I tense, my heart pounding. “What is it?”
“I went to my appointment… the one we were supposed to go to together,” she says, her voice soft but steady.
Guilt twists in my chest, but I nod for her to continue.
“They told me the baby’s gender,” she whispers. Her eyes meet mine, nervous but hopeful. “Zach, we’re having a boy.”
The words hit me like a lightning bolt, and my heart races. “A boy,” I murmur, the awe in my voice surprising even me. “We’re having a son?”
She nods, her smile small and uncertain. “Yeah. A son.”
I exhale sharply, pulling her into my arms. “A son,” I repeat, letting the joy flood through me. “Lainey,I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I should’ve been.”
She presses her hand against my chest, looking up at me with love in her eyes. “You’ll be there for the next one. That’s what matters.”
“Deal,” I say, my voice cracking as I lean in to kiss her, sealing the promise between us.
“Don’t ever get jealous over nothing again,” she says softly, though there’s a teasing lilt in her tone.
I grin, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I can’t promise that. You’re so fucking amazing—everyone wants a piece of you. But I promise to show you every day how much I love you.”
Her laugh is soft and full of warmth, her eyes shining with love. “I’ll take that.”
I pull her into my arms, holding her tight like I might lose her again if I let go. My heart races, my pulse pounding in my ears as I lower my lips to hers. The kiss isn’t gentle—it’s desperate and consuming. I pour every word I didn’t say, every regret, every ounce of love into it, hoping she can feel just how much she means to me.
She kisses me back with equal intensity, her hands tangling in my hair as if she’s anchoring herself to me. When I feel her soften in my arms, I grip her hips and lift her effortlessly. Herlegs wrap around my waist, pulling me closer, and her arms tighten around my neck.
“Lainey,” I murmur against her lips, my voice low and rough. “I need you to hold on to me. I’m never letting go.”
“I’m not letting go either,” she whispers back, her voice trembling with emotion.
I kiss her again, walking us slowly toward my bedroom. Each step feels significant, deliberate. Her body presses against mine, her warmth seeping into me, and I realize how much I’ve missed this—missed her.
When we reach the room, I gently lower her onto the bed but stay close, her legs still around my waist. I cup her face in my hands, brushing my thumb over her cheek as I look into her eyes.
“Can I show you how much I love you?” I ask, my voice barely audible.
Her breath catches, and she nods. “Yes.”
I press a kiss to her forehead before trailing my lips down her face, to the corner of her mouth, and finally back to her lips. As I kiss her, my hands move to the hem of her shirt, slowly pulling it up and over her head.
I pause, taking her in. Her beauty floors me every time, but tonight, knowing I almostlost her, it hits differently. “You’re fucking beautiful,” I whisper, my voice filled with awe.
She smiles, her hands sliding up my chest, and it ignites something in me. I strip off my shirt, and her hands explore my bare skin, her touch branding me.
I lower her onto the bed, kissing her deeply as I work to remove the rest of her clothes. I take my time, savoring every inch of her, every curve, every soft gasp she makes when my lips brush against her skin.
When she’s finally bare beneath me, I stand to rid myself of my jeans and boxers, my gaze never leaving hers. Her eyes darken as she watches me, her breath hitching when I climb back over her, pressing my body to hers.
Our skin meets, warm and electrified, and I kiss her again, slower this time. My hard cock presses against her, but I don’t rush. Instead, I let my lips trail down her neck, over her collarbone, and lower still.
I pause at her belly, pressing a soft kiss there. “I love you, and I love our baby,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
Her hand brushes through my hair, her touch gentle and full of love. “We love you too,” she murmurs, her voice trembling.
I move lower, settling between her thighs. I spread her legs, kissing the inside of each one before letting my tongue glide over her. Her gasp is sharp, her hands gripping the sheets as I taste her, savoring her.
Her hips lift, seeking more, and I give it to her, my tongue moving in slow, deliberate strokes. Her moans fill the room, and I grip her hips tighter, holding her in place as I take her higher.
