Page 86 of Lone King


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I should be more responsible with money now that we have a baby coming early next year and a wedding in a few months, but when Eden saw that house with the big yard, a swimming pool, and what she called the “cutest little greenhouse she’d ever seen,” I knew that was the place for us. I couldn’t risk not getting it for her, so that meant pulling out all the stops since we were competing with at least four other bids.

“Ava and I can’t believe we’re going to be living a stone’s throw away from one another. It’s like a dream come true.”

I love seeing my Duck like this. When I can do things that make her smile, I feel like my fuck ups earlier in our marriage might not be anything she remembers. I want to make her forget how selfish I was, and what better way than to give her whatever she wants?

Cupping her almost non-existent belly, I say, “I woke up early to go to my appointment. Any morning sickness today?”

She makes a face that tells me it’s bad today. “Yeah. I threw up three times, so I settled for a little tea and saltines. Eleanor told me last week that your mother suffered terribly with morning sickness with every one of you, so I’m guessing it’s a boy.”

I know that’s what she thinks I want, but every time she says that, all I can think of is the King family doesn’t need any more boys. I’ve never told her how I feel, though. Maybe today’s a good day to do that.

As I push her black hair back behind her ear, I say, “Duck, I’ll be happy with whatever our baby is, but if you’re thinking I wanta son, you’re wrong. I think I’d like a little girl I can spoil like her mother.”

“Really? I just assumed all of you King men wanted sons like Matthias.”

I shake my head and shrug. “No. I’d be happier than anything if we have a daughter. Not that a son would be bad, but I think I’d make a hell of a girl dad.”

That makes her smile, and she kisses me softly. “I think you’d make a great girl dad. Actually, I’m sure you’re going to be a great dad no matter what our child is. Now if only I could believe I’ll be as great as you.”

She’s been worried from the moment she told me that she might not be as good a mom as Ava is. She shouldn’t be concerned, but I’ve told her every time she mentions her fears that my brother and Ava didn’t know what they were doing in the beginning, so we’re going to be fine.

And if things get bad, we know where to turn since those two have been through it before us.

I cradle her beautiful face in my hands and kiss her. “You are going to be a great mom, Duck. You’re sweet and kind and when people step out of line, you have that look you give them that makes them get right back in. I can’t wait for you to see how great you’re going to be.”

She covers my hands with hers and asks, “How did your doctor’s appointment go?”

I’ve been seeing a therapist for two weeks now, twice a week, and it’s been okay. I’m not used to telling strangers about my deepest, darkest thoughts, but that was one of her conditions so she’d marry me all over again, so I kept up my side of the bargain and found a doctor a week after.

“It was okay. The therapist said she thinks I’m making good progress. I’ve got a lot to deal with, but I feel good about it.”

“Oh, baby. You’ve lost a lot in your life, and then when you almost lost Ronan, I knew you should talk to someone about it. I’m so proud of you for doing this. You know that, right?”

“I know, and I owe this all to you. I wouldn’t have gone to see anyone without you lighting a fire under me, but now that I am, I think it’s good. I guess I have some unresolved issues around Theo and Maia, along with issues that stem from losing my mother so early in my life.”

For a moment, I stop because I’m getting choked up. “Then there’s what happened with Ronan. Eden, I don’t want to drag these things into my life with you and our baby. I want to be able to be there for you and her. Or him. Old Marius was good, but I want to be better for you two.”

“Well, I love old Marius and this new Marius. I love all the versions of you, baby.”

When the word baby comes out of her mouth, her eyes get very big, and I’m instantly worried. She quickly reassures me she’s fine and then says, “I want to show you something I bought this morning. Wait here.”

She runs away, so I call after her, “Slow down! You’re pregnant!”

A minute later, she returns with a white and gold bag and sets it down on the island already crowded with that enormous floral arrangement and a dozen other decorations from around the penthouse. Before she shows me what’s in the bag, she gives me one of her trademark Eden looks of disapproval.

“Marius, you do know there are women who run marathons while they’re pregnant, so I can jog through our house. Just because I’m expecting a baby doesn’t mean I can’t do the same things I’ve always done. Well, at least in the first two trimesters.”

I don’t want to ask what happens in the last trimester. Matthias has already told me those last three months were hardon Ava, especially with Matty. I can only hope my Duck has an easier time of it.

“Fair enough, but I worry about you. I’m allowed to do that, right?”

That gets me a smile. “Yes, you can worry. Just don’t worry too much. This baby is like the size of a walnut right now. It can handle me trotting into the living room to get a bag.”

Appropriately scolded, I glance at the bag. “Did you want to show me something, or is the bag what you wanted to show me?”

Duck rolls her eyes and gives me a tender jab to the solar plexus. “You’re silly. No, I didn’t want to show you the bag. What I want you to see is in the bag, so look inside.”

I do as she says and see white fabric inside the white and gold bag. It doesn’t look like enough to be something for a fully grown person, so I have to assume it’s something for the baby.