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“You don’t think our house is big enough already?” Every time they stopped back at the cabin, he added another room, more to the deck, a gazebo. Ulf even had his own section of the deck that he shared with his new love Brunhilda, a sweet old Labrador who kept him on his toes. They both waited for them at the villa they’d rented for the duration of their stay in Japan because where she and Magnus went, so did the dogs.
Magnus shrugged. “We can always use more space, right?”
Smiling, she teased, “For all the pups you insist we’llhave?”
“Cubs.” He wrapped a big arm around her shoulders as they turned to walk back through the towering bamboo forest. The moonlight sliced through the swaying stalks to trace snaking trails of silver along the path. It was otherworldly and utterly beautiful. She could easily spend months just exploring the Japanese countryside. She doubted the bear next to her would agree.
They’d spent far too long away from home. It was time they returned. But first…
Nari snuggled into his side. “Why don’t we discuss it over some dinner? I believe you owe me a date.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Great. I know a little place in Tokyo that does the best octopus.”
“Wait…” Magnus scrunched up his nose, and she couldn’t help but giggle. “Octopus?”
She blinked up at him. The picture of innocence. “You said you were willing to give just about everything a try.”
“Yeah, but … they’re so slimy.” His big body shuddered, and she had to stifle her laughter. Her big tough bear grossed out by seafood.
Happiness suffused her entire body until she had to be glowing with it. Nari couldn’t stop herself from beaming at him as she urged him along. “Fine. You don’t have to have any, but I’ve had such a craving lately…”
A tremor of revulsion shook him again before he went completely still. Grasping her shoulders, he turned her to face him. “Craving?”
“Yeah. You know. When you just have a really strong desire for something.”
His eyes gleamed even in the darkness. “Is there any particular reason for this craving?” His voice was thick withemotion.
She took his hand and slid it over her belly. “There might be.”
His big hand tightened over her still-flat stomach before he hooked both hands under her arms and picked her up. Nari wound her legs around his waist to steady herself as he plundered her mouth. He only moved back enough so they could draw breath. “I knew you smelled different lately.”
Her heart was so full, she was sure it would burst as she took in the awed expression of the man she loved. “Well, now you know why.”
He started walking again. “But octopus? Really? My cub does not eat octopus.”
“Ourpupwants it, though.”
He shook his head. “We’re going to find you the biggest, juiciest wagyu steak. Trust me, our cub will love it much more than some slimy thing from the ocean.”
“Maybe after the octopus. And some sashimi. Oh! And some red bean mochi! And lychee boba to dip it in!”
Magnus turned and started walking into the thick of bamboo.
“Where are we going?” She knew very well what was to come, and her heart began to thrum faster in anticipation.
“Somewhere private where I can convince you to be more reasonable in your food choices.”
“Don’t tell me. Tell our pup.”
“Cub,” he growled as he kissed her again, his hands already working their way up her shirt.
Nari let him try his best to change her mind, but she still got her octopus in addition to the happily ever after that she’d always wanted.
The End
