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We stop walking and stare at the moon’s reflection on the water. I understand what it means to be a part of this family for the first time. More so, what it will mean for my child.
“Are you okay?” Alec says softly. “You’ve been very quiet since we left the house.”
I take a deep breath. “I’m worried about our child growing up surrounded by such wealth. What if he or she grows up spoiled? I couldn’t bear that.”
“You have nothing to worry about, Ivy. My brothers and I grew up in this house, and we turned out all right, didn’t we?”
I nod. They did turn out more than all right.
“My parents taught us the value of hard work, and we’ll do the same to our son or daughter … and any other children we’ll be blessed with,” Alec says.
My heart skips a beat. I hadn’t thought as far as other children, but the idea is very appealing.
I frown again when I recall his brothers’ reactions. “Alec, do you think we’re moving too fast. Dylan and Jace seem to think so.”
“My brothers are hardly experts in relationships. They were just shocked because they didn’t see this coming. I never told them that I planned on proposing, and we tell each other almost everything.”
Relief surges through me. That explains it, then. I want to have everyone’s support. I let out a laugh of relief. I’m letting things get to me too much. I need to relax and just enjoy this ride.
“That’s better,” he says and closes the distance between us.
When his arms go around me, and his lips find mine, all my worries for the future melt away. Nothing matters except this moment. I loop my hands around Alec’s neck and open my mouth for him. I lose track of time as we stand in the grass, kissing and making out like teenagers. Alec cups my ass, holding me firmly against his erection. I wish we were in the privacy of either of our homes. I trace my hands over his shoulders and chest, and the next thing I hear is someone clearing their throat rather noisily. Alec and I draw apart.
“Sorry, but everyone’s asking where you disappeared to,” Dylan says sheepishly.
“We’re coming,” Alec says.
I’m glad it’s dark enough to hide my cheeks, which I’m sure are a bright shade of red. Alec draws me back into his arms.
“I don’t want to let you go,” he says, his voice husky.
“I wish I could say the same, but I’m more concerned about annoying your mother than my personal feelings right now.” I wriggle out of his hold.
“You shouldn’t be scared of her,” Alec says.
“Baby steps,” I call out over my shoulder as I make my way back to the house.
Alec’s laughter follows me.
My fears are ungrounded. Alec’s mom is in good spirits, and she smiles warmly when I enter the drawing-room. She pours coffee for Alec and me, and we stay until around eleven.
“We really do have to get going,” Alec says and stands up.
I follow suit. “Thank you so much, Dr. Anderson. It was a truly wonderful evening.”
She jumps to her feet and takes my hands. “It is us who are thankful. Thank you for coming to share your news with us. I’ll finally have a daughter.” She makes a gleeful noise that touches me.
Dylan and Jace say their goodnights as well, and we walk as a group to our cars. We’re not married yet, but I feel as if we are a family already.
“I’m so happy,” I tell Alec in the car.
He squeezes my thigh. “I’m glad you’re happy. I am too.”
Who would have thought that a surrogacy gone wrong would have led to this kind of happiness?
33
Alec
