Page 60 of Courageous Demands

And she felt Alec’s breath on the side of her neck, tickling her ear as he spoke intimately to her. “See?”

“We’ll discuss this in a moment.”

“I can’t wait.”

Willow drew in a deep, shaky breath as she looked at their family, not bothering to hide a smile. Yes, they might not have a son to carry the Beckett name, but their legacy was just as breathtakingly beautiful and incredible.

“Am I in trouble?” Alice said grumpily.

“Are you going to pull anyone’s hair again?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Can we please start heading to the car so we aren’t late for Zane’s performance?” – and all five children scrambled to run toward the front door where a pile of shoes waited. Willow listened to the laughter, high-pitched comments, and the occasional nickname tossed about, saw the hugs, and realized what a blessed life they had, especially as Alec wrapped his arms around her middle, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“So am I a terrible person if I want to curl your hair around my hand and kiss your throat, wife?” his voice was husky and full of adoration for those beautiful moments they’d shared over the years. She closed her eyes, remembering every kiss, each touch, and the words they’d whispered in those stolen moments.

And felt Alec kiss her neck gently before nipping at her ear.

“If I’m doing something wrong, tell me…” he urged softly.

“You aren’t…”

“Mama, can I spend the night at Isabel’s house?”

“Hey! That’s not fair – I wanted to go to Isabel’s, you big meany!”

“Isabel said we could all come over because her Daddy is working, and Aunty Sabine said she didn’t mind.”

“Can I spend the night at Amy’s?”

“I told Charlotte I would ask if I could come over – Can I, Mama? Please! Please?”

“You hear that, my love?” he breathed, his voice tempting. “We might have an empty house tonight. How about I light some candles, open a bottle of wine, and…”

Her eyes met his – and he paused, his voice fading at that single look she gave him. They stood there, looking at each other, ignoring the chaos in the distance as they shared a silent message between them.

“Well, I’ll be…” he whispered. “Really?”

“There’s not much difference between five as there would be six…”

“Oh W-Willow,” his voice broke as he stared at her, lost in the memory of those moments greeting each child for the first time and beholding the beauty of life created with their shared love. “Are you sure?”

“Maybe our path has one more passenger to travel with the Beckett family,” she said tenderly, touching his cheek. “If it happens, then it does – and if it doesn’t… well, it still makes for beautiful memories with you.”

“Mama?”

“I thought we were going?”

“Ewww – I think they are going to be smooching again…”

“Aww. Mama is so pretty – I understand why Daddy is kissing on her all the time…”

“It’s gross…”

Alec chuckled and turned from her to look at their children.

“You are so right,” he replied in an exaggerated voice, rolling his eyes playfully. “It’s absolutely gross as could be, and Mama makes me do it all the time.” He stuck out his tongue, pretending to be dead, and made the girls giggle at his antics.

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