Page 85 of You Are Cordially Invited

“We’re gonna have lots of time in the next week,” I reminded him.

After the ultrasound we were headed to Queenstown, a combined honeymoon present from all our friends—a week’s stay in an upmarket, super secluded B&B in Drift Bay, right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Called Lake Dream Suites, the newish place had received tons of glowing reviews and was apparently run by a property developer whose husband owned Southern Lights Coffee Company, my favourite roastery.

I couldn’t wait.

Cam’s mother was taking Cory, and we had a whole week all to ourselves. No rugby, hopefully no media, and no interruptions. A chance to catch our breath before the madness of Christmas, the new year, and a growing family took shape.

I brushed a few mussed locks of black hair from his forehead. “Has anyone heard from Jake?”

He stilled. “Other than two texts to his parents to say he was fine and not to worry, no. Fucker. I’ll give himfinethe next time I see him. He’ll be sobloodyfine he won’t be able to walk for a week with his balls wrapped around his neck and plaited down his back?”

I snorted. “Maybe he’s looking for closure.”

Cam grunted. “He’ll get his foolish heart trampled again is what he’ll get. Anyway, enough of my idiot cousin. I know we said we wouldn’t talk about your rugby career until we got to Queenstown—” He got up on one elbow and looked down at me. “—but I don’t want to wait. I’ve been thinking about it, a lot.”

My stomach clenched, but whichever way he went, we’d be okay. My recovery was going well. There was a little residual weakness on my right side, which strength training was already improving, and the soft collar had been ditched a few days ago. I was sidelined until the next season and would need a full clearance from the TQ and concussion specialists. I was hopeful but I wasn’t taking bets, and if it all fell through, I had Cam and our family to fill any gap rugby might leave in my life.

Cam cleared his throat. “Don’t look so nervous.” He smiled. “Nothing has changed for me since the first time you asked. If they clear you, I want you to play. If there’s a genuine question about your safety, then that’s different. But you love rugby, Rube, and yes, I know you love us more, but if you’re cleared, it would only be fear holding us back, and we promised we wouldn’t do that again. So my vote is, you play.”

My hand cupped his jaw. “And you’re sure?”

He frowned. “Of course I’m bloody sure. We promised, full disclosure from now on, right?”

“Right.” I rubbed my thumb over his cheek. “Full disclosure.”

He grimaced. “No hiding how I feel about things. Not about the media, or you being away, or Cory, or the new baby. We talk about it all. I don’t try and protect you, and you let me know what you want, as well.” He eyeballed me. “It sits about as comfortable as a drag queen’s tuck, but I’ll do it. You too.”

“Me too.” I grinned.

“Good. So stop with the checking.”

I saluted and pulled him down so I could kiss him, thoroughly.

“Mmm.” He smacked his lips and waggled his eyebrows. “I vote we take this to the shower before Cory wakes up. I want you to come so far down the back of my throat that it blows out my arse. You game, Mr All Black?”

I cradled his face. “How is that even a question? Ten bucks says you blow before I do.”

“Pfft.” He eyed me sideways. “It’s like you don’t even know me. I’m putting fifteen on you.”

I shoved him off my chest. “You’re on.”

* * *

Cam

Reuben took my hands in his to stop them from shaking and kissed my cheek. “Breathe, baby.”

Easier said than done as I stood transfixed to the slightly blurry, black and white form floating on the monitor.

Hell, my brain had checked out the minute Stella lifted her shirt to reveal that beautiful gently rounded belly.

A baby.

Ourbaby.

And Oh. My. God.

What the hell were we thinking?

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