Page 99 of Big Daddy Christmas
That would never do. “Look at me, Amanda.”
Slowly, reluctantly, she locked eyes with him, and his heart constricted at the tears shimmering over the dark brown. “I’ll tell you, but before I do, I want you to know I didn’t do it on purpose. I don’t even know how it happened.”
“Didn’t do what on purpose, baby?”
Silence welled, filling the space between, filling the whole damn room until it felt as though he might suffocate. And he knew, before she even spoke, his entire world was about to change.
“I’m pregnant.”
He couldn’t have heard her right. Shock stole his breath, and for a long moment he could only stare down into her wide, terrified eyes. “You’re what?”
“Pregnant.” Some of the fear gave way to defiance, though he could still see it there, flickering in her eyes even as she tilted her chin.
Pregnant. The word bounced around in his mind, drowning out every other thought as he stared at her. “You’re having a baby.”
“Yes.”
“You’re having my baby.”
“Yes.” Softer now, less sure. “I know we didn’t talk about it and I have the IUD so I don’t even know how it happened but it did and?—”
He crushed his lips to hers, desperate for the taste of her. His woman, carrying his child. And felt her give, felt her surrender. Heard her surrender, a quiet whimper that threatened to snap the last bit of his self-control.
“We’re having a baby,” he whispered against her lips, tears stinging his eyes as he lifted his head to meet her shimmering gaze.
Awe. That was what he felt. Awe, that this woman, this perfect, beautiful woman was his and they were going to grow their family together.
“We are.” She let out a breathy sort of laugh as she clung to him. “You’re not mad?”
“Why the hell would I be mad?”
“Because we never talked about it. Because we have plans. Because I’m going to get fat and round and?—”
“Careful, little girl.” Tightening his grip on her face, he forced her head back even further, thrilled by the twin flames of defiance and fear dancing in her eyes. “That’s the mother of my child you’re talking about.”
“I am going to get fat, Ice. That’s how pregnancy works.”
“And I don’t give a fuck. You could gain a hundred pounds and I would still love every single inch of you, Silver.”
It was relief now, filling her eyes as she stared up at him. “You mean that?”
“I do, baby. I love you. And yeah, I love this sexy-ass body, but I can’t wait to see your tummy getting all round with our child.”
“And when I can’t even put my own shoes on because my feet and ankles are swollen up like sausages?”
“Then I’ll rub your little sausage feet,” he said with a grin, earning him a laugh and a swat to the arm in response. “I’m going to take care of you, Mandy, and our baby.”
At the use of her childhood nickname, she melted, pressing herself against him with a sigh. “I was so worried you wouldn’t want this. Want us. That’s why I didn’t tell you this morning.”
“Ah. So that’s why you were acting so cagey. Keeping secrets from your Daddy.”
“Mmm, yes.” Her tone turned teasing, seductive. “I was very, very naughty.”
“Well, it’s a good thing for you that I’ve been keeping my own secrets.” Of course, now he felt like his news paled a bit in comparison, but he still couldn’t wait to see her eyes light up when he told her. “Simon called me earlier.”
“Simon?” He felt her tense, heard the sharp intake of breath. “Is it Ace? Is he?—”
“No, baby. Everything is fine. Better than fine.” Nudging her back so he could see her face when he told her, he let his excitement slip through with a grin. “We got invited back to Play Me Like That. Just the two of us, as special guests. They want us to sing Ruin Me.”
