Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 46838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
My whole body starts beating in time with my heart.
I can’t tell you over text.
Mia, I can’t leave here for two hours. My next client will be here in two minutes. But I won’t be able to focus if I don’t know. I get what people say about not doing big things over text… breaking up, getting together, proposing, fine. I get it. But we fell in love through text, at least partially. I think if anybody can make an exception, it’s us.
Are you sure? I reply. You won’t be pissed I made the moment less special?
Texting is special to us. I don’t care what anybody says or thinks.
I smile, stand, and pace, causing Speeder to follow me with his tilted head.
I’m so happy you said that because I’m not sure I could’ve held this in all day.
Held what in? Killian replies.
I take the pregnancy test from my pocket, lay it on the table, then laugh and give Speeder a nudge when he tries to sniff it.
“Nuh-uh, boy, that’s not for you.”
After taking a photo, I send it to Killian.
That’s positive, isn’t it?
Yes, I reply. I’m pregnant. We’re going to have a baby!!!!!!!
Oh my God!!!! I didn’t know it was possible to feel this happy. I didn’t know it was possible to be this focused and determined… to make our child’s life as great as it can possibly be. I want to come to you right now, but this client booked months ago…
I smile, admiring how much my man cares about his work and his clients.
Come to me, he goes on. If you’ve got the time? I’ve got fifteen minutes after this client. I need to hold you tightly and tell you you’ve made me the happiest man alive.
Okay, I reply. I’ll be there after you’re done with this client. And for the record, I so respect how much you care about your work. I love you, Killian, so much.
I love you too. See you soon. PS. You’re going to be the best mom, he texts back immediately. Hey! Don’t I get a PS too?
I can almost see him smiling in my head. Sure….
As I type the words, my lips spread, my cheeks aching from grinning so hard. PS. You’re going to be the best dad.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
Killian
“Smile for Mommy,” I say, beaming at Lilian as I take another photo.
She lies in her crib, eyes wide, making the cutest baby noises as she reaches up for me. Mia’s at her new office, handling a big editing project for her new client, so I’m keeping her supplied with photos of our little bundle.
After sending the photo, I place my phone aside and let Lillian hold onto my finger.
She squeezes it with her entire hand, not knowing that my heart almost shatters every time she does that.
Her grip gets even tighter.
With my free hand, I wipe at my eyes, thinking of all the joy this past year has brought.
Emil’s lifelong conviction, the home invasion only adding to the impressive pile of his crimes.
Andrea getting a job as an assistant to an artist, living in her own apartment, venturing out into the world… through the door, into the light, instead of being trapped in the dark.
Mine and Mia’s wedding, my woman walking toward me like an angel in her white dress.
The birth of our dear Lillian.
The thoughts rush through my mind as my daughter slowly falls asleep.
Afterwards, I check my phone, finding a few replies from Mia.
I’m so jealous right now.
Give her a kiss from me.
I love you both.
I walk quietly from the room down the corridor of our five-bedroom house, rooms we’re going to fill up one by one.
Love and laughter and happiness….
That’s the destiny of this home.
We love and miss you too, I reply, sitting on the couch.
Thanks for being there with her. I won’t be long. It’s just easier to think at the office.
When I said I wanted to be involved, I meant it… and anyway, sweet wife of mine, you’re going to make me say something very arrogant if you carry on.
Oh, do it. You don’t have to pretend with me.
I chuckle, imagining Mia tossing her head as she says this, her sassiness becoming more and more undeniable as the days and months pass.
We don’t have to worry about money. Lillian doesn’t, and neither will her children. There you are, happy?
I laugh as I shoot the text off.
I feel so secure when you say things like that, she replies.
You are secure. Safe. Protected. Forever. Never forget that.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
TEN YEARS LATER
Mia
“Lillian and Daddy to the rescue!” Lilian laughs as she clings to her father’s back.
My smile couldn’t be more filled with love as I watch my husband running shirtless across the yard, still every bit as muscular and powerful as the first time I ever saw him, his silver hair glistening in the midday sun, wet from the pool.