Page 103 of First Comes Forever

“Hey,” he whispers again, “I know you’re awake.”

“Only because of you,” I say back. “Shush. Go to sleep.”

He slinks his arm over my waist and scoots in closer. His chest is warm against my back. My personal space heater. “I thought of the perfect name,” he says against my ear, sending sweet shivers down my spine.

Adam has come up with about ten different baby names over the past three days since I told him I’m pregnant. He’ll say it, then take it right back, not liking how it sounds out loud. We’ve gone through Halley, Autumn, Stella, and Madeline. Honestly, I’m fine with any of them.

I haven’t really fixated on what I’ll call the baby, more so what I’ll do with the baby. I’ve been fantasizing about our first dip in the pool. If it’s a baby girl, we’ll definitely have matching swim suits with obnoxious sparkles. I dream about taking my son to the zoo for the first time and watching his eyes light up in wonder when he gets to see the lions, tigers, and bears up close. “Mommy and Me” music classes are a must. I am not remotely musically inclined, so maybe that’ll be mutually beneficial. Basically, I want toexperiencemotherhood without worrying so much about sharing my experience with the world. Pictures will be for me, my friends, my family, and Adam.

“All right, I’m ready to be impressed. Let’s hear it,” I mumble.

“I keep thinking of the name on my mind when you told me you were pregnant… Daisy.”

“As in duck?”

Adam pulls the strap of my tank top to the side and trails kisses over my bare shoulder. “Yeah, my little Daisy duck. What do you think?”

Turning over, I bury my head into his firm chest, his scant chest hair tickling my cheek. I kiss his smooth skin just beneath his collarbone. “I love it. Have you thought of any boy names?”

“Something masculine. Maybe Gunnar or Ford. I’d even consider Thor.”

I know he can’t see my scowl, so I hope a little sarcasm can convey my thoughts. “Are you naming our child, or our Rottweilers?”

He laughs and kisses the top of my head. “Our child.I can’t believe we did it, summer girl.”

“I can’t believe you’re still calling me ‘summer girl.’”

He wraps his arms around me and runs his hands up and down my back. My favorite form of affection. Adam hooked me with his sassy charm. He’ll keep me forever because of his back rubs.

“How about forever girl? Is that better?”

“Much better.”

“See Daisy?” I whisper. “We’re forever girls now.”

Adam chatters for a little longer, telling me stories about his childhood. My man is a little talkative when he’s happy. I love it. My sweet guy who is burning up under my fluffy comforter, but he never once asked me to replace it. Instead, he sleeps with one leg freed from the blanket so he doesn’t wake up sweating. In fact, Adam has made every concession possible since the day we met.

His phone is always on silent when we’re together. Sometimes I catch him sneaking to the bathroom ten times a day to return quick calls and answer messages. But when I’m speaking, I have all his attention. I pick the movies, where we stay, and even when we have sex. I know Adam doesn’t get half of what he hopes for, but he’s never whiny about it. My body has been through hell over the past year with all the treatments. I’m toggling from sick to stressed and anxious. When I’m in the mood, I’m a little demanding. When I’m not, sex is the furthest thing from my mind. Adam never pushes.

In fact, he’s so good to me, I’m feeling like I’m not pulling my weight in this relationship.

“Adam,” I whisper.

“Hm?” he mumbles sleepily.

“Seriously? You woke me up and now you’re falling asleep?”

He laughs. “Sorry.” He clears his throat. “What’s up, baby?”

“Are you happy?”

“Of course I am. Why would you ask that?”

“Because you do more for me than I do for you. I’m not adding much to this relationship. You have the money, the means, and if I’m being honest, I think you’re a little hotter than I am.”

He cackles. “So far from the truth. Chase, Cici, and Alex all tell me you’re way out of my league and I better be on my best behavior.”

“Seriously, though. Is there anything you want from me?”

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