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She turned, her expression sad. “Give me one reason to stay.”
Were my palms sweating? Was this a panic attack? Here went nothing. “I’m not great with words, especially when they need to mean something. Give me a chance to put them together so I don’t get it wrong again.”
This was as honest as I’d ever been. Communication was my kryptonite, stunted by years of internalizing my trauma.
She held my gaze, and after what felt like forever, she walked back.
My relief was palpable.
“Thank you,” I rasped, sitting in my chair and pulling her down into my lap. My hand slipped under her shirt to rest against her skin, the sensation of her heartbeat grounding me.
I breathed in her scent as though it was a lifeline. My mind bounced over my feelings, finally settling on the words I thought would best express things. “I was unprepared for how to involve my family. But you’re right. The last thing I want anyone to think is our children are an accident, or we didn’t go into this arrangement voluntarily. I could never be ashamed of you, Addy. It’s just that, even with my own family, I hate being the center of attention.”
“Have you ever introduced someone to them before? Someone you’ve been dating?”
“Never.”
“What about high school?”
My chest vibrated with my chuckle. “I was even more awkward back then. Also, I went to an all-boys private school.”
“Somehow I always pictured you being the hottest guy in the room.”
“Nah, my brothers got that distinction. Nick had charisma in spades, and Gabe exuded confidence in anything he did. The three of us were a handful.”
She giggled. “Your poor mom.”
“You’d assume so until you realize she’s the one we all fear.” My mom wasn’t scary in the least, but the thought of disappointing the woman who’d do anything for her family was enough to keep us all on our best behavior.
“I love that.”
Suddenly, I wanted very badly for the most influential woman in my life to meet the future mother of my children. “I was being selfish and only thinking about how it would affect me. I want you to meet my mother.”
“You mean it?”
“Yeah. She’s going to love you. She’ll probably make up the guest room for you the minute I get off the phone from telling her you’re coming.”
While I was stunted in my emotions, ironically my family was not. With the exception of Gabe, the rest of them would welcome her with open arms. My family would give her more love than I ever could.
“We can plan the trip so we go up to see your parents too.” It wasn’t my favorite idea, but Addy was right about involving our families early so the news of a baby wouldn’t be quite so shocking.
“Yeah, guess we should. Maybe we can meet them for dinner.”
“Sounds good.”
She squeezed me once before pulling out of my embrace. “I need to get back to work. The boss is a real grump when I slack off. Try to have a better day, big guy.”
Banding my arm around her waist, I stole her lips. “It already is.”
ChapterTwenty-Nine
ADDISON
When I woke up the next morning, my heart dropped at the sensation of the familiar cramping. A trip to the bathroom confirmed I’d started my period. Tears sprang to my eyes. It was ridiculous to get upset over not being pregnant; we’d only been trying for such a short time and not even during my most fertile days. Yet here I was, nearly weeping.
After showering, taking some Motrin, and getting ready for work, I was feeling better. Up until Leo came to the front desk.
“Good morning,” I greeted.
