“Wow,” I breathe, going over to the window. “The view from up here is breathtaking.”
“The master bedroom and bath are this way, he points to the left, but over here is what you’ve been waiting for.”
He guides me to the other side of the landing and opens the door.
Another vase of pink roses sits in the middle, next to a mound of cozy blankets and pillows. A bucket of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries sits on a tray beside it.
Wall-to-ceiling bookcases surround the area, with a view of the ocean lining the back wall, complete with a cozy window seat to curl up on.
The pictures don’t do it justice as I stare at the beautiful library, already imagining the books I can’t wait to fill the shelves with.
“Knox…I.” My words fail me as I run my hand along the white wood.
“Did I make Savannah Montgomery speechless?” He chuckles. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so quiet.”
“It’s rare to do, but yes,” I laugh. “I love this house so much.” Looking around the room, I can already picture and hear the sound of our kids’ bare feet running around the house…the laughter that will fill these walls for years to come.
Closing my eyes, I can feel the love seeping into the wood and a deep knowing that even more in the days ahead are coming as I place a hand on my stomach.
Turning, I blink back the tears and reach my hand into my purse, taking out a small box.
“This is for you,” I say softly, handing him the blue-wrapped gift with the pink bow on it.
Lifting his eyebrow, he takes the box and carefully lifts the lid. He stills when he sees his name and number on the small black fabric.
Discarding the box on the floor, he pulls out the tiny sleeper that’s identical to the uniform he wears. The socks attached even look like skates, and the beanie mimics the helmet.
His blue eyes are a swarm of emotions as he fists the newborn outfit in his hand.
“I thought our baby needed to wear their daddy’s jersey when we cheer for him at every home game,” I smile through my tears.
“Savi,” he whispers, swallowing hard. “Are you sure?” He takes a step forward and glances at my stomach.
“I went to the doctor yesterday just for the extra confirmation. According to the time frame, I guess you scored a goal that first time after your game,” I laugh softly. “I should have known you wouldn’t miss based on your high-scoring stats.”
“No, I don’t suppose so,” he gives a slight chuckle before dropping to his knees and laying his head against my belly. My fingers run through his hair before he finally speaks. “Did the doctor say anything else?” He asks so quietly that I can barely hear him. “Everything is okay?”
My hand stills on his head before I sink to my knees in front of him. It didn’t even occur to me he’d be worried about the pregnancy because of his mom.
Taking his face in my hands, I lift his head, so he’s looking at me.
“Everything is just the way it’s supposed to be,” I smile, trying to erase the fear I see on his face. “It’s still early, of course, but I’m healthy, Knox. The baby will be too.”
Nodding his head slightly, he kisses me softly before his hand touches my stomach.
“I’m going to be a daddy,” he whispers, staring at my nonexistent bump in wonderment.
“You are,” I laugh softly, wiping a tear away.
“I’m not like him,” he murmurs. “Not even in the slightest,” he says, furrowing his brow as he keeps his palm against my stomach. “I was scared I was going to feel like him, but I don’t.” He shakes his head and blinks away the tears that have suddenly appeared as he struggles to find the right words.
“My mom felt it, though,” he says, looking up at me.
“Love,” I smile, brushing his hair back. “I felt it too the minute I found out. You were her gift, Knox, not her demise, like your dad blamed you for. Even if she had known the outcome, she still would have chosen you over a life of never having you in it.”
“Fuck,” he whispers painfully, bringing me to his chest and holding me tight. “I didn’t understand, but I do now. I blamed myself for so long,” he chokes out, “but I would have done the same damn thing if I had been in her position. Our baby is part of you, and I would rather die than lose any piece of you.”
“I know,” I whisper. “I feel the same. You will be an amazing father, Knox. Our child is lucky to have you.”
