Page 205 of Destined Lovers

Who will be patient and kind, love our children unconditionally, and will wholeheartedly take the time to immerse himself in their interests.

As he already has with Charlie and Archie.

I found an exotic pets book next to the bed last night. Knowing he wants to have more things in common with Archie makes my heart beat faster for him, if that’s even possible.

Declan Buckley is a great man.

The best.

I am lucky to have found him all those years ago.

I look around; the room is silent, everyone waiting on me, “To Declan, my other half,”

“To Declan!”

I hold his stare and grab his hand to place over my stomach, “To my baby daddy!”

I know more shock and excitement are fluttering around the room, but I’m so lost in my love that the world around us has stopped.

A cry breaks from his lips as he drops to his knees, pressing his forehead to my stomach while rubbing small soothing circles on my body.

He lifts his head to glance up in my direction. “Pip,” he whispers. “You’re pregnant, my angel?”

“I am.” I run my hands through his hair and smile down at him. I want him to have this moment, to let it sink in, as I did when I took the test last week.

“Oh my god.” He presses small kisses around my belly, “Hi, this is your da. I already love you so much. I can’t wait to meet you,” he whispers in between more kisses.

Just like my daydream.

He presses one more long lingering kiss to my belly, then stands up, taking my face in his large hands, holding it gently, as he looks down at me in amazement, then leans in to softly kiss me, celebrating the life we’ve made together.

“We’re having a baby, Nora.”

“I know, Dec. I love you so much.”

Like something’s snapped inside him, he’s on me, reclaiming my lips, crushing me to him. My calm is completely and utterly shattered with a hunger for his kisses.

Whoops of excitement break us apart, as usual, forgetting where we are.

I gaze around and, without a doubt, know this was the right move, sharing this with our friends. I know I would never be able to keep it a secret for the popular three-month waiting period.

They are our family, and we’ve kept enough from them. I wanted to share at least one good thing together.

* * *

After some good cries, laughter, and a night filled with congratulatory words, Declan’s keen on getting home now that he’s found out about the baby, not that I blame him.

I’m exhausted and want to spend the rest of the night with my love,my husband.

Penny and I grab our coats while Agnes, Maeve, and Declan head outside to call for our car.

Just as we’re about to leave, I hear angry, hushed voices coming from a closed door next to us. I glance at Penny, and a look of confusion that quickly changes to recognition passed over her face.

“That’s Jackson and Annabelle,” she whispers.

Ah, she’s right.I knew something was going on with them.

I try walking up close to the door so I can listen, but Penny keeps pulling me back.

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