Chapter Twenty
S am laid her head back on the pillow, listening to her friends’ quiet banter as they filtered out of her room so they could bring back coffee. A smile spread over her lips. She’d spent two days in the hospital and hadn’t been left alone for five minutes. Her injuries weren’t going to leave permanent damage, although she’d had a close call with her oxygen-deprived limbs. Her arm was broken, but they were able to cast it, and the space looked more like a greenhouse than a hospital room. She was blessed, and had never felt more cared for and accepted. After a lifetime on her own, being surrounded by people she adored and respected was every dream she possessed breathed to life.
“Are you okay? Any pain?” Julian brushed his thumb over the top of her hand. He hadn’t left her side, and even though she’d encouraged him to go home and get some rest, he’d insisted on staying. The nurses had brought in a cot for him to sleep in, which he pushed flush against her hospital bed. The cot was much lower than the bed, but Julian managed to keep one hand on her throughout the night, as though he was afraid she’d disappear. He’d even had Brynn sneak Angel in because he knew it would ease her mind.
“No, I’m just thinking. I’m so happy, lucky, blessed. All of it.”
Julian got up and leaned in, placing a light kiss on her lips. “One of the many reasons I love you, Starburst. You’re laid up in a hospital bed after your mother and her sidekick abducted you. Then both of them were shot and killed, and you dragged yourself to the top of the street. You have a broken arm and a concussion, not to mention the pain of regaining circulation to your hands and feet. Yet, there’s a bright smile on your face. You’re grateful for the hand you were dealt while most people would be asking why me. You amaze me.”
“How could I not be grateful when I have you, the man who I love more than anything, by my side? When you and your friends not only welcomed me, but also pulled me into your tightknit family—something I’ve only ever wished to have? You found me when I couldn’t crawl any further and you haven’t left me since.”
“And I never will, Sam. You are the only woman I’ve ever loved. Well, aside from Addy, but that’s a given because she’s my sister. You’re the only woman to have my total and complete trust. Until you, I would’ve said I’d never intertwine my life with someone else’s. Not the way that safety and security were taken from us when our mother walked out. Our dad was broken, and I vowed I’d never let someone own my heart like that. With you, though, I can’t wait to tangle you so deep, we’ll never be apart. Someday soon, you’ll wear my ring on your finger. I’m hoping I can convince you to move into my apartment while we house-hunt or look for a bigger apartment or condo to share. I want children with you.”
Sam made a choking sound before regaining her composure. “Actually, Julian. That’s something we need to talk about.”
“If you don’t want them, that’s fine, too. We can get a brother or sister for Angel and enjoy our future honorary nieces and nephews. You’re what I need.”
“I do want them.” There was a long pause. “This one.” She placed her hand on her flat stomach. “And someday more.”
“What are you saying?” His eyes were wide, hopeful.
“The doctor came in while you were in the hallway talking to Silver. My bloodwork came back and I’m pregnant. It’s way too early to detect a heartbeat on ultrasound. A home pregnancy test wouldn’t even show it yet.”
His breathing increased. “Did the doctor say if there were more risks, after everything that happened?”
“That was my first question, too. They don’t expect a higher level of risk than usual, but I’m going to come back in two weeks and make sure the hormone levels are increasing like they should be.”
“Sam.” If her name spoken so reverently didn’t tell her how Julian felt about becoming a father, the unadulterated love reflected in his eyes or the tears streaming down his cheeks would’ve. This child would know nothing but love from her and Julian. Nothing but love from three protective Navy SEAL uncles. From their aunt Brynn, Jacob, Collin, and Hannah. He stood up and brushed his lips over her forehead. Her cheeks. Her eyelids.
“I love you, Samantha Campbell.”
The audible intake of breath had them both looking toward the door.
“Sorry to interrupt. I found someone at the reception desk looking for you,” Silver said.
A woman stood in front of Silver with her palm against her chest. Eyes that were more green than hazel filled with tears. The woman rubbed her eyes briskly, jostling her round-framed glasses. Her sandy hair was piled on top of her head and her simple linen dress spoke of warmer climates.
“Julian!” She ran across the room and went up on her toes, hugging him and rocking side to side.
“Addy, what are you doing here?”
“What am I doing here? Are you kidding? You told me the woman you loved was missing via text and you didn’t think I would book the first flight out of Paraguay? Do you even know me?” Julian’s sister turned away from him and clasped her hands together at her chest.
“So you’re the reason my brother’s texts have been so full of joy. You’re a blessing to us and I can’t wait to get to know you better.”
“Don’t freak her out with your weirdness. She’s been through a lot,” Julian said with a sigh.
“I don’t think she’s the weird twin,” Silver said dryly. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, watching the exchange. His blue eyes seemed to linger on Addy, but maybe being in love was shading her perspective.
“I just want her to know how much I appreciate her.” Addy took a deep, satisfied breath and stepped closer to the bed. “It’s so nice to meet you, Sam. I’ve wished on many stars that Julian would find peace. It’s a bonus that he’s found it in the woman he loves.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, too. Thank you for coming all this way.” She already loved Julian’s sister. There was a genuine compassion and honesty that radiated around her. “And you should know, you’re going to be an aunt.”
Addy lifted both hands to her mouth, then burst into tears, putting one arm around Julian and the other around her.
Addy paused and released Julian, stretching her hand out toward Silver. “Join us?”
“Congratulations.” Silver smiled. “And thank you, but I’ll leave the celebrating to you.” With that he slipped out of the room. Sam didn’t dwell on his abrupt exit, but Addy looked after him with a puzzled expression before embracing them both again.
She wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that and she didn’t care. She was going to bottle this moment. This moment when she’d gained a sister and shared in the joy of the life she and Julian had created. Despite the darkness of her past, the future was so, so bright. As bright as midnight laced with stars and twice as beautiful.