Page 34 of Through the Fire

“And you came to the conclusion it’s not how?”

“My period tracker app reminded me that I’m late.”

I thought back to my conversation with Jayce. Her period should’ve been on, but she was late because she was pregnant with my baby. A huge grin broke out on my face. Rushing to Island, I picked her up and spun her around in glee.

“We’re having a baby!” I cheered to myself.

I placed Island on her feet then captured her lips in a passionate kiss. She gripped my shirt in her hands tightly, allowing me to have my way with her mouth.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” I repeated. I was struggling to contain my excitement.

“What are we going to do about the trip? I don’t want to be waddling all over the place and in need of a nap every few hours like some toddler.”

Island was really worked up over this trip. I took a moment to study her and realized it was her nerves getting the best of her. We talked about this; she wanted us to have a baby. She should’ve been more excited. For a second, I wondered if the reality of being a mother was not as exciting as the thought of it.

I kissed her forehead softly. “Baby, we can reschedule the trip. When we go, we’ll just have another baby with us.”

She sighed heavily then laughed. “You better not let Shy Shy hear you calling her a baby.”

I smiled. “I know, right? But I’m saying it’s all good, baby. No need to get upset about postponing the trip until after you give birth.” I tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “Are you nervous?”

She had the most innocent look in her eyes when she batted her thick eyelashes and glanced up at me.

“I understand, but you’re going to be so great at it. It’s not different from the way you are with Shy Shy.”

“I didn’t think I could get pregnant,” she admitted, nibbling on her bottom lip. “You’ve been shooting up the club since day one. Why now?”

I wrapped my arms around her waist and took a minute to admire her. I trailed a finger over her freckles, wondering if our baby would have them too or hazel eyes like mine. Either way, I knew he or she would be perfect in every way.

“Why not now, baby? Babies are a gift from God.”

She picked at the back of my shirt still lost in her thoughts.

“We’re not married…”

“Shit, we can go to the courthouse first thing Monday morning.”

Island tossed her head back. “No, it’s just…”

“If you don’t want to have my baby, then just say that.”

I frowned then turned around like I was about to walk away. She reached for my hand, stopping me from going any further.

“Don’t act like that.”

“That’s how you’re acting.”

“I know. I know. I’m sorry, baby. Our lives are great, and that’s what scares me.” She finally admitted the root of her sour mood.

Spinning back to her, I cupped her chin.

“Don’t go backward, baby. You’ve done such a good job with keeping the faith and trusting in God. You really gonna let fear ruin this beautiful moment? We’ve wanted this. You want this,” I reminded her. “You’re one step closer to having everything. Don’t be afraid of your blessings. You deserve all the good things.”

I placed my forehead on hers. She grabbed my hands for comfort. Eventually, her body relaxed.

“I know, but what if—”

I silenced her with a kiss. When I released her, I laid down the law.

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