Page 33 of Rekindled Heat

That's when Max's eyes pop open in surprise and he steps back from the table. I get up and go stand next to Erik and put my arm around his back.

"It says world's best daddy."

"Did you take a test?” His eyebrows vault up. “Why didn't you say anything?"

"Yes, I took a test. I didn't say anything because I wanted to surprise you. I would have finished the quilt in two days, tops."

"How do we feel about this?"

"We feel blessed and happy."

"Okay, can I tell my mother?" He beams.

"Yes, of course."

"Can you say the words?"

I take his face in between my hands and look firmly into his eyes.

"Erik, I'm pregnant."

"Yes!"

He grabs me and twirls me around and around until I start hitting his arm.

"Not so fast, or I'm going to throw up."

"Max, now you can open that bottle you brought with you."

Max peeks into my laptop and gives us a big smile.

"We've got two things to celebrate now. Congratulations, Brandy, you won the competition."

I check my laptop and indeed, the email has arrived stating that I'm this year’s winner from the American Quilters Association. Since I did my own design I get more perks than other winners. It was one of the waterfalls from Woodland Falls and the surrounding forest. I will donate it to the town to hang in a prominent place.

Max pours the champagne, and Erik brings me a bottle of water. We toast to winners and babies and having wonderful spouses. We've been lucky, all four of us, to find that one person who fills our hearts and lives with love. Erik pulls me towards a chair and sits down, then makes me sit on his lap. We make googly eyes at one another, and our friends give us grief for it.

“Our family is beginning to grow, baby.”

“Yes, it is, baby girl. Have I told you today that I love you?"

"I don't remember. It's all very fuzzy. Remind me?" I bat my eyelashes at him.

"I love you, Brandy."

"I love you, Erik."

And it is a love that will last forever.

---