“Umm, about that. I have something to tell you.”
He pulls back slightly, but his arms wrap firmly around my waist, like he never wants to let me go. I hope it stays that way. “What is it?” he asks.
I pick at a button on his shirt. “I’m not going to London.”
He cocks an eyebrow and glances around the room. “But…your luggage. Your things are packed.”
I dip my head with a sheepish smile. “I turned down the role. Being pregnant won’t work, not if I can’t commit one-hundred percent to it.”
Hayden rubs his hands from my shoulders down my arms and back again. “After the baby is born, you can always get stuck into it again. You’ll get another part.”
Smiling at his confidence in me, I say, “I’m not auditioning anymore. I’m done with Broadway.”
“It’s your dream. Don’t let a baby stop you. We can do this together.”
God, I love this man. My man. We are in this life together, and I’ve never been happier.
“I thought it was my dream,” I say. “Then I realized it was a dream I’d created for my parents, to make them happy. All my life they made me believe that performing on a grand stage is what I needed to strive for. Nothing less was good enough. I kept pushing myself. Not for me—for them. If I was as good at something as Christina, then they would be proud of me. And when I told them about London, for a moment they were. Until I told them my plans had changed. The disappointment they showed when I told them I was pregnant dripped off in waves. How could I be so irresponsible they said. What an embarrassment I’ve been to the family.” I walked away from that conversation with my held head high. Finally believing this is my life. I’m living it the way I want to. Never again will I let someone else create my dreams. “I realized it was teaching kids at Miss Lucia’s dance studio that made me happy. Seeing the smiles on my students’ faces when they dance gives me more joy than anything I can do on Broadway. Teaching is my new career.” Pride pumps out my chest.
“You’re staying on as a teacher?” he asks.
“I’m buying the dance studio from Miss Lucia and moving into the apartment upstairs.” With a baby, I thought it would be easier to live as close to the studio as possible. “That’s why I’m packing.”
“That’s fantastic. You’re an amazing teacher, and the kids love you. You’re going to kill it! I’m so proud of you.” He pauses for a moment, then says, “There’s one problem.”
“Oh, what is it?” God, I thought we laid everything out. There can’t be any more surprises.
“You can’t live in the apartment above the dance studio,” he says with a serious tone, yet the corners of his mouth twitch.
“It’s a great space. Plenty of room for a baby. We’ll be comfortable,” I say, playing along. I have a feeling I know what he’s going to suggest.
He shakes his head. “You’re moving in with me. In my house. In my bed. You, my beautiful Twinkle Toes, are not leaving my side.”
“Maybe I want to live on my own,” I tease.
He buries his nose in my neck. His warm breath spreads over my skin, making my insides quiver. “Not with what I have planned for you…every…single…day. You’ll be begging to move in with me.”
Oh yes. My head tilts to the side. I can get used to this.
Hayden abruptly jerks his head back. With wide eyes, he pulls away. “There’s something I need to do.” Getting onto his knees, he presses his lips against my belly. The sweet gesture melts my insides. On a soft whisper, he says, “I can’t wait to meet you.”
I can’t contain the happy tears rolling down my face. How has my life turned out so perfect?
Back on his feet, an expression of awe lights his face. “We’re having a baby,” he says like it’s only now hitting him. A huge grin spreads across his face. “We’re having a baby!” he whoops. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he hugs me tight. “You have made me the happiest man in the world. I can’t wait to grow our little family. Lily is going to be so excited. Thank you for choosing me to love.” Oh God, my heart is expanding with each word.
“Our lives will change in a huge way. Are you ready?”
He kisses the tip of my nose, my cheeks, then my lips. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” His voice fills with emotion. “Twinkle Toes, bring it on.”
Epilogue
ALYSSA
Six months later
Standing in the wings of the stage, I look over my team of young dancers. Some bright with excitement. Some jittery with nerves. The studio’s showcase is a buzz of activity backstage.
As the audience takes their seats and the lights dim, I gather the dancers together. “Have fun tonight. I can’t wait to see how amazing you all are.”
