Ben was relieved to hear that, in some ways, Syntax was trying to protect her. “If that’s his way of keeping you safe, I’m all for it.”
There was no way Dillyn was willing to let any of this go. There were too many unanswered questions. But for today, she had enough on her plate and would let it rest.
Epilogue
Dillyn was in no rush to go back to her room. She was in too good a headspace, and without a doubt, she knew the results of that pregnancy test would ruin it.
Ben, on the other hand, was anxious. He wanted to know if his suspicions were correct. Was he going to be a father again?
“I love it when we are all together like that. Everyone was in a great mood.” Dillyn yawned. It was barely eight o’clock. Realization hit, and both looked in the direction of the place that housed the answer to a life-altering question.
Ben and Dillyn exchanged knowing glances. She released a breath. “I suppose I should go see, huh?”
“I’d like that.” His tone was gentle but matter-of-fact. Ben did his best to keep the anxiousness out of it.
Dillyn nodded. She took another deep breath and walked into the bathroom. She stayed in there longer than Ben thought was necessary, but in actuality, it was only a few moments.
She came and stood in the doorway, holding the stick in her hand.
Ben couldn’t tell by the look on her face what the test revealed. Was she pregnant? Was she happy? Was she disappointed? Her expression was a mixture of everything. Ben’s heart was racing. “Well?” he prompted.
Dillyn walked over and handed Ben the stick. Closing his eyes, Ben swallowed hard before looking at it. He hadn’t had a panic attack in a very long time. At the moment, though, he had to beat back the feeling of one coming on.
He opened his eyes and glanced down at the results. Briefly, his eyes shut as relief washed over him. “I’m going to be a father again, and you’re going to be a mother.”
Dillyn’s mouth hung open. She couldn’t believe it. She felt pale, like all her blood had abandoned her.How is this possible?Dillyn thought she’d feel devastated, but she felt—joy.” She was both in disbelief and shock as she repeated his words. “I’m going to be a mother?” The mere thought was inconceivable. Dillyn was frightened but exhilarated too. It was the ultimate contradiction.
“Are you okay with having my child?” He held his breath, waiting for her answer.
Slowly, Dillyn lifted her eyes to meet his. “Yes,” she said in a breathless whisper. “I’m better than okay. I’m actually kind of ecstatic!” Her eyes became glassy. “This isn’t supposed to happen to me. The truth is, I was too afraid to hope. Too terrified to dream and too scared to even imagine the possibility. I really, really do want this baby and even more because you’re the father.”
Dillyn caught her breath and laughed. She still had fears about the kind of mother she would be, but she knew Ben would be with her every step of the way.
Ben’s reaction wasn’t anything he thought it would be. He gasped and joined Dillyn in laughter. His early reservations melted away. He was . . .excited. Life had given him another chance. No child could ever replace another, and Rylee would always be a part of him. He would forever miss her. Ben still had some fears, but he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he wanted to have this baby with Dillyn. Knowing that she was happy about it, too, caused his heart to swell. It was so damn full; he thought it would burst.
Ben reached for Dillyn, picked her up in his arms, and began spinning her around in circles.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled like a schoolgirl. “We’re having a baby!”
Ben kissed her hard on the lips. “We’re having a baby.”
Dillyn wrapped her legs around his waist, and her eyes filled with desire. “I think we need to celebrate this miracle of life properly.”
Ben had given her the miracle of life in more ways than one. He helped her find the joy in love when she had given up hope. And now, they were creating a life. For a woman who didn’t believe in Prince Charming or fairytales, this was a pretty good happily ever after.
