Page 176 of Safe and Sound

I shrugged. “Just makes sense. We have a girl, so we need a boy.”

“And what if it’s another girl?”

I groaned and not with pleasure. “I’m not sure I’m meant to be a girl dad.”

She ran her fingers through my hair. “You’re an amazing dad to Piper, so you’ll be an amazing girl dad.”

“We’ll see.” The truth was I was scared to death of another girl. Having just one was doable but two? The very thought of periods and hormones and trying to kill off every male that came sniffing around completely exhausted me.

Needing to get my mind off things, I ground my erection into Ava’s ass, causing her to suck in a surprised breath. “You actually want me like this?”

“Has there ever been a time I haven’t wanted you?”

A girlish giggle escaped her lips. “No.” After cupping my cheeks, she stared into my eyes. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in the mood lately.”

“It’s okay. You’re been a hell of a good sport throwing me those consolation blowjobs.”

“You’re welcome,” she laughed.

“How are you feeling about today?”

She waggled her brows. “I think I could go for one round.”

“Fuck, yes,” I replied, as I slid my hand underneath her skirt. When I found her soaked, I started to chuckle, but then I realized something wasn’t right. “Love, I don’t think this is just arousal.”

“What?”

“I know I have no experience with this, but I think your water just broke.”

“Seriously?”

“I would be so honored if this was all for me, but I’m thinking no.”

When Ava started to feel up her skirt, she grimaced. “What?” I asked.

“I just had a pain.”

“Oh shite,” I muttered as I hurried to push Ava to her feet. Once she was standing, I said, “I’ll get the bag.”

She nodded. “It’s upstairs in our closet.”

“Got it.” After racing upstairs, I snatched the overnight bag. Taking out my phone, I texted Caterina and Isla asking if they could grab Piper from preschool.”

When I got back downstairs, Ava was bent over, her palms resting against her knees. “Are you okay?”

“Not exactly. It’s so different from Piper.”

That was the last thing I ever wanted to hear. “Right, well, let’s get to the car.”

As I started across the living room floor, Ava cried out. Turning back to her I said, “What is it?”

She didn’t speak for a few moments. Instead, she bent over the couch and groaned. When she finally righted herself, she replied, “It’s happening. Now.”

Every molecule in my body shuddered to a stop. “No, it can’t be.”

With a glare, she countered, “Considering I’ve done this before, I think I know.”

“Christ,” I muttered as I reached for my phone.

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