Page 87 of Ashes of Us

Danica felt like all the air rushed out of her lungs.

“What?” she whispered. No. He wouldn't do that.

But deep down, she knew he would. Like Jasper, Alex wasn't used to not having his way, but unlike Jasper, he didn't wait for other people to come through for him or give in; he worked his ass off and made the right maneuvers until he got what he wanted.

“Don't get mad at him,” Emilia said, squeezing her hands until Danica looked at her. “He told me what he was doing, and I told him not to tell you he bought it for you because you wouldn't move in. And he mostly told you the truth; he just left out part of it.”

“You need to learn the art of giving just enough information that you're not questioned.” Alex's words echoed in her head, and she felt like an idiot. She didn't know why she thought she was exempt from his way of holding onto control, but she should have known better.

“Danica.” Emilia's firm voice cut through the ringing in her ears, and she forced her attention back to her. “I made him lie. He didn't want to; he just wanted to help you.”

Danica shook her head, shaking off her feelings about all that.

She had more important things to worry about than splitting hairs about whether or not it was Alex or Emilia who was responsible for keeping important information from her.

“Whatever, I don't care about that right now.” She opened the door, got out and let Indie out of the backseat.

“Emilia sighed, nodded and got out, following her over to the elevator.

“You know, I could just wait,” Danica muttered as she pressed the button and swiped her card for the administration floor. “If this is like the last two times I was pregnant, I'll probably miscarry in two or three weeks anyway.” Emilia shoved her shoulder, letting out an outraged sound.

“Don't even joke about that!”

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When they stepped off the elevator, Danica passed Indie's leash and the keys to her office to Emilia and stopped in front of Alex's closed door. Knocking gently, she swallowed the nausea that was building in her throat, and she was pretty sure it had nothing to do with her pregnancy.

“Come in.” Alex's deep, smooth voice had an oddly soothing effect on her, drawing her in; her hand went to the knob, and she opened the door without thinking.

He looked surprised, then beamed with happiness to see her, a broad smile crossing his face as he stood up and walked toward her.

“Hey! What are you doing here? Are you feeling better?” Danica raised her hand and tilted it back and forth in a so-so motion as she stepped in and closed the door behind her.

Alex leaned down and quickly brushed his lips over hers.

They had a “strict” no affection at work rule that Alex broke every time they were alone behind closed doors, either kissing her quickly, delicately touching her face, running his fingers through her hair or holding her hand.

“Sort of.” She told him, then, needing physical comfort, she leaned against him, wrapping her arms around him. “Are you busy?”

“Never for you.” He immediately hugged her back, holding her against him and rubbing her back in slow circles. “What's up?” Danica decided just to drop the bomb and pulled back enough that she could look up at him, needing to see his face.

“I'm pregnant.”

She watched as Alex blinked once, and then his lips came down on hers hard as he backed her up against the wall with a thud, then lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist as he gripped her thighs.

She let out a shocked cry, muffled by his mouth, and she quickly put her arms around his neck.

There was a bang, and they broke apart to see Emilia standing in the doorway, looking ready to throw hands.

She saw them, and her face went beet red.

“Oh my god, I'm sorry! I heard a bang and Danica yelped, and I thought...” She held up her hands.

“You know what, it doesn't matter what I thought, clearly I was very wrong, I'll leave you two to it.” Grinning, she closed the door, and Alex let out a low chuckle as he dropped his head on her shoulder and then peeked up at her sheepishly.

“Sorry, Love.” He slowly let her down. “I couldn't help myself.” He nuzzled her cheek and straightened up, running his hands through her hair. “What were you saying about making me a father?”

“You're not upset?” Danica knew from his reaction he wasn't, but she needed it verbally confirmed.

“Not at all.” He grinned and kissed her again. “You just made my year, and it's not even the end of January.” He kissed her once more and let her go, walking over to his desk and grabbing his keys. “Come on.” He held out his hand. “Let Emilia know she can go home. We have to go to City Hall.”

“Why are we going to City Hall?” Danica took his hand, following him in confusion.

“Cause we need to get a marriage license.” He responded as if it were the most natural, logical thing in the world to announce the intent to get married after hearing someone was knocked up.

“Whoa, whoa!” Danica pulled him to a stop, laughing. She was so happy he wasn't upset with her that she wasn't sure if she heard him right. “What?”

“Yeah, we're getting married before that baby comes.” He told her firmly, turning back to her. “Actually, we're getting married as soon as possible. We can do a courthouse wedding and then have an actual wedding party later.” He tugged her hand again. “Come on.”

“Alex!” She laughed harder as he pulled her out of his office and over to hers, opening her door and calling Indie to him.

“You can go home, Emilia,” he told her as he bent down and picked up Indie's leash. “I'll make sure my girls get home safe.”