AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She’s all that matters.
Jasha grabs my shoulder, shaking me as our plane lands. “Come on, man, lighten up. What’s the matter?”
I look at him and laugh through my nose. “Nothing’s wrong, Jasha. I’m just thinking how everything has changed. I’ll tell you more about it when we get back to the States.”
“It’s about Dream, right?”
I nod. “Everything is about her.”
“Jesus, man, you’re really starting to freak me out.”
“It’s nothing bad. Things are just going to be different,” I assure him, patting him on the back. “You’re going to have to do more for the business. I suspect I’m going to have my hands full.”
He shrugs. “Been wanting to get more involved, anyway. I think we could benefit from having a fresh set of eyes watching over everything. Someone who has more energy.”
I sigh. “Jasha, I’m not retiring. I just want you to do more. I’m also not an old man, so stop implying that I am. I could beat you in a fight any day.”
He scoffs. “Not a chance.”
As much as I’d love to prove him wrong, I don’t want to come back to the house fighting. All I want is a warm welcome from Dream and another night in bed beside her.
Or on top of her. That would work too.
Arriving home, Dream jumps into my arms the moment I open the door, burying her face in my chest. Her warmth is infectious, seeping into my bones and taking over my body. Everything just feels right with her.
I let out a deep sigh, holding her as close as I can and sinking into her softness.
It’s over. God, it’s all over, and we can finally start our family in peace.
34
Dream
Iwaddle through the garden as the sun dips low on the horizon, casting long shadows on the dirt path between hydrangea bushes. The late afternoon air is thick with the sweet scent of new spring flowers.
Nikolai stands a few feet in front of me, watching as I slowly come toward him. He’s dressed more casual than usual, wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt, but the aura of authority remains. I think it’s even grown stronger since learning that he would soon become a father.
He chuckles as he watches me, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “I feel like these walks take longer every day, but I’ll forgive you since you’re so adorable.”
“Adorable? I feel like a penguin,” I reply, laying my hand over my round belly.
“Penguins can be adorable,” he says, walking over to me. He places a gentle hand over mine on my belly, his eyes softening. “How are you feeling?”
“Ready to not be pregnant anymore,” I sigh. “But also excited. Nervous. You know, all the feelings.”
As if the baby can hear me, I feel a tightening sensation around my belly. It’s like a band of tension, growing stronger every time it happens. I wince, gripping Nikolai’s arm.
“Contractions?” he asks with a look of concern.
“Yeah, but they’re not too bad. I mean, it’s manageable.”
Nikolai leads me to a nearby stone bench and helps me sit down. He takes his phone out to start timing the contractions.
“Another contraction?” he asks as I wince.
“No, not yet… there’s not coming that frequently – oh!”
“Contraction?”
