Page 118 of Love or Leave

Willow bounced her way over to him and came in close for a hug. When she pulled back, she was staring down at the bouquet.

"What do you think of this?" she asked, her pretty features slightly guarded.

Max blinked. "I'm happy you caught it. I love you more than anything." Then he frowned slightly. "You know I want to be with you forever, right?"

She gave a nod and a little smile. "Just making sure."

He studied her for a second. "You look like you're feeling better," he said, reaching up and touching her flushed cheek. "You have your colour back."

"I'm not."

Max's brow furrowed. "You're not?"

She shook her head and took his hand. "Max… I took a test."

"A test?" he asked, shaking his head.What did that—

The words finally connected, and the entire room tilted.

"You—what—." He forced himself to stop for a beat and collect his thoughts. "A pregnancy test?"

Her eyes welled with tears, but she still managed a small, trembling smile.

"Was it positive?"

She gave a nod. "You're going to be a dad."

All the air left his lungs. It felt as though a giant vacuum sucked all the oxygen from the room. He stood frozen, processing, before he finally snapped out of it and pulled her into his arms.

"Holy shit," he said into her hair.

He'd lifted her off the floor and hadn't even realized.

Was that okay? Was he allowed to pick her up?

He had no idea what to do with a pregnant woman.

He set her down gently and touched her belly through the silky fabric. His kid was in there.

Their kid.

A smile spread over his face.

"I know this wasn't part of your five-year plan—" Willow started.

"Fuck that plan," he said, leaning back to cup her face. He stared into the eyes he fell in love with. "This plan's way better. We'll figure it all out."

He kissed her, deep and slow, and she melted into his arms.

"I’m buying you a ring," he said against her lips. “You’re marrying me.”

She laughed through her tears and nodded. "Yeah, I am."

Natalie stood near the dessert table with Gale and Amy and watched as Max hoisted Willow into the air, then gently set her down as if she was an antique teacup he didn't want to break.

Emotion clutched at her chest.

She was happy for them. She really was. Their group was growing.

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