Page 81 of Unexpected Redemption

Does that mean Kri is a sub like me? I can’t imagine that headstrong woman taking orders from anyone. Oh, to be a fly on the wall at their house.

“Yeah, but that’s not the point. Focus.”

I squeeze his waist. “Easy,” I admonish playfully. “You know I have no say in the matter. The squirrel is in charge.”

He looks a touch repentant. “Sorry. I’m hyped right now. We’re coming close to cracking the code. I can feel it. Something is about to happen.”

“Fine. Back to your explanation. So Mia and Klein are nosy?”

“Right. So they know things are serious for us. They’re constantly asking why I’m so happy and all that shit. Annoying.”He utters a groan that morphs into a sigh. “Word of Sue’s condition has gotten around. And that naturally led them to talk about howyou’vebeen seen running into the bathroom and occasionally appear pale.”

“It’s entirely possible Mia was in the bathroom the other morning when my scrambled eggs made an encore appearance. I wasn’t sure who it was, but I smelled her perfume. I’m sensitive to it. Which istotallyfun.” I crinkle my face to imply sarcasm. “I guess it makes sense that she’s extra curious after that.”

“This morning, they asked me flat out. I changed the subject. But I’d rather just tell them. Would you be okay if I swore them to secrecy?”

“First, I love how you’re asking me. Thank you.” I pucker my lips, enticing him to kiss me. He obliges, giving me a quick peck, and then I continue. “Second, I guess it’s okay. If you think you can trust them with it. I’d hate for it to get around too soon and for people to start talking. Or implying I got pregnant from the whole... you know.”

Tomer’s entire expression changes, all traces of joy disappearing in a breath. My heart squeezes painfully as if my chest has been compressed.

I haven’t ever said that out loud.

It’s rare that I even have that thought without immediately banishing it. It’s more of my favorite coping technique—living in the clouds, riding on unicorns, and singing with the barbershop monkeys.Denial.

“Lettie, are you thinking that’s a possibility?”

I won’t lie to him. “Maybe. Although, logic tells me it’s yours. They wore condoms. Skidmark made them.” I cringe internally. And probably outwardly. “Plus, you and I had that accident. More than likely, it’s yours.”

“But . . .”

“The fear will probably always be in the back of my mind. I can’t erase it. I know it’s horrible to think such things, and I’m sorry for bringing it up.”

“Sweetness, don’t apologize. I’ve had similar thoughts on occasion.”

“You have?”

“Yes. That was the only reason I didn’t want you to be pregnant. Not because of the baby’s DNA, but I didn’t want your emotions about your first pregnancy to be tainted with those nagging worries. I honestly don’t care who the biological father is because it’sourbaby. And as long as it’s half you, he or she will be perfect.”

He just gave me a rabbit hole I could fall down, escaping the heavy topic we’re discussing. “Myfirstpregnancy?”

“Pregnant and barefoot, remember?”

A light chuckle dances from my lips, which he quickly covers with a sweet and tender kiss.

When he pulls away, he asks, “You okay?”

“Yes. Thank you, babe.”

“Don’t ever doubt my feelings about the baby, okay? If you have concerns of your own, that’s understandable. And if you wanted to change the . . .” He pauses to force a swallow. “The outcome, I’d support your decision. Either way, I’m here for you both. The baby isours. Regardless.”

Although I’m barely able to see him through my blurry eyes, my hand finds his cheek. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, sugar bear.” He turns his head to kiss the center of my palm. “So can I tell the two kids?” His eyes dance with giddiness.

No way I could deny him. “Fine. Just tell them not to blab.”

“Wilco.”

My nipples salute his sexy military lingo. After one last kiss, we say our goodbyes, and he heads back to the lair. I linger inthe copy room for a minute, letting his loving words reverberate around in the cavern of my mind.

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