“You didn’t cheat on me,” she sobs, dropping the phone into her lap.
“No, I’d never cheat on you. I love you, Amberlee. I even asked Ryan for his blessing to marry you. I’ve been carrying around aring since the day you said you’d be my girlfriend. I was going to ask you tonight.”
Her eyes shoot to Ryan, looking for confirmation. “It’s true, sis.”
A door opens behind us and we all turn to see who it is.
“Hello Amberlee, we have your test results back. Would you like them to leave while we speak with you?”
“No, umm they can stay. Is my baby okay?” she asks and I go still, a gasp coming from Ryan.
“Your baby’s fine. Strong heartbeat, as we told you earlier when we did the ultrasound. All your bloodwork came back good. Your wrist isn’t broken but severely sprained, so you’ll need to wear the splint for a little while.” He pauses looking down at his chart. I want to say something, but I stay quiet. I need to know if she’s okay and what I need to do to take care of her.
“You did suffer a concussion, so you’ll need someone to watch over you for the next couple days. No work for the next week and I recommend going ahead and contacting an OB. You’re a very lucky girl. It could’ve been far worse.”
“Is there anything special we need to watch for?” I ask.
“She’ll be given discharge instructions with all that information. I’m going to start it now so you can go home and rest in your own bed.”
“Thank you doctor,” she says softly as Ryan steps over and shakes his hand. My eyes drift to where her hands lay, cradling her belly.
The door shuts, leaving us alone.
“You’re pregnant?” I ask.
“I’ve been feeling sick, and I didn’t get my period. I actually took a test this morning, confirming it. When Maddy messaged me you were home and then I got your message you were goingto your house to shower, I decided to come over and tell you. Do you hate me? Are you mad?”
“No, I’m happy. You’re having my baby?” Tears are sliding down my cheeks as I lean over, hugging her gently as I kiss the side of her face. “I love you so much.”
A throat clears from behind us. Ryan. Fuck, he’s going to kill me.
“I think it’s time you ask my sister something and make an honest woman out of her,” he says sternly.
“Does that mean I have your blessing?” I ask, since I never got an answer. Whether he says yes or no, I’m still asking. It’d just be nice if he’s okay with it.
“You have my blessing. But if you ever hurt her, or keep something from her again, I’ll beat your ass to a bloody pulp.”
I smile. Because I know he means it.
Reaching out, I take Amberlee’s hand in mine.
“Amberlee, I’ve loved you since the moment I met you. There’s never been anyone who could hold a candle to you and there never will be. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, growing not only our family, but old with you. Will you marry me?”
Chapter 31
Amberlee
Seven months later
“Ilook like abeached whale!” I exclaim as I gaze at myself in the mirror.
Being nine months pregnant on my wedding day wasn’t exactly in my plans. But here I am. Jeremiah wanted me to still have the wedding of my dreams with my father walking me down the aisle. I told him I’d be happy with just going to the courthouse and having it done, but he wouldn’t have it. After careful consideration, we chose to wait until after the twins were born, but before my due date to have the ceremony. That was Jeremiah’s one concession. We were not having the baby without me having his name.
While he had his demands, I had my own. I wanted to be Angel's mother, not just by marriage but adoption. We weren’tsure what she’d say when we asked her. I’d never do it without her blessing. Of course.
“Angel, can you come in here so we can talk to you?” Jeremiah calls her.
She comes skipping into the room, stopping before me, kissing my belly, telling her brother or sister hello before sitting down. She’s done it since the day we told her about us getting married and the baby. The only thing we don’t know is the gender. We both wanted it to be a surprise.
