Page 11 of Christmas Miracles with the Mountain Man

“Adilene, are you okay?” Shaw took my arm, his eyes wide.

I shook my head and made a beeline for the trash can next to the deli, my stomach emptying itself. People mulled around us, staff coming over, as Shaw rubbed my back and whispered to me it would be okay.

“Can someone grab her some water? I’ll get her outside,” Shaw said to someone beside him as I dry heaved more.

When the nausea passed, I stood straight, Shaw wrapping an arm around my shoulder as he pressed a napkin delicately to my lips. I leaned against him as he helped me exit the store, abandoning our cart in the aisle. “What’s wrong, angel? Are you okay?” He asked as we got outside, the fresh air instantly helping me.

“The meat…it made me nauseous. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Here, have some water.” He handed me the bottle, and I sipped slowly, the cool liquid relieving the burn in my throat. “Does that always happen?”

I shook my head and looked away. Damn birth control. Why didn’t it work for me? I tried to be careful. What if this scared him away? Shit, was I even ready for another child? Lolly only just turned three.

“What is it, angel? You can tell me anything. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

I let out a deep sigh. “It only happens when I’m pregnant.”

A look of confusion passed over Shaw’s face, but it was quick and fleeting. Then his face broke into a large smile, his eyes lighting up as he looked at me. “Does that mean…does that mean…?”

“Yes, Shaw. I’m pretty sure. I’ll have to take a test to confirm, but?—”

“Oh my God, angel! This is so great! I’m going to be a dad. You’re going to be a mom again. We’re going to have a baby!” Shaw cried, and he lifted me into his arms, spinning me in circles there in front of the Appleridge market, with many people watching us.

“Whoa, not too much spinning,” I said through giggles, my nausea forgotten as I became overtaken by his reaction.

“Sorry. I’m so excited. I love you, angel. I love you so fucking much.” Shaw kissed me over and over, not caring that I just threw up my lunch.

“I love you too. So, so much.”

“Marry me, angel. Please. Be my wife.”

“Yes, a thousand times, yes. You and me. Forever.”

THE END