She chuckles. “You know what I mean. But I say we give it a timeframe, and if we can’t get pregnant, then we try other options. But at least let’s give it our best effort. Are you open to that?”
“I am,” I say. “I’ll do anything for you . . . besides the pegging.” She chuckles, and I grow serious as I cup her cheek. “If we have to use someone else’s sperm, then that’s what we have to do, but no matter what, I’ll love that baby just like it’s my own. That’s not something you ever have to worry about.”
“I wouldn’t,” she says. “I know you’re going to be an amazing father when the time comes because you are the most protective, loving, caring man I know.”
That hits me hard.
Harder than I expected, because I’ve never thought of myself as a dad. Before I met Lilly, I was resigned to the thought that I’d forever serve the crown. I wouldn’t marry, I wouldn’t have a family, I’d just do my duty. But everything changed the moment Lilly came along, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around that.
“That means a lot to me, Lilly. More than you probably know.”
“I believe in you, Keller.” She leans in and presses her lips to mine, and this time, I don’t let her get away with a peck. I slip my hand behind her head, threading my fingers through her hair, and I hold her tight, showing her through my kiss just how much I appreciate it.
* * *
“Where are you going?”I ask as I prop one arm against the sliding glass door, watching my naked fiancée walk toward the ocean water.
“I haven’t gone in the water yet. It’s been calling my name.”
“It’s cold.”
“Can’t be that cold,” she says as she dips a toe in the water and turns around, her jaw dropped. “Holy fuck, Keller. That’s cold.”
I let out a roar of a laugh. “I told you.”
“How can it be that cold when it’s warm out?”
“Because it’s still winter, and even though it feels warm out on the sand, it’s still cold water.”
“Well, that ruins my plans to go swimming.” Hands on her hips, she stares at me. “What am I supposed to do now?”
I could think of a couple of things.
Like sitting on my face.
Although, she’s probably worn out by now. It’s probably best to let her rest, even though I don’t want to.
“You can lay out,” I offer even though that’s what her main activity has been.
“What are you doing?” she asks.
“I’m going to take a shower, then go around and check the cameras, make sure everything is secure.”
“Can’t you tell by looking at the monitor?”
“Yes,” I answer. “But it doesn’t hurt to check either.”
“You’re so thorough and meticulous, it can be incredibly frustrating at times.” She rolls her eyes.
“Is that your way of saying you want me to spend more time with you? What do you want me to do?”
She shrugs and walks back up the beach. “You don’t seem like the kind of guy who would lie on the beach naked, soooo . . .”
“Not so much.”
“Fine,” she complains. “You go take your shower and check your cameras.”
Very convincing.
