Page 83 of Losing a Piece of Me

The guys and I have managed to get everything moved in and we even brought in everything necessary to spend our first night in our new house.

Our bed isn’t set up yet, so it’s just the mattress lying on the floor, but neither of us care. I flop down into bed next to her and bring her into my arms.

“Did you ever think we would end up here?” I ask her, covering her with kisses.

“Never in a million years,” she answers, leaning her head back against my bare chest.

She’s holding her growing stomach in her hands and softly rubbing it. Noticing the action, I can’t help but do the same. I’m beyond excited to meet this little guy.

When I found out that Lex miscarried the first time, it broke my heart. Not only because she went through it all alone, but because I missed the baby I never got to meet. Getting another shot fills me with joy. I know, beyond a doubt, that I already love this little baby. I would give up my life to protect him.

“We still need to think of a name for this little guy,” I say as I roll us over so I can lie on my stomach to press kisses to her belly.

I pull her shirt up, exposing her stomach, and give it a kiss.

“How about Steven?”

I laugh. “No way.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, it just doesn’t sound right. It needs to be special. We’ve overcome all odds - from the way we grew up, to meeting six years later, to getting everything out in the open and finally being able to be together. We need something strong, something bold.”

She runs her fingers through my hair as she meets my eyes. “What do you suggest then?”

I think it over for a minute. “How about Zander?”

She thinks it over. “Zander Murphy, I like it.” She smiles down on me and I slowly move up her body.

“When do you think you will take the same last name?” I slowly place kisses up her stomach, over her chest, and up her neck until I get to her lips.

She kisses me softly and pulls away. “I don’t know, Striker. You know how I feel about marriage.”

After seeing our parents’ marriages, Lex never was one to dream about her wedding day. I personally never gave it thought either way. As long as I had her, I was happy. But with a baby on the way and us buying our first house, the thought has been plaguing my mind. I want her as my wife.

“We’re nothing like them,” I remind her.

“I know, it’s just hard when I’ve brainwashed myself into hating marriage, you know?” She’s looking at her hands, watching her fingers twist together.

“Look at me.”

It takes her a minute, but finally her brilliant blue eyes lock on mine. They are clouded with confusion.

“I love you. I will do anything to keep you happy for the rest of your life.” I take her hands in mine. “I want to know for the rest of my life that you will be mine and only mine. I want you in this bed, in my arms, and in my heart as my wife.”

Her lips turn up just a bit. “But what if I don’t make a good wife? I don’t even know how to do this whole relationship thing very well to begin with.”

I let out a small laugh. “And I do?” I roll us over so she’s on top of me. “We will figure it out together, just like we always have. It’s you and me, and now this little baby. Will you please put me out of my misery and be my wife?”

“Striker,” she breathes out, closing her eyes.

“Lex,” I say forcefully. “You know I will never back down. I spent six years of my life looking for you and this time I don’t have to look. I know right where you are. It will be a whole lot easier to get to you this way.” I smile with my threat.

She laughs, breaking the tension. “Okay, I’ll marry you, but can we just be engaged for a while?”

I sit up with her on my lap and place my hands on either side of her face. “Yes,” I answer with a smile. I press my lips to hers and feel all the love I have for her, the love that hasn’t faded a bit despite everything. She’s finally mine with nothing between us.

I pull her shirt away and roll us back over, holding myself off of her as my lips travel down her body. When I reach her panties, I sit back to pull them away. I let my eyes fall over her; she’s absolutely gorgeous, radiating love and happiness. Her breasts have almost doubled in size with her pregnancy and they are sensitive to the touch. Before I can even reach for them, they perk up with anticipation. I suck her hard nipple into my mouth and flick my tongue against it.

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