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“Definitely,” I agree. “I agree that a psychiatrist is a good idea. They could work together with a dermatologist to figure out what kind of medications work for Jasper. It’s trial and error, and best done with the guidance of professionals.”
Brandon nods and sighs again.
“Do you think I’m a good dad?” he asks suddenly. “I used to be pretty confident in my abilities, and now, with a teenager, I’m not so sure.”
I can’t help but laugh, and reach across the table to squeeze his hand. “Trust me, teenagers are the worst,” I say. “And I’m allowed to say that because I am one. But I think you’re a great father. Jasper is really lucky to have you. I promise.”
Do it now, Lucy, I tell myself, and my eyes widen as I realize that this would be the perfect segue.
Brandon notices. “What’s on your mind, sweetheart? You stiffened just now.”
This is it. I swallow hard and try to allay my sudden burst of nerves. A million worries swirl like a tornado around my head. What if Brandon’s upset? What if he doesn’t actually want another kid? What if he wanted to date longer to make sure we’re the right fit? But there’s no more time to waste, and no other way to find out if my concerns are valid. I need to tell him now.
“Brandon,” I begin, his hand still in mine. “I…” But the words won’t come out. I lick my lips and try again. “Brandon, I have something to tell you.”
He cocks his head at me, blue eyes questioning.
“Is this what you alluded to last night?”
I nod slowly. “Yes. I… Um…”
Brandon takes my other hand in his and looks into my eyes. “Lucy,” he says in a low voice, “I meant everything I said last night. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Whatever you have to say to me, I’m here to listen. Okay?”
He looks so serious and sincere that my heart melts, and the words come flowing out before I even realize it. “Brandon, I’m pregnant. I’m having a baby. Your baby. You’re going to be a father again.”
Brandon stands up so quickly that he almost knocks his chair over. “What?” he growls. “I’m what? You’re what?”
To see such a composed, confident man looking so shocked is startling, but I force myself to stay calm, even if my heart’s in my throat. “I’m pregnant,” I repeat slowly. “We’re going to have a baby together.”
Before I can speak another word, Brandon crushes me against him, his arms so tight around my torso that it’s difficult to breathe. But I don’t care, because he’s embracing me, and whispering how much he loves me, over and over, in my ear. In fact, I think the alpha male might even be crying.
“Oh my God, Lucy,” Brandon finally manages in a choked voice. “I can’t believe this.”
“I can’t, either,” I admit. “But you’re happy about it?”
“I’m beyond happy,” he raves. “I’m ecstatic, I’m overjoyed, I’m fucking weak in the knees just thinking about our future together, Lucy. I can’t believe I have the opportunity to be a dad again, and I can’t believe I get to go on this adventure with you.” Suddenly, he sweeps me off my feet, and we both laugh as he spins me giddily through the air. “We’re going to have a baby!” he yells. “Hallelujah!”
When he sets me down, we’re beaming at one another with hope dazzling our eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I am in this moment, and the emotion overflows my heart. I can’t believe that not so long ago, I desperately wanted to have a baby with Jasper, someone so lost in life that he actually cheated. Now, I’ve found a man who loves me and not only is he excited, but he’s ecstatic, overjoyed, and weak in the knees to have a baby with me.
“You’re sure it’s not too soon?” I ask, my eyes shining.
He shakes his head. “It’s perfect,” Brandon growls. “Everything is perfect, come to think of it. Now, let me kiss you, mama-to-be.”
And then he does, sweeping me into his arms and dipping me into a kiss so magical that I wish time would stop. This is what happiness is, I think joyfully. This is what love looks like. Because right now, I’m not worried about the future, or about what Jasper or my family will think, or about what people will say. I’m not worried about anything at all. This incredibly handsome, intelligent, and loving alpha male is mine, and now, we’re ready to start the next phase of our lives.
Epilogue
Lucy
Two years later.
Summer has always been my favorite season. It’s hard not to appreciate the warmer days and longer nights, the gorgeous sunsets and winking fireflies. I have yet to discover a simple pleasure better than a fast-melting ice cream cone on a hot afternoon, or a quick dip in the pool at midnight, bathing suit optional of course.
