Page 100 of Griffin

I can’t reply, and Griffin covers my mouth as he kisses me. We cling to each other, the three of us, a family.

Soon to be four, but I know there will be many more.

I love Griffin, and as much as I like the city and my job here, I still want the big family.

“We may need a new home,” I confess as Griffin grins back at me, pulling Melody close.

“I’ll build one if I have to.”

I laugh as he sweeps me into his arms, my legs wrapping around his waist as he holds me midair, twirling around slowly. Melody claps and gazes at us with pure adoration, and I love that we will be her example of love.

Because this is love.

The feeling I have for Griffin isn’t something words can describe — not at all. Maybe I could compare it to things, but it wouldn’t be enough. For example, the way I feel when Griffin walks into a room, commanding my attention before saying a word, or the way we look at each other and smile like idiots. It could even be how he watches the murder documentaries with me without complaining or suggesting there’s something wrong with me. I can’t even think of the sex.

“You didn’t tell me you came off birth control,” Griffin mumbles, kissing my neck softly. I shiver as he does it again and pull back from him.

“I didn’t,” I tell him, shaking my head. “Honestly, the doctor was as surprised as anyone. The percentage is high for that injection, but our baby must’ve been determined to be here.”

Griffin frowns.

“Is the baby okay?”

I nod.

“The doctor said the baby should be fine. I was due for my next injection, but obviously, I found out I was pregnant.”

Griffin’s jaw tenses.

“But we need to be sure, right?”

A warmth spreads through my chest.

“Yes, and there’s a scan next week if you’re free?”

Griffin growls, pulling me flush against him.

“I’m free.”

“Good.” I kiss him softly, my fingers curling into his hair as he gently lowers me down to the ground. “I love you.”

“Ivy,” Griffin says, staring into my eyes as he grips my chin. “You have no idea how much I love you, and words can’t convey it.”

“You need to ask Disney for help because even when Ariel couldn’t speak, she told Eric how much she loved him,” Melody declares from beside us, sliding her hands into ours. “I mean, the crab helped.”

I laugh, staring down at the beautiful little girl who would one day be mine legally, and the big sister to our next child.

“Can we give her a Disney name?”

“Or him,” Griffin chuckles, crouching to his knees. “It could very well be a boy.”

Melody rolls her eyes. “I hope not, Daddy.”

“We need to tell Dad,” I say, lifting my phone from the table. “He’s going to be so excited.”

Griffin grins, scooping Melody into his arms as she screams with delight.

“Talk to me about Disney names, Princess.”

---