Page 130 of Before Broken Vows

Last night was so much fun. I don't think we got in bed until 4 or 5 a.m.

I'm so thankful for Elena taking Xander for the night. It not only allowed us to enjoy our first night alone as husband and wife, but also enabled us to sleep in a bit.

Something I've been holding in since I saw the word "positive" appear on the test in soft blue letters, but I wasn't fully confident with the doctor's results.

I shift slowly in his arms and roll to face him. He's already awake.

His eyes open, warm and sleepy, and a soft smile tugs at his lips. "Morning, Mrs. Kastaris."

I smile. "Morning, husband."

"You look like a dream."

I laugh, just noticing it. "You're wearing half my lipstick from last night," I say, wiping it off his lips.

"Kissing you was worth it," he says and does just that. It's soft and gentle.

His hand slides up my thigh beneath the covers. "You're not allowed to look this pretty first thing in the morning."

"Before we get into that," I say and sit up, "there's something I want to tell you."

"What is it?" His expression shifts instantly and he sits up. "Are you okay?"

I nod.

"I didn't want to tell you before the wedding," I say. "I didn't want to add anything to your mind when we were just trying to get through the chaos."

"Is it something with Xander?"

"No, it's nothing bad. It's good. Actually, it's more than good."

I take his hand and press it firmly to my lower stomach.

"We're a growing family."

He goes still, eyes narrowing slightly.

"I found out a few days ago. Doctor confirmed it yesterday," I say, blinking back tears.

He stares at me, his brain moving fast.

Then his eyes go wide. "We're having another baby?"

"Yes!" I laugh through tears.

"Oh my God…" he says, trailing off. "I get to be here. For all of it this time."

"All of it," I promise. "Every appointment, every craving. Every day of morning sickness. Mood swings, foot rubs," I pause with a smile, "and every first step. First word. First everything!"

He pulls me into his lap. "You and Xander, and now this? You two are my whole life, Stassi. And we're adding another.”

Before I can answer, his phone buzzes on the nightstand.

He groans. "No. No one gets to ruin this moment."

I glance at the screen. "It's Ares."

He hesitates. The phone keeps buzzing.