"Want to dance?"Alex asks, an odd nervousness in her voice.
"With you, always."
Before we can move, my mother throws her arms around me, sniffling."I presume this is an 'I liked your performance' hug?"
"Oh, Cole!It was beautiful."
I hug her back."It felt good, maybe even worth repeating," I whisper.She tightens her embrace.
When she releases me, I glance at Jeremy with a raised brow."And?"
His eyebrows lift, but then he smiles."Next Saturday."
Mom's cheeks flush as she realizes what I'm asking.
"Where are you taking my mom?"I ask, only half-joking.
"Cole Walker!"Mom protests, embarrassed, while Jeremy chuckles.
"I'm teasing.You deserve to go out and have fun.It's been a long time since you've been with a man."
Another wave of blush covers Mom's face.
"Cole!"Alex slaps my chest."Excuse us," she says, taking my hand."I'm going to punish my husband for that inappropriate remark.He'll be dancing with me all night."
I laugh, following my wife's delicious curves toward the dance floor.I catch the DJ's eye and give him a thumbs up - our signal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's my pleasure to announce that Mr.and Mrs.Walker will open the dancefloor with this special song."
Alex turns to face me as the first notes of the song I played during my proposal fill the air.My arms pull her close, and with our bodies connected, we slow dance while I whisper the lyrics against her ear.
"I'm yours, Alex."
She presses closer, and I notice she's trembling slightly."Cole," she whispers, "I need to tell you something."
"What is it, baby?"
Let's create a strong ending here, focusing on the impact of both revelations - their marriage and the baby.Here's how we could wrap up this chapter powerfully:
She presses closer, guiding my hand to her stomach."Cole," she whispers, "I need to tell you something."
"What is it, baby?"
Her eyes meet mine, filled with joy and nerves."Remember that night after you proposed?When we decided to enhance our chances?"
The world stops spinning as understanding dawns."Alex...are you?"
She nods, tears spilling down her cheeks."We're having a baby, Cole.Samantha's getting a little brother or sister."
Pure joy explodes through me.I lift her off her feet, spinning us both as our guests cheer, thinking it's just part of the dance.But I see Samantha watching us, and something in her expression tells me she's figured it out.
"I love you," I whisper against Alex's hair."Both of you."
"Both of us love you too," she says, then adds with a smirk, "Though your son or daughter has your terrible timing - making me throw up on my wedding day."
I laugh, pulling her closer."That's my kid."
She reaches up to wipe a tear from my cheek."You know what this means, right?"
