16. Naomi
NAOMI
Three weeks later, I wake up to the sound of Wyatt softly snoring into my hair and the sudden, irresistible urge to puke my guts out. It’s not the first time this has happened, and I’m starting to suspect there’s a reason for my sudden nausea. And my sensitive tits and my zigzagging emotions. Oof.
I disentangle myself from his massive arms and tiptoe to the bathroom, trying not to trip over his running shoes on the way. I barely make it to the toilet before the retching starts.
When I finish, I rinse my mouth and stare at my reflection in the mirror. My skin is pale, my lips are chapped, and my eyes look pretty dull.
Wyatt appears in the doorway, shirtless and half-awake, blinking blearily. “You okay?” His voice is rough, gravelly with sleep and concern.
I nod, trying not to worry him. “Probably just a bug.”
He squints at me and blinks several times. “Bullshit.” He watches me for a long moment, then tilts his head. “When was your last period?”
I freeze, hand halfway to my hair. I try to count back, but all the weeks blur together. After the chaos of moving in, the late nights at the club, the stress of getting kidnapped by a psycho, my mind has been a little occupied. “I… I’m not sure.”
Wyatt’s eyes go round. He hastily pulls on jeans. “We need a test. Now. I’m not getting excited until we know for sure I knocked your gorgeous ass up.”
I try to protest, but he’s halfway out the door before I can argue. He’s back in fifteen minutes with a pharmacy bag and a look on his face like he’s about open all his Christmas presents.
I don't protest when he follows me into the bathroom.
His presence is a comforting shadow. He stands by, watching intently as I take the pregnancy test and place it carefully on the cool, marble counter.
The atmosphere around us is tense with anticipation as he sets a timer on his phone, then wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his warm embrace.
The seconds tick by, each one echoing in the quiet room, until the timer finally chimes, breaking the silence. Together, we turn to look at the small white window on the test, and find a vivid, undeniable blue, plus sign that practically shouts its message.
I meet his gaze, a smile spreading across my face even as tears well up in my eyes. "We're pregnant," I whisper the words, trembling with emotion.
His eyes light up as he looks at me then he lets out an exuberant whoop, and lifts me off my feet in a joyous swirl. "God, I love you," he exclaims, his voice full of wonder and excitement.
Laughter bubbles up between us, a shared melody of disbelief and overwhelming love. It's the kind of laugh that springs from the heart, where surprise and joy intertwine.
"I suppose we’d better hurry up and get married," I chuckle, the sound bubbling up from my chest, "so my mom doesn’t give you a black eye."
Wyatt’s grin spreads across his face. “We’re getting married today,” he declares, his eyes sparkling with mischief and excitement.
I can’t help but picture my mother’s reaction when we finally share the news. The thought sends waves of happiness crashing over me, almost rendering me breathless.
As Wyatt wraps his arms around me in a tight embrace, his warmth envelops me like a cozy blanket. Then he pulls back slightly as his expression shifts to one of earnest seriousness. “You’re okay with this, right?” he asks, his voice low and steady, searching my eyes for reassurance.
I lean in and press my lips to his, kissing him long and deep, pouring all my feelings into that moment. “I can’t think of anything I want more,” I whisper against his mouth, my heart racing with the thrill of what’s to come.
He grins, relief all over his face. “Good. Because I plan on knocking you up at least four or five more times.”
“We’ll discuss that after we have the first one,” I say, wrapping my arms around him. “But right now, I need some coffee. Then we can head to the courthouse.”
“I don’t think you’re allowed to have coffee when you’re pregnant.” His words cut through my soul.
I punch him in the arm, hard enough to sting. “I can’t believe I have to give up coffee.”
He laughs happily, “Don’t worry, fever. I’ll give it up, too.” And that’s how our new life begins. With laughter, love, and the knowledge that Wyatt will do whatever it takes to make me happy.