Page 64 of Love You Still

“Tell me what?”

We both spin toward the door, and my mouth drops open in surprise as Vance steps into the room.

Vance

Selina immediately turns toward the window as I step into the room.

“These are for the new mama,” I say as I place a large bouquet on the table beside her bed. “And this is for the little miss.”

I hand Bristol the small gift bag and run my hand over the top of the baby’s head. Images of Selina sitting in the same position, holding a baby with her dark hair and my eyes filter through my mind. I shove my hand into my front pocket and grip the ring box I’ve been carrying around for days. She has said repeatedly how she thinks we should slow down and get to know each other again, and I respect that, but after almost losing her a second time, I want to tie her to me in every way possible.

“How adorable,” Bristol squeals as she pulls a tiny onesie out of the bag, spinning it around for Selina to see.

Selina snickers quietly before covering her mouth and turning back towards the window.

“Why don’t you two head out to the hallway? I think this little one is ready to eat,” Bristol says, throwing a wink in my direction before gesturing wildly with her free hand.

“Did I miss something?” I question as my attention shifts between the two women.

Selina turns to her friend before grasping my hand.

“I need to talk to you,” she whispers, pulling me toward the door.

I send Bristol a look of panic, unsure of what’s going on, but she just shoos me out the door.

Selina leads me to a small waiting room at the end of the hallway before dropping my hand and heading for the window. I wait for her to explain, but I can’t take the silence anymore. My heart pounds in my chest as I imagine all the worst-case scenarios.

“Are you leaving?” I croak, the emotion clear in my voice. She shakes her head, not even bothering to turn around and look at me. Air whooshes from my lungs as I sigh in relief. “Then whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”

Her shoulders tremble as her head connects with the window, causing a soft thump to echo through the hall.

“What’s wrong, Seli?” I rush to her side and wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her tightly into my chest. “You can tell me anything.”

Selina pulls in a big breath. “I’m pregnant.”

My entire body freezes in shock. “Pregnant?”

My head spins as I process the information she’s given me. My heart swells with love, overcome with happiness and the sense of peace I have been longing for all these years. Finally, Selina has given me the last piece of myself that I have been searching for.

“We’re having a baby,” I say out loud as a grin spreads across my face.

Her body stiffens in my arms as she rambles. “I know we didn’t plan on having babies right away. Hell, I just came back to town for good. This wasn’t what I’d planned, but I really want to keep this baby, and I would love for you to be a part of his or her life. I understand if you need some time to think about things.”

I quickly spin her around and give her a quick kiss. “Marry me,” I say with conviction.

Her eyes widen in surprise as she attempts to pull away from me. “Wait. I just told you we’re having a baby, and that’s your response?”

She pushes against my chest, and this time, I let her go.

“Yes,” I insist. I watch her pace from one end of the hall to the other, mumbling to herself and flailing her arms wildly in the air.

She pauses and turns in my direction. “You understand marriage is for life, right?”

“Yes.”

She continues pacing. “And you want to keep our baby?”

“Yes.” I stride forward, stepping directly into her path.

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