27. Chapter Twenty-Seven
chapter twenty-seven
. . .
Olivia
Christmas and New Years came and went. Much like Thanksgiving, they were full of love and laughter.
Carter and I had settled into an easy rhythm, living and working together like we'd been doing it for years instead of months. But things were about to change, and not just because we were nearly halfway through the pregnancy.
“Of course, thank you so much. I'll talk to you soon.”
As soon as I hung up the phone, I squealed with excitement. Spinning around, I found Carter standing in the doorway, looking baffled. His steely gray eyes searched my face, trying to decipher the cause of my outburst.
“I got it!” I exclaimed, my heart skipping with excitement.
Carter's expression shifted from puzzled to curious. “The job?”
“The job!” I confirmed, nodding vigorously.
A grin slowly spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Holy shit, Sunny, that's amazing! Congratulations!”
I bounced on my toes, unable to contain my joy. “You're looking at the next Director of Community Outreach for Columbus Humane!”
Carter reached me in two long strides and wrapped me in a tight embrace. “I'm so proud of you,” he said. “I knew you could do it.”
I bit my lip as I gazed up at him. His strong arms were still wrapped around me, and his body was warm against mine. The excitement of my new job offer buzzed through me, making me bold and playful.
“How should we celebrate?” Carter asked, his voice husky.
My pulse picked up as I pressed closer to him, my fingers tracing the collar of his shirt. “Hmm, I have a few ideas.”
I gently pushed him backward into the living room. The warm glow of the fireplace cast dancing shadows across his handsome face as I guided him to the plush rug in front of the hearth.
“Lay down.”
Carter's eyes smoldered with anticipation as he complied, stretching out on the rug and placing his hands behind his head. The firelight accentuated the defined muscles of his arms and torso, making my mouth water.
I stood over him, drinking in the sight of his powerful body sprawled before me. My fingers trembled as I reached for the hem of my sweater, pulling it slowly over my head. Carter's gaze followed my every movement, his breath quickening as I revealed more skin.
Next, I shimmied out of my leggings, letting them pool at my feet before stepping out of them. Standing there in my bra and panties, I ran my hands over my swollen belly, marveling at how my body had changed. My breasts were fuller, more sensitive. I cupped them gently, enjoying the weight in my palms.
Carter licked his lips as he watched me explore my new curves. I unclasped my bra, letting it fall to the floor, and hooked my thumbs into the waistband of my panties. With a slow, teasing motion, I slid them down my legs then kicked them aside.
I now stood completely naked, my skin glowing in the firelight. Goosebumps flared on my skin as my hands slid over my body, starting at my collarbone and working my way down. I caressed my breasts, circling my nipples with my fingertips before moving to my rounded belly.
Carter's breathing became more ragged with each passing second. The bulge in his pants was growing steadily, straining against the fabric.
“God, you're beautiful,” he breathed.
I dropped to the floor, settling between his legs and slipping off his sweatpants and boxer briefs. He bit his lip and groaned with relief as his hard length sprang free.
I caressed him lazily, enjoying the way his breath hitched with each stroke. I trailed feather-light kisses along his shaft, teasing him with soft lips and swirling licks. His taste burst on my tongue, and I savored the moan that rumbled in his chest.
I took him into my mouth, reveling in the fullness of him, the faint saltiness of his skin. I bobbed my head slowly, enjoying the way his hips bucked gently, begging for more. His fingers tangled in my hair, urging me on. “Liv...baby, you're gonna make me come if you keep that up.”
I hummed, vibrating around him, my eyes fluttering closed as I imagined him spilling down my throat. But I pulled away, dragging my lips and tongue along his shaft as I rose.
I wanted him inside me.
I shifted. Carter's pupil-blown eyes raked over my body with unrestrained desire. I sat astride him, guided his cock to my entrance then sank down, taking him inch by exquisite inch. His fingers dug into my hips. I wanted to savor this moment, dragging out the anticipation until we were both desperate.
His skin was hot against mine, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. I undulated my hips gently, delighting in the stretch and fullness I felt with him inside me.
He brought his hands to my breasts and tweaked my sensitive nipples. His touch was reverent as he caressed my curves and belly, worshiping me.
“I love you,” he murmured. “So damn much, Sunny.”
His affectionate words flowed over me like a sensual caress. I rocked my hips, picking up the pace as pleasure sparked through me.
Carter's hands moved down to grip my ass, kneading gently as he lifted me up and lowered me back down on him. The shift in angle had me crying out, my walls clenching around him.
“You feel so damn good,” he panted.
I rose and fell in his lap, meeting his thrusts as we built a steady rhythm. The fire crackled and popped in the background, filling the room with warmth and the scent of burning wood.
I closed my eyes, concentrating on the movement of Carter inside me, the slide of skin on skin, the sound of our labored breaths. My blood sang with the joy of being alive, of loving and being loved .
He flicked his thumb over my clit, and bright, sharp pleasure shot through me. My inner walls rippled around him, and the knot in my belly grew tighter and tighter. My body trembled as the dam burst inside me, and I cried out. “Oh God, Carter! I’m coming!”
The pleasure was overwhelming, tremors of delight radiating out from where we were joined. My inner walls clutched around him, milking him for everything he had.
A strained yell ripped from his chest as he surrendered to his own climax. His hips snapped up, driving him deeper into me, filling me with his heat.
We lay tangled together on the rug, our bodies slick and glowing in the firelight. Carter's hand rested on my belly, stroking it with his thumb.
“I can't believe how much has changed,” I whispered, my voice filled with wonder.
His lips brushed the back of my neck. “All for the better, Sunny.”
I twisted to face him. “I never thought I'd have this—a career I love, a partner who supports me, a baby on the way. It’s like a dream.”
“It's real,” Carter assured me. “You deserve all of it and more.”
A soothing silence settled around us before Carter eventually broke it. “Fuck. I’m going to have to find a new assistant.”
“Look at that little acrobat. They're doing somersaults in there.”
A choked laugh escaped me as I watched our baby move on the screen. It was our twenty-week scan, but it was still incredible to see this little life we'd created wriggling and stretching inside me. Carter's grip on my hand tightened, and tears sparkled in his eyes.
I let myself get lost in the wonder of it all. The ever-present fear and anxiety receded, replaced by a surge of love so powerful it took my breath away.
Then Mel's voice cut through the moment, bringing reality crashing back. “Everything's looking great, Olivia. The baby's size is right on track, and the heartbeat is strong and steady.”
It was right on track last time, a traitorous voice whispered in my head. Right up until it wasn't.
“Are you sure?” I asked, wincing at the sound of my small, scared voice. “There's nothing wrong?”
Mel gave me a gentle, understanding smile. “I'm sure, Olivia. Your little one is perfect.”
I stared fixedly at the screen. I wanted to believe her. But the fear was still there, lurking beneath the surface.
“Now,” Mel continued, a hint of excitement in her voice, “would you like to know the sex?”
Carter and I exchanged a look. We'd discussed this, had gone back and forth about whether we wanted to know or be surprised. In the end, curiosity had won out.
“Yes,” Carter said, his voice steady even as his hand trembled in mine. “We want to know.”
Mel grinned, moving the wand slightly. “Well then, congratulations. You're having a boy.”
I turned to Carter, tears trickling down my cheeks. Joy and fear battled for dominance in his expression. He leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine.
“A boy,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “We're having a son.”
I nodded, unable to form words. Images cascaded through my mind. A little boy with Carter's stormy eyes and my unruly hair. Teaching him to walk, to read, to ride a bike. Watching him grow into a man as kind and strong as his father.
But with those happy visions came the darker ones. The fear of history repeating itself threatened to choke me.
“Olivia?” Mel said. “Are you okay?”
“I'm fine,” I lied, my voice trembling.
Carter's brow furrowed, his thumb catching a tear I hadn't realized had fallen. “Sunny...”
“Really, I'm okay,” I insisted, sitting up and reaching for a tissue to wipe the gel off my belly. “It's wonderful news. I'm just... a little overwhelmed by it all.”
Mel and Carter exchanged a significant look. I busied myself with pulling my shirt down, avoiding their eyes. I knew they saw through my act, knew they were worried about me. But I couldn't bring myself to articulate my fears.
“Why don't you get dressed,” Mel suggested. “Then we can talk about what comes next, okay?”
I nodded, grateful for the moment to compose myself. As I slipped off the exam table, Carter's hand steadied me. His touch was both comforting and overwhelming. I wanted to lean into him, to let him hold me and tell me everything would be okay. But I was afraid if I did, I'd fall apart completely.
Once I was dressed, we settled into the chairs across from Mel's desk. Carter took my hand again, intertwining our fingers. I focused on that point of contact, using it to center myself as Mel went over the details of the ultrasound.
“Olivia”—Mel's gentle, firm voice pulled me back to reality—“I know you're scared. After everything you've been through, it's natural to be anxious. But I need you to hear me when I say this: You're healthy, the baby is healthy, and we're monitoring you closely.”
“I know,” I whispered. “I wish I could stop these worries creeping in.”
“I want you to consider talking to someone about your anxiety. It's understandable given your history, but it's important to manage it, both for your sake and the baby's.”
“I... okay,” I conceded, my voice barely audible. “Maybe talking to someone would help.”
Carter gripped my hand tighter. “Whatever you need.”
I nodded, so grateful for his unwavering support. As we left Mel's office, a tiny flutter in my belly caught me off guard. It was too early for proper kicks, but I knew it was our son making his presence known.
Hope bloomed in my chest, pushing back the shadows of fear. I placed my hand over the spot, a small smile forming on my lips.
“What is it?” Carter asked.
“I think... I think he moved,” I whispered. “Our little boy.”
Carter grinned from ear to ear and his hand joined mine on my belly. We stood in the hallway, both waiting for another flutter. It didn't come, but it didn't matter. For the first time since we'd found out about the pregnancy, I let myself believe that just maybe, everything would be okay.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, tugging at the fabric of my dress. My belly protruded prominently, stretching the material taut. No matter how I adjusted it, I felt like a beached whale.
“I don't know about this dress.” I sighed, turning to the side. “Maybe I should just wear sweatpants.”
Carter appeared behind me, resting his hands on my waist. “Are you kidding? You look incredible.”
I pouted. “You have to say that. You're the one who did this to me.”
“I mean it. You've never looked sexier.”
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow at his reflection.
“Really.” His hands slid down to caress my swollen belly. “In fact, if I had my way, I'd keep you pregnant for years.”
I laughed, slapping his hands away. “Oh no, mister. Gonna need you to keep it in your pants.”
“Aw, come on,” he teased. “Don't you want a whole brood of little Cassidys running around?”
I turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “How about we compromise? Two kids—one boy, one girl.”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully, pretending to consider. “I suppose I could live with that.”
“You'd better.” I grinned, pulling him down for a kiss.
As our lips met, I felt Pete's paws scratching at my legs. We broke apart, laughing as we watched our furry friend dance excitedly at our feet.
“See?” Carter bent down to fondle Pete's ears. “Even Pete thinks you look amazing.”
I smiled, basking in the love of my little family.
“Alright, we're going to be late if we don't leave”—he glanced at his watch— “five minutes ago.”
“Crap!” I scrambled to grab my purse, nearly tripping over Pete in my haste. Carter stood by the door, his eyebrows raised in amusement.
“It's fine. You're only the guest of honor.”
I shot him a glare, waddling as fast as my pregnant body would allow. “Shut it, Cassidy.”
His lips twitched. “Yes, ma'am.”
The drive to Callie and Emmett's house was short, but my nerves grew with each passing minute. As we pulled up, I gasped. The front yard was decorated with blue and white balloons, and a banner reading “Welcome, Baby Boy!” hung across the porch.
“Wow. They went all out.”
Carter gave me an arm to lean on as I heaved myself from the car. “Of course they did. They love you.”
We made our way inside, and I was nearly tackled by a hug from Meghan. “You're here!” she squealed.
“Hey, careful. Precious cargo.” Carter put his hands on my arms, steadying me. I rolled my eyes, feigning exasperation at his overprotectiveness.
“Sorry, sorry. Come on, everyone's waiting.”
Meghan led us into the backyard, which had been transformed into a magical oasis. Twinkling lights hung overhead, and tables adorned with blue and white flowers dotted the lawn. A group of familiar faces turned to greet us, and my eyes brimmed with tears at the sight of so many people gathered to celebrate our baby.
My mom rushed over, enveloping me in a tight embrace. “Oh, sweetheart. You’re glowing.”
I hugged her back, still gazing around, overcome with emotion.
The next hour was a non-stop merry-go-round of hugs, congratulations, and laughter. I was surrounded by love from every direction—my brother Wick and his partners, Meghan and Marco; Callie and Emmett; my neighbor Amelia; and even Carter's father, who had become a surprising source of support.
I sat in the middle of the yard, taking in the charming details that made Victorian Village homes so distinctive. A wrought-iron fence encircled the space, its intricate scrollwork peeking out from behind lush greenery. Climbing roses wound their way up trellises, their delicate blooms adding splashes of color against the weathered brick of the house.
In one corner, an ancient oak tree spread its branches wide, providing a natural canopy for a cozy seating area beneath. A wooden swing hung from one of its sturdier limbs, gently swaying in the breeze, and a stone pathway meandered through the yard, leading to a small fountain that bubbled quietly. The sound of trickling water mingled with the chirping of birds, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Despite its modest size, the yard felt like a secret oasis, tucked away from the bustle of the city beyond the fence. I was definitely in full nesting mode.
“Cal, it's so cute back here.”
Callie's lips curved into a proud smile. “Thank you. Emmett insisted we hire gardeners because I killed that bonsai tree he got me last year.”
I laughed. “Callie, bonsai trees aren't that hard to keep alive.”
She grimaced, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “I know, okay? I don't know what happened. Hopefully it's just plants I'm horrible with.”
As she spoke, her hand hovered over her stomach in an unconscious gesture. I eyed her shrewdly. “Um, Mrs. Price, any news to share?”
“Shit.” Callie quickly moved her hands to the armrests of her chair, her eyes darting around nervously. The other guest continued laughing and chatting, oblivious.
I glanced at her drink. “That’s an awful lot of orange juice in your mimosa.” Without warning, I snatched her glass off the table and took a sip. “Mhm. Just as I suspected.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “We haven't told anyone yet.”
I set the glass down, fighting to contain my excitement. “Your secret's safe with me. I'm so happy for you. Our kids can be besties!”
Before Callie had time to do more than squeeze my hand, Carter, Emmet, Wick, and Marco approached.
“I'm telling you,” Emmett was saying, “sleep deprivation is no joke. You might want to consider hiring a night nurse.”
Carter scoffed. “Please. I think I can handle a few midnight feedings.”
Wick clapped him on the shoulder. “Oh, sweet summer child. You have no idea what you're in for.”
“I don't know,” Marco said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “It doesn’t take much to get Carter up in the night. Just ask Olivia. ”
A flush scorched my cheeks as the men erupted in laughter—everyone except Carter, who still kept that same grumpy expression on his face, save for a wink in my direction.
Meghan clinked her glass, calling for attention. “Alright, everyone! It's time for gifts!”
I protested weakly but was overruled by the enthusiastic crowd. As I opened each present, I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness behind them. Soft onesies, tiny shoes, books to read to our son—each gift perfectly represented the village that would help raise him.
When Carter's father revealed his gift from behind a tarp—a handmade wooden rocking chair—I couldn't hold back my tears. “This is beautiful,” I said, running my hand over the smooth wood.
Bill cleared his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable with the attention. “I made it for Carter's mother when she was pregnant with him. I thought... well, I thought you should have it.”
I stood up, awkwardly maneuvering my pregnant belly to give him a hug. “Thank you,” I whispered. “It means so much.”
I turned to look at Carter as he scrubbed a hand across his mouth and forced back the unshed tears pooling in his eyes.
As I finished opening the last of the gifts, he crouched down beside my chair and rested his hand on my belly. “How are my two favorite people doing?”
I leaned in, kissing him softly. “We're perfect.”
As the sun began to set, I looked around at the faces of those who had gathered to celebrate us. My family—both blood and chosen—surrounding me with love and support. I’d never felt more at home.