Page 73 of Dreamboat

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Donovan

Life doesn’t often grant you moments that become etched so deeply in your memory that they are an integral part of who you are and dictate every decision you make going forward.

Even before Delia enters the main living area, I know that I’ll remember this morning for the rest of my life.

The sun hasn’t risen over the city yet, but the view from the window I’m next to is quintessential New York City. Park Avenue is beyond the glass and although most of the city is still waking up, there are dozens of people rushing down the sidewalks while others pass themin cars, SUVs and trucks.

“Donovan?” she calls to me in a voice that is laced with emotion.

I bite my bottom lip to quell everything I’m feeling because regardless of the result, I’m in love with her.

I spin and I know. I know instantly because there’s a bright smile on her face and her hands are resting on her shirt over her stomach.

“We’re having a baby, Donovan.”

The words surround me. I feel as though they’re cloaking me in a future that I only ever dreamed was a remote possibility for me.

“Delia.” I rush to her and gather her into my arms. “Delia.”

“I’m happy,” she whispers. “I’m so happy. Are you?”

I step back so she can see the answer within my eyes. “I’m so fucking happy.”

“You are?” she questions, studying my face. “Truly?”

“Truly.” My voice cracks. “I can’t tell you how happy.”

She nods. “It’s still very early so we can’t tell anyone. When Bianca was pregnant she didn’t share the news with any of us until she was more than three months along.”

Her sister-in-law took the safe route. We will, too.

“I’ll need to find a doctor,” she muses out loud. “I have a doctor, but I need an OBGYN. I can’t exactly ask Faith for a recommendation.”

I can’t tell if she’s thinking about that in terms of Matt finding out, but that’s inevitable at this point.

I’m all for waiting another six weeks to be sure the pregnancy passes the crucial three month mark, but we’ll have to tell her brother about it at some point before our baby arrives.

Our baby.

I’m having a baby with the woman I love.

“I have a friend who I’m sure will be more than happy to take you on as a patient.”

“Really?” Her gaze finds mine and I see joy there. I see nothing but joy in her beautiful brown eyes.

“Dr. Hazel Waverly is her name.” I steady my hands on her shoulders. “I’ll reach out when you’re ready to see her.”

“Soon, I think, right?” she questions. “I’ve never had a baby so I’m not sure, but I think I need to take vitamins. She’ll help with that.”

“She will,” I assure her.

“We’ll do this together?” Her hands jump to her face to swipe away a rush of tears. “We’ll co-parent, right?”

I want a hell of a lot more than that, but baby steps seem appropriate right now since we’ve gone from almost strangers to expecting a child together in the span of six weeks.

“We’ll co-parent our child, Delia,” I stress each word. “I’ll be here every step of the way.”

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