Page 79 of Sizzling Desire

Damn it, I do love him.

I always have.

I exhale sharply, closing my eyes, because I hate that he gets to have this moment—this victory—while I’m in labor.

But when I open my eyes, he’s still looking at me—really looking at me, like I’m the only thing that matters in the entire world.

I let out a shuddering breath, and before I can chicken out, I finally, for the first time, say it.

"For the love of everything holy, Kane—I love you, too."

His entire face lights up, and then—"So you’ll marry me?"

I scream as another contractiontearsthrough me, gripping his hand so hard I hear himcurse.

"Fine!" I shriek. "Yes! I’ll marry you! NOW START THE DAMN VAN!"

He doesn’t hesitate.

The engine roars to life, tires screeching as he reverses out of the driveway so fast I almost forget I’m about to give birth.

Almost.

"Push, Gracie. Come on, sweetheart, you’ve got this," Kane says, his voice right next to my ear as I grip his shirt for dear life.

"I will kill you," I pant, sobbing through the contraction. "I hate you—I hate everyone in this room!"

The doctor doesn’t even flinch. "You’re doing great, Grace."

I don’t believe her.

I amnotdoing great.

I am dying.

Another contraction crashes through me, and Kane—bless him—doesn’t even flinch when I dig my nails into his arm.

Instead, he kisses my forehead, murmuring, "You’re so fucking strong, baby. Just a little more."

I sob as I push, my body splitting in two?—

And then—then I hear it.

A cry.

A loud, furious, brand new little cry.

My body collapses back against the bed, my vision blurring as the doctor lifts our screaming baby into the air.

I hear Kane inhale sharply beside me, his hand tightening on mine as they place the tiny, wailing bundle onto my chest.

My heart stops. "Oh my god," I whisper, blinking back the most ridiculous wave of emotion I’ve ever felt in my life.

Kane is silent beside me, and when I glance at him, my breath catches.

He’s wrecked. Completely, utterly undone.

He reaches out, brushing a shaking finger over our baby’s head, exhaling sharply. "Holy shit."

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