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“I’m still a bit out of it,” I admit.
“That’s to be expected.”
The doctor explains everything my body went through, what I can expect healing wise, and then asks if I’m planning to breastfeed. Since I am, he offers to call in a lactation specialistand says he’ll be back later to check on me. Sienna tells us she’s going to let Micah know that I’m awake, giving us a few minutes alone.
“It’s so crazy,” I say once Sienna and the doctor are gone. “I went to sleep pregnant and woke up a mom.”
Lincoln chuckles. “It’s probably for the best. Seeing your insides is something I’ll never forget.” He leans over and palms my face, pressing his lips to mine. “I’m so thankful we were able to find you, Kitten. Don’t be surprised if I don’t let you or this little guy leave my sight for a while. I never knew what I was missing until you came back into my life. Now that I know, I couldn’t handle losing either of you.”
“Well, then it’s a good thing you’ll never have to find out.” I move over so he can join me on the bed, and he climbs on, pulling me and the baby into his arms. “When I snuck into your club hoping to seduce you, I never thought it would end up like this,” I half joke, making him laugh. “But I have to say, the risk was definitely worth the reward.”
EPILOGUE
ELLIE
Four months later
“So,you haven’t seen him all day?”
“Nope. He said with the Valentine’s event happening at Elite, he would be home late,” I tell my sister as I walk into the penthouse with a sleeping Donovan wrapped in my baby carrier. When I find Lincoln’s parents sitting in the living room, I screech in shock.
“Everything okay?” Sienna asks.
“Yeah, sorry. Donna and Michael are here. Let me call you back.”
I hang up and drop my bags onto the counter. “Did we have plans?” I ask, trying to remember if I made plans and completely forgot. It wouldn’t surprise me. Baby brain is a real thing.
“No.” Donna laughs. “We’re actually here to watch our precious grandbaby.”
“What?” I shoot her a confused look, since in the four months Donovan’s been alive, I’ve yet to have anyone watch him. If he isn’t with me, he’s with Lincoln. It’s not that I don’t trust ourfamily, but after what I went through, I can’t seem to let my son out of my sight. I know it’s unhealthy, which is why I’ve started to attend therapy on a regular basis. Lincoln even attends with me sometimes, and it feels like it’s really helping.
“You have a note waiting for you in your bedroom,” Donna says with a grin.
After I unwrap Donovan and lay him in his crib, I go to my bedroom to see what Donna’s talking about, and sure enough, there’s a large red box with a black bow on the bed. I open it and find a note on top.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
It was one year ago today that our lives were forever changed. I’ve enclosed something for you to wear, and once you’re ready, there will be a limo waiting to take you to me.
Love,
Lincoln
P.S. I know you’re freaking out about leaving Donovan with my parents, but it’s only for a few hours, and Sienna and Micah are right down the hall.
He’s right,I am freaking out. But my excitement over whatever Lincoln’s planned is helping a bit. Setting the note down, I open the tissue paper and find the most exquisite little black dress and heels. Underneath is a lacy set of lingerie and nestled at the bottom is the same Venetian cat mask I wore to the masquerade party one year ago.
Butterflies erupt in my belly in remembrance of that first night I spent with Lincoln. The gentle way he taught me what it means to make love while rocking my world. I thought that night could never be topped, but I was wrong because Lincoln has spent the past year showing me repeatedly just how amazing sex can be with the person you love.
After I’ve gotten ready, fed Donovan, and have gone over everything with Donna and Michael, I head out with my new guard, Westley. Just as Lincoln wrote, there’s a limo waiting for us. Westley opens the door for me and helps me in and then sits in the front with the chauffeur.
The drive to Elite is short, and once we’re there, I expect to be taken around back, but instead, we go through the front just like I did last time. The bouncer nods in greeting as I make my way in, a confirmation that there’s no need for pretense like last year. As I enter, I quickly realize that Westley’s no longer trailing behind. And when I step inside the club with my mask on, I’m taken back to last Valentine’s Day. Only this time, instead of the fear and uncertainty running through my veins, I’m buzzing with electricity at the thought of spending time with Lincoln.
Unsure where to go, I head straight for the bar, since that’s where I encountered Lincoln on Valentine’s night one year ago today. I situate myself on the barstool, and the bartender brings me over a mojito without me having to ask. It’s only then that I realize Lincoln is recreating that very momentous night. Although we’ve never discussed the particulars of that night, Lincoln clearly remembers everything about it. I love that he remembers even the smallest details, such as what I wore and what I drank.
I take a sip of my drink, and even though I’m not nervous, I create an origami bird while I wait for Lincoln to appear.
A few minutes later, a gentleman dressed to the nines in a sexy tux takes a seat next to me. He orders himself a drink before casually glancing over. “Not a duck.”
