Page 22 of One Last Time

“How do you know that’s what I’m doing?”

He gave her one of those grins. His signature grin, she’d call it. The one that—no matter where they were or what they were doing—could make her stomach do the best kind of flip-flops. It probably didn’t help that Andino never looked better than he did when he wore one of his three-piece suits, filled it out so well, and seemed as though he didn’t have a care in the world. All things that fit his current description. All these years with him, and he still gave her butterflies. This time was no exception.

Damn.

She loved this man.

“I just know you,” he settled on saying.

Knowing they probably wouldn’t have much more time alone before the doctor came in to deliver the results of their pregnancy test, Haven wanted to take advantage of their privacy. Leaning across the space between their two chairs in the private room, she pressed a kiss to the side of Andino’s jaw where his two days worth of scruff tickled her lips.

“Love you,” she whispered.

“Ti amo—sempre, mia Tesoro.”

Her hand came up to rest against his cheek. Her fingertips pressed into his jaw; it was her way of holding him, of keeping him closer until she was ready to let go. Which lately, seemed like never. Not that Andino ever complained.

“It’s going to be fine,” she heard him say.

All she could do was nod.

She wanted to believe him.

History proved differently, unfortunately.

Yet, all of those doubts and painful memories faded away when Andino cupped Haven’s face in his warm palms and tipped her head back so that the two of them could stare at one another. He leaned in closer until his forehead pressed against hers. He kissed her once—softly. Then, twice … with a little more hunger and love.

More love.

She’d always need more of that from him.

And then in a blink, Andino pulled her from the chair she’d been using to his own. Or rather, his lap. Those strong arms of his wrapped around her like a security blanket she hadn’t known she needed until it was warming and keeping her safe all at the same time.

Well, maybe she didn’t need to know what she needed.

Andino always knew.

Wasn’t that love?

She thought so.

The only love she wanted.

A couple of traitorous tears managed to escape from the corners of Haven’s eyes, but Andino was quick to wipe them away before she could even acknowledge them. By the time the doctor came around to their room with the ominous manila folder already opened in his hand, Haven had resituated herself in her own chair.

She was still holding her husband’s hand, though.

She needed that.

“Good news,” the doctor said before he even looked up from the folder, “we have elevated HGC levels—positive for pregnancy. We’re going to need to get you in for an ultrasound before you leave, Haven, because we want to see if it’s a singleton, or if more embryos implanted. Congrats, guys. I know you were really hoping for this one.”

Haven looked to Andino.

He was already staring at her with a smile.

One that was knowing.

Because, of course, he knew.