“Always.”
Zaïre started fussing, and Sampson tried bouncing her gently. “I think someone needs a change.”
“Changing station is in the bathroom,” Renee said. “Fresh diapers in the top drawer.”
Lex stepped forward. “I’ll help.”
He took Zaïre from Sampson with such natural ease that my breath caught. He supported her head perfectly, held her securely against his chest, murmuring something too quiet for me to hear as he carried her to the bathroom.
Sampson followed, chattering the entire time about technique and making Lex laugh. I watched through the open bathroom door as Lex laid Zaïre on the changing table, his movements confident and sure. He’d had to have done this before.
The image of him holding that tiny baby, being so gentle and capable, did something to my insides. Made me imagine him holding our baby. Made me want things I’d only let myself think about in abstract terms.
When he emerged with a clean, content baby, he handed her back to Sampson. “All yours, godfather.”
Scarlett and Iris helped Renee to the bathroom a few minutes later, and I seized the opportunity to approach Lex.
“Thank you,” I said, wrapping my arms around his waist. “For being here. For helping my friend. For being so good with Zaïre.”
His arms came around me immediately. “Of course.”
Then his mouth was at my ear, his voice low and private. “Will you have my babies?”
I froze. My face went hot, and a nervous laugh bubbled up before I could stop it. I pulled back to look at him, checking if he was serious. He was completely serious.
“I...” I covered my mouth with my hand, overwhelmed. “Yes.”
“Yes?” His eyes lit up.
“Yes.” More certain now. “I want that. With you. With both of you.”
He kissed me then, soft and sweet and full of promise. When he pulled back, his smile was blinding.
“Good. Because I want that too. So does Majesty. We want everything with you.”
“Everything?”
“Marriage. Babies. Growing old together. All of it.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “We’re in this for the long haul, Cami. I need you to know that.”
“I’m starting to believe it,” I admitted.
“Good.” He kissed me again, quick and firm. “Now let’s go back to cooing over Renee’s baby while we plan for our own.”
“Lex!” I laughed, scandalized.
“What? Too soon?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Fine. We’ll wait.” He grinned. “At least a year.”
I shook my head, but I was smiling.
When Renee emerged from the bathroom, she caught my expression and raised an eyebrow. “What did I miss?”
“Nothing,” I said quickly.
“Something,” Scarlett contradicted, looking between Lex and me. “They have that look.”
