Page 82 of Something New

He stands up and wraps his hand around my waist, kissing my cheek. “It’s good to see you, Nerissa.” He is polite, friendly, void of the darkness I saw in him the last time we were together.

He pulls my chair out for me, and I sit down.

“Would you like a glass of wine?” he asks with a smile.

“No, thanks. A sparkling water will be fine for me.”

“Are you sure?” he frowns. “They have the most amazing house wine here. I don’t usually order the house wine, but this place—”

“Really. I’m fine, thanks. Just sparkling water.”

He turns to the waitress who is standing alongside our table smiling, waiting.

“Two sparkling waters please and your starter platter.”

When she’s gone, he smiles at me and my heart somersaults. “I haven’t eaten yet, and it’s been a busy morning, so I hope you’ll share a platter with me.”

“Sure.” I say, staring at him, falling into his eyes, picturing myself sinking into his gorgeous body. I sigh, squeezing my eyes shut.Don’t get distracted.

He reaches across the table and takes my hand. His skin is warm against mine and it is all the reassurance I need. “What’s wrong, Nerissa. You seem really stressed.”

“The thing that I need to tell you - it’s important that you understand that regardless of your reaction I will be - I will do this with or without you.” I say, forcing confidence into my voice.

“Tell me.” He says.

“I’m pregnant, Tuomo.”

The instant I say it he is smiling. Not just smiling - he isecstatic.

“Are you serious?” He asks, his voice overflowing with excitement.

“I’m serious.” I say, a smile beginning to spread across my face too.

He stands up and drags me from my seat into his arms. His deep, genuine laughter rumbled against my body as it bubbles from his chest. He is kissing the top of my head and holding me so tight. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe how happy he is.

Suddenly I’m excited too.

He ishappy.He isn’t shouting or demanding I get rid of it. He’s happy about this.

He lets me go and looks down at me. The dimples at the corners of his mouth are gorgeous. His eyes are bright and happy.

“I’m going to be a father?” he laughs.

“You are.” I giggle. “I was worried. I thought - you would be upset.”

“Are you kidding? This is the best news in the world.”

He hugs me close again. “No wonder you didn’t want wine.” He chuckles. “I guess neither of us will be drinking for a few months, hey.”

We sit down again, but Tuomo grabs the leg of my chair and pulls me right up against his. He holds me close to his side as he chats about finding the best doctors and asking me what I will need, then laughing and saying he’ll start researching and make sure I have everything.

“I’ll be there every step of the way.” He says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You have made me so happy, little bird. And I don’t want you to work until after the baby is born. If at all. I would prefer it if you just focused on being a mother. If that’s what you want? It’s what I want.”

I lean into his shoulder, my heart is warm and happy. I don’t have to do this alone. I don’t have to worry about anything.

After our lunch I drive home, feeling like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. Tuomo has promised to take care of everything.

He is going to come over tomorrow so that we can discuss whatever it is we need to do.

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