He tried. Failed. His throat closed up, then opened again.
“You’re sure? Could it be a mistake?”
She laughed. “Pretty damn sure. I peed on three sticks. Want to see the receipts?”
He shook his head, the shock giving way to a slow, spreading warmth. He let out a breath, then reached for her, pulling her onto his lap in one smooth motion. She went, laughing, arms locked around his neck.
As she watched his emotions play out on his face, the flicker of uncertainty giving way to a bone-deep relief that softened the corners of his mouth, the warmth in her chest solidified into something heavy and real. “You want this?”
“Oh, sweetheart, I’ve never wanted anything more. I know we haven’t had the big wedding my father keeps trying to force on us, but as soon as we get back to Virginia I’ll get my team on it. Whatever you want, you can have.”
Asha laughed. “I don’t need all that Gavin. I already have the ring,” she said lifting her left hand. Neither of them had wanted the whole dog and pony show so they had a small ceremony with an even smaller group of people at an evening reception.
“Doesn’t matter,” he pulled her body in close to his, wrapping her in his strong embrace. “I want you to have everything your heart desires. Just indulge me.”
“Okay, fine. But I do need to call my father and brothers to let them know.”
“You got it. Hell, I’ll fly your dad out to Virginia if that’s where he wants to be. Your brothers can fend for themselves, but they can visit on occasion.”
She couldn’t help but snuggle into his warmth. “I’m glad you’re happy.”
“I can’t believe we’re having a baby.” In the quiet aftermath of his words, he turned to her, his eyes reflecting silver in the moonlight. "Thank you, Asha. For being here with me. For choosing me," he said, voice rough with emotion.
She smiled up at him, knowing that taking a chance on her corporate cowboy was the best thing she ever did. "We're in this together, always."
~ FIN ~
