“This isn’t likelast time.”
His eyes flashed angrily, making me step back instinctively.
“It’sus. It’syou. I’d love working knowingyouwere carryingourchild.”
“You’d need to finish school—”
“Hannah.” His voice was dangerously low. “Fuck logistics. Fuck society and its expectations. I want to know how youfeel, and the rest will follow. Do you want this baby?”
My hand fell from his as I swallowed. “If money wasn’t an issue, and if we could finish school, yes.”
“Say that again without the caveats.” Theo ordered, a smile on his face.
“OfcourseI want our baby, Theodore. But—”
“No buts. We’ll find a way.Together. I love you, Phillips, always have. I know this isn’t ideal, but it’s the beginning of the rest of our lives. It’s ourfamily.”
I chewed on my lip, my heart thundering in my chest at his words. Theo was right, of course, but I knew the stress we would be under.
“Okay,” I whispered as he tilted my head to his. “Let’s do it.”
“Han. You need to be sure. Give it a few weeks—”
“I’msure. You’re right. I’m worried about things that anyone would worry about at any age. I just really want us to finish school.”
Theo nodded, pulling me into his arms as he kissed my head. I inhaled his scent, feeling myself relax as he spoke.
“We have a year left. Then exams. We can do this, baby.”
“I’m scared, Theo,” I whispered into his chest as he wrapped his arms tightly around me.
“We can do anything, baby.Anything. I’m here with you every step of the way, and I fucking adore you.”
“I don’t want you to resent me.”
He stiffened then as he forced me to look at him. “Don’t you understand I’ve wanted you for so long, it would be impossible to resent you? For anything.This...is amazing. I can’t wait to get married, have more kids... I’m willing to work hard to make sure we have itall,and you areexactlylike me like that.”
“I am,” I confessed, as his lips captured mine.
“So, does this mean I’m an aunt?” I heard a voice ask from behind us, and we pulled apart to see Mara grinning at us.
“Don’t you have to marry Ryan first?” teased Theo as she rolled her eyes.
“Legalities.I will, one day. Congratulations, guys. Uh, Hannah, I’ll be with you when you tell Ryan...” Mara shifted uncomfortably as I sent her a grateful smile.
“Thank you. Do you extend your services to Zane?” I groaned inwardly as Theo stroked my back.
“I’ll tell Zane. I’ll tell themallif you like.” He grinned at me as I saw genuine happiness in his eyes.
“I’m so glad she told you.” Mara exhaled, walking into the kitchen.
“Mara!” I hissed as Theo frowned.
“You considered not telling me, baby?” he asked, concern etched in his voice as he studied me.
“I just didn’t want to ruin your life,” I said in a small voice as he shook his head in disbelief.
“You leaving me would ruin my life. This onlyenhancesit. Come on, Phillips, am I in this by myself?! I love you.”
