Page 107 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

“Nonsense. Dr. Russo said I can do light housework.”

“She also said staying off your feet is better for you and the baby.” He turns off the engine, gets out and races around to help me up and out. “You’re the mother of my child. It’s my job to spoil you.” He touches my stomach. “Both of you.” His face lights up when he feels a sharp jab. “See? M&M approves.”

I laugh. “I’m not sure that was approval. More like a stay-in-your-lane jab.”

“You think I’m going out of my lane?” His hand falls away, as if bereft. “Are you telling me to back off, Regan?”

As much as I want to say yes, I can’t. Because as much as I know seeing him, smelling him, being around him will kill me, it’s what I crave.

“No, Lucas,” I say with a grin. “I wouldn’t dare.”

He smiles like the proud father he’s about to become.

Chapter Thirty-seven

Regan

Lucas’s face beams as he holds our little boy. Mitchell is adorable in his footed pajamas with pictures of the Grinch and Max the dog all over them. At almost two years old, he’s incredibly excited to see all the presents underneath the massive Christmas tree.

“Mommy!” he exclaims when he sees me. “Pwesents!” He squirms in Lucas’s arms. “Daddy put down.”

Mitchell skitters across the room and goes right for the largest package. Lucas laughs heartily as he turns to me. “I have something for you, too.” He pulls a small square jewelry box from his pocket. It’s unwrapped but has a thin red bow tied around it. “And it comes with a question.”

Tears well in my eyes. Today is the day I’ve been waiting for. Dreaming of. Fantasizing about. He drops to a knee and tears the ribbon off the box.

“Regan, will you—”

“Regan… Regan!”

My eyes fly open. Ryder is standing over me. I shift in the recliner and get my bearings. I’m at work. I must have fallen asleep. Again.

I sigh heavily and silently curse my brother for interrupting my dream.

Oh my gosh. The dream. It comes back to me as powerfully as if I’d lived it. My face is still wet with tears. My heart is still thrumming with excitement, so full of… love.

Instinctively, my hand goes to my belly. I saw him. I saw Mitchell. It’s the first time I’ve ever dreamed of him. He wasLucas through and through. Dark hair. Chocolate eyes. Strong jawline. But with my dimples.

“You okay?” Ryder asks.

I wipe my eyes. “Yeah. I guess I was dreaming. What’s up?”

“Mrs. Mulrooney just dropped off all these boxes of clothes, and two teachers from the deaf school have questions about a collection of books you have for sale. Sorry to wake you, but I know nothing about the books or ASL.”

“It’s fine.” I start to get up but feel lightheaded. “Whoa.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just got up too quickly.”

“You want to take your blood pressure?”

I motion to the customers. “After I take care of them.”

Ryder helps me to my feet. Lately, it’s been a lot more difficult to get up from sitting or lying down—two things I do a lot of since Dr. Russo put me on modified bed rest two weeks ago.

I help the deaf customers, happy to tuck a large wad of cash beneath the register.

Ryder counts it out. “That’s the largest sale you’ve had this week. Those books must be good.”

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