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I melt into him needing more. He kisses me deeper for another moment, then pulls back with a low sound of restraint, his forehead resting against mine.

“We’re at the hospital baby.”

I bite my lower lip. Right. I had completely forgotten where we were. I glance around, suddenly remembering where we are. I can’t help smiling.

Pregnancy has apparently turned my hormones into a force of nature. Lately, I seem to want my husband constantly and Roman doesn’t ever complain. If anything, he’s always more than willing to indulge me.

Last week, I abandoned a painting halfway through because I couldn’t concentrate on anything except him. I ended up showing up at his office, and the look on his face told me he knew exactly why I’d come.

I wake up wanting him. I go to bed wanting him. And he’s always there to meet my needs.

Since everything with Katerina has finally been put to rest, Roman comes home earlier now. He eats dinner with me, goes to bed with me. And most importantly, he wakes up beside me. The old pattern of disappearing before dawn is gone.

The night terrors he told me about have only happened twice since then. Both times he woke without knowing where he was. Body rigid, breath ragged, eyes unfocused as if he were still trapped in that old darkness.

He didn’t recognize me at first. I held him through it anyway, speaking softly until the tension left his muscles and morning finally came.

Those two nights made me understand, in a way I hadn’t before, why he used to be so afraid of sleeping beside me.

But I’m not afraid of him. I know that beneath the terrifying memories and the instinct to fight, there’s the man I love. The man who now wakes up beside me and kisses my forehead before he even opens his eyes.

I finish smoothing my hair just as a knock sounds at the door, and the doctor walks in. She greets us both, then reviews the scan with a calm, reassuring smile.

“Everything looks perfect,” the doctor continues. “Your baby girl is developing beautifully. Her heartbeat is strong, and I don’t see anything concerning.”

She hands Roman a folder. “Everything is in here. Your test results, notes from today’s examination, and a copy of the sonogram.”

I open the file just enough to glimpse the black-and-white image tucked inside. Our daughter. I smile so hard my cheeks hurt.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“My pleasure. Keep taking care of yourself, and we’ll see you again at your next appointment.”

Roman thanks her, and we leave together. By the time we’re inside the car, I’m still staring at the sonogram.

Roman glances at me before starting the engine. “So,” he says, “how do you want to spend the rest of your afternoon?”

I look up. “Can we stop by the gallery?” I ask. “Just to see how the workers are coming along.”

He gives me a look. “I meant something that doesn’t involve work.”

I laugh. “I’m not working. We’re just going to pop in, take a look, and leave. The exhibition is only a few weeks away.”

“Aurora.”

“I promise. And after that, we can have lunch.”

He shakes his head, but there’s a smile tugging at his mouth. “Fine.”

“But before that can we get iced matcha?”

“Coming right up.”

I grin and settle back against the seat. A few minutes later, we’re on our way, and I suddenly remember something.

“You won the bet. What do you want?”

He looks at me for a long moment. Then he reaches across the console and takes my hand.