I groan and flop back on the pillows. I love this man. But if he turns on that heater, I might actually combust.
Sure enough, a few moments later, I hear the click and hum of the ducted heating starting up. I swear the room gets hotter just from the thought.
I peel back the quilt again and roll my eyes. The flush is finally subsiding, but with the heating on, that won’t last long. I should probably tell Colt what’s really going on, but he’s already so wound up trying to be everything I need, I don’t want to pile on more. I stare at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting to everything that’s changed since Colt crashed into my life.
He saved me.
Transformed me.
Loved me into someone stronger.
And yet, I still can’t shake the feeling that I’m holding him back.
Three embryos.
Three chances at a future.
That’s all we have.
But it’s enough to give me hope.
Maybe, just maybe, we can find someone to carry our child. Someone who can help us create the family we never thought we’d get.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, breaking my inner thought ramblings.
I sit up, my heart racing with anticipation. A smile pulls at my lips as the sound of laughter floats up the stairs. Then—zoom—Princess Sofia bounds into the room and launches onto the bed like a little tornado. She yips, hops, and licks at my face, and instantly, everything feels lighter. I giggle through happy tears, hugging her tight.
Finally, something good. Something warm that’s not the hormonal kind.
“Oh, baby girl, Mummy missed you. Gimme some love,” I say as I ruffle her ears and then cuddle into her. I want to cry, but I try to keep my persistent tears from falling.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs alerts me to the incoming visitors, and I glance up to see the three main men in my life—Colt, Joseph, and Danny—walk into the room. My heart lifts with happiness.
“I see Princess found you okay.” Joseph grins as he rushes over, settling beside me on the bed. He pulls me into a warm hug, and the second his arms wrap around me, the tears start.
Danny chuckles as Joseph rocks me gently.
“God, I missed you guys. And my girl,” I whisper as Princess leaps back up, licking Joseph’s face like she’s missed him too, even though she arrived with him.
“We missed you so much,” Joseph says, letting me go and wiping at my cheeks. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get to the hospital in Jersey. We wanted to.”
“I get it. The restaurants must be insane. And honestly, I was a hot mess back then. Would’ve shattered that perfect image you two have of me.”
Danny smirks. “Oh yes. That untouchable princess image. Wouldn’t want to ruin that.”
They both laugh, and for a moment, the weight on my chest lifts.
“So… how are you,really?”Joseph asks as Danny slides onto the other side of the bed.
I glance at Colt, who offers a small smile. “I’m okay. My cast comes off in one week, thank God. Then just a couple of check-ups, and I should be good as new.”
“That’s great news,” Joseph beams. “Speaking of, have you seen how adorable Anna’s baby boy is?”
Colt stiffens beside me.
I frown instantly. “Wait! What do you mean, how adorable he is? She’s not due for another week or two?”
Joseph blinks. “Dee… she had him. Two days ago. We saw the pics onEntertainment Tonight. Little Aston, named after Bob Marley’s bassist.”
