At the sound of tires crunching gravel, I leap off the swing. The rapid pounding of my boots mixes with the creak of the chains.
Headlights flicker in the dimming gray of the evening. I rush back to the swing and grab the pharmacy bag. Then I rethink everything and hide the bag behind me like I’m a teenager caught with weed.
My pulse skitters out of control as the black SUV takes shape, my man on his way home to me.
He must notice me-how could he not, honestly-because he brings the vehicle to a stop. Not driving into the garage but parking the vehicle at the bottom of the porch.
The driver’s side door opens, and I release a squee. It comes out louder than expected, but who can be calm at a time like now? Clearly, not me.
Simon climbs out, loosening his tie with one hand. Exhaustion and relief wash over his features as his gaze locks on mine. The slow smile that curves his mouth is comforting and familiar and entirely for me.
I rush down the porch stairs and leap into his arms, not playing it cool at all.
He plants his hands on my ass, taking on my weight so easily. I wrap my legs around his waist and we crash in the middle for a kiss.
“Missed you,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Missed you more,” I say as he carries me up the stairs.
There was a day when Luis would’ve stood witness to our sappy greeting. Finally, he realized the only action he’d encounter on the ranch was this.
Once Simon walks us inside, I unhook my ankles and slide down the front of him. I consider it a point of pride that no matter how many times I do it, he never fails to release a guttural groan.
When he peers down at me, though, his eyes narrow.
Yeah, I was afraid the crinkle of the bag was too loud. I swear it’s still echoing through the foyer.
“You look suspicious,” he says. “What’s in that bag you flung behind you?”
Okay, so my covert tactics could use some work. “I’m late.”
I swing the bag forward so he can see precisely what I mean. Luckily, it’s fairly see-through, and as realization sinks in, his jaw hangs open. “Oh.”
I nod. “Oh.”
“Do you… want to take it now? Or do you want to wait?” He’s being so cautious and caring. I’ll never quite get over the way he takes care of me. It’s how I know my answer, and how I know I’ll be fine regardless of the results.
“Now. Definitely now. I can’t wait any longer.” I reach out and take his hand. “But I need you with me.”
Simon slides his fingers through mine. “Then I’m here. Whatever you need.”
We walk through the living room, toward the bedroom. Our house has square footage to spare, but my favorite thing is that it’s warm and cozy. It’s also filled with the scent of the apple pie Mom brought over earlier. My life with Simon is so much more incredible than I ever imagined.
And now we might be adding something even more precious to our family-a baby.
I head into the bathroom to take the test, my hands trembling as I remove it and read over the directions.
When I’m done, I place it on the counter and wash my hands.
Simon stands in the doorway. “How long do we wait?”
“Three minutes.”
“Come here,” he says, tugging me into his embrace. “I have an idea of how we can pass the time. I can’t get enough of these lips.”
We kiss and hug and try to distract ourselves from that test on the counter.
Then the timer chimes.
Simon catches my chin, pressing one last lingering kiss to my lips. “No matter what it says, I love you.”
I exhale a shaky breath and flash him a watery smile, already growing a little emotional. “I know. I love you too.”
Together we walk into the bathroom.
“Plus means it’s positive, and I’m pregnant.”
I squeeze my eyes closed and then crack one open.
My breath comes out in a rapid whoosh. “It’s a plus, it’s a plus.”
Simon pulls me into a hug, his low laughter ringing in my ear. “Oh my God. We’re going to have a baby.”
—The End
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.