Page 112 of Sexting the Single Pakhan

A Month Later

I wake slowly, morning light filtering through the half-open curtains in soft golden streaks across the bed. My hand reaches instinctively for Leonid’s side, but it comes up empty.

The sheet’s still warm, he hasn’t been gone long. I burrow my face into his pillow, inhaling deeply the dark, masculine warmth that’s become home to me. A small, sleepy smile tugs at my lips.

It’s been over a month since I came back from the hospital. The first few nights were brutal; nightmares that jerked me awake gasping, convinced something had happened to the baby.

Every single time, Leonid was there, arms around me before I could even fully surface, voice low and steady in my ear: “I’ve got you. Nothing’s happening to you or the baby. I’m right here.”

The nightmares have stopped now. The constant knot of anxiety in my chest has eased. I still worry, but it’s manageable.

This morning is the first time in weeks I’ve woken up without him right beside me, watching me like a hawk, like if he blinks, I might disappear.

I push the covers back and sit up slowly, hand automatically smoothing over the gentle curve of my belly. Six months now. We still don’t know the sex. I told Leonid I wanted to wait until the baby is born, and he agreed without argument. I don’t care either way. Boy, girl, it doesn’t matter. I just want a healthy baby.

I head to the bathroom, brush my teeth, strip out of the oversized T-shirt I slept in, and step into the shower.

After a shower, I wrap myself in the thick white bathrobe hanging on the hook and pad back into the bedroom.

The bedroom door opens at the same moment.

Leonid walks in carrying a breakfast tray. He’s in gray sweatpants and a fitted black T-shirt, hair still unruly from sleep, looking unfairly beautiful in the morning light.

He smiles the second he sees me. “You’re up.”

Before I can answer, he sets the tray on the dresser and crosses to me in three strides. His arms wrap around me, pulling me gently against his chest. His hands settle over my belly, cradling the bump like it’s the most precious thing he’s ever held.

“Good morning,” he murmurs against my temple, lips brushing my skin.

“Morning,” I sigh, melting into him.

He kisses the side of my neck. “Sleep well?”

“Hmm,” I hum, tilting my head to give him better access. “Missed you when I woke up.”

He chuckles softly. “I was only gone twenty minutes. Had to make sure my girl is fed.”

I laugh quietly. “So thoughtful.”

“Breakfast is ready,” he says.

I smile softly at the sight of the breakfast tray, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit arranged in a little heart, toast with butter and jam, a small pitcher of orange juice, and coffee steaming in my favorite mug.

“That looks nice.”

I get back in bed, and Leonid sets the tray on the small fold-out table that fits perfectly over the bed. A small knock sounds at the door.

Leonid glances over with a fond smile. “Alexei. I told him to wait until you were awake. He’s been pacing the hallway like a puppy.”

My heart swells. “Come in, sweetheart.”

The door creaks open, and Alexei peeks around the edge, still in his dinosaur pajamas, hair sticking up in every direction. His face lights up when he sees me, and he darts across the room, climbing onto the bed with zero hesitation.

“Good morning, Laurel!”

I laugh, reaching over to ruffle his messy hair. “Morning, buddy. How’d you sleep?”

“Very well!” He settles between us, legs crossed, eyes bright. “I dreamed you had a boy.”