Page 40 of Strike Out

Two lines.

Two fucking lines.

I let out a breath and a grin spread across my face. I look up at her, and she’s staring at me, her eyes wide with shock and joy. “Kai,” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. “We’re having a baby. You’re gonna be a daddy.”

I’m gonna be a fucking daddy!

I pull her into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. Laughter bubbles out of both of us, and I can feel the tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I set her down gently, cupping her face in my hands. “I love you, Isla,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “And I love our baby. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I can’t wait to do this with you.”

She smiles up at me, her eyes shining with happiness. “I love you too, Kai. More than words can express.”

I press a soft kiss to her lips, sealing the moment. This is justthe beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey of parenthood takes us. I know it won’t be easy, especially with my career and her being a full-time student. But we can do it as long as we have each other and communicate. I take her hand, entwining our fingers, and lead her out of the bathroom.

Our life is about to change in the most incredible way, and I am ready for it.

Now to get an ultrasound so we can show our parents.

I pull back the comforter,and we slide into bed together, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over us. Isla snuggles into my side, her head resting on my chest, and I can feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat syncing with mine. The room is peaceful—the peace that only comes with the anticipation of a new life when you’ve desperately wanted it.

“You know, I’ve been thinking about names,” Isla says softly, tracing idle patterns on my chest with her fingertip. “Have you ever given thought to what you’d want to name your kids?”

I smile, running my hand gently over her belly. The one that is now the home to our son or daughter. “I trust your judgment, Princess. Whatever you pick, I know it will be perfect.”

She looks up at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on, do you have any names in mind?”

I think for a moment, considering the possibilities. “I like the name Liam or Declan for a boy. And for a girl, maybe something like Alexandra or Rowan. But honestly, as long as the baby is healthy and happy, I don’t mind what we call them.”

Isla grins, her fingers playing with the hairs on my chest. “I like those names. We’ll have to see what feels right when the time comes.”

We lie in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying eachother’s presence. Then Isla speaks up again, her voice filled with dreams. “I’ve also been thinking maybe we should start looking into finding a house. Somewhere with a big backyard where the kids can play. A place where we can watch them grow up.”

She said kids, as in multiple children.

Isla is a dream come true.

I nod, my mind already racing with ideas. “I’ve already been talking with a realtor and I have a down payment ready to go for when we find the right place. Maybe something close to Mom and Dad?”

Isla laughs softly, her eyes shining with happiness. “That sounds perfect. I just know they are going to be just as much in love with them as we are.”

I pull her closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “We’ll find it, Princess.”

Isla looks up at me, her expression turning serious. “How many kids do you want, Kai? Really?”

I smile, my heart swelling with love. “As many as you’ll give me, baby. I want a house full of laughter and chaos. I want to see you round with our babies, over and over again.”

She blinks back tears. “I want that too. I want a big family, Kai. I want us to be happy.”

I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. “We will be, Isla. We already are. And it’s only going to get better from here.”

18

ISLA

Today is the day we find out for sure. I wasn’t able to get in with the doctor the very next day, so it has been a week of daily tests, me throwing up, and Kai being cool as a fucking cucumber while I freak out. Kai holds my hand tightly as we sit in the waiting room of the OB/GYN office. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, the feelings of excitement and nerves churning in my stomach.

Or maybe that’s the morning sickness that seems to get worse with each day.

Kai squeezes my hand, offering a reassuring smile, but I can see the same anxiety reflected in his eyes. “Everything is going to be fine, baby. I’ve read that if you’re this sick in the beginning, it means that there is a lot of the pregnancy hormone and it’s a strong pregnancy.”

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