Page 67 of Heron's Flame

“I’m serious.”

“Better be,” I teased. “Send Crow a text for me. He keeps blowing up my goddamn phone.”

She giggled. “Okay.” I saw her typing a message and then hit send. “Done.”

We found our luggage and made our way toward the entrance to the airport. Outside somewhere, my family waited for us.

Rebel stopped. “I have a secret I need to tell you.”

“Okay.” I held onto the luggage and scanned around us, not perceiving any threats. “Tell me.”

I didn’t ask why she had chosen to reveal her secret now.

“It’s got a sad part and a happy part. Since today is one of our happiest days together, I think it’s time.”

Focusing on her, I nodded. “Fire away.”

“Bad stuff first.” Her smile faded.

“Rebel? It can wait if you want.”

She shook her head. “No. It has to be now. I’m finally strong enough to tell you.”

Well, shit. I didn’t like this. My protective urges threatened to bring out my crow and phoenix.

Her palm lifted and pressed over my heart. “Just listen. There’s no danger. Okay?”

“Fine.”

“I was pregnant once, but I lost the baby.” Sadness lingered in her eyes, and she blinked back tears.

Fuck. “I’m sorry, Babe. How?”

“He’s no longer here, and I don’t want to dwell on it.”

Frowning, I pulled her into my arms. “Rebel.”

“I’m okay. It’s time for the wonderful part now.”

Wonderful? What did she mean?

She stepped back and reached for my hand, placing it on her lower belly. “We’re having a baby.”

Stunned, I didn’t move. People rushed around us, entering and exiting the airport, but I couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the joy that exploded inside my chest.

“A baby? You’re having my baby?”

She giggled. “Yes.”

“I fucking love you, my Rebel.”

“I love you too.”

In front of everyone there, I kissed her, pushing all the love I felt into that kiss. When I finally lifted my head, I felt so fucking happy that I didn’t know how to handle it.

“We’re telling your parents too.”

“We are?”

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