Page 102 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

He sets down his coffee mug, giving me his full attention. "What is it, Kenz?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I'm pregnant."

The words hang in the air between us. Everett's face goes blank, and my stomach drops. Oh God, he hates this. He's gonna kick me out. I've ruined everything.

Then, slowly, a smile spreads across his face. It's like watching the sun come out from behind a cloud, warming me from the inside out.

"You're... we're having a baby?" he asks, his voice filled with wonder.

I nod, tears pricking at my eyes. "Yeah. We are."

I feel a surge of emotions threaten to spill over. I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Everett, about the rumor with Ian?—"

"I know," he says, his voice low and steady. "I heard, and you don't need to explain."

A sense of relief washes over me, but the nagging fear still lingers. I clasp my hands tightly, my fingers fidgeting despite my efforts to stay still, a quiet tension settling in as I keep my gaze low.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that."

Everett's brow furrows with concern. "How are you feeling, Kenzie? I mean, really feeling?"

I hesitate for a moment and look into his eyes. "It's been tough. The nausea is getting to me, especially in the mornings. I thought it was just nerves at first, but it’s like my stomach has a mind of its own." I bite my lip, unsure if I should share more.

Everett reaches out, brushing his thumb along my cheek. "What about the morning sickness? Is it bad?"

"Yeah, every time I think I’m okay, it comes back to remind me that I’m not. It feels like a constant reminder that things are changing, and I just..." I pause, searching his face for reassurance. "It's overwhelming."

"How does that make you feel?"

I take a moment to gather my thoughts as he watches me closely.

"Honestly? A little helpless," I admit. "I never expected to be in this position, and it scares me. But at the same time, there's a flicker of hope buried in there, too. I want this, Everett. I really do."

He nods, fully absorbing my words, his grip on me tightening as if to bolster my courage. "You're going to be an incredible mom, Kenzie. And the girls are going to lose their minds."

We chuckle. The warmth in his eyes makes me believe him. Then Everett's out of his chair in an instant, pulling me into his arms. He lifts me off my feet, spinning us around the kitchen.

"Kenzie, this is... God, I can't even find the words," he says, setting me down gently. His hands cup my face, thumbs brushing away tears I didn't realize had fallen. "I love you so much."

Relief washes over me, leaving me lightheaded. "I love you too," I whisper.

He kisses me, soft and sweet and full of promise. When we break apart, I see a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

"There's something I need to tell you,” he says. "About the girls, and... my past."

I nod and wait. It seems I'm not the only one with a secret.

Everett takes a deep breath, and I hold his hand tight. There's nothing we can't overcome.

"Jillian and I... we weren't in a good place when she got pregnant," he starts. "She'd been on a mission, and... well, the girls aren't biologically mine."

My eyes widen, but I stay silent, letting him speak.

"Their birth father died on that mission. Jillian was a mess. She couldn't handle being a mother, so I stepped up. Adopted them at birth." His voice cracks slightly. "They're my girls in every way that matters."

I squeeze his hand. "Of course they are. You're an amazing father, Everett."

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