. I’m super impressed with how well she’s adjusted to everything.

“I can’t wait until we can take the baby on our walks with us in the stroller,” she says as we make our way inside the house.

“Well, when I’m at work, you guys will have plenty of time to go for walks. As long as you take Gryff, though. He’s your bodyguard when I’m away.”