Page 44 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

Christian

“I’m so sorry, Charleigh,” I said as we walked hand in hand back to our house.

“Don’t apologize, Christian. I overreacted.”

We stepped through the sliding door, and I immediately pulled her into a tight embrace.

“I love you so much, and I would never want you to think I’m trying to kill you. You have no idea how much that hurt me.”

She broke our embrace and stared into my eyes.

“I didn’t mean it and should have never said it. I’m so sorry.” She placed her hands on each side of my face. “I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know, babe. If the thought of having children scares you that badly, then we won’t, and I’m fine with that. The only thing that matters to me is you and your well-being.” I grabbed her hand and led her to the couch.

“I’m scared that our child will inherit my heart condition. That is one of the main reasons why I don’t want kids.”

“I understand that.” I brought my thumb to her lips. “But on the positive side, he or she has the best damn cardiothoracic surgeon in the country that will take care of it.” A smirk crossed my lips. “I know you’re scared about everything, and I don’t want to make you feel that way. I’m good with or without kids.”

“Christian, I—”

“Let me finish. I knew what I was getting into with you, Charleigh Ellis, and I’m in for the long haul regardless of whether we have children. It will never change how much I love and need you. You are the epitome of happiness, and you’re all I need. I do and will respect your decision for the rest of my life.”

Tears streamed down her face as she wrapped her arms around me.

“I love you so much, Christian.”

“I love you too, babe. Let’s go to bed and have make up sex,” I whispered in her ear.

* * *

One Week Later

“Are you guys finished yet?” Julia walked into Noah’s nursery. “Emilia and Sebastian will be home in a couple of hours.

“Just making sure everything is tightened on the crib,” Stefan said.

“Okay. We girls need to get in here and put everything in place, so move on out.”

“I love it when you’re so bossy.” Sam smiled as he kissed Julia’s lips.

Since Noah was born early and in the NICU, Sebastian and Emilia spent all their time at the hospital with him. Sebastian was barely home between being at the hospital and trying to run three restaurants. So, we took the liberty of getting everything ready for them, so the only thing they had to do was focus on their son.

We walked down the stairs only to see the living room was filled with “It’s a Boy” balloons and a huge welcome sign that said, “Welcome Home Noah Christian Kind.” Food was spread out all over the island in the kitchen, compliments of Marco. Sebastian and Emilia had no idea we were doing all this, and I couldn’t wait to see the look on their faces.

“So, bro.” Conner walked over and hooked his arm around me. “You think you’re pretty special since Sebastian and Emilia gave Noah your name, eh?”

“Actually, I do.” I smiled. “After all, I am the one who brought that little guy into the world.”

“Yeah, yeah.” His grip around my neck tightened.

“They’re here!” Georgia shouted. “Everyone get in place.”

We all stood facing the front door. As soon as it opened, we all softly yelled SURPRISE. Sebastian stopped dead in his tracks as he held the baby’s car seat in his hand.

“Oh, my God.” Emilia placed her hands over her mouth, and a wide grin crossed Sebastian’s face.

“What is all this?” Sebastian asked.

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