Page 7 of Eternally London

A wide smile spreads across Loïc’s face, and I continue ticking off on my fingers.

“Number three is because we can. We have the money. Plus, you’ve spent lots of time in your life cleaning, and I’ve spent my fair share.”

“Have you? Little London Wright scrubbed lots of floors growing up, did she?” Loïc’s lips push up into a smirk as he slides his hand across my waist before pulling me closer to him.

“Fine,” I admit. “Maybe I didn’t spend tons of time doing chores as a child, but I get the gist of it.”

Loïc presses his lips together, amused.

“It will be different for our kids,” I promise.

Loïc’s face lights up. “It will?”

“Well, yeah.” I shrug. “I don’t want our kids to grow up, feeling entitled. I want them to understand responsibility and know what it feels like to work hard. We’re going to raise good people.”

“Yeah, we are,” Loïc responds with a nod.

He wears an expression that I can’t quite place as his gaze searches my own.

“What?” I ask, a grin resting on my lips. “What are you thinking?”

“Well, I was just imagining what it’ll be like to have kids with you,” he answers simply.

“And?”

“Honestly, I can’t think of anything more incredible.”

“Me either,” I agree.

“Yeah?” He smiles wide. As always, it’s a beautifully devastating event.

“Of course. What could possibly be more astonishing than creating a life with the man of my dreams and starting a family? Just think… raising perfect little versions of us. I can picture an adorable child with your eyes.” I let out a wistful breath of air.

“And your smile,” he adds, his deep stare penetrating mine.

“Your strength,” I say.

“Your spunk.”

I thread my fingers through the hair at the nape of Loïc’s neck. “Your kindness.”

“And your heart.” He gently runs his thumb across my lips.

“Yeah. Amazing,” I whisper, my voice thoughtful.

“Let’s make a baby, London.” Loïc’s statement is full of conviction and so much love.

I hesitate, only slightly. “Really?”

“Yes. We’re ready.”

I press my lips together to stop the quivering. The thought of making a baby with the love of one’s life is completely overwhelming. In all the fairy tales, there’s the happily ever after—the pivotal moment that every little girl dreams of reaching. Yet it’s this, right here—the life after the happily ever after—that’s the true gift. These are the moments I never knew to dream about.

“Okay.” I nod through a few errant tears. “Let’s do it.”

“Yeah?” Loïc squeezes me with excitement. “How are our chances right now?”

“Like,rightnow?” I ask.

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