Page 116 of Destined for Dreams
Bartol blinked, turned his gaze back to the picture and then finally looked at her with a stunned expression. “Is this photo what I think it is?”
“I just found out a little over a week ago.” Cori went on to explain about the test and subsequent visit to Paula. “She says I’m probably due in late May.”
“I didn’t think it was possible,” he said, staring once again at the tiny picture of their baby.
“Me, either. I swear I didn’t get pregnant on purpose.”
He shook his head. “You’re not a full sensor—none of us could have foreseen this.”
“So you’re not mad?”
“Why would I be?” His gaze shimmered with moisture that could have been mistaken for unshed tears. “You’ve just given me the greatest gift any man could ever imagine.”
Cori honestly hadn’t expected him to be happy about it. She’d prepared all sorts of arguments for how they’d make it work, and he didn’t have to be responsible if he didn’t want. The reaction he’d given her instead made her heart swell. “Really?”
He carefully set the frame and card aside. She braced herself as he moved toward her, stalking closer like a lion. One moment she was on the couch, and in the next she was in his arms. Bartol kissed her like a man possessed all while holding her like delicate glass.
After a moment, he pulled away. “You should not have put yourself in danger by going to London.”
“That’s why Ariel was there—to make sure the baby was protected.”
Bartol might not have known the full reason, but they’d explained the magnitude of the spell put on her beforehand. Nothing could have harmed her that day, though thankfully, it wasn’t necessary.
“She knew?”
Cori nodded.
“Who else knows?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Well, uh…” she hesitated. “Apparently, just about everyone figured it out before me. I guess there were signs, and Derrick said I smelled different. So if it’s any consolation, I was late finding out, too.”
Bartol shook his head, then a look of concern came over his face as he studied her closely. “Is this why you were in the bathroom so often? Have you been sick?”
“Yeah, but it’s not so bad.” Cori had gone through worse with her daughter during the first trimester and could hardly get out of bed. This pregnancy was easier than that.
“I should have guessed it,” Bartol muttered.
“Like you said.” She took his hands in hers. “We didn’t expect it could happen, or else I would have figured it out sooner, too.”
Joy cleared her throat from where she stood at the entrance to the kitchen. “I’ve waited as long as I could, but brunch will get cold if we don’t eat soon.”
“Oh, right,” Cori said, pulling away from Bartol.
They headed into the dining room and took their seats. Her mother had made a huge meal with scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, pancakes, bacon, and lots of fresh fruit. It was a tradition in Cori’s family when she was growing up, though she hadn’t been a part of it for many years. For the next few minutes, no one spoke and just ate, everyone surprisingly hungry.
Joy wiped her mouth with a napkin. “So what is the plan for you two now?”
“Um.” Cori set her fork down. “We haven’t really had a chance to discuss that yet.”
“We will take it one step at a time,” Bartol answered.
“Are you going to keep living apart?” Joy asked. Her expression said she didn’t think that was a good idea at all. “You should certainly get married.”
“We rushed things before,” Cori said, glancing at Bartol for affirmation. He gave her an encouraging nod. “Even with the baby on the way, I want to make sure we don’t do anything to mess things up this time around. We can look at moving in together when we’re ready, and the rest will come with time.”
“Agreed,” Bartol said.
Cori was relieved that for once they were on the same page.
