Page 205 of The Baby Bargain

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"Yeah." She presses her lips to my collarbone. "But mostly… I don't think my heart has ever been this full." Her eyes meet mine. "Do you feel that too?"

I don't know what to say. It's still her kid. I'm still the sperm donor. Uncle Chase, at best. But I can't say those words. I can't accept that. "It's everything."

Her smile spreads ear to ear. "Thank you." She rises to her tiptoes and presses her lips to mine. "I know we haven't figured out everything, but you… I… this is good."

"It's great, princess."

She steps backward. Looks up at me like I'm the answer to her prayers.

Fuck, she's beautiful like this. Glowing. Is this why everyone says pregnant women glow?

She's bursting with light.

It warms me everywhere.

Ariel is pregnant.

We're having a baby.

But then—

It's not us. Not yet. I can't fall in love until I know this is ours.

"Chai oatmeal?" I take her hand. Motion to the kitchen. "Sit. I'll make it."

"I can't sit." She bounces into the kitchen. Fills the kettle with hot water. Sets it to boil. "This is…" Her voice is dreamy, far off. "Is it possible to say amazing too many times?"

"No."

She looks at me with the world's biggest smile. "We have to celebrate."

"Chai oatmeal isn't enough?" I tease.

Her laugh is light. Easy. "Chai oatmeal sounds amazing." Her tongue slides over her lip. "But we need more. And, uh, well, you must have practice celebrating without alcohol."

I can't help but laugh.

She bites her lip, but she doesn't jump to her usualoh my God, that was rude, I'm sorry. "Right. I mean—"

"Call in sick," I say.

"No…" Her eyes go wide. "I can't."

"I'm off today."

Her fingers tap the counter. "I did have a class canceled." Her gaze shifts to the kettle. "The other… no one really tries the week of Thanksgiving."

I motioncome here.

She releases the counter. Moves toward me. "What are we doing with our day off?"

"Besides fucking like rabbits?"

"Will we have time for anything else?" She wraps her arms around my waist.

I pull her body into mine. "Barely."

Her laugh is pure joy. "We can do that all night."

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