Excitement buzzes under my skin. “I’m tiny now but growing fast. I arrive without warning but stay for months. You won’t see my face yet…but you’ll hear my heartbeat. What am I?”
Knox smirks. “Woman, I said give me a challenge. The answer is a baby.”
I brush my lips along his jaw. “Okay, genius. But sometimes, the answer isn’t just an answer.”
He stills. Only slightly.
“Sometimes, it’s…news,” I add softly.
He faces me.
His breath catches.
His hands freeze on my waist.
He looks up at me, slowly, every muscle taut, every breath suspended like the world just stopped turning for him.
“Isla…” His voice breaks, low and reverent. “A baby? Are you?—”
I smile wider and nod.
His eyes lock on mine, sharp with realization and disbelief. He swallows hard. “Ourbaby?”
“Yes, our baby,” I confirm, fully revealing my ace.
His gaze drops to my stomach, then lifts again. He’s shaking with emotion.
“I’m pregnant, Knox.”
His hands come up, framing my face like I’m the only thing holding him upright. “You’re pregnant,” he repeats, voice breaking. “My wife is pregnant.”
“Are you happy? I know it’s sudden. I got my dates mixed up and didn’t realize my implant had expired. I?—”
He pulls me into his chest, holding me so tightly I melt into him. “I’m the happiest man alive, Isla. I’m going to be a father.” He presses his forehead to mine. “When? How far along are you?”
“Two months.”
“My God.” He grins. “You’re the gift that keeps on giving.”
“Me?” My throat tightens, tears stinging.
“You, love.” His eyes shine as he cups my face. “This is the best riddle you’ve ever given me.”
“I hoped you’d think so. And I’m sorry, Antigua sounds great, but I don’t know if I could handle sailing with you. The morning sickness is already kicking in. In two months, I don’t know what I’ll be like.”
“We’ll do whatever you want. Whatever the two of you need.” He touches my belly like it’s holy.
Emotion climbs my throat so fast I can barely speak. “You’re the best.”
His smile softens into something devastating. “No, you are, Isla Vale.”
Knox pulls me in for a kiss, like he’s anchoring himself to this moment.
I do too.
My life felt like it started when I met him. Like my heart beat for the first time.
And this…
