"You okay?" I asked, kissing her shoulder.
"More than okay," she whispered. "That was intense."
"Too much?"
"No." She turned to look at me, her eyes soft. "Thank you for taking your time with me. I love you."
"I love you too." I held her close and smacked her ass, already thinking about being inside her again.
She laughed, the sound exhausted but happy. "You're insatiable."
"Only with you." I kissed her forehead.
We fell asleep tangled together and utterly satisfied.
Shanice
One Year Later…
Istood on the back patio of our house, watching Zara and Mila, Olek’s daughter, chase each other around the yard. Zara had grown close to Mila and it was good to see. They’re friendship was unique with Zara’s Autism and Mila understood Zara’s special needs better than anybody else. She stood up for Zara when things became overwhelming. It was good to see that Zara had even more support, especially from someone her age.
"Shanice, can we have popsicles?" Zara called out.
"After you finish your game," I called back.
"Deal!"
I smiled and settled back into my chair, letting the warm summer sun wash over me. Finals were done. My first year of college was officially complete. It almost felt weird that I had nothing urgent to do. But incredible at the same time.
"You look relaxed," Katrina said from beside me. She was holding Daniil, her five month old son, who was dozing against her shoulder.
"I earned it." I stretched my arms above my head. "Four exams in five days. I thought my brain was going to melt."
"But you passed everything."
"With flying colors." I couldn't keep the pride out of my voice. "Three more years to go."
Katrina shifted Daniil to her other shoulder. "You're amazing, you know that?"
“Thank you.” I watched the girls play, my hand unconsciously moving to my stomach. "Things are really good."
Better than good, actually. Two months ago, I sat Mikhail down and told him I was ready to start our family. I wanted to see what our future could look like. And last week, I took a test that changed everything.
I was pregnant.
We hadn't told anyone yet. We're keeping it to ourselves for just a little while longer, and savoring the secret. But I could feel the knowledge of it humming beneath my skin, warm and perfect and terrifying all at once.
"You're glowing," Katrina said, studying me. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. I’m just happy."
"Uh-huh." She smiled knowingly but didn't push. "Well, whatever it is, it looks good on you."
The back door opened, and Mikhail stepped out. He'd been inside with Olek, talking business, but his eyes found me immediately. They always did. He crossed the patio and came up behind my chair, his hands settling on my shoulders. Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
"How is my baby?" he asked.
"I’m fine," I said, tilting my head back to look at him. "Done with your meeting?"
