Page 197 of Even Exchange

“Charlotte, Iloveyou. I love everything about you. I love you so much it makes me crazy.Mi fai impazzire.I’ve loved you since I watched you wishing on dandelions, wildflowers in your hair, and every day since. I love you.” He places a hand on my stomach. “And I love this little girl.”

“Ourlittle girl,” I say, and his gaze locks with mine.

“Char,” Noah says, eyes full of hope. Desperation. But saying it feels right. Because from the moment I saw those two little lines, I created an entire universe where Noah was the father. I never wanted that to change. And he’s proven how much he doesn’t either. In fact, his endless love for a baby that’s not biologically his makes me love him all the more.

“Noah.” I place my hand on his face. “Fuck blood or legality. You are thefatherto this baby. Because what the hell else am I supposed to call the man who loves and adores both myself and this little one growing in me? Who comes to every appointment? Ensures we’re loved and cared for and want for absolutely nothing? Who spent five hours putting together a crib because you wanted to make sure it was perfectly safe?”

“Soffione, I don’t want to pressure you. Titles aren’t—they aren’t important. I just want you to know I’m here for you. Both of you.”

“And I want you to know that when she’s born, and you’re wondering what she should call you, the answer is Dad.” I place my hand on his. “Orpapà,if you prefer that.”

“Charlotte.” Tears well in his eyes, and it pulls them from mine. Because having a six-foot-three man, the strongest person I know, dripping tears on me in the middle ofourkitchen, while his hand rests onourbaby—this is the most loved I’ve ever felt. “Please, marry me?”

“Noah.” I release a steady breath, a grin breaking free as tears fall down my cheeks. “I love you too.”

His eyes widen. “You do?”

“I mean, it would kinda be a requirement of me saying yes.” My smile deepens, our hands shaking.

His voice trembles. “Are you?”

Of all the decisions I’ve made in my life, this is by far the easiest. “Yes.”

44

NOAH

Scooping her in my arms, ring clutched in my hand, I blink back tears.Charlotte is going to be my wife.She squeezes me tight, and I slide my free hand in her hair, never wanting to let go. And now I never have to.

My body is overwhelmed with emotions. From the roaring rage I had driving home to the woman I love agreeing to be my wife. Every cell is firing off.

“I love you,” I mumble into her hair.

“I love you,” she says, kissing my neck.

When we pull back, I hold up the ring, and she presents her shaky hand. I steady it, sliding the band onto her ring finger. Her eyes bounce back to mine. “I love you,” she says again, and I will never tire of hearing it.

“Soffione.” I hold her face in my hands. “I can’t wait to be your husband.”

Our lips crash, the stellar collision finally fusing two hearts as one. “Make love to me,” she begs into my mouth, and I scoop her in my arms.Don’t have to tell me twice.She peppers my neck with kisses as I carry her to our bedroom and set her gently atop the comforter. I tug my shirt off and toss it behind me, then drop my pants and boxer briefs to the floor.

A devilish smirk crosses her lips as her eyes roam me hungrily, the attention dancing across my skin. “My fiancé is so damn hot.”

My smile widens, cheeks aching from how devastatingly happy I am in this moment. “So is mine.”

Charlotte scoots off the bed and stands, eyes holding mine as she drops her shorts and panties to the ground and pulls off her shirt, tossing it at me.

I catch it with a laugh, then chuck it behind me and step towards her. Pretty brown eyes meet mine as I grip her hips, and she loops her arms around my neck. I brush my lips over hers. “I can’t believe you love me.”

“How could I not?” she says, and my heart squeezes. “You’re an incredible partner. And you’re going to be an even better father.”

Her words surround me like a warm summer breeze. I press a gentle kiss to her lips, cheek, neck, and collarbone and drop to my knees, my face at her rounded belly. My eyes flutter shut, and I place soft kisses on the baby I’m finally allowed to call mine. Thatalwaysfelt like mine.

“I can’t wait to meet you,” I murmur against Charlotte’s stomach.

“Hear that, little one?” she says, sliding her fingers into my hair. “That’s your daddy. You’re going to be really lucky to have him.” My soul brightens, her words touching even the darkest parts.

Tears prick my eyes, and I tap my forehead to her hard stomach, the feelings overwhelming me. Kneeling with Charlotte before me, growingourbaby, knowing she’s mine. It’s everything I never knew I needed.

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