Page 37 of Owned By Royal

“I know.”

We never found out the baby’s sex during the pregnancy. We wanted this surprise, and somehow it makes the moment even more perfect.

“Have you thought about a name?” I ask quietly.

Sierra smiles. “I have.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve been keeping it to myself.”

That doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. “What is it?”

She looks down at our daughter before answering. “Rosalie Chase Madera.”

Emotion immediately tightens my throat.

“Rosalie for your mother and Chase, for my father,” she says as she meets my eyes.

I close my eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. And when I open them again, tears blur my vision. I can’t speak. Not for several seconds.

Finally, I lean over and kiss Sierra gently. “Thank you.”

She smiles through her own tears. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.”

I look down at our daughter again. “Hello, Rosalie.”

Her tiny fingers curl instinctively around one of mine. I have never felt more humbled. Or more protective. Or more grateful.

“I love you,” I tell Sierra quietly.

“I love you too.”

“And I love her.”

“I know.”

“No matter what happens...” I look at the incredible little family we’ve somehow built together. “...I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting you both.”

Sierra rests her head against my shoulder as Rosalie sleeps peacefully between us. The future doesn’t feel uncertain or dangerous. It feels full of hope.

And that’s more than either of us ever dared to dream.

~The End