Chapter 19
ROSIE
I lean back in the cushioned lounge chair, my eyes closed as the warm ocean breeze brushes against my skin. The sound of waves lapping against the shore fills the air, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m truly relaxed. No deadlines. No work stress. Just me, Knox, and the baby growing inside me.
The sun is setting in the distance, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange, and I can’t help but smile. I open my eyes and glance over at Knox, who’s lying next to me, looking like a dream with the way the light highlights his strong jaw and muscular build.
“Babe, we should do this more often,” I say, stretching my arms lazily over my head. “Just disappear for a few days.”
Knox chuckles, turning his head to look at me. “You’re preaching to the choir. I’d take you away every weekend if I could.”
I snort, playfully swatting his arm. “As if we could get away with that.”
“We’ll make it work,” he says with a grin, his hand resting on my growing belly. “Especially once our little one arrives. Family vacations, just the three of us.”
I feel a flutter in my chest, my heart swelling at the thought. A baby. Our baby. I still can’t quite believe it.
“Speaking of which,” Knox says, his voice dropping to a softer, more serious tone, “how are you feeling? Everything good with you and the baby?”
I glance down at my belly, running my hand over the slight bump that’s become more noticeable with each passing day. “We’re good. Just a little more tired than usual.”
Knox’s brow furrows, and I can see the concern in his eyes. “You need anything? Water? Snacks?”
I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I’m fine, Knox. You’ve been hovering over me like a helicopter since the day we found out.”
His lips twitch with amusement, but I can see the love behind his protective nature. “Just looking out for you, babe. And our little one.”
“I know,” I smile, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. “But right now, I just want to enjoy this babymoon with my husband.”
* * *
KNOX
I watch Rosie as she leans back in her chair, her head tilted up toward the sky. The sun paints her skin in a golden glow, and I can’t take my eyes off her. My wife. My gorgeous, curvy, pregnant wife.
We’re in this private little slice of paradise, tucked away in a luxury beach resort that I booked as a surprise. The moment I saw the way Rosie’s eyes lit up when we arrived, I knew it was worth every penny.
“You’re staring, O’Malley,” she says without opening her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips.
“Can you blame me?” I say, leaning over to kiss her shoulder. “You look too damn good not to.”
She lets out a soft laugh, reaching out to run her fingers through my hair. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”
“I aim to please,” I grin, pulling her closer, my hand slipping under the strap of her sundress.
The fabric is soft under my fingertips, and I can feel the heat of her skin as I kiss her shoulder again, trailing my lips along her collarbone. Rosie shivers, her breath catching in her throat, and I can’t help the smug satisfaction that comes with knowing I can still make her feel this way, even after everything we’ve been through.
“Knox,” she murmurs, her voice low and teasing, “we’re in public.”
“So?” I say, nipping at her ear. “We’re on a private beach, babe. Just you, me, and the ocean.”
She laughs, but there’s a breathy edge to it that tells me she’s just as affected as I am. I slide my hand over her belly, feeling the warmth of her skin under my palm.
“You and me,” I whisper, pressing my lips to the curve of her neck. “And this little one.”
Rosie turns her head, her eyes meeting mine, and I can see the love, the desire, the happiness all swirling together in those beautiful brown eyes. “You really want this, don’t you? The whole family thing.”
“I want everything with you, Rosie,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “Always have.”
* * *
ROSIE
Knox’s words send a wave of warmth through me, and I reach up to cup his cheek, pulling him in for a kiss. It starts off slow, sweet, but like always with us, it quickly deepens. His lips move against mine with a hunger that sends shivers down my spine, and I press closer, needing to feel him, all of him.
His hand slides up my thigh, pushing the hem of my dress higher, and I gasp into his mouth, my fingers tangling in his hair. The feel of his touch, the heat of his body—it’s overwhelming in the best way possible.
“Knox,” I breathe, pulling back just enough to catch my breath. “We’re supposed to be relaxing.”
“I can think of a few ways to relax,” he grins, his hand slipping under my dress, his fingers brushing against my inner thigh.
I bite my lip, trying to suppress the moan that threatens to escape. “You’re terrible.”
“And you love it,” he murmurs, his lips trailing down my neck, his hand moving higher, closer to where I need him most.
I let out a soft whimper, my body arching into his touch. “Knox, someone’s going to see.”
“No one’s here but us, babe,” he growls, his voice low and rough. “And even if they were, I wouldn’t care.”
His fingers find their mark, and I let out a gasp, my hips bucking against his hand. He kisses me again, his lips devouring mine as he works me with those skilled hands, driving me closer and closer to the edge.
* * *
The sunlight filters into the room, casting a soft glow over the plush white sheets. I stretch, feeling the pleasant ache in my muscles from last night’s activities, and a slow smile spreads across my lips.
Knox is lying next to me, his arm draped possessively over my waist, his breathing slow and even. I turn my head to watch him sleep, feeling a rush of love and contentment. This is my life now. This is my forever.
Careful not to wake him, I slip out of bed and step out onto the balcony. The ocean stretches out before me, the waves crashing gently against the shore. It’s peaceful out here, and I take a deep breath, letting the salt air fill my lungs.
“Morning, Mrs. O’Malley,” Knox’s voice rumbles from behind me, and I turn to see him leaning against the doorway, his hair tousled, his green eyes gleaming with that familiar heat.
“Morning,” I smile, walking back over to him. “Sleep well?”
He grins, pulling me into his arms. “Better than ever. How about you?”
“I’m still recovering from last night,” I tease, running my fingers through his hair. “You’re insatiable.”
“And you love it,” he says, echoing his favorite line, kissing me softly. “Come on. Let’s go grab breakfast.”
As we head downstairs to the beachside restaurant, I can’t help but feel like the luckiest woman in the world. Knox is everything I’ve ever wanted and more, and now, with a baby on the way, our life is only just beginning.