Page 49 of No Limits

Chapter 21

“Lochlyn!”Iscreamasloud as I can, so he’ll hear me anywhere in the house.

Within seconds, he comes scrambling into the doorway, his eyes wide and hair out of place. “What? What is it?”

The way I screamed, he probably thought somebody had broken into the house and was murdering me.

I hand him the stick. The one that very clearly sayspregnant.

His brow furrows for a minute before his eyes grow wide with understanding.

“Shay. Are you…”

“Pregnant? Yeah, it would appear so. I’m sorry. I don't…I don't know what happened. I—”

Lochlyn cuts me off with a kiss, having crossed the room, cupping my cheeks between his hands.

“I love you. I love you so much, Shay.” He rests his forehead against mine as my foot tilts to the side and tears well in my eyes.

“I didn't mean for this to happen.” My fingers wrap around his wrists as his hands still hold my face.

“Are you not excited?”

“Are you?”

“Yeah, Shay, of course I am.” His tone is so light, so sincere.

“We’re so young still, Lochlyn.”

“I don't care. All I care about is you, being with you, having a family with you. Besides, we’re married.” One shoulder lifts as though it’s no big deal instead of the biggest thing that could happen to us.

“We’re not married yet.” I feel the need to point out the fact.

“Okay, fine, but we will be in two weeks. And as far as you and I are concerned, we have been for a very long time.” Pulling me against him, he peppers kisses all over my face. Tucking a finger under my chin, he tips my face toward his. “I love you. I’m happy, Shay. I’m really happy about this. And I can understand being nervous, but this is agoodthing.” His hands have fallen to gently hold my waist as I lean into him.

“I’m scared.” My lip trembles as my eyes fill and the words come out in a broken whisper around the lump in my throat.

“I know, baby. It’s scary. But we've already gotten in the teenage angst practice, thanks to Chelsea. We can handle everything else.” He’s trying to make light of this very heavy situation.

“But Lochlyn. Sleepless nights, diapers…I mean, aside from when I babysat in high school, I know nothing about babies.” And those babysitting days were short-lived since Dad got sick.

“And I probably know even less. But we’re smart and resourceful people. We’ll figure it out. And I’m sure you’ll do all of your research?”

Leaning back, I furrow my brows and point at him. “Don't make fun of my research.”

“I would never. All I’m saying is that we have this. We can do anything together, Shay. This was always part of the plan, just maybe not so soon.”

“That’s not the only reason I’m scared, Lochlyn. This year was hard for us. I felt very alone. And while you've changed your work habits tremendously, and I appreciate that to no end, a baby is going to be really hard on us. You won't be able to help me at night and get up for work in the morning. You’re gone all day. And while you’re home by dinner, it’s such a limited time and I’ll be exhausted.” My mind is already spinning round and round, and I’m sure he can tell as the words tumble out of me.

“Come with me.” Taking my hand, he leads me out of the bathroom and down the stairs, pulling me into his lap when we get to the couch. “I've been doing some thinking.”

“Have you now?”

“Yes, and I've been thinking that despite working with music, I still don't want to be a lawyer.” This isn’t exactly news since he told me he hates his job a few months ago, but I kind of assumed he’d stick with it because it’s what’s “expected” of him. Not to mention, it’s a job…that pays really well.

“Okay.” I draw it out slowly as I tip my head and narrow my eyes.

“What would you think if we opened up a shop? I was thinking a music shop with a café, a place to have some live music. I know a lot of people don't buy physical music anymore, that it’s all digital, but it could be more merchandise related for local bands, some vinyl for those who still connect, a full café with drinks and food. I've already talked to some of the artists I represent and a handful are on board to do some live shows.” That’s a lot of thinking he’s been doing.

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