When her release crashes over her, she cries out my name, her body trembling as I coax every last shudder from her. I kiss my way back up her body, her taste still on my lips as I capture her mouth again.
“Lainey,” I murmur against her lips, positioning myself at her entrance. “I want to make love to you.”
Her eyes meet mine, and she nods, her voice soft but certain. “I’m yours, Zach.”
I push into her slowly, the heat of her wrapping around me like a vice. We both groan at the connection, and I take a moment to just feel her—to memorize the way we fit together.
“I love you,” I whisper, my forehead pressing against hers as I begin to move.
“I love you too,” she breathes, her arms wrapping around my neck to pull me closer.
Our rhythm builds, slow and deliberate at first, each thrust a promise. I hold her as close as I can, our bodies moving as one, our breaths mingling.
“You’re my everything,” I say, my voice breaking.
She kisses me, her hands tangling in my hair as she whispers, “You’re mine too.”
The pace quickens, the intensity building as we chase the edge together. Her moans grow louder, her nails digging into my back, and I grip her hips, driving into her deeper.
When we fall together, it’s like the world stops. Her name tumbles from my lips as I spill into her, her release triggering mine. We cling to each other, trembling, our hearts pounding in sync.
I don’t pull away. Instead, I hold her close, our bodies still connected as I press soft kisses to her face, her neck, her lips.
“I’m never letting you go,” I say, my voice raw but full of conviction.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she replies, her voice soft but certain.
We stay like that, wrapped in each other, the world outside fading away. For the first time in what feels like forever, everything feels right.
Epilogue
Zach
Five Months Later
“Lainey!”Alice’svoiceringsout as the door swings open, and she throws her arms around Lainey’s belly.
“Alice!” Lainey laughs, wrapping her in a hug.
I step to the door to greet my sisters. “Ladies,” I say with a grin.
“Uncle Zach!” Alice runs to me next, squeezing me tightly.
Blair is next, pulling Lainey into a warm hug. “How’s myalmostsister-in-law doing?”
“Good,” Lainey says with a soft laugh. “Huge, but good.”
“Gorgeous,” Blair corrects, giving her a knowing look.
“I’m ready to pop any day now,” Lainey says, patting her belly.
Cora and Whitney follow, each taking their turn hugging Lainey.
“Everyone else already here?” Cora asks.
“They’re all in the living room,” I reply.
As Blair hugs me, I whisper, “Where’s Dad and Noah?”