Page 142 of Beautiful Storm

“Is that why you had the music going all night?”

“Yep.”

“I assumed you’d fallen asleep on the couch like you did the other night.”

“I know.”

She glances into the room again before her gaze shifts back at me, her eyes welling with tears. “I haven’t bought you enough now.” Her tears fall as her face drops into her hands, making me feel guilty.

“Amelia. You didn’t have to get me anything. And if it makes you feel better, I didn’t get you anything either. This is your present, and technically it’s for Bean.”

“It’s better than anything you could have given me.”

That’s what I was hoping for.“And you’ve already given me plenty tonight. You just haven’t realized it.”

Amelia’s expression turns puzzled before she hands me a small box. “Well, I want you to have this anyway. We think alike.” She shrugs.

“Oh, yeah?” I rip into the wrapping paper, making her laugh when I don’t bother to keep a single piece reusable, and when I find her gift, a tightness fills my chest. I’m about to have a baby. I’ve obviously known this for months but her present makes it so much more real.

“You made Jelly Bean a number 42 jersey.”

“I did.” She nods as fresh tears prick the back of her eyes and I fight to hold back my own.

“And a pink plush football?” I say in confusion, until a tear falls from Amelia’s eye as she nods. “Pink.” My eyes flash to her stomach. “Jelly Bean’s a girl?”I’m having a daughter.I stare at her in awe.

“Yes.” She nods again, more forcefully as more tears fall. “I finally opened the envelope. We’re having a girl. You’re going to have a daughter.”

I quickly step into the room and drop the jersey and football onto the rocking chair before turning and stalking towardAmelia, grabbing her face in my hands. Emotion threatens to clog my throat, but I swallow it down as I stare into her soul. “Thank you. This present is everything. You are everything. This family is more than I ever thought I wanted. And God, I love you.”

Amelia’s eyes widen as her breath hitches. “You love me?”

“More than words can describe.” I smile at her shocked expression.How did she not know?

She pauses for a beat, staring at me with more emotion than she’s ever shown, and then whispers the most beautiful words. “I love you too, Luke. So much.”

Now it’s my turn to be shocked as my jaw drops. “You do?” I ask stupidly, though she wouldn't have said it if she didn’t.

“Yeah, I do. More than words can describe.”

Without waiting another beat, I glide my hands into her hair and tilt her head, our lips barely a breath apart. Locking her gaze in mine, I find the words in her eyes, her expression reflecting her love, and my heart pounds.

“Thank you,” I whisper before pressing my mouth to hers and caressing her lips as I pour everything I can into the kiss, showing her what she means to me. Our mouths mold together, moving in sync as all the emotions take over me.

Amelia's the first to break away as she sucks in a breath, and when a yawn escapes her, I remember how late it is. Despite her argument, I press another chaste kiss to her lips before carrying her to bed and holding her in my arms, wanting nothing more than to grasp onto this moment for as long as I can.

I never thought I’d fall in love. It wasn’t something I ever wanted. And it took me by surprise. But now that I’ve said it out loud, it’s the most natural thing in the world, and I know with absolute certainty that I wasn’t closed off to love. I was waiting for Amelia. Waiting for her to come back so that all could be right in the world.

“I love you,” I whisper again as she’s falling asleep, sensing her sleepy smile in the dark. And when I hear her soft snores, I sit up and gently place my hand on her belly, feeling for Jelly Bean’s movements. “I love you too, Jelly Bean. My baby girl. My angel. Thank you for bringing your mom and me together. We owe it all to you and we’re going to have an amazing life together. I can’t wait to meet you.”

New Year's Eve comes and goes, with most of us taking it easy, having a quiet one as we prepare for the final game before we have to get our minds set on the playoffs. Amelia and I spent New Year’s Eve together, but by ten p.m. she was asleep on my lap, having been so busy trying to make sure Adrian’s ready to take over her role.

Amelia’s at work when I arrive home from practice the following Thursday, and I’ve barely stepped through the door when my phone alerts me to a text and then another. I panic, knowing she can’t always call if they’re filming, and rush to check my phone, finding it’s the Luke support group chat.

Dylan: I hate to once again be the bearer of bad news but have you seen the latest article, Luke?

Reed: I just grabbed my phone to text you. Bria showed me when she arrived for lunch

I start typing a response, having no idea what they’re talking about when Easton enters with his thoughts.

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