Page 131 of Always Knew It Was You

I smile. “Thank you, Dad. And thank you for all your help too.”

“Of course. You’re my son.”

As my dad hugs me, my grandfather walks closer with a serious look on his face. When his eyes travel to Carly, I stiffen. His grim faces makes me expect his bullshit again, but

“I think I owe you both an apology,” he says. “But I can give it to you once you’re both rested up. I’m glad you’re safe, Micah. Carly.”

As my father pulls away, Carly graciously smiles at him. “Thank you, sir.”

Soon, they let us go to my room and there, I pull Carly close again, scenting her hair.

“Thank God, you’re okay,” I tell her.

She nods.

“Was it horrible?” I ask, then add. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.”

“It was,” she says with a weak smile. “But I knew I would survive. I had to because of you. And because of…” She lays her hand on her belly. “Micah, I have to tell you something. Something I should have probably told you earlier, but I didn’t know how to break it to you then.”

“What is it, my love?” I ask the question, while I’m kissing her all over her face, powerful emotions rumbling through me.

“I’m pregnant.”

It takes a while for the words to sink in because I’m too focused on the kissing.

And then when it does, I freeze and look down at her. Did she just say what I think she said?

She nods and her eyes are once again filled with tears.

“I’m pregnant,” she whispers. I found out a few days ago. When you ‘cooked’ me that dinner. That’s why I was so out of it.”

“Not because of your test?” A choked sound emits from my throat. “I thought you failed it.”

She laughs. “No, I passed my test. Aced it, actually. But the baby… I didn’t know if I wanted it back then. But I know now that I do want to keep it. And I know a baby wasn’t part of the plan and we haven’t even talked about having a family or if we want kids and–”

I cut her off, kissing her so deeply, swallowing the rest of her frantic words. Passion and love and wonder meld together, and I can’t believe for a second she thinks I might not want this baby. Of course I do. I mean sure I didn’t know it even existed five seconds ago, but I love this baby. Because it’s part of her.

I imagine a little boy or girl that looks like her.

“I love you,” I whisper against her lips, kissing the tears that have rolled down her cheeks. “And I love this baby too.”

She smiles. “I’m glad to hear you say that because I love you, Micah. So much.”

The next morning, I wake up to a surprise. Literally.

I open my eyes to see a figure in black standing at the foot of my bed.

“Jesus.” I throw my body over Carly’s to protect her from the grim reaper, only for my vision to clear enough to recognize the familiar form in a long black gown. “Mom?”

My mother smiles as she says, “Hello, Micah.”

I run my hand through my hair, my heart galloping away. “Why the heck are you in my room dressed like that? I thought my time on the earthly plane was up.”

She cocks her head, and comes to my side. Her eyes still hold the sadness in them that has been there since my brother’s death, but she puts a gentle hand on my forehead. “Your father called me. He told me everything that happened. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?

“I didn’t want to bother you,” I say. “Because I know you’re still grieving Tristan.”

“Yes, but losing another son isn’t going to make me feel any better.” She sighs. “My God, Micah, if anything had happened to you, I don’t know what I would do.”

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