Page 45 of When I Found You

“You’re an amazing man, you know that, Peyton? I love you.”

“Love you, too, gorgeous.”

We head inside and Stacey grabs her phone, first sending me a calendar invite to her OB visit.

“I’m not going to tell them about the baby just yet. Think I’ll keep that under wraps until after we see the doctor.”

“Whatever you want, babe,” I tell her as we settle on the couch together. She pulls up the FaceTime app and calls her mom.

“Hey! How was your evening?” Lynn asks, the excitement noticeable even through the camera.

“It was so amazing! We’re engaged!” Stacey shouts, holding up her hand with the ring on it.

“Congratulations, guys! We love you both so much,” her mom tells us. “Did the proposal go off like you’d hoped it would, Peyton?”

“Yes! It was perfect. She loved the patio and did everything I hoped she would. Best off, I think she was completely shocked.”

“I was, I didn’t even see this coming, but I’m so excited! Now, to start the wedding planning!” she excitedly tells her parents and then kisses my cheek.

“Congratulations, honey. We’re happy for you both,” her dad, Steve, says.

“Pick a time and I’ll fly up so we can go dress shopping. What are you thinking, a spring wedding?” her mom asks.

“I haven’t even thought that far ahead. He literally popped the question less than thirty minutes ago. We’ll talk about dates this weekend and let you know.”

“Whatever you want, sweetheart,” Steve says.

We continue chatting with them for a few more minutes before ending the call.

With the call to her parents out of the way, I have nothing more on my mind than to get her under me, so I can make love to my future wife.

“Come here, gorgeous,” I tell her, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, concerned about the morning sickness she told me about earlier. I’m not sure if that will affect her want for sex right now.

“I’m good, promise. So far, the queasiness feeling has only hit me in the mornings, and I’ve only puked once.”

“Can I make love to you?”

“I’d expect nothing less, my future husband,” she tells me, kissing my chin.

Stacey

I’m lyingin Peyton’s arms, having just made love to him for the first time as myfiancé. We’re getting married, having a baby, and starting our own little family. Life couldn’t get much better than it is right now. As I lay here, I cradle my nonexistent baby bump. I know I’m only a few weeks pregnant, but I already love this baby with my entire heart. Peyton is going to be such an amazing father.

Peyton slides a hand around and covers my hand with his. “I love both of you,” he whispers next to my ear.

“We love you, too.”

“Do you have any feelings on if we’re having a girl or boy?”

“None yet. Will you want to find out when we can?”

“Will you?” He turns the question back on me.

“I think so. That way, we can focus on names and buying cute things for him or her.”

“Then we’ll find out,” he states. “I was thinking, what would you say about having a small wedding in a few weeks? Maybe before the end of the year? I know that’s quick, but that way, you don’t have to worry about fitting into a wedding dress with a baby belly, and as soon as we get married, you’ll get all my military benefits, including medical.”

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