Page 120 of The Lieutenant

Havros

“You look stunning,” I told Kara as I pressed my lips to her neck. “And you smell fantastic. Why don’t we skip the family gathering and head up to the bedroom?”

“Not a chance, buster. We have guests already wondering why in the hell you summoned them on short notice.”

“Good news can’t wait.” I took her by the hand, leading her down the stairs. I had no clue what happened, but the moment she’d told me she was pregnant, my entire world had fallen into place. I’d never been happier.

Although I wouldn’t admit this to anyone, but I’d also never been more terrified. How the hell was I going to be a father? Whew. It was daunting as hell.

As soon as we stepped into the foyer, the sound of the entire family gathering in the living room brought a smile to my face. Celebrations were needed more often.

“Are you ready?” I whispered in her ear.

“Mmmm… For just about anything.”

We’d taken a couple of days just for us, talking and planning. Learning more about each other. The time had been precious.

As we walked into the room hand in hand, Dimitrios noticed our entrance first, nudging Willow who immediately flew toward us.

“You’re back,” she said as she offered Kara a tight hug.

“It’s like I never left.” I’d never heard such uncertainty in Kara’s voice. That’s right. She’d yet to meet my parents. I had to remind myself we could be a formidable group.

Willow squeezed her hand. “Can I get you a drink? A glass of wine?”

Kara glanced up at me, winking. “Just some fruit juice will be wonderful.”

“Funny. That’s what I’m having. I’ll get it for you.” Willow lifted her brows as she looked from one to the other of us.

We walked further into the room, my sweet mother rushing to hug me first.

“I’ve missed seeing that handsome face of yours,” she said, immediately turning her attention to Kara. “And this must be the lovely Kara Banning. Even with all that my son said about you and how beautiful you were, his words still didn’t do you justice.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I chortled.

“I’m so glad you’ve returned. I hope for a long visit at least.” My mother was prying, but that was so like her.

Kara’s face turned a lovely shade of rose. “I’m thinking about it.”

I tapped her on the bottom for the hell of it. She was staying. Period.

“Son. You look great. Much happier,” my father said.

“All because you fell in love,” Christos teased.

“I’m going to kill all of you. I need a drink. Don’t let my family bite you,” I told my sweet kitten.

“You do remember I bite back, right?” she countered.

“Yep, she is perfect for this family,” Dimitrios said with a lilt in his voice.

Soon, we all had drinks in our hands.

“Why did you call this meeting?” Pops asked.

“Well, because I think there is some celebrating to be done,” I told the group.

Willow punched my brother in the gut. “You spilled the beans. Didn’t you?”

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