“Good. I’m not ready to share you yet.” With a smirk, I type out a message to Luke, then pull Blair into my arms, pressing akiss to her forehead. “Are you ready to tell them our news, Mrs. Fitzpatrick?”
She nods, her beautiful smile shining brighter than the sun behind her. “I am, Baby Daddy. But you know my parents are going to flip out. Especially Dad.”
“Nah. I’m not worried about your dad. Or your mom. They love me and they know our reasons for not wanting a big wedding. Plus, we’re giving them a wedding party when the season’s over.”
Despite planning a wedding, we decided to elope a few months ahead of schedule—one of Blair’s few spur-of-the-moment decisions—after finding out she was pregnant while at my away game in Vegas. Since we both very much believe in fate now, it seemed fitting to have ourselves a quick Vegas wedding, my teammates and friends in tow.
“Just because they understand it doesn’t mean they’ll like it.”
Her confidence wavers and my shoulders drop. “They already know,” I admit, not wanting her to stress, grimacing when the shock I was waiting for registers in her eyes. “As you’re aware, your mom and dad both call me to check in. Often. Like I’m their third child.”
Blair’s surprise softens, making way for her tender warmth. “Technically you are. You’re their son by marriage.”
“That’s true. Maybe that’s why I did what I did.”
“What did you do?” Her gaze narrows as her face contorts into an accusatory scowl. I’d be worried if I couldn’t see the hint of intrigue in the depths of her eyes.
“Your mom asked me if she could help with the wedding planning, telling me how proud she was at how far the two of us had come. And I couldn’t keep the secret anymore. I couldn’t stand the thought of her being angry at me. Of course, she told your dad right away, and there were congratulations and welcomes to the family. Andtears—the good kind, I think. ButI didn’t mention the baby.” I cringe, my expression pinched as Blair stares at me deadpan.
I’m just about to apologize when she bursts out laughing, an adorable snort making her pause. “Sorry.” She covers her mouth with her hand, still giggling. “You are so freaking cute sometimes.”
“I’m not cute.”
“Yeah, you are. No amount of tattoos or brooding glares will ever convince me otherwise. But that’s why I love you. Because you’re different around those you care about. More true.”
“You make me sound soft.”
“Oh, Zane.” She curls her arms around my neck, her dark eyes staring into my soul. “There is nothing soft about you.”
She winks and I chuckle, my heart jolting along with my cock.
“An hour you say?” I raise an eyebrow, my lips pulled into a smirk. “Come on. I know exactly how to pass that time.”
Life is good, and with a kid on the way, it’s about to get better.
BLAIR
I’m lost in my work when the door to my home office creaks open and Zane tiptoes in, gently placing a mug of steamy hot liquid in front of me. He squints in the low light. “Are you sure this lamp is good for your eyes?” he asks, pressing a kiss to my head.
I pause my typing, smiling up at him. “It’s perfect. But thank you for checking on me. And for the tea.”
“It’s hot chocolate.”
“What?” I swivel in my chair, reaching for his hand as I lean over to smell the drink, moaning as the rich chocolate aroma permeates my senses. “Oh my God. You’re like an angel sent from heaven. Thank you.” I press my lips to his fingers, then pull his face to mine, giving him a chaste kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you too. How’s the session going?”
“Four thousand words and counting.” My smile widens as a proud warmth takes over me. I’ve finally found my groove, seamlessly juggling life between being an author and a nurse. Just in time for it to all go up in beautiful flames when our baby comes along.
I can’t wait.
“Do you need a break? Maybe some inspiration?” Zane bounces his eyebrows and laughs. When I gave in and finally agreed to write our story, I told him I was planning an emotional romance. Zane being Zane decided to flick through a few of the emotional romances on our shelves, and his exact words were,“Holy hell, is this what you’re writing?”
I wasn’t, but despite telling him that, he’s taken it upon himself to try and change my mind, offering suggestions, asking if he can help.
“I could tie you up or…” He snaps his fingers as though an idea came to mind. “You could tie me up. Fuck, that would be hot.”
I laugh again, playfully shoving him away. “You know what? You already gave me inspiration. So, thank you. I’m ready to keep going.”
