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“Hmmm?” she purrs, sated and relieved.

“Do you feel okay? I hope we didn’t hurt the baby.”

She flashes a crooked smile when she looks at me. “I read that pregnancy hormones will make me want you even more.”

“Well, that’s a good side effect,” I say, surprised.

“Not really when I won’t see you.” I feel worry creeping back into her mind.

“I’m going to retire. You need me. The baby needs me. And most of all, I want to be with you, every day.” I tap her so she’ll slide to the inside of the couch, then fumble around to get to the pocket of my jeans.

“John, you can’t. You love hockey.”

I pull the box out of the pocket, hiding it in my hand, and lie back down beside her. I grab the knitted afghan and cover us from the waist down. Popping the top of the box, I propose, “Marry me. Let me be the man you deserve.”

As I show her the ring, she says, “It’s perfect.” A single emerald-cut solitaire with a gold band. Nothing flashy, just classy, like Becca. A bashful grin graces her beautiful face as she looks at the ring. “You have much better taste than your father.”

“I do. If you need time to think about it, it’s fine. Our future may not be clear as far as where we’ll live and when we can betogether full time, but one thing that will not change is how much I love you and the baby.”

“My mouth wants to say yes. My heart wants to say yes. But…”

“Your mind is busy overanalyzing? I got it. That’s you, and I want every part of you.”

“Are you asking me because I’m pregnant?”

“Bex, I didn’t even know you were pregnant. It didn’t even occur to me as a possibility until I listened to your voicemail on repeat after the game. The private league plane was still at the airport, so Mr. Cross said I could use it but would have to find my own way back to Dallas.”

I squish her against my chest and kiss her forehead. “I bought the ring the week we came home from vacation. I planned on asking you when we play the Notes next month, but the feeling hit me, and I know that I love you more than I’ve loved anyone, including my family. I’m so sorry I didn’t confide in you about what I was… am going through.”

“Yes,” she whispers, pressing her lips against my chest.

“Yes?” I turn over on my side to face her.

“Yes, yes, yes. I love you, John Basilio, and I hope we have a little boy, and he becomes a man as loving, caring, and as athletic as you.”

“I do give you the best lovin’ you’ve ever had.” I can’t stop grinning from ear to ear.

“Let’s hope the baby is a little less cocky than you.”

“Don’t kid yourself, Bex.” I run my hand between her thighs and take my hand out. “This is proof you love my cock…iness.” Laughter burst from my chest, and embarrassment blooms from hers.

In a hushed, velvety tone, she says, “I guess I do.”

“It’s late, and I have to fly back tomorrow night. Let’s get you to bed, and we’ll talk about the scandal tomorrow and make a plan.”

“I love to plan.”

“I know.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Becca

It's the first time I’ve slept through the night since the morning sickness began. Having the weight of John’s arm wrapped around me, holding me tight like he can’t let me go, makes me feel loved and treasured. I slip from the bed and head to the bathroom to shower and brush my teeth to get ready for work.

The reflection from the lights catches my ring’s brilliance, and I’m reminded of his promise to love me and the baby, forever.

I don’t want to miss a single moment with him, so I rush through my routine. He’s not lying in bed when I return, but I hear the clanking of pans from the kitchen. Strawberries cut up in a little bowl with yogurt and granola too. Also an omelet or at least I think it’s an omelet.