Page 113 of Worth the Fall

I laugh softly, running my fingers through his disheveled hair. "Is that what we're calling it?"

His eyes darken again as he leans down to kiss me. "I'll call it whatever you want if you let me love you again."

"Miguel," I protest weakly, even as heat pools in my belly at the promise in his voice. "We should probably get some rest…"

"Probably," he agrees, but his lips are already trailing down my neck. "But you're glowing, and I can't help myself." His hand slides up my rib cage. "Unless you want me to stop?"

I arch into his touch, already addicted to these new sensations. "Don't you dare."

His answering smile is wicked as he disappears under the sheets, and I give myself over to the pleasure once again. We have all night, after all, and something tells me sleep is the last thing on either of our minds.

As his mouth works magic between my thighs, I think about how perfectly everything has fallen into place. This man, thislife we're building—it's more than I ever dreamed possible. And when he makes me come again, his name echoing off the walls, I know with absolute certainty that this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

Iwaddle into Whole Foods, one hand pressed against my lower back as I navigate the crowded aisles. At six months pregnant, everything is becoming more of a challenge—especially reaching the organic peanut butter on the top shelf that Felicity insists is the only acceptable option for her school lunches.

"Need some help with that?"

I freeze, the voice behind me unmistakable even before I turn around. Sure enough, there stands Cameron—barefoot in downtown Chicago. His man bun has evolved into partial dreadlocks, and he's wearing what appears to be a hand-woven poncho despite the summer heat.

"Cameron," I manage, trying not to stare at his feet. "You're… not wearing shoes. In Chicago."

"The earth's energy can't penetrate rubber soles," he explains, reaching past me to grab the peanut butter with enviable ease. "I've been going barefoot for three months now. My chakras have never been more aligned."

"That's… great." I accept the jar, noting the crystals dangling from his wrists. "You're still on your spiritual journey, I see."

"Oh, more than ever!" His face lights up with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for multi-level marketing schemes. "I've been studying with a shaman in Wisconsin. Did you know that pregnancy is actually a profound karmic journey?"

Before I can stop him, his hands are on my belly, and he's closing his eyes in concentration. "Your aura is absolutely radiant. The baby's too. Although…" He frowns slightly. "There's some blocked energy in your third chakra. Have you tried sound healing?"

I'm too stunned to move, watching as he starts humming what sounds like a mix between a Gregorian chant and a cat with allergies. Other shoppers are starting to stare.

"Cameron," I say firmly, stepping back, the scent of patchouli smacking me hard in the face. "What are you doing?"

"Clearing your energy pathways," he says, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "The baby needs proper vibrational alignment. Here, I have some sage in my?—"

"No!" I hold up my hands. "No sage. Not after last time."

He looks disappointed but nods, "You're right. This isn't the proper setting for a cleansing ritual. But here…" He digs in his woven shoulder bag and pulls out a crystal. "Rose quartz. For the baby's spiritual journey."

I accept the stone automatically, too baffled to refuse. "Thanks. That's very… thoughtful."

"Of course. We're all connected in the great cosmic dance." He beams at me. "I'm so glad you've found your path, Mia. Your energy is so much lighter now. Marriage and motherhood suit you."

For once, he's actually right, even if his way of expressing it makes me want to laugh and cry simultaneously.

"Thanks, Cameron. I am happy." I rest my hand on my belly, feeling a small kick. "Really happy."

He nods, his expression serene. "The universe provides exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. Even if we don't understand it at the time."

With that cryptic pronouncement, he floats away—literally floats, his bare feet barely seeming to touch the ground. I watch him go, shaking my head in amazement.

Just a short time ago, his "I need space" speech shattered my world. I thought I'd never recover, never find love again, never be whole.

Now here I am, pregnant with Miguel's baby, Felicity's "bonus mom," making partner at the firm… and watching my ex-fiancé practice sound healing in the organic foods aisle.

Life has a funny way of working out exactly as it should.

I struggle to grab another jar of peanut butter—might as well stock up while I can reach it—drop the rose quartz in my purse, and head for checkout.

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