Page 72 of Pastel Kisses

A baby.

Our baby.

The thought alone makes something primal and possessive stir in my chest. We created life with her. And she survived hell to bring that life into the world. She’s everything—strong, soft, fierce, and ours.

A slow smile spreads across my face, pure satisfaction curling through my chest. I don’t even try to fight it.

With her tucked between us, wrapped in love and safe in our arms, I let the weight of it all finally lift.

Sleep takes me quickly, a cocky, grateful-as-hell grin still on my face.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Kamden

My eyes crack open, and the first thing I feel is the warmth of her hand against my stomach… then lower. She’s gentle but purposeful, and when I glance down, Avery’s eyes are already on mine—bright, mischievous, and well-rested.

“Sunshine—” I groan, my voice still thick with sleep. “What exactly do you think you’re doing?”

Her soft laugh brushes against my chest as she presses a kiss to my ribs. Her legs curl around mine, her belly resting lightly against me as she shifts closer. “Waking you up the best way I know how,” she murmurs, her voice a mix of teasing and need. “I’ve missed this—missedyou. And now that I’m home, I don’t want to waste another second.”

Damn.

Every protective, possessive part of me flares to life. She’s home. She’s safe. And she’s in my arms. It hits me in waves—gratitude, hunger, love.

“You should be resting,” I say, even though my hands are already on her waist, guiding her closer.

“I’ve done nothingbutrest,” she pouts, lips full and tempting, and for a second, I forget how to breathe. “I want to feel alive again, Kam. I wantyou.”

I’m done resisting. I slide my hand behind her neck, bringing her face close until our foreheads touch. “Sunshine, if you keep looking at me like that, you’re going to stay barefoot and pregnant forever.”

Her laugh is low and wicked, and the sparkle in her eye tells me she’s not opposed to the idea in the slightest.

“I could get used to that,” she whispers, running her fingers through my hair.

Her words hit me like a lightning strike—hot, direct, impossible to ignore. A surge of heat rushes through me, low and intense, catching me off guard. I’m stunned for half a second, trying to rein in my reaction before I embarrass myself like some teenage boy.

I kiss her then—slow and deep—letting everything I can’t say yet pour into it. We don’t rush. We savor. It’s not about hunger or release. It’s about coming back to life… together.

And then, while I’m distracted, she slides out of her shirt.

My breath catches. Her body has changed—fuller, rounder, more beautiful than ever. Her breasts rise and fall with each breath, soft and flushed, her skin catching the early morning light that spills across the bed. I swallow hard, the sight of her undoing every ounce of control I’m trying to hold onto.

Leaning in slowly, I brush my lips against hers in a featherlight kiss. “Are you sure?” I whisper, cupping her cheek. “I don’t want to push anything or hurt you.”

Her eyes shimmer, and she nods, her voice barely above a breath. “I’m perfect. The doctor said as long as I’m comfortable, it’s okay. I just want to be close to you… I’ve missed you so much.”

One hand slides into my hair, gently guiding me closer. Our lips meet again—this time deeper, slower. Like we’re rediscovering each other, matching the pace of our hearts. I savor her, every sigh and subtle shift, letting it center me.

I trail kisses from her mouth down to her jaw, then lower, until my lips find the soft skin of her neck. She lets out a quiet gasp, arching slightly into me as my hand finds her waist and draws her against me.

There’s urgency between us now, not from lust alone, but from longing. From all the days stolen from us. The quiet desperation to reclaim this closeness we were robbed of.

My hand glides along her curves, feeling the heat of her skin under my fingertips, while my forehead rests against hers. I take a deep breath, letting it ground me.

“I missed this,” I murmur. “I missedyou.”

Her lips lift into a soft smile, and she whispers, “Then take your time. We’ve got all morning.”

---