Page 84 of Ariana's Hero

Breakfast!

And in unison, “The quiche!”

It’s not burned. But itisslightly charred.

“It’s okay,” Ari assures me as she looks over my shoulder at the sad-looking dish. “I like pastries better, anyway. Easier to eat while we’re opening presents.”

Ten minutes later, we’re sitting on the floor in front of the tree, presents and wrapping paper in piles around us. There’s the tiniest bit of glaze on Ari’s lip, and I lean over to kiss it off, turning the small taste into a passionate kiss.

Then I look at her.

Eyes sparkling, lips kiss-swollen, my ring sparkling on her finger, huge smile, and flat belly that will soon swell as our child grows inside her.

Beside the twinkling tree, the fire crackling nearby, the room filled with love, I’m struck by a sudden certainty.

“They would be so happy.”

Ari tilts her head, her brows arching up in question. “Who?”

“My parents, my grandparents, your dad… I think they would be so happy to see us together like this. To know we came back together, that we’re getting married. That we’re having a baby.”

Her gaze goes soft, and she takes my hand. “Oh, Cash. I think somehow they know. And I’m sure they’re happy.”

The swell of emotion silences me, and I gather Ari into my arms, pressing my lips into her hair.

NowI know what Ari means by happy tears.

We’re both quiet for a minute, until Ari leans back and grins at me. “Okay. I was just thinking, after we open the presents, we should probablycelebrate our Christmas engagement with some R-rated activity by the tree. What do you think?”

“I may have gotten you a gift to go with it,” she adds, giving me a heated look. “Somethingfun.”

Yes,please.

Epilogue

3MonthsLater

ARI

“Sweetheart, you look gorgeous.”

Cash comes up behind me, resting his hand on my hip. He brushes my hair back and kissesthatspot behind my ear, the one that always sends little shivers through me.

I turn toward him, gesturing at my stomach. “But do I look pregnant? Or just like I’ve been pigging out lately?”

He moves his hand to cover the small swell of my belly. “You look pregnant, Ari. Everyone who’s coming knowsyou are.”

That’s true.

Once we passed the first trimester, I’m not sure whowas more eager to tell everyone. Cash bragged to everyone at the station, and I was thrilled to put my framed ultrasounds on my desk at school.

Of course, some people knew earlier—my mom, Thea, Ian, Grant—and Laila figured me out one day when she and Ben were visiting. She spotted me making ginger tea and burst out with, “My teacher makes that all the time. She’s pregnant, and she says it makes her tummy feel better. Are you pregnant, too?”

Thankfully, the morning sickness has passed, and I’m feeling pretty good. Happy. Safe. Excited about what’s coming next.

Life is good all around, really. No more crazy drama, Kyle and Brett are both in prison, and Cash and I can focus on our future together.

“You’re right.” I cover his hand with mine, my fingers pale against his golden ones. “I guess I’m just looking forward to when I reallylook pregnant.”

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