Page 256 of Knot What I Expected

And when I told him the ugliest pieces of my past, Rowan didn't recoil. He held me tighter. My gaze searches his.

“Do you want that?”

His brow furrows.

“What?”

“A child.”

He goes absolutely still.

“With me,” I add, because apparently I’m determined to rip my own heart out tonight. “Do you want a child with me, Rowan?”

Monster growls. Not angry. The sound is so deep and aching that goosebumps rise over my skin.

Rowan's forehead drops against mine.

“More than I ever knew I could ever want one. And that’s because of you. I only want you.”

My breath catches. Then he pulls back enough to look directly into my eyes.

“But listen to me, Gabby. You already made me a father with Matteo.”

Oh. My lips part.

“What?”

“Monster’s already claimed him.”

My eyes immediately burn.

“Rowan—”

“I mean it.”

His voice turns rough.

“That boy matters to me. Not because he's yours. Well, yeah, partly because he's yours. But Matteo's...” He blows out a breath, looking almost irritated that words aren't cooperating. “He's Matteo. He's funny as hell. Smart. Brave. He steals my food and calls out every fucking swear word—he’s my pup. I’d do anything for him already. And for his mother.”

A watery laugh burst from me.

“That swear jar is costing you a fortune.”

“Kid's running a racket.”

I laugh again. Rowan smiles for half a second. Then he's serious.

“He's your son. But if you let me, I'll be whatever he needs me to be.”

My tears spill. Rowan catches one with his thumb.

“You two are already a package deal in my head, Honey Girl. Have been for a while.”

“You really want him?”

His expression turns almost offended.

“Want him?”