16. Rowan
16
ROWAN
I gazed out at the sparkling lake Trev brought me to, with my swollen belly resting heavily against the wooden railing of the deck. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the water, creating a breathtaking view I’d never tire of. But even the stunning vista paled in comparison to the love and contentment I felt as Trev's brawny arms circled me from behind.
"How are my two favorite people doing?" He kissed my mark and then rubbed his scruffy cheek over mine. We were on day three of our babymoon vacation. No work and no school for either of us for five days.
I leaned back against his solid chest, always seeking his warmth and strength. "We're good, even though I feel like a beached whale."
Trev’s big hands grasped my tummy like a basketball, and he chuckled. "You're beautiful, Rowan. Perfectly perfect."
I snorted at the suggestion. "You're biased."
"Damn right I am." He lovingly caressed my rounded belly as he breathed in my hair. "I fall more in love with you both every day."
My heart swelled with emotion. This tough alpha could be such a softie. Even after all those months, Trev's openness and sincerity never failed to amaze me. I turned in his arms, forcing him to step back to make room for my bump. "I love you too, alpha. So much."
Our lips met in a tender kiss that quickly deepened. Our passion burned just as hot as it did on that first night when I was in heat. I prayed it never cooled. We finally parted, breathless and full of desire.
"Care for a moonlight swim?" he asked with a roguish grin.
I glanced dubiously at my protruding belly. "I'm not sure I can even waddle to the water, let alone swim."
"I'll carry you." Without waiting for a response, Trev scooped me into his arms as if I weighed nothing and started walking.
I yelped in surprise, clinging to his neck. "Trev! Put me down before you hurt yourself."
He laughed unabashedly, striding confidently toward the private dock like we were a couple of kids out playing. "You're light as a feather, love."
The warm night air caressed my skin as Trev gently placed me on my feet at the water's edge. With practiced ease, he stripped off his clothes before helping me out of mine.
A flash of self-consciousness spiked through me as I stood naked, but no one was around to see how my body had changed with pregnancy. And it didn’t matter anyway because Trev looked at me like I was the most gorgeous creature he'd ever seen. He never failed to chase away my insecurities.
Hand in hand, we waded into the calm water. The initial shock from the cool water soon gave way to blissful relief as the lake's buoyancy took the weight off my aching joints. I sighed happily as I floated on my back and gazed up at the star-studded sky.
"This is perfect, Trev." I reached for his hand and kissed the back of it. "Thank you for bringing me here."
Trev floated beside me with one arm supporting my lower back, always keeping me close. Protecting me and our child. "You deserve a break, Ro. I know this pregnancy hasn't been easy. Plus school and moving, furnishing our entire house. You’ve taken on a lot."
“You have too. It wasn’t like I did it all alone. Plus work has been crazy for you now that Andro gave you more responsibility.” Trev was now the head of security for the whole operation. He worked to make sure the entire family was safe and he managed all of the guards. It was not an easy job, especially since the family and business were growing each day. “At least I get a bit of a break now that school is done.” I still had one semester to finish up my degree, and with a new baby it would probably take me another year to get it finished. In the meantime, I’d taken a job at the museum working as an archivist.
“I just miss the days of being able to walk up a flight of stairs without needing to take a break.” I reached up and traced the worry lines etched on his forehead. "But it'll all be worth it. In a few weeks, we'll have our baby in our arms."
His expression softened and a tender smile spread across his face. "I can hardly wait. Have you given any more thought to names?"
I rolled my eyes and groaned. "I still like Luca for a boy. Or maybe Enzo?"
"Both strong names." Trev nodded as he tickled my hip. "What about for a girl?"
"Elizabeth? Or...Gianna?" I suggested hesitantly.
Trev's eyes widened slightly, and his breath caught in his throat. "After my mother?"
I nodded, suddenly unsure whether I was being too presumptuous. "Is that okay? I know you two had a complicated relationship, but?—"
My words were cut off as Trev crushed his lips to mine in a fierce kiss. When he pulled back, his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "It's more than okay, Ro. It's amazing. Thank you."
Warmth bloomed in my chest at his reaction. Trev had struggled with living up to his family's legacy, and the fact that he wanted to honor his mother's memory, despite their differences, spoke volumes about his character.
We floated together in comfortable silence for a while, simply basking in each other's presence and the beauty of the night. Eventually, a cool breeze raised goosebumps on my exposed skin, and I shivered.
"Ready to head in, sweetheart?" Trev pulled me to his chest and began moving us to shore, ever attentive to my needs.
“Mmm…” I yawned, suddenly aware of how tired I was. Pregnancy seemed to zap my energy faster these days.
Trev helped me out of the water and wrapped me in a fluffy towel before scooping me into his arms once more. “Let’s get you into bed, omega.”
"I can walk, you know." I giggled and halfheartedly smacked at him as he carried me back to the house.
Trev just smiled and pressed a kiss to my temple. "I guess, but I like having an excuse to hold you close."
Once inside, Trev gently dropped me on the bed before crawling in beside me. I curled into his warmth, with my belly nestled on a pillow between us.
"I never thought I could be this happy," I whispered to him, fighting to keep my eyes open.
Trev's arms tightened around me. "You've given me everything I’ve ever wanted and more. A family, a home, a future I never dared to dream of. I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you know how cherished you are."
Tears pricked at my eyes as I burrowed closer to him. Surrounded by Trev's love and the miracle of our growing family, I felt truly complete. “Good night, alpha. I love you.”