Page 159 of That Last Secret

Him or her.

I protested at our twenty-week anatomy scan over the fact that Emiline wanted the gender to be a surprise. As someone who has spent their life meticulously planning for his future, I needed to know so I could plan this.

Our baby needs the most perfect room.

Our baby needs clothes.

Our baby needs a name.

The unknowns have always scared me, but Emiline has been my rock every step of the way. While I knew she was strong before, there’s something incredible about seeing the strength she holds growing a human inside her.

She’s free, and it’s clear who she is as a person today.

She doesn’t hold secrets with her brothers or friends anymore.

The stress of school and exams doesn’t linger in her head anymore.

Her last panic-inducing moment was the morning we told her brothers that she was pregnant. She didn’t quite get to thepoint of having a full-blown panic attack, but I saw the way her breathing changed and watched as anxiety filled her features.

Trust me, I was nervous too.

But they all surprised us.

All three of them smiled from ear-to-ear and felt an overwhelming sense of joy for us. There wasn’t an ounce of concern on their faces. It’s like they knew Emiline changed me in all the right ways. They knew no matter what, I love her, and I wasn’t planning on leaving her side anytime soon.

I finally concede to her demands and jump in the shower.

Tonight, the entire group is getting together to celebrate my completion of rehab and the start of a new life for myself.

Yup, you heard that right.

The start of a new life.

After waking up from my coma, I called the chief and told him I couldn’t take the position. There was no way I could carry the workload of being chief while raising a child. I know my dad did it with ease, but I have a long way to go before I become even half the man he was. The thought of becoming a father is both terrifying and exhilarating. I’m not sure if I’m ready, but I’m determined to be the best dad I can be.

I let the water hit my back. Despite the emotional thoughts coursing through my head, I smile. Wide and with ease. Because even if I’m not following in my dad’s exact footsteps… I believe he would be really fucking proud of the man I’ve become.

“Emiline,” I shout. “Care to join—”

My words fall short when I hear her heaving in the toilet just outside of the shower.

“I’ll pass,” she chokes out over the toilet.

I wash the soap from my body and jump out of the shower as fast as possible, finding her sitting on the counter.

“Sorry. I would have joined you. But you know… morning sickness is actually now called all-day sickness. And it doesn’t go away in the first trimester, it stays the. Entire. Time.”

I take her face between my hands, staring at her, memorizing every minor feature, even if it is a mess from vomiting.

“I love you, babe. So much. It’s not even funny.”

“I love you too.” Emiline smiles at me before pushing me away and jumping off the counter. “Now, get ready. We’re going to be so late.”

“You got it, boss.”

I sit at Ollie’s, one arm draped over the back of Emiline’s chair, as I scan the table. An indescribable feeling washes over me, seeing everyone we love together to celebrateme.

Not too long ago, it was only me and the Ford brothers.

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