Page 64 of Curvy Desire's Second Shot

As the initial joy settled,the reality of what this meant began to sink in. Later that evening, as we sat together on the couch, Hudson’s arm around me, I found myself voicing the fears I hadn’t been able to shake.

“I’m happy,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m scared too.”

Hudson looked down at me, his brow furrowing. “Scared of what?”

“Of everything,” I admitted. “Of bringing a baby into a world that hasn’t always been kind to us. Of not being able to protect them.”

His grip on me tightened, his gaze steady. “Naomi, we’ve been through hell and back. And we’ve come out stronger for it. This baby is going to have everything we didn’t—a safe home, two parents who love them more than anything, and a future filled with possibilities.”

I blinked back tears, my voice trembling. “But what if it’s not enough? What if... what if danger finds us again?”

“Then we’ll face it together,” he said firmly. “Just like we always have. You’re not alone in this, Naomi. You never will be.”

Over the next few days,the fear ebbed and flowed, but so did the joy. I found myself imagining the life we’d create, the home we’d fill with laughter and love. Hudson was a constant source of reassurance, his excitement infectious as he talked about everything from baby names to building a swing set in the backyard.

One evening, as we sat on the porch watching the sunset, he rested his hand over mine, his gaze soft and full of determination.

“You know what I see when I look at you?” he asked.

“What?” I said, tilting my head toward him.

“A fighter,” he said, his voice steady. “You’ve faced more than most people ever will, and you’ve come out stronger. This baby is lucky, Naomi. Lucky to have you as their mom.”

I blinked back tears, leaning into him. “And they’re lucky to have you as their dad.”

Chapter Forty-Nine

Naomi

The waiting room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the overhead lights and the occasional rustle of magazines. Hudson sat beside me, his leg bouncing slightly as he glanced around. His nervous energy was almost endearing, though I was sure he’d argue he wasn’t nervous at all.

“You okay?” I asked, nudging him with my shoulder.

“Me? Yeah,” he said, flashing me a quick smile. “Just... you know. Curious. Excited. Maybe a little anxious.”

I laughed softly, reaching for his hand. “It’s just a routine check-up.”

“It’s the first ultrasound,” he corrected, his voice filled with awe. “We’re going to see our baby, Naomi. That’s not routine. That’s... huge.”

His words made my heart swell, and I squeezed his hand. “It is.”

When the nursecalled my name, we both stood, Hudson’s grip on my hand tightening slightly. He didn’t let go as we followed her into the exam room, his presence steady and grounding as I climbed onto the table and adjusted the gown they’d given me.

The doctor came in a few moments later, her smile warm as she greeted us. “Excited for your first look?” she asked, glancing between us.

“Very,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

Hudson nodded, his gaze fixed on the monitor as the doctor prepped the ultrasound machine. I couldn’t help but watch him—the way his eyes shone with anticipation, the way his jaw tightened just slightly as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

“This might feel a little cold,” the doctor said, spreading the gel across my stomach. I gasped slightly at the chill, and Hudson reached for my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

I nodded, smiling at him. “I’m fine.”

The room fellsilent as the doctor moved the wand across my stomach, the faint sound of static filling the air. And then, there it was—a flicker of movement on the screen, a small, unmistakable shape.

“That’s your baby,” the doctor said, her voice soft.

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