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She nods. I close my eyes and rest my forehead against hers. A child. My child. The words don’t seem entirely real.

When I open my eyes again, she’s studying my face with unmistakable apprehension. She’s not afraid for herself. She’s afraid of my reaction.

“When did you find out?”

“Tonight.” Her voice trembles.

“I know what you're thinking.” I brush my thumb beneath her eye. “You think I’m unhappy.”

She stays silent.

“You’re mine. This child is mine. I would burn this entire world to the ground before I let any harm come to either of you.”

Tears spill down her cheeks. She laughs shakily against my chest.

“Well,” she whispers, “that's probably the sweetest threat anybody's ever made me.”

“You should hear the rest of them.” I tip her chin up and kiss her long and thoroughly.

She smiles, breathing a heavy sigh of relief.

Maggie remains in my arms for a long time. Neither of us rushes to move. There’s no need. The future changed tonight, and both of us understand it. The room feels different now. The house feels different. Every room beyond these walls suddenly contains memories that haven’t happened yet.

I continue running my hand through her hair while she rests against my chest, her breathing gradually evening out. Eventually, she tips her head back to meet my eyes.

“You’re thinkin’ too hard,” she murmurs.

I exhale slowly. “You know me too well.”

A small smile curves her mouth.

“I was thinking about security.”

She groans softly and lets her forehead fall back against my chest. “Of course you were.”

I tighten my arms around her. “Things will change.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

“There will be more guards.”

She pulls back, staring up at me with disbelief on her face. “I knew you were gonna say that.”

“It’s not negotiable.”

“Alexei.” She takes a step back, planting both hands on her hips. “I’m not spendin’ the next nine months surrounded by twenty armed men every time I need toothpaste.”

I consider that.

Her eyes narrow. “You’re actually considerin’ it.”

“I am.”

“Absolutely not.”

Against all reason, I almost laugh. I reach for her and pull her back into my arms. She comes willingly, though the suspicious look never leaves her face.

“We’ll compromise,” I tell her.