After hanging the coat and scarf onto the hook on the wall, I tiptoe towards the kitchen. Aiden stands at the counter fussing with pills. He still reads the label every time. There’s no risk of error with him.

I wrap my arms around him from behind and rub my cheek against his back.

Aiden might not be a football player anymore — except for the occasional games now and then — but his physique is still hard and toned.

We go on runs together and he works out when he has insomnia, although it’s become rare since our marriage.

“What do you want most in the world, Aiden?”

“You.” He doesn’t even miss a beat.

I smile. “What else?”

“You healthy and happy and fucking mine.”

God. This man will be the death of me.

“What else?”

“That’s all.”

“That’s all?”

“Yes.” He spins around and hands me the pills with a glass of water.

I swallow the meds as he watches me intently. I watch him, too. His tousled, inky hair, the mole on the corner of his metal eyes, and the hint of his arrow tattoos as the sleeve of his shirt bunches up.

He clutches my elbow. “Let’s get you some rest.”

I squirm free. “I’m not tired.”

He raises an eyebrow and tilts his head. “If you’re not tired, I’ll fuck you in the shower like yesterday. I like it when you are horny, climbing up my body and clawing at my back.”

“There’s a reason for that.”

“Whatever it is, I like the reason. Let’s repeat it today.” He grins and goes back to fiddling with the pills.

I take a deep breath. Okay, here goes.

“Aiden?”

“Hmm, sweetheart?”

“I’m pregnant. Six weeks, to be exact.”

He freezes, the bottle of pills half-suspended in his hands.

Aiden wanted a kid three years ago, but he completely backed off when Dr Albert said it could be a danger to my life at that stage.

However, three months ago, Dr Albert told me it’s safe to have a child. Since then, I’ve been without birth control. I wanted to give him a surprise on our second anniversary two months ago. However, I didn’t fall pregnant.

I nearly cried every time my period came on time for the past three months.

Yesterday, my period was two weeks late. I took a test and boom, pregnant. I was so happy, I wanted to tell Aiden right away, but I kept it to myself until I had tests done with both Dr Albert and an OBGYN.

Aiden spins around. My mouth falls open. I never expected to see that expression on Aiden’s face.

Fear.

Complete terror.

He grabs my arm. “Let’s go to Dr Albert. He’ll tell us how to deal with this—”

“No.” I wiggle away from him. “I’m having this child.”

“And I’m not having a child that will risk your life.” Aiden’s voice is authoritative and final. “I’d rather be childless than without you.”

My eyes fill with tears at his statement because I know it’s true. Aiden would be happy with just me by his side. I feel it in my soul.

But I want to give him more. I want to give him everything. I want to be the mother of his children.

“I’m not in danger.” I cradle his cheek with my palm. “I talked to Dr Albert and the OBGYN and we had tests done. The baby and I are healthy.”

He narrows his eyes. “Are you just saying that so I’d change my mind?”

“I know you’d barge into Dr Albert’s house to make sure my words are correct, so no, I’m not bluffing. I have the test results and everything in my bag.”

He jogs to it and spends minutes reading the papers over and over again. I stand there, watching him, and waiting for his reaction.

He switched to stare at the ultrasound of a small life. A life he and I created.

“So?” I ask carefully. “What do you think?”

“You’re pregnant.” He stares between me and the ultrasound as if to make sure.

“Yes, Aiden.” I cradle my stomach. “I’m carrying your baby.”

“You’re carrying my baby,” he repeats, slowly approaching me.

When he’s within touching distance, I take his hand and place it on my stomach.

It’s still flat, but I can feel the life humming inside me. I can already feel the connection.

He stares at his hand and slowly strokes my stomach.

“We created a life, Aiden,” I murmur. “Are you happy?”

He rips his gaze from my stomach to meet my eyes. “Are you?”

“I’m over the moon. This is the best gift you could’ve given me.” I press my lips to his. “I love you.”

He wraps his arms around me and I squeal as he lifts me off the ground and hugs me. My arms wind around him as he kisses my mouth, my cheeks, my nose, and my forehead.

“You’re the best gift I’ve ever been given, my queen.”

“And you’re mine, my king.”

* * *

THE END