I grip his hands tighter. “So we’re doing this?”
“We’re doing this. Together.”
He pulls me against him, careful of my healing shoulder, and I rest my head on his chest. For the first time since Dr. Patterson said the word “positive,” I let myself feel something other than fear.
Hope. Fragile and dangerous, but real.
33
ALARIC
Her pregnancy changeseverything about the way I see her.
Kasimira sits across from me at dinner, picking at her salmon while I watch her like she might disappear. Three days since Dr. Patterson confirmed what we already knew, and I still can’t process the reality. My child. Growing inside the woman I love.
“You’re staring again,” she says without looking up.
“Can’t help it.”
“It’s unnerving.”
“Get used to it.”
She finally meets my eyes, and I see the uncertainty she’s been trying to hide despite our conversation.
“What are you thinking?” I ask.
“That we’re insane for bringing a baby into this life.”
“Probably.”
“That’s not reassuring.”
“I’m not in the business of reassurance. I’m in the business of results.” I set down my wine glass. “And the result will be that our child grows up safe, protected, and loved.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because failure isn’t an option.”
The simple statement seems to ease some of her tension. She knows me well enough by now to understand that when I make a promise, I keep it.
“Dr. Patterson wants to see me again next week,” she says. “For an ultrasound.”
“I’m coming with you.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“I’m coming with you.”
She nods, recognizing the tone that means the decision is final. “Okay.”
After dinner, we retreat to our bedroom. She’s been tired more easily lately, the pregnancy sapping energy she doesn’t have to spare. I watch her move around the room, noting the subtle changes I’m probably the only one close enough to see.
Her breasts are fuller, more sensitive. Her waist hasn’t changed yet, but there’s a softness to her face that wasn’t there a month ago. A glow that has nothing to do with expensive skincare and everything to do with the life growing inside her.
“What?” she asks, catching me staring again.
“You’re beautiful.”
