Mikkel
FIVE MONTHS LATER
I’d been planning this for what felt like forever—nearly three years of carefully mapping out every detail, imagining how it would go, and praying for the right time. But how could I ask her when she was already carrying so much? Our fertility struggles had been a heavy burden, and I couldn’t bring myself to add to it. I couldn’t do that to her.
Then, five months ago, everything changed. She was pregnant. I remember that day so clearly—the shock in her eyes when she saw the test, the way her hand shook when I held it. We just stood there, barely breathing, not daring to believe it was finally happening. That moment made all the waiting and heartbreak worth it.
The pregnancy had been hell for her—sick, constantly nauseous, unable to keep anything down. She was pale and exhausted, and I hated seeing her like that, feeling powerless to make it better. But she stayed strong, pushing through. The mood swings were hard, too—one minute, she was furious, the next, she was in tears. I did my best to be what she needed, even when I wasn’t sure what that was.
It started early, just after dawn, when the first light crept into the room. I woke to the sound of her retching in the bathroom, my heart dropping immediately. She’d been sick on and off for weeks, but this was different. There was a desperation in the way she hunched over the toilet, clutching the edge like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
“Hey,” I said softly, not wanting to startle her. “Do you need anything?”
She didn’t look up, just shook her head, her tangled curls falling around her face. “I just… I can’t,” she whispered before another wave hit her.
I knelt beside her, rubbing her back, my gut twisting with each heave. I wished I could take it all away, do anything to make it better. But all I could do was be there. It felt like nothing.
After what felt like an eternity, the sickness seemed to subside, and she slumped back against the wall, exhausted. Her face was pale, her green eyes hollow with strain. “I’m so tired,” she muttered, her voice weak.
“I know, mi reina,” I whispered, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead. “Let’s get you back to bed, okay?”
She nodded weakly, and I helped her to her feet. But as soon as she saw the bed, panic flashed in her eyes. “No,” she said, voice shaking. “I can’t lie down. It’ll just start again.”
I tried to reassure her, but fear had already taken hold, and it broke something inside me to see her so scared. I finally got her to sit on the edge of the bed, but she was tense, like a coiled spring ready to snap.
“What can I do?” I asked, desperate to help.
She looked at me, tears welling in her eyes, and whispered, “I don’t know. I just want this pain to stop. I’m losing my mind.”
I’d never seen her so defeated, so worn down. I sat beside her, unsure of what to say. “You’ll get through this,” I tried, but it sounded hollow even to me. “I’m right here with you.”
“How can you say that when I can’t even keep water down?” Her eyes searched mine for something—hope, maybe. “I don’t feel strong enough for this.”
“You are strong enough,” I said firmly, trying to will my belief into her. “You’re the strongest person I know, even if you don’t feel like it right now.”
But nothing I said seemed to help. The rest of the day passed in a blur of nausea, tears, and frustration. Every time she tried to eat or drink, it came right back up. By evening, she was drained, both physically and emotionally.
I did my best to stay calm, to be her anchor, but inside, I was unraveling. Every suggestion I made was met with resistance. She didn’t want to see Dr. Sang anymore. She didn’t want any more remedies from her best friend or our mothers.
Later in the day, she broke down completely. We were sitting on the couch, her head in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. Her tears seemed to come from a place of pure exhaustion and despair.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” she repeated, and all I could do was hold her tighter. “I love our baby, but I’m so defeated.”
“You can,” I whispered, even though I was terrified she might be right. “You’ve made it this far. We’ll take it one day at a time. I’m here with you, baby.”
The day felt endless, each minute dragging by with no relief in sight. By the time night fell, she was barely able to keep her eyes open. I managed to get her to drink a little water and eat half a Chipotle bowl before she finally collapsed into bed.
I watched her sleep, her face still drawn from the strain of the day. And in that moment, I had never felt more helpless in my life. The woman I loved was suffering, and all I could do was be there, hoping that would be enough.
I thought back to how far we’d come—almost full term now, and Abigail was doing so much better. The penthouse had truly become our home. She’d insisted we stay, confident we could grow our family there. The nursery was ready—pastel blankets on the crib, tiny shoes lined up, and a cozy rocking chair by the window.
With everything in place, there was only one thing left to do, and it had to be tonight. My heart raced as the weight of it hit me. I’d planned every detail, but nerves wouldn’t let up. We’d come so far, and now, on the edge of the life we’d dreamed of, I knew it was time to take the next step. I’d been ready to marry her the moment I first saw her four and a half years ago.
When I got home, bouquet of primroses in hand, the penthouse was unusually quiet. I dropped my keys and headed upstairs. Pausing at our bedroom door, I took a deep breath before stepping inside. There she was, sitting on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands. She looked exhausted but still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen .
Her skin glowed, her hair pinned up in a messy bun—the same hair that had caught my attention when we first met. My Red.
She wore a simple dress that hugged her curves, showcasing her eight-month belly. I couldn’t help but smile at her.
I walked over to her, eyes locked on hers. She looked up, tension evident in her gaze. “ Mi vida , 216 ” I whispered, sitting beside her. “Are you okay?”
She tried to smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Instead, they welled with tears. “I’m a bit nervous,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “It’s been so long since we’ve been out like this. I’m just overwhelmed.”
I felt a pang in my chest as I rubbed her belly, feeling our baby move beneath my hand. “You’ll be okay.” I leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Breathe, okay? Just breathe.”
Her body trembled with the weight of it all, and I pulled her closer, resting my hand on her belly. “You’ve been doing so great,” I told her, my voice firm but gentle. “Look how far you’ve come. Eight months. We’re almost there. Just a few more weeks.”
She nodded, though I could tell she was still unsettled. “You’re a superwoman for carrying our baby and still holding onto hope after everything. I’m so proud of you.”
She leaned into me, her sobs quieting as I held her. “I know it’s hard,” I continued softly, “but we’re in this together. We’ve got each other. We’re going to make it. Are you still nauseous?”
“Not nauseous,” she murmured. “Thank God.”
“Okay, baby.”
She was quiet for a moment, tears slowing as she calmed. I kissed her cheek, then her lips—slow and tender, trying to pour all my love into that kiss. When I pulled back, I searched her eyes for any sign of relief. “Do you want to stay in tonight instead?” I asked gently, not wanting to push her if she wasn’t up for it.
“I want to go.” Her voice was steadier now. “I want to be with you tonight. I’m just… I needed a mo ment.”
I rubbed her belly again, feeling a sense of awe at the life we’re so close to bringing into the world. “Our little one will be here soon, and all of this will be worth it.”
She took a deep breath and managed a small smile. “Just a few more weeks.”
“Exactly,” I said, smiling back. “And when the time comes, we’ll be ready. You’ve been incredible, and I know you’re going to be an amazing mom.”
She nodded again, her smile growing as she reached out to take my hand. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out, Red.”
As I held her close, feeling the tension slowly drain from her body, the room settled into a peaceful silence. I was about to suggest we take a few minutes to relax together before getting ready when my phone buzzed in my pocket, shattering the moment.
I pulled it out and saw Sapphire’s name flashing on the screen. My stomach tightened. What the hell was going on at the office?
Abigail noticed it too, and I felt her stiffen in my arms.
“It’s Sapphire,” I said, hesitation creeping in as I debated whether to answer.
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her arms crossed protectively over her chest, which only made me notice her belly more.
Fuck, it was hot.
“Of course,” she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration.
Without a word, I hit decline and quickly typed out a text: Is everything good at the office?
Sapphire replied almost instantly: Contracts are here for the new contacts, and your call with Singapore is rescheduled for next week.
I slipped the phone back into my pocket and met Abigail’s eyes. She was still tense, a mix of relief and lingering frustration in her gaze. I squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. “She updated me on the contracts and the Singapore call. I’ll handle it next week.”
Abigail let out a small sigh. “I know you have to work, and I know how busy you are, but I just—” She paused, shaking her head before meeting my eyes again. “I’m secure, okay? I know you love me, and I trust you, but this pregnancy... it makes everything feel ten times more intense.”
I leaned in, brushing my lips against her forehead. “You never have to explain, baby. I understand. You’re allowed to feel however you want.”
Her body relaxed into me, just a little more. “I know it’s silly,” she said quietly, “but sometimes it just gets to me. I just want you all to myself.”
I chuckled softly, pulling her closer. “It’s not silly,” I assured her. “Because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
She looked up at me, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she absorbed my words. “You always know what to say, Mr. Suarez.”
I smiled, the warmth of her words sinking in, but it wasn’t just that. Soon, she’d be taking that last name too.
“I mean every word,” I said, my hand resting on her belly, feeling the baby shift beneath my palm. “You’re my world. You and our little one.”
“Ooo,” she gasped, a giggle escaping her as she looked down at her belly. “You’re kicking up a storm for daddy, aren’t you?”
I placed my hand back on her belly, feeling another gentle kick. “Daddy’s girl, already?”
“Definitely daddy’s girl,” she whispered, exhaling as the tension in her body eased. She added, barely above a whisper, “Thank you for always knowing how to pull me back when I get lost in my head. For making me feel better, even when I’m being ridiculous.”
“You’re not ridiculous,” I said firmly, my voice steady. “You’re the strongest, most incredible woman I know. And if you want me all to yourself, you’ve got me. Siempre . 217 ”
“Okay,” she murmured, her fingers intertwining with mine. “Let’s get ready. I want tonight to be special.”
“It will be,” I promised, pressing a soft kiss to her hand.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” she asked, playful despite her exhaustion.
I squeezed her hand, lips curving into a knowing smile. “You’ ll see.”
City lights blurred past as we drove toward the East River. At the pier, I parked and helped her out, leading her down a private dock. She stopped short, eyes widening at the yacht waiting for us.
“We’re going on that?” she breathed.
I grinned. “We are. Dr. Sang said it’s safe.”
She hesitated, taking in its grandeur. Then her gaze landed on the name scrawled across the side: Red.
“What’s this?” Surprise laced her voice.
I slid an arm around her shoulders. “It’s yours. A pre-push present.”
Her fingers drifted to her belly, tracing slow circles. “ A pre-push present ?” She glanced between me and the yacht, disbelief flickering in her eyes. “Are you serious?”
“Completely.” I watched her, taking in every reaction. “You’ve been through so much. You deserve something special. Something that’s yours. And when the baby’s born, we’ll bring her here too.”
She blinked rapidly, struggling to speak. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“Come here.” I led her onto the deck, settling onto a cushioned bench and gently pulling her onto my lap.
She hesitated. “I’m heavy.”
I wrapped my arms around her. “You’re pregnant. You’re beautiful. And you’re perfect just the way you are.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. I brushed it away with my thumb. “This is yours,” I murmured. “A reminder of how much I love you, how amazing you are. You couldn’t go to the beach or the river, so I thought this would be the next best thing.”
She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
I kissed her temple. “I’m glad you like it.”
After a moment, she shifted. “I want to look at the water.”
I steadied her as she walked to the railing, watching her shoulders relax as she gazed at the moonlit waves. Exactly what I wanted—a moment for her to breathe.
I moved behind her, resting a hand on her shoulder. She turned, eyes filled with curiosity .
Taking a slow, steady breath, I lowered myself to one knee.
“No,” she breathed, her voice trembling. “Mikkel, what-”
I looked up at her, my heart pounding. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since our first date, actually.” Emotion thickened my voice. “I knew I wanted to marry you from the very start. I knew we were forever.”
A slow breath filled my lungs as I steadied myself. “For so long, I’ve wanted to show you just how much you mean to me. You’ve been through so much, yet you’ve never stopped loving, never stopped being the incredible woman you are. You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more.”
I swallowed, my heart hammering as I continued. “It was as if the universe itself whispered that you were meant for me. Every beat of my heart, every breath I take, has led me here—to you.” I searched her face, watching every flicker of emotion in her wide, tear-brightened eyes. “With you, I’ve found the kind of love poets write about, the kind artists try to capture in their masterpieces. You’ve completed me in ways I didn’t even realize I was incomplete.”
My grip on the velvet box tightened as I carefully pulled it open, revealing the ring—a masterpiece I’d flown to Switzerland to have made. The flawless diamond caught the moonlight, its ethereal glow accentuating the double-band design. Delicate primroses framed the center stone, and inside the band, our initials, A+M, were engraved.
Her fingers trembled as she stared at the ring, her lips parting in a silent gasp. Tears welled in her eyes, catching the diamond’s brilliance, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
I reached for her hands, my own trembling slightly. “Be mine. Will you marry me?” My voice was thick with emotion. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you—to be there with you, to cherish you, to love you through everything that comes our way. You’re my everything, and I can’t imagine a life without you. I don’t ever want to.”
Her gaze locked with mine—astonishment, joy, love—all reflected in her eyes.
“Mikkel,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “This is…”
I squeezed her hands. “You don’t have to say anything. Just know that I love you more than words can express. Will you marry me? ”
For a moment, she was silent—overcome, overwhelmed. Then, she nodded rapidly, a tearful laugh breaking through. “Yes.” Her voice was full of wonder. “I forgot to say yes! Of course, I’ll marry you. That shouldn’t even be a question.”
Emotion surged through me as I slid the ring onto her finger, its delicate sparkle a mere reflection of the light she’d brought into my life.
She looked down at it, then back at me, eyes shining. “Thank you for giving me my happily ever after.”
My chest ached with the weight of this moment. “I’ve been waiting for this for so long.” I traced my fingers over hers, marveling at the way our hands fit together so perfectly. “I needed to give you a ring that shows just how much you mean to me.”
She shook her head, a breathless smile tugging at her lips. “It’s perfect.”
And so was she. Mine. Forever.
I slipped the ring onto her finger, and her eyes widened in awe, tears spilling over her cheeks as she gazed at it.
“It’s so beautiful,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I can’t believe you went through all this just for me.”
“The ring is beautiful, but its value is nothing compared to what you mean to me. The time I spent having it made, the cost—it’s all worth it for this moment, for making you happy.”
I stood and pulled her into a tight embrace, her warmth making the moment whole. I kissed her deeply, tasting our shared joy. Wrapped in each other, we stood beneath the night sky, ready for the life ahead.
“I thought about proposing before dawn,” I said softly, and she turned around to look at me.
“Really?”
I nodded, pressing a tender kiss to her shoulder. “Yeah, but I also thought of how irritated you’d be if I woke you up that early.”
She laughed then held her hand out, gazing at the ring. “This diamond is so fucking big.”
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Only the best for you, mi amor. ”
“My new last name is gonna be Suarez! ”
I nodded, my heart swelling with pride. “ Sí, Senora Suarez . 218 ”
She took a deep breath, her smile widening even more. “This is an entire dream,” she avowed, her voice filled with warmth. “I have to call my parents and my sister and Azzy and—”
“Calm down, baby,” I urged. “We’ll call everyone in due time. Let’s enjoy the moment.”
“You’re right.”
She glanced at her belly, then met my gaze. “I can’t believe how close we are to meeting our baby girl,” she whispered.
I rested my hand on her belly, feeling the tiny life growing inside. “I keep wondering what she’ll look like, who she’ll become.”
Abigail smiled, her fingers brushing over mine. “And I keep picturing you as a dad. You’re going to be incredible. And hot.”
I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her lips. “I just want to be the best father I can be. But with you, I know we’ll be an amazing team.”
She exhaled softly, gazing at the horizon. “It’s exciting… and a little scary. But knowing we have each other? That makes it all feel right.”
I pulled her close, resting my chin atop her head. “We’re stronger together. No matter what comes, we’ll handle it.”
She nodded, her eyes shimmering with quiet certainty. “After everything we’ve been through, this—us, our baby—it’s everything I ever wanted.”
I kissed her temple, my heart full. “This is just the beginning, mi amor .”
She smiled, leaning into me. “And I can’t wait.”
THE END .