Chapter 26
Three weeks later…
Emilia
It’s still dark out. I don’t know what time it is. I think I’ve slept, so it’s probably early morning. All I know is I’m awakened by the need to vomit.
I’m not surprised. In fact, I lie very still for a minute, soaking in the reality.
I know I’m pregnant. Haden knows, too. We haven’t said it out loud, but he’s watched my body like a hawk.
He’s aware of every fucking detail, including the fact that I’ve been tired and a bit grumpy. My tits are bigger and sore.
I could start my period today. That’s another possibility. It’s hard to tell the difference. Their symptoms are similar. But in my gut, I know.
Haden is still asleep. His deep breaths are rhythmic against my neck. I’m wrapped in his embrace so tight there will be no way to extricate myself without him knowing.
But I can’t wait any longer. My stomach is in revolt. I don’t even bother trying to ease out from under his arm. I simply lift it, scramble off the side of the bed, and bolt for the bathroom.
I’m glad we keep a nightlight on because I don’t have the wherewithal to find the switch. I aim straight for the toilet, drop to my knees, and expel everything in my stomach.
In seconds, Haden’s hand is on my neck. He gathers my hair and wraps a scrunchy around it to keep it out of the toilet. Without a word, he wets a washcloth and squats down next to me to rub my back again.
I’m panting. A clammy sheen of perspiration covers my forehead.
After a few minutes, Haden gently leans me back and wipes my face. “Feel better?” His brow is furrowed.
I nod.
“Let’s rinse your mouth out.” He helps me to my feet and guides me to the sink, where he holds up a cup of water.
I don’t even touch the cup. He does all the work.
“Rinse and spit, baby,” he says so gently I nearly weep. Every sign would indicate he intends to dote on me like this for the rest of my life. I hope so. I’m nervous. I don’t want to do this alone.
It’s suddenly hitting me hard. I’ve known for a few days, but I haven’t let myself fully accept it. It’s overwhelming. My body is no longer my own.
“Do you want some mouthwash, baby?”
“Yes, please.”
He pours an inch of green liquid into the cup and tips it back for me. “Don’t swallow it, jitterbug. Just swish it around and spit it out.”
My knees feel weak from his words. He is always subtly bossing me around, even in ways I couldn’t possibly need. I know how to use mouthwash. But he tells me what to do anyway. And it’s endearing.
“Good girl,” he praises after I spit again.
He guides me to sit on the toilet. “Don’t pee yet,” he orders.
I shudder as he opens the cabinet and pulls out a box. He tears into it, and a moment later, he’s holding a pregnancy test.
“Spread your knees, baby.”
Trembling all over, I follow his command. There’s no sense in arguing with him. He always wins. Arguing only lands me over his lap. I’m not in the mood to be spanked this morning.
Haden holds the end of the test an inch from my urethra. “Okay, baby. Now you can pee.”
It only takes me a few seconds to relax my bladder.
After four weeks with Haden, I’ve lost all sense of modesty.
He’s nearly always with me when I pee. Sometimes, the man accompanies me to the bathroom in the middle of the day.
If he’s around when I get up from my desk, he rises at the same time, ushers me into the bathroom, pulls down my jeans, and squats in front of me.
He’s intense. I doubt there’s any other man on Earth who is as overbearing as mine.
So fucking hands-on. Often, he doesn’t even say anything.
He simply holds my thighs open and watches while I empty my bladder.
He wipes me, helps me stand, redoes my jeans, and washes my hands.
After returning me to my desk, he kisses my forehead, smiles, and says, “I love you.”
How could I not be turned on by his brand of dominance?
Okay, most people wouldn’t. But I’m not most people. I’m Haden’s girl. He’s over-the-top, and it works for us because it turns out I love over-the-top.
We both watch as my urine hits the stick. When it’s sufficient, he pulls it away and sets it on the wrapper on the vanity.
I don’t dare move. I finish peeing and let my man clean me up. He helps me to my feet. My legs are wobbly from vomiting. I wonder if this is going to be my new norm or if I’m going to start my period in a few hours instead.
Haden guides me to the sink. I notice he tucked the stick in the wrapper so we can’t see it. He washes our combined hands, his huge body folded around mine.
When he’s done, he closes the bathroom door and turns us to face the full-length mirror. He’s behind me, cocooning me in his embrace. His feet are planted outside of mine. He lifts my arms and tucks them behind his neck.
I watch his face as he admires my body in the mirror. So reverent as if I’m a precious gem. More precious than the pink stones on my finger.
His hands cup my flat stomach before moving up to cradle my breasts.
I wince when he gives them a gentle squeeze.
“They’re more sore than last month, aren’t they?” he asks softly.
“Yes, Sir,” I admit.
“They’re fuller, baby.” He kisses my shoulder.
I meet his gaze. “Could be my period, though. Please don’t be disappointed.”
“Never, baby. Never. You’re my life. I love you more than I ever thought possible to love another human being. No matter what that test says, you’re my number one. You always will be.”
We stand like this for a long time. It seems like forever, but I know Haden is aware of the passing minutes. Finally, he kisses my temple and reaches for the test, bringing it in front of us.
My breath hitches.
Two lines.
Holy fuck.
Two lines.
“We’re going to have a baby,” he says. There’s so much happiness in his voice.
I turn in his arms and leap up to wrap myself around him like a monkey.
Haden grips my bottom and holds me tight. “Fuck, I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I kiss all over his face until we’re both laughing.
It’s surreal.
We’re going to have a baby.
Ready or not, it’s happening.
I’m giddy. I’ll never stop smiling. Everyone will know the minute we step into the kitchen because our grins will give us away. But I don’t care.
We’re having a baby, and I’m the luckiest woman alive.