Page 135 of One Reckless Night

“Clair loved it too,” I said, slipping off my shoes and sitting down at the kitchen table. “We decided we’re naming all the equipment after ourselves.”

Jared chuckled, bouncing Ethan in his arms. “So long as I get the most essential piece.”

“You mean the coffee machine?”

“Obviously.”

Ethan reached for my hair, making happy noises as he stretched his little fingers toward me. I held out my hands and Jared passed him over, then plopped down next to us, looking at me with a grin.

“And how’s she feeling?” he asked.

“Good. No morning sickness yet.”

“I still can’t believe they finally managed to figure their…stuff out.”

We were all trying to curb our cursing. It didn’t always work, but it was the effort that counted.

Jared laughed and pushed his hair back from his forehead. There was a time when he was all work—when every ounce of his intensity was channeled into closing deals and climbing ladders. Now he managed to balance it all with such ease, making space for us no matter what.

“Are you going to put him down for a nap?” he asked.

I gave him a look. “Yes, did you have something in mind?”

He laughed. “I always have something in mind, but no. I have to go pick up my family from the airport.”

“Oh, that’s right! How did I forget?”

“You’re raising a baby and have been putting together a state-of-the-art lab,” he said.

“Do you want to come with me or stay here?”

I looked at Ethan. It was his nap time, but this was a big deal.

“Of course,” I said, smiling. “I wouldn’t miss it. Ethan will sleep on the way. He might be a little cranky, but maybe that means he’ll go down to sleep early and we can have a little adult time.”

“I like the sound of that,” Jared grinned.

We loaded Ethan into the car and headed to the airport, Jared’s hand resting on my thigh as he drove. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel grounded, connected to him in a way that still took my breath away. It was still so hard to believe this was my life. I wished my mom could see this. Could see my son. She would have made a good grandma.

“I love you,” he said suddenly, his voice soft.

I turned to look at him, my heart skipping a beat. “I love you too.”

He smiled, his eyes never leaving the road. “I still can’t believe this is my life. You, Ethan, the lab… it’s more than I ever thought I’d have.”

I reached over, squeezing his hand. “Me neither. But I’m so glad it’s ours.”

It was crazy that we often had the same thoughts. We were bonded in a way I never thought possible. I would love to study it. Did this kind of connection happen to everyone or were we really just that lucky.

When we got to the airport, Jared’s family was already waiting for us. His parents, his brother Michael, his sister-in-law, and their two little girls were all there, their faces lighting up when they saw us.

“Jared!” his mom exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

“You too, Mom,” Jared said, his voice filled with happiness. “This is Amelia, in person, and this little guy is Ethan.”

I had met his brother, but his parents and I had only met over video chat.

His mom turned to me, her eyes shining as she pulled me into a hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Amelia. Jared’s told us so much about you.”