Page 107 of Then Came You

The first person I want to tell is Tori, so I unclasp my gold heart pendant to open our picture locked inside. I silently tell her she’s going to have a niece or nephew.

It was the last photo we took together before her hair fell out. The memory of us splitting a cinnamon doughnut and iced coffee before taking our annual sister photo together is forever frozen and captured in time.

Blade made me this locket after I said I wished I could see her face every day no matter where I was. Apart from my stunning too-big emerald engagement ring that sits on a band of black diamonds, this locket is my other prized possession.

“I want to see. I want to see,” Haven asks again with her grabby little hands trying to paw at my locket.

“Okay, okay. Here,” I laugh, placing it in her palm. Her face deflates when she sees my locket.

“Oh, it’s just your locket.” Her disinterest makes me smile. Typical 6-year-old.

I smooth her recently curled hair over one shoulder. “Yep. I miss my sister. I wish she was here. I was having a little moment with her. There’s something I wanted to tell her.”

“I’m sorry you miss her. I miss Zee when he doesn’t see me for a really long time.” Her rational empathy is cute. She squirms on my lap to face me. She’s probably wrinkling my simple black backless silk dress but I don’t mind. “What were you saying to her?”

“Can you keep a secret?” I ask mischievously, raising my eyebrows.

Nodding enthusiastically, she leans forward so I have access to her ear. God, she’s sweet. “I can. Tell me. Tell me.” Her excitement is exactly how I feel.

“I’m having a baby, but I haven’t told your daddy yet.” I feel her freeze in stillness, before she lets out the squeal of all squeals.

“A baby! You're having my brother or sister! Oh my gosh, they’re going to be mine!” Tears threaten to burst from her little eyelids.

“Shhh. It’s a secret, remember?” I chuckle, hoping he or she is going to look like this adorable angel sitting on top of me.

“I’m so happy,” she says, throwing her arms around me.

“Me too, princess. I love you.”

“I love you too, Row.”

We weren’t necessarily trying for a baby, but we weren’t exactly careful either.

I’m over the moon about Blade’s child growing inside of me.

A perfect blend of us.

If having a healthy baby means skipping all the cocktails on our three-month European honeymoon, then so be it. If it means delaying uni or transferring online, then sign me up.

Nothing in this world from this day forward is as precious, wanted, loved, cherished, or needed than this baby to be.

“What are you two yapping on about?” A very dapper Xan strides through my bedroom, fixed in a devilish dark navy suit.

“Can we tell him? Can we, Can we. Pleaseeee?” I shoot Haven a mock disapproving glare. So much for her being able to keep a secret. I give up, knowing a 6-year-old isn’t to be trusted with their loose lips.

Nodding, I tell her to go ahead, “Go on.”

Haven scurried off my lap, racing toward Xan, who’s perplexed over his little sister's near hyperventilation.

He kneels down so he’s at her standing height. “What is it, Hav?”

“Row is having a baby!” She shouts it so loud, I’m sure the next-door neighbour hears, which is saying something considering they’re blocks away.

“What?” Xan asks, a grin spreading so wide across his face he rivals Chucky.

I bite my bottom lip, confirming the news.

“Row. This is the best. Does Dad know?” I shake my head vehemently. “You have to tell him. I’m so happy for you. You deserve everything, Row. I’m so lucky I found you and that you’re a part of our family,” he says sincerely, walking over and sitting beside me on the bed. Haven clamours up and situates herself on his lap. I reach for his hand and lay my head on his shoulder. I’m beyond blessed.

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