Page 35 of Oops, My Professor Got Me Pregnant!

“What’s this about?” Then her expression cleared. “Oh, no. Did Louis tell you it’s my birthday?”

“Why ‘Oh, no’?” Nico asked.

“I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to feel like you needed to make some kind of fuss. I know we’ve only just started dating.”

“Don’t worry; the fuss is very minimal. Come with me.”

“Nico, I can’t.” Lauren grinned at him. “Remember, I have classes?”

“Not today. I spoke to Céline, and she offered to cover your classes. One of the other French professors is doing the same for me.”

“Oh.” A blush was creeping over Lauren’s cheeks. “You really didn’t have to…”

“I know, but I wanted to. And you don’t even know what we’re doing yet. But it’s up to you — a fun day with me, or a normal day of teaching?”

Lauren grinned and took Nico’s hand. “I think the answer to that question is pretty obvious. Let’s go.”

They hurried down the hallway and into the fresh outside air, as giddy as two children skipping class. And speaking of children skipping class, Louis was standing in the center of the quad, holding a second red rose.

“Happy Birthday!” he called. Then he presented Lauren with the rose.

“Oh, thank you, Louis. This is so sweet.” Lauren looked a little teary, and Nico wrapped his arm around her and hugged her close. She smiled at him. “It’s really sweet. Thank you,” she repeated.

“This is only the beginning. Are you ready?” Lauren nodded and Nico took her hand. “Then let’s go.”

Nico had decided to take the bus to Amazing World, since they’d only get stuck in traffic in the car. So, he led Lauren and Louis toward the bus stop.

“Where are we going?” Lauren asked.

“It’s a secret,” Nico replied, at the same time as Louis announced, “Amazing World!” The little boy looked sheepish, and Lauren ruffled his hair.

“Don’t worry — it’s better if I know about it now so I can get excited. What exactly is Amazing World?”

“Only the coolest place on earth. You’re going to love it. There are the world’s best roller coasters and a huge Ferris wheel and a haunted elevator, and you can play carnival games and win a big stuffed animal, and there’s a lot of food, like French fries and doughnuts, and…”

Louis chattered for most of the bus ride. Lauren and Nico listened politely, and when he briefly fell silent, Nico kissed Lauren on the cheek.

“Happy Birthday, sweetheart.”

They spent all afternoon at Amazing World. Just as Louis had predicted, Lauren loved the theme park. She and Louis held hands and whooped on the Haunted Elevator, then spent most of the Mini-Coaster taking funny selfies. Watching them, Nico’s heart felt warmer than he knew was possible. No one could ever replace Léa, and Lauren wasn’t trying to, but it was nice to see Louis with a maternal figure.

Nico enjoyed himself, too. He wasn’t as enthusiastic about flying through the air in a metal contraption, but he loved the excitement on Louis and Lauren’s faces as they planned which rides to go on next. They shared a plate of French fries and a burger each for lunch, while Nico gently teased Lauren about how American her choice of a birthday lunch was.

The afternoon was filled with rides on the Ferris wheel and bumper cars, followed by an adrenaline-filled repeat ride of the park’s biggest roller coaster. By the time they left the park, Louis was so exhausted that he dragged his feet and yawned all the way to Rose’s house.

“What are we doing here?” Lauren asked.

“Louis wanted a sleepover with his grandma,” Nico explained. “And we can have a special birthday evening. There might be a few less rides, though.”

“What about my present?” Louis asked suddenly as Nico knocked on his mother’s door.

“You can give it now.”

So, Louis handed over his framed drawing. Lauren exclaimed for several minutes over it, Louis swelling more and more with pride with each word she said. Then they handed Louis over to Rose, who wished Lauren a happy birthday as well, and began to stroll toward the metro station.

“Are you ready for a nice dinner?” Nico asked. “It’s still a little early, but we can start with appetizers.”

“I can’t wait.”

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