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“To new beginnings,” the reverend said, raising his glass slightly.

Brooks mirrored the action. “New beginnings.”

They sipped in silence, the burn of the whiskey a counterpoint to the easing tension in the room.

“You know,” Reverend Bradshaw said after a moment, “when Taylor was born, I promised God I’d protect her from anything that might hurt her.” A wry smile crossed his lips. “Turns out, you can’t protect your children from life. From choices, consequences, pain. All you can do is be there to help them through it. Help them find their own way.”

“That’s what I want to do for our child,” Brooks said.

“I believe you.” The reverend set his glass down. “Brooks, I won’t pretend this is how I envisioned things for my daughter. But I’ve learned over the years that God’s plan rarely aligns with our expectations.” He met Brooks’ gaze steadily. “Taylor loves you. That much is clear to anyone with eyes. And if you love her even half as much as you claim to...”

“More,” Brooks said firmly.

A small smile touched the reverend’s lips. “Then who am I to stand in the way of that?”

“Thank you, sir.”

“I appreciate your time, Reverend,” Brooks said, standing as well.

“Clarence,” the older man corrected. “If you’re going to be the father of my grandchild, I think we can move past the formalities.”

Brooks nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “Clarence.”

As they walked to the door, the reverend paused, his hand on the doorknob. “When do you plan to tell Taylor about this little meeting?”

“Tonight,” Brooks admitted. “Before the gala. No secrets between us.”

“Smart man.” Reverend Bradshaw opened the door. “Tell my daughter to come see me soon I owe her an apology. Good luck tonight.”

“Thanks Clarence.”

The drive back to his place felt like he’d done it floating on a cloud. He’d made it to his place in no time.

Tonight was already going to be special with the gala, the contract announcement, and celebrating their growing family. But Brooks had one more surprise planned, one he hoped would make this night unforgettable.

∞∞∞

Taylor stood in front of her bedroom mirror, putting the finishing touches on her makeup. The emerald green dress Brooks had helped her pick out hugged her curves perfectly, the silky material draping elegantly over her still-flat stomach. If she hadn’t known she was pregnant, she never would have guessed. But she did know, and the secret made her glow from the inside out.

The sound of Brooks’ car pulling into her driveway sent a flutter of anticipation through her. She checked her reflection one last time, hair swept into a sophisticated updo, gold jewelry catching the light, makeup enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it.

Perfect.

She heard him enter his code and then the door shut. Then she followed the sound of his footsteps,moving through her house made her smile. It was becoming a familiar rhythm, one that made her home feel more alive.

“Taylor?” His deep voice carried up the stairs.

“Up here,” she called back. “Almost ready.”

The stairs creaked as he ascended, and then he was there, filling her doorway with his presence. Taylor turned, her breath catching at the sight of him in his tuxedo. Brooks always looked good, the man knew how to dress, but tonight, he was showing out. The black tux fit him perfectly. His freshly trimmed beard framed his face, and his eyes...

His eyes were fixed on her, dark and appreciative, taking in every detail of her appearance.

“Damn,” he breathed, stepping into the room. “Look at you.”

Taylor felt a blush warm her cheeks. “You like it?”

“Like is the wrong word.” He moved closer, his hands settling on her waist as he drew her to him. “You’re beautiful, Taylor. So damn beautiful.”