Page 110 of When I Had You

She sucks in a staggered breath and nods. When she drops her head forward, I pull her into my arms and rub her back. I’m not sure what to say. This is the happiest day of my life two times over—marrying the woman of my dreams, and now she’s having my baby—along with Cullen’s birthday, but she’s crying. My heart thunders as I constrain my joy to my chest.

I need to be here how she needs me right now. Kissing the top of her halo of hair, I whisper, “I’m sorry.”

Her head lifts, and her brows pinch together. “Why are you sorry?”

Shit . . . “Foooor impregnating you?” I ask as if I’m approaching a wild tiger.

When her mouth drops open and the match strikes in her eyes, I know I’ve fucked up. Throwing my hands up in caution, I stammer, “No. No. I’m not sorry.”

“You’re not sorry now? You’re glad you got me pregnant so I can’t wear my wedding dress today?”

Tilting my head, I’m getting lost. “Wait, no. Nope.” Her eyes narrow further, and I keep blathering, hoping to land on the sweet spot of pleasing her with the right answer. “Did not plan to ruin the dress today. Happy side effect?”

“Oh my God, babe.” She face-palms herself and shakes her head. “What are you saying?”

With an arched brow aimed at me and her hands on her hips, I tread carefully, “Truth?”

“Truth.”

I let myself smile. “I’m so happy you’re having our baby.”

She can’t hide hers either. Moving in, she fists the front of my jacket and looks up at me. “You are?”

“So happy.”

Lifting, she kisses me and stands there, grinning. “I am, too.”

“But you were crying. I thought you were upset.”

“Happy tears. I’m so happy about the baby. This all just feels so right, marrying you and having this baby.” Her smile melts me every time. “How do you feel about Coral or Adriana, which means sea or water?”

Cullen is already karting. Can’t wait to have a racing team. “I love them both, but what if it’s a boy?”

“Murphy stands for sea warrior.”

“I think we’re stretching into Noah territory with that one.”

“Okay. Okay.” She laughs. “I’m still working on that one.” Stepping back again, she turns. “But I’m not sure what to do about this situation.”

If we weren’t about to be late to our own wedding ceremony, I’d be happy to talk about names with her all night. But I’m ready to cross this finish line and have her as my wife. “I have an idea.”

* * *

Standing on the start line of the track, with her back tied up with a purple Westcott Racing shoelace stolen from the shoes I was wearing when I won the Dallas Grand Prix, Marina fights back tears in front of our closest family and friends.

With Cullen as my best little man, I ask for the ring. I tap him on the nose when he hands it to me. “Thanks, buddy. Good job.”

Duties done, he runs to sit between my mom and Terpidy.

I slip the diamond stunner onto Marina’s ring finger and repeat the vows we’d written. But I add, “There’s no start and no end to us, babe. You’re the whole damn race and championship. You’re worth the effort. You’re worth the work. You’re worth the fight.” Cupping her face, and not waiting for permission from anyone to kiss my wife, I then whisper, “Being married to you will be the honor of my life. I love you so much and I can’t wait for this to come.”

She stills in my palms, making me realize that maybe I just accidentally shared our incredible news, a secret we agreed not to share until after the honeymoon.

Fuck it. “We’re having a baby, and I’m so fucking happy.”

I kiss her like her parents and three older brothers aren’t watching. And then I scoop her into my arms among cheers and tears and carry my bride down the aisle.

“You ready for your present, Mrs. Warren?”

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