Page 47 of Dibs
Beck guffaws as she chews a huge bite of pancake. “Come on, babe. They’ve been like second parents to both of us for a long time. Cecile wants to throw us an engagement party, and if I say no, she’ll insist on hosting the bridal shower. She loves us.”
Beck has a point. She’s usually right. I’ve stopped fighting that. I think about the ring on her finger and what it means for the rest of my life. How lucky I am to call this woman mine. Waiting over a decade had been the right thing to do, no matter how many times people told me to get over it and move on with my life.
The only life I want is one with Aspyn Beckett—and it’s the life I have.
Ten years of best-friendship had been enough to feel absolute certainty that Beck is the right one, for now and forever. I never want to look at another woman. She’s captured my heart so fully, it will always be in her hands. Marrying her was the easiest decision of my whole life.
The fact that she’s now Aspyn Beckett Ambrose makes me the happiest man in the entire world. Though, she’s always been Beck to me and always will be.
“My turn to ask what you’re thinking.” Beck sips her coffee and looks over at me expectantly.
“How fucking delighted I am that you took my last name.” I give her a look of disbelief and shake my head. “And how did I get so lucky?”
“Mm, you think you’re lucky now. Wait until the food settles, and you may find yourself even luckier.”
Like I said. Luckiest guy ever, maybe in the entire universe. I glance over into her hazel eyes that shine mischievously and green, and Beck’s beauty steals my breath.So. Lucky.
Suddenly, Beck looks morose, and I demand, “What’s wrong?”
“It’s just, I’m scheduled for a birth control shot Monday since the pills are making me so crazy. And I don’t want to do it, Deac.” Tears well up in her pretty eyes, and she swipes them away. I lean closer and take her face in my hands.
“Why is that, love?” I need to hear it out loud.
“I’ve always wanted a big family like the one you have. Being the only child wasn’t my favorite experience, and I’m already almost thirty. If we don’t start soon…” Beck trails off and then adds, “I want to start soon. Though, we haven’t had much of a honeymoon period, but who knows how long it will take for me to get pregnant?”
I long to put my hand over her mouth, but I restrain myself. She’s about to speak, but I interrupt and give her my most dazzling smile. “Then, let’s have babies, Beck.”
She jumps out of her chair and squeals. “Are you sure? I don’t want to rush you, and I know that?—”
More firmly, I tell her, “Let’s start in half an hour when the food settles.”
Beck throws herself into my arms, nearly knocking me off my chair. I stand up, squeeze her tight, and twirl her around like Idid the day we were married. By the time I put her down, she’s crying happy tears and bobbing her head happily.
“I’ve never wanted anything more than to have a family with you, my love. You’re the light of my life, and our children will be so lucky to have you as a mother. You love fiercely, have so much compassion, and you’re one of the smartest women I’ve ever met. Loyal to a fault. Courageous. You’ll raise our children to be kind, loving people who make the world a better place. I’m ready to do this with you. Today. Tomorrow. Whenever.” It’s as easy as that.
Beck sobs lightly, and I cover her mouth with mine. We leave the food on the table as I lead her up the stairs and back to our bed, where I show her just how eager I am to give her the baby she longs for.
26
ASPYN
The day of the Wright family Christmas party arrives, and I spend the morning and afternoon getting ready and giving myself the necessary pep talks. At Deacon’s urging, I had selected an incredible new dress that started with black satin at the top and then transitioned from black satin into a maroon-to-pruple ombre, with a wide, full skirt covered in beading. The deep V of the neckline stretches down past my sternum, necessitating that I tape my breasts in place. I know, looking in the mirror, I’ve never owned a more beautiful gown, and I feel so pretty in it. Deacon had bought it for me as if it were no big deal, just tossing his debit card down and announcing, “We’ll take it!”
Now I’m fussing with my hair, curling it perfectly. It’s gotten long, and Deacon loves it this way. More to pull, I guess. God knows we’ve been spending a lot of time in bed lately, giving each other endless pleasure in our quest to get pregnant. We’re twenty minutes late to the party because Deacon insisted on bending me over the couch and taking me hard while I held the dress up.
When we ring the doorbell, Sean’s father, Matthew, opens it, and his mother Cecile walks over to welcome us in.
“Thank you so much for the invitation,” I tell Cecile.
She pulls me into her arms and says, “I miss you!” in my ear. “And my darling, you have never looked more beautiful. You are absolutely glowing. And you, Deacon.” She looks him up and down and smiles. “You’re looking dapper as ever in that tux. Happiness suits you well.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Matt claps Deacon on the shoulder. “To know you two are so happy together is a real relief for us. We love you like you’re our own children and are so glad that you both came tonight. Sean has been ordered to be on his best behavior.”
I tear up a little at Matt’s sweet words, and I give him a big hug. “Thanks. Life’s too short for unhappiness. I’m glad everything turned out so well in the end. The universe always provides, right?”
“It does,” Matt agrees. “Oh! The deviled egg tray is making its rounds. Go grab yourself a plate. I know they’re your favorite.”
I giggle and wave, then practically sprint off to the plates. I get in prime position to scoop several eggs unabashedly. Deacon makes his way over with a flute of champagne for me. I’d taken a test this morning and gotten a negative, so I throw back the deviled eggs and then gulp the sweet bubbles without guilt.
