“Teo, I love you.”
His breath hitches, but I don’t let him respond.
“And I know this is new and probably not what you were expecting. Or what you signed up for. But…”
“But what?”
I force myself to look him in the eye. “I’m pregnant.”
Endless night bores into me. Overwhelms me. There’s nothing in his expression beyond the shock of the revelation, and I want to laugh at him. I want to cry.
I do neither, and I’m rewarded with a kiss.
A deep one, one that I think I will remember for the rest of my life because the way he holds me is so gentle. The way he gasps into my mouth between every hurried movement sets my entire soul on fire.
“We’re having a baby?”
And it’s excitement in his voice. It’s joy, it’s wonder.
And my eyes leak the tears I thought I was strong enough to hold back.
“We’re having a baby,” I confirm in between soft, desperate kisses.
Finally, he draws back, marveling at my face. “You told me you loved me.”
“I told you that I loved you.”
“Do you mean it?”
I smile back.
“Every day for the rest of my measly existence.”
EPILOGUE
Isabella
Irina giggles as Cas blows against her cheek. She’s always loved her godmother more than anyone else.
A fact that has become increasingly helpful as Teo and I attempt some semblance of normalcy in our lives again.
“There’s some extra milk in the fridge if you need it,” I repeat needlessly. “It will need warming up, but…”
“I know, Issy.” Cas blows again, causing another peel of laughter. “You really don’t need to worry.”
I don’t think I’ll ever stop worrying, but I don’t say that. “Thank you for this. I know it’s short notice.”
She brushes me off. “Don’t be ridiculous. Cory and I were going to have a quiet night in any way.”
The baby in question is currently crawling around our living room, curiously exploring the open space. Occasionally, I makeout the mop of dark hair charging around corners at alarming speeds.
I approach Cas and lay a hand over Irina’s forehead. She only has a fine layer of blonde hair, although Teo is still confident it will turn as dark as his in the coming months.
“Her temperature is down from yesterday,” I withdraw my hand.
“It’s normal for these things to fluctuate a bit,” Cas reassures me as she brings Irina to her shoulder. “Another good sleep, and she’ll be right as rain again, I’m sure.”
I bite my bottom lip. “Maybe I should just cancel.”
