Epilogue
Three months later
June
"Do I look okay?" I glance sideways at my husband.
A month ago, we’d moved into a gorgeous townhouse in Primrose Hill.
It's the same area where Quentin and Nathan have their homes. As do Sinclair and Summer Sterling. It’s nice to be surrounded by friends and family, and this place feels much more like home.
As for my apartment I’d offered it to a charity that works with adoptive families, so they could rent it out to those most-in-need.
Without waiting for my husband’s response, I turn toward my reflection in the mirror.
The dress I’m wearing falls below my knees.
Its sleeves flow down my arms to wrap around my wrists.
The neckline is modest, the color dark pink.
It sets off the flush on my cheeks and the deep rose lipstick I’ve painted across my mouth.
I fuss with my hair, then turn and take in my silhouette.
"I feel like I’m already showing. I can’t be, can I? ” I groan.
"You look perfect." My husband steps up and wraps his arm about my thickening waist.
Yes, I was on birth control. But apparently, that was no match for my husband’s super sperm.
I’d never tell him that because that would only go to his head.
I have a sneaky suspicion I became pregnant that first night at the Cumbria home.
Or it might have been the next night, or the night after that, or during the next few days, when we proceeded to christen every single surface in that house.
And quite a few objects in that space were used, as well, in some interesting ways.
Good thing, it’s our place and no one else in the family is interested in using it.
Because, I have to tell you, it wouldn’t be hygienic for them to use that house after our activities.
We were there for a week, and it was an amazing break.
We returned reluctantly, and only because there were a spate of emergencies Knox was unable to manage remotely.
When I showed Knox the results of the pregnancy test a month ago, he turned so white, I was sure he’d faint. Then he’d whooped, and scooped me up, and proceeded to kiss me until I was breathless.
And since then, he hasn’t let me out of his sight.
I’d already decided to leave my job at Davenport industries by then, so becoming pregnant simply spurred me to accelerate my decision.
I decided to join forces with my adoption search specialist and expand the services we could offer to both adopters and adoptees.
As Knox’s wife, I have a monthly allowance from the Davenport family trust fund.
Apparently, I’m a beneficiary because I married into the family.
At first, it didn’t feel right to accept it, until Knox pointed out I'm entitled to it, and I can use the money to further my own causes.
Which is when I approached my adoption search specialist and asked if I could become a partner with her.
Turns out, she was looking for someone to bring in fresh equity, and I'm that person.
We're formulating our roles and responsibilities, but it's so exciting. For the first time in my life, I have a sense that I'm building something of my own. We're also building our family.
Knox bends and presses his cheek against mine, "You look gorgeous."
"You’re biased."
"And rightly so. You make me feel like the luckiest man alive."
My heart flutters. My pussy melts. Pregnancy has only enhanced my sexual appetite, and Knox has no problem keeping up with me. Much to my disappointment, anything kinky is out.
He also refuses to let me do anything—not complaining about that. Which means, I get the full benefit of him loving me with his wicked tongue, and his clever fingers, and that very big, very thick, very active part of him which, even now, prods me above the curve of my butt.
"Hmm, someone’s up."
"Someone hasn’t gone down since the day I saw your beautiful face." He slides his hand around and flattens his palm over my belly. "And the thought of you growing big with my baby is the ultimate aphrodisiac."
I place my palm over his and lean back into his broad chest.
"You look like you’re mine." He pulls me in close and tucks my head under his chin. "You’re glowing, baby."
"I’ve never felt this happy." I look into his deep blue eyes in the mirror.
He’s not that good at showing his emotions, but he hasn't shut me out since the day he told me he loves me. I sense he’s learning to be more open and vulnerable with me, and while it doesn’t come easily, I know he’s trying his best.
"I’ve never felt this content." His azure gaze lights up with silver embers. His smile is tender, and his expression is soft. I’m not surprised.
I’ve known all along that behind that strong, unemotional, unfeeling facade he likes to project, he’s someone who, perhaps, feels too deeply.
Someone who cares too much. Someone who, once he admits his feelings, will do anything for the people he's chosen as his own.
"I’m so incredibly lucky to have found you.
" I turn in his arms and tip up my chin.
"I thank the universe every day for bringing you into my life. I’m not religious, but you make me believe in a higher power. Surely, that’s the only reason I met you. You make me a better man, baby." He cups my cheek.
"You make me believe in a better future. You make me believe that surviving everything I did, all that I saw as a Marine, which showed me the depths that the human race can fall to—All of it's worth it, because it led me to you. You make me believe in hope, and that is a priceless gift. You are my priceless gift. My future. Everything in my life has led me to this moment when I’m holding you in my arms, my wife. My role as your husband is the most important one in my life. And as the father of your child, I swear, I’ll always put the two of you before myself.
I’ll lay down my life to protect both of you.
I’ll ensure you both never want for anything.
Your security is my priority. Your happiness is my goal.
Your needs are my primary concern. And if anything threatens that, I’ll burn down the world if it affects you. "
Tears trickle down my cheeks, and a look of horror filters into his eyes. "Baby, don’t cry."
"Sorry, it’s these pregnancy hormones." I sniff. "And your words were so beautiful, so heartfelt. I"—I shake my head—"I can’t believe how lucky I am."
"I'm the one who's lucky." He lowers his head and brushes his lips over mine. "It’s my job to make sure the two of you are always happy. You leave all the worrying to me, baby. You focus on yourself and our child."
"Oh, Knox." I rise up on my tiptoes, and he meets me halfway.
He presses his lips to mine, and the kiss is tender, and heartfelt, and filled with love and passion and desire.
With it, is this growing feeling of being cherished.
This confidence that I am the center of his world.
This trust that I, and our child, will always be safe with him.
This conviction that I'm blessed. That my baby and I are both blessed that we're his.
He slides his big palms down my back to cup my behind.
I fretted that I was piling on the pounds on my backside in the last month, thanks to the pregnancy, but he reassured me that he loves it, no matter what.
He relished having more of me to hold. And when he squeezes my butt, a pulse of eager energy flutters through my veins.
My already sensitive nipples seem to turn into hard points of desire. And the delicious friction from pushing my breasts into his hard chest lights liquid fire in my veins. A moan wells up my throat.
His breathing grows choppy. I feel the thick column of his arousal stabbing into my stomach. "Jesus, baby, you’re so sexy." He nibbles on my lower lip, and that fire turns into a tsunami of desire.
"Knox," I groan.
"I know, baby." He whispers tiny kisses up my cheek to the corner of my eye, then kisses the tip of my nose. "I want to carry you off to bed and make sweet love to you all night long."
"Do it." I dig my fingers into his strong, muscle-bound forearms. "Please, Sir. Please."
It’s his turn to groan, "Hearing you beg turns my world upside down. It makes me forget everything but being buried inside you."
"And I want you in me. I want you on top of me. I want to be crushed under your weight. I want to be surrounded by you, wallowing in your scent." I laugh a little. "Did I just say that?"
He quirks a smile. "You did, and it fucking turns me on. I—"
There’s a knock on the door, "Knox? June? You guys ready? Everyone’s here and waiting for you." It’s Zoey.
In honor of my pregnancy-cum-housewarming, Arthur agreed to shift the venue of the weekly family and friend’s lunch to our place this Sunday.
It seemed like a promising idea, especially as it gave me the perfect excuse to invite Irene and my siblings, and also Claire, to our place.
It feels like a good, neutral way to have the two of them meet without putting too much pressure on them to have to converse with each other.
I told them about it in advance, so it wouldn’t be a surprise, and they both agreed it was an excellent idea.
But now, the thought of them meeting fills me with trepidation.
It feels like a collision of both of my worlds… Of all of my worlds.