She arches a playful brow. “See, you can be rational.”
“When it comes to you, not so much.”
She smiles, but something heavy passes her eyes. Inhaling a deep breath, she doodles things on my chest. “I am terrified too. I don’t want our kid to hide, pretend to fit our expectations.”
“That will never happen,mo run. You’re going to be a terrific mother.”
She tilts her head, looking deep in thought. “Pretty confident in the skills of the woman who has pretended all her life.”
Palming her hand on my chest, I intertwine our fingers, giving them a little squeeze. “But you stopped.”
Her brows furrow as if not understanding my point.
“Why?” I ask, kissing her shoulder.
Her eyes widen as if a light bulb reveals the clear picture. “Because you gave me the safe space and love to be who I am.”
“Do you think it would be different with her?”
“You want a girl?” she asks, surprise coloring her voice.
“I would be better at being a girl’s dad.” I shrug, cocking my head. “I think.”
“Really? I’ll come back to this when she brings her first boyfriend home.”
I groan, already picturing skinning that prick.
“If we have a girl, she won’t have to remain pure.” She waves a hand through the air, her posture slouching. “I’m so done with this bullshit.”
“If she’s like her mother, she’ll find a way.” I chuckle, and she pinches me.
I grip her chin, knowing how sensitive this topic is for her. “Our daughter will do whatever the fuck she wishes as long as it’s safe.”
“Good. But I would still like a boy.”
“Fine,” I sigh, giving in.
“So, two?” she asks, the hope and glee in her voice unraveling me, making me want to gift her everything and some more.
“If you wish to gift me another one after the first one, sure.”
The smile she sends my way revs up my heart, the beats racing inside my chest.
Her eyes well, and she cups my cheeks, brushing a kiss on my mouth. “But not for now. I want more of you, of us.”
“Don’t you get it, Viviana?” I rasp above her lips. “It’s your show,mo run. I am just the sidekick, following the main lead around.”
She jumps into my arms, locking her arms around my neck. Water splashes on the tiles, just as any reservations about the future do. With her by my side, I am confident I can achieve everything. Just picturing her swelling with my child sends a thrill through me.
EPILOGUE
VIVIANA
I’ve been throwing up for the last two weeks, nausea intensifying. Plastered over the toilet lid, Tristan caresses my back as I try to catch my breath.
I know why. The sign points in only one direction. It’s not food poisoning. I ruled that out the moment I realized my period was late this month. For someone who has those regularly, it validated the first proof that my life is going to change—our family will grow by one.
I am going to be a mother, and, just as when I met him, it feels like a dream come true.
