Page 57 of Forbidden Confessions, Volume 2 (The Forbidden Volumes #1)

Ransom and I have talked about this move a few times.

I have nothing but bad memories of Vegas.

My flighty aunt declined my wedding invitation, so Ransom’s family is all the family I have.

They’re so kind and accepting. The chance to live closer to them simply made sense.

Besides, I have my eye on attending vet school at Texas A&M someday.

“Can we, um…add to the happiness?” Rush cuts in. “Vanessa and I are moving here, too. We talked about it last night.”

I squeal with delight. I love all my sisters-in-law, but Sophie and Kristi have a bond that spans decades, and I have so much in common with Vanessa. “Really?”

Vanessa nods excitedly, her pale curls sliding over her slender shoulders with a bounce. “My dad decided to retire from the Agency and move to Key West. Apparently, he met a woman. So?—”

“I’m leaving the Agency, too,” Rush puts in, then slants a glance my husband’s way. “It was time for Douglas to retire, and I can’t stand the douchebag I’d be working for if I stayed. Plus, y’all are going to be here now. Got an open position for me?”

Ransom and Ridge exchange a glance, along with an instant, non-verbal conversation. “Absolutely. Welcome to the team!”

“Thanks.” Rand grins.

They shake and seal the deal. I stare, stupefied.

Within weeks, we’ll all be living in the same state.

And if I know these brothers, they’ll choose living on the same block if they can manage it.

My in-laws will be thrilled. And best of all, we’ll really, truly be a family.

Our kids will grow up with cousins and good times and belonging, in a way I didn’t.

No, their kids. You’re waiting to have yours, remember?

Nibbling my lip thoughtfully, I follow everyone to the private room Sophie has set up for our family dinner at a nearby hotel.

Through the food, laughter, and conversation, thoughts keep niggling through my head.

Oh, I enjoy myself. Any time the eight of us get together, we have a blast. I feel truly included.

But in the background, my whirling thoughts won’t stop.

When the meal is over, Sophie and Kristi both rub their bellies, pleading exhaustion.

But I see the expressions they’re giving their husbands.

They might be going to bed…but I don’t think it’s to sleep quite yet.

Vanessa says she’s ready to “turn in,” too.

Their husbands all look thrilled. After hugs and handshakes, everyone heads to their own rooms.

Ransom lets me into ours with a frown. “What’s the matter, baby girl? You got quiet on me. You rethinking the move? We don’t have to relocate if you’re not sure. I can work remotely from Ridge and Rush.”

“No,” I assure him. “I’m down for the move. I’m really excited, in fact. It’s just… We’ll be the only ones without kids.”

“Is that what you’re worried about?” My husband brings me closer, enfolding me in his arms and cradling my face in his hands. “Don’t. There’s no hurry. It will wait a few years. I know you have ambitions, and I would never want to take those from you.”

It’s one reason I love Ransom. Okay, he’s handsome as hell and dazzlingly talented in bed, but he listens. And he cares what I think. Hell, he lives to make me happy.

Tears well in my eyes. “I needed to hear that.”

“Of course. Baby girl, your happiness is everything to me.”

“And yours is everything to me,” I murmur, melting in his protective arms.

For long minutes, we don’t say anything. He strokes my back with a big, comforting hand. “We’ll do it when you’re ready. If you’re ready. I’ve already been a dad, so…”

But not the way he wanted to be. He wants to convince me that he’s not missing out by waiting, but sixteen was too young for Ransom to become a father.

And Lydia wasn’t any sort of partner in parenting.

In fact, he barely saw Ethan for the first five years.

His ex used the boy as a crowbar and a bargaining chip.

He turned out all right, thank god. But I know deep in Ransom’s heart that, more than anything, he wants to be an involved dad this time, from conception through graduation and beyond.

I’m the one stopping him from having that.

Well, I have been.

“Take off your clothes,” I tell him as I back out of his embrace and drop every stitch I’m wearing.

It takes him a second to stop gawking and comply. “My pleasure.”

By the time, he’s stripped, I’m digging through his overnight bag for the box of condoms I know he brought. We found out the hard way that my body can’t tolerate the pill, so we’ve been gloving up each and every time since.

“I’ll get those, baby girl. Definitely going to need a few tonight.” He comes toward me, all stiff cock, broad shoulders, and black eyes burning with desire. “At least.”

Finally, I find them and pull the box free. “No, you won’t.” Then I make my way to the trash can and let them drop with a clang. “How would you feel about getting me pregnant?”

Ransom stops breathing. “Now?”

I do a little mental math. “I’m probably fertile.”

He swallows. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

Did I misread him? “I mean, if you do. I thought?—”

“Oh, I do. I asked if you’re sure. Because there’s nothing I’d like more, baby girl. But what about vet school?”

“I’ll still go. Maybe a little slower than I might have if we didn’t have babies. But you, our family, and love… Nothing is more important. I’ll never feel complete without them.”

A soft smile breaks across his face as he saunters closer and lifts me into his arms, carrying me to our bed. “Well, then. Let’s get you pregnant, baby girl. You’re going to be a great mom.”

I cup his face as he settles on top of me, slides inside me—blessedly bare—and seats himself deep. “You’re going to be the best dad ever.”

“Yeah?” He works slowly into my body, and I start to melt. “How about, right now, I focus on being the best husband ever.”

“You already are,” I gasp out as our breathing syncs up.

“Hmm. The best lover ever?”

Since I’m already halfway to orgasm? “You definitely are.”

He grips my hips and begins to pick up his pace. “I love you, Havana Garrison.”

“I love you, too. Forever.”

We pass the night together, trying to make our dreams of a family come true.

A month later, as we’re spending the first night in our new Texas house, Ransom and I finish unpacking the boxes with daily essentials, then he takes my hand and leads me into the bathroom. There’s a bag on the counter.

“While I grabbed fast food, I picked this up, too.”

Without looking, I know it’s a pregnancy test. “Do you think?”

“You missed your period.” He grins.

“I did. And my breasts…”

“Swollen and tender.” His grin widens.

I bite my lip, almost afraid to get my hopes up, despite the fact that all month we’ve been totally gloveless and incredibly active. Then I tear into the box. Three minutes later, I’m staring at a plus symbol.

Eyes tearing, I drop the stick and throw my arms around my husband. “We did it, Ransom! I’m so excited!”

“Oh, baby girl. I couldn’t be more thrilled. Life is absolutely perfect. Thank you.”

The tears fall. “No, you’ve made my life perfect. I love you so much.”

“I love you, too. Let’s celebrate.”

“Call the family?” We should.

“Um, later. First…” Silently, Ransom strips me bare, covers me with kisses, washes me clean in the shower, then worships me in our bed until I’m dirty again.

Life didn’t turn out the way I expected. It’s even better, and we have thousands of bright tomorrows to anticipate together, one perfect shimmering day at a time. I can’t wait.