Page 256 of Before Dawn

She leaned into me, her sobs quieting as I held her. “I know it’s hard,” I continued softly, “but we’re in this together. We’ve got each other. We’re going to make it. Are you still nauseous?”

“Not nauseous,” she murmured. “Thank God.”

“Okay, baby.”

She was quiet for a moment, tears slowing as she calmed. I kissed her cheek, then her lips—slow and tender, trying to pour all my love into that kiss. When I pulled back, I searched her eyes for any sign of relief. “Do you want to stay in tonight instead?” I asked gently, not wanting to push her if she wasn’t up for it.

“I want to go.” Her voice was steadier now. “I want to be with you tonight. I’m just… I needed a moment.”

I rubbed her belly again, feeling a sense of awe at the life we’re so close to bringing into the world. “Our little one will be here soon, and all of this will be worth it.”

She took a deep breath and managed a small smile. “Just a few more weeks.”

“Exactly,” I said, smiling back. “And when the time comes, we’ll be ready. You’ve been incredible, and I know you’re going to be an amazing mom.”

She nodded again, her smile growing as she reached out to take my hand. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out, Red.”

As I held her close, feeling the tension slowly drain from her body, the room settled into a peaceful silence. I was about to suggest we take a few minutes to relax together before getting ready when my phone buzzed in my pocket, shattering the moment.

I pulled it out and saw Sapphire’s name flashing on the screen. My stomach tightened.What the hell was going on at the office?

Abigail noticed it too, and I felt her stiffen in my arms.

“It’s Sapphire,” I said, hesitation creeping in as I debated whether to answer.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her arms crossed protectively over her chest, which only made me notice her belly more.

Fuck, it was hot.

“Of course,” she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration.

Without a word, I hit decline and quickly typed out a text:Is everything good at the office?

Sapphire replied almost instantly:Contracts are here for the new contacts, and your call with Singapore is rescheduled for next week.

I slipped the phone back into my pocket and met Abigail’s eyes. She was still tense, a mix of relief and lingering frustration in her gaze. I squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. “She updated me on the contracts and the Singapore call. I’ll handle it next week.”

Abigail let out a small sigh. “I know you have to work, and I know how busy you are, but I just—” She paused, shaking her head beforemeeting my eyes again. “I’m secure, okay? I know you love me, and I trust you, but this pregnancy... it makes everything feel ten times more intense.”

I leaned in, brushing my lips against her forehead. “You never have to explain, baby. I understand. You’re allowed to feel however you want.”

Her body relaxed into me, just a little more. “I know it’s silly,” she said quietly, “but sometimes it just gets to me. I just want you all to myself.”

I chuckled softly, pulling her closer. “It’s not silly,” I assured her. “Because there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

She looked up at me, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she absorbed my words. “You always know what to say, Mr. Suarez.”

I smiled, the warmth of her words sinking in, but it wasn’t just that. Soon, she’d be taking that last name too.

“I mean every word,” I said, my hand resting on her belly, feeling the baby shift beneath my palm. “You’re my world. You and our little one.”

“Ooo,” she gasped, a giggle escaping her as she looked down at her belly. “You’re kicking up a storm for daddy, aren’t you?”

I placed my hand back on her belly, feeling another gentle kick. “Daddy’s girl, already?”

“Definitely daddy’s girl,” she whispered, exhaling as the tension in her body eased. She added, barely above a whisper, “Thank you for always knowing how to pull me back when I get lost in my head. For making me feel better, even when I’m being ridiculous.”

---