Page 117 of All of Me

I shift, turning my face up to look at him. His eyes meet mine, and I know he can sense something’s on my mind.

“What’s going on, Dollface?” he asks, his voice low like he’s trying not to spook me.

Dollface. The nickname makes me smile, even now. My words catch in my throat, heavy and uncertain. I hesitate, suddenly unsure how to start. “I’ve just been thinking,” I begin, biting my lip. My fingers trace idle patterns on his chest, more for my own comfort than his.

“About last night,” I add, my voice hesitant.

He raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching like he’s fighting a smile. “It was a good night,” he teases, though his eyes hold a flicker of curiosity.

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the small smile that slips out. “You know what I mean, Owen.”

His expression softens immediately, the teasing melting away as he shifts onto his side. He props himself up on one elbow so he’s looking down at me, his brows drawing together slightly in concern. “I do,” he says. “What’s on your mind?”

I take a deep breath. My chest tightens at the thought, a knot of worry forming in the pit of my stomach.

“We didn’t use any protection,” I say finally.

His hand moves to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin with a gentle touch that makes me feel safe. “I know,” he says, his tone full of calm assurance.

I search his face for any sign of concern, but all I see is confidence, the steadiness that anchors me. I still need to explain, to make sure we’re on the same page.

“I just… I know we’ve always been careful before,” I say. “And now…”

His thumb continues its soothing path across my cheek as his lips curve into a small smile. “I understood the risks, Callie. I wouldn’t change a thing about last night.”

My breath hitches, relief loosening the knot in my chest. “You wouldn’t?”

“No,” he says firmly, leaning down so our faces are level. “To be honest, I wouldn’t mind seeing you pregnant again sometime soon.”

His words hit me like a bolt of lightning, a mix of surprise and warmth spreading through me. “You wouldn’t mind?” I repeat, my voice barely audible.

He shakes his head, his hand slipping to rest on my hip. “I loved watching you carry Ruby,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “You were radiant. Strong. And seeing you as a mom… it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I bite my lip to keep them at bay. “Owen,” I whisper, my voice breaking.

He brushes his lips softly against mine, lingering as if to let his words settle. “It’s up to you, though,” he continues, his tone gentle but resolute. “If you want to take the morning-after pill, I’ll support that. If you don’t, I’ll support that too. Either way, we’ll figure it out together.”

The sincerity in his voice wraps around me like a warm blanket, easing the last of my worry. “I’m not worried,” I admit softly, my hand coming up to rest over his on my hip. “I just… needed to hear how you felt about it.”

His smile widens slightly, his thumb brushing across my skin again. “I feel like I’m the luckiest man alive,” he says. “Whatever happens next, we can handle it together.”

Emotion wells up in my chest, threatening to spill over. “I love you,” I whisper, my voice trembling.

“I love you too,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.

I curl closer to him, letting my head rest against his chest again. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calms me completely, and for the first time since the thought crept into my mind, I feel truly at ease.

The sun climbs higher in the sky, bathing us in its warmth. There’s no place I’d rather be than right here, in his arms, dreaming of our future together.

forty-two

DRIVE - INCUBUS

OWEN - JULY 28, 2014

The van hums beneath us as we drive through town, Ruby babbling in her car seat while Sara hums along to the song playing on the radio. Barrett sits in his booster seat beside her, looking out the window, his brows furrowed like he’s puzzling out some grand mystery.

The memories from the wedding are fresh—the laughter, the vows, the feeling of Callie’s hand in mine as we promised each other forever. Having Barrett there meant everything to me, him smiling and comfortable in our blended family.Today is bittersweet as I bring him back to Sabrina’s house.

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