Thump-thump-thump-thump...
I gasp, hands flying to my mouth as tears slip down my cheeks. There’s no mistaking that.
I’m pregnant.
Dr. Ramirez places a gentle hand over mine and squeezes softly. “Congratulations, Sophie.”
My eyes can’t stop looking at the screen, at the little fluttering miracle in my belly.
Our baby,the sound of their strong heartbeat fills the room.
???
“Baby?”
My heart flutters as I hear Callum’s voice as he walks in the front door. From the kitchen, I watch him take off his boots and leave them by the front door before he makes a beeline for me, a broad smile on his face. I take off my apron, leaving me in my lucky red sundress, cardigan discarded when I started cooking.
“Smells good in here,” he says, wrapping me in his arms and burying his face in my hair.
“Dinner’s almost done,” I say, tilting my chin up to accept his kiss. He kisses me slowly, savoring the feel of our lips locked together, before he pulls back and brushes our noses together.
“I meant you.”
Smiling at him, I nip at his lower lip before grabbing his hand and dragging him into the kitchen. I’m too excited, and I know I’ll ruin the surprise if I wait any longer.
“I have something to show you!” He follows, an amused smile growing on his face as I bring him over to the island, where my reusable Rivers & Rhodes bag holds my surprise. “I bought a new book while I was out today!”
“Oh?” Callum puts on a mock-disgruntled look and puts his hands on his hips in a very sexy way, momentarily distracting me. Which is how we got ourselves in the situation we are in.“You bought a book somewhere else when you are part-owner of the finest bookstore in all the land?”
The reminder that my name is right next to Callum and Maeve’s on the bookstore paperwork makes me smile, the reason I was able to quit my job at Hanson Capital a year ago. The drive to Boston every other day was getting to me, and while I miss my coworkers, I wanted more time with my husband, doing the books for our store.
“Well,” I start, already grinning when I reach in and take the book out and hide it behind my back before he can see. “This is a selection we don’t offer at the store, and I was hoping we could broaden our horizons..."
Callum’s amused smile doesn’t wane, but he tilts his head curiously.
“A baby book?” he asks, then gets a good look at it and chuckles.“’Good Night, Little Otter’.This is adorable, baby. Do you want to start selling children’s books at the store?”
“Well, yes,” I say, before gesturing for him to open the book. “But, that’s not why I bought it..."
He opens it, and right on the first page is the ultrasound picture Dr. Ramirez printed for us. His entire body freezes, the smile dropping from his face, replaced by a hopeful expression that makes my chest hurt. He stares at the ultrasound for a long time before glancing up to meet my eyes.
“Really?”
I nod, tears already filling my eyes.
“We’re having a baby?”
“We’re having a baby,” I grin, practically bouncing on my feet. “I have our first appointment booked for next week.”
“A baby... a littleyou..." Callum says, his face still slack, but his eyes are filling with tears. He gets down on one knee and presses his face against me, pressing kisses and gently holdingmy hips as he nuzzles into my barely there belly. “You did it! Oh, God... thank you. Thank you, sweet girl.”
“You were there too,” I remind him, running my fingers through his hair. “I seem to remember it was a team effort.”
When he looks back up at me, the expression on his face is full of pure wonder. He stands back up and cradles my face in his big hands and presses his lips to mine. “Yes, but you are the one who’s going to grow him or her. You are doing all the work. You’re making a miracle. You are the miracle, I’m just lucky to witness it.”
I hitch sob at his words, smiling so wide as he holds me in his embrace, basking in pure joy.
Callum leans his face down, his eyes so full of love.
