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HALLIE

W hy isn’t he saying anything?

Shit.

“Conan, I’m going to need something from you.”

Then I see a tear fall down his cheek.

“Oh, beastie.”

I carefully wrap my arms around him.

“Please tell me these are happy tears. Not ‘I’ve never wanted a kid and I want to run away’ tears.”

I pull back and cup his face.

“They’re ‘my life is finally falling into place and I’ve never been more in love in my life’ tears.”

Oh.

My heart melts.

“You’re going to be an amazing dad, Conan.”

Our baby is going to be the most protected kid in the state. This man nearly got himself killed saving us.

“T-this is really happening. And you’re happy, right? You want to do this?” he asks.

“Yes, Conan. I want it all with you.”

I rest my forehead against his and close my eyes.

“Hallie, I still need to explain everything to you. I need you to understand and forgive me. If that’s even possible.”

I shake my head and press my lips against his.

The kiss ignites my soul.

And that’s all the answer I need.

Me and Conan were destined for each other.

“I’ll listen, and I’ll understand. But I forgive you, beastie. That’s in the past. Now we have a future to focus on.”

“I love you, trouble. And get used to me telling you at every opportunity I can.”

“I love you. Now, I was thinking…rather than live at Finn’s to recover, what if you moved into mine? I can take care of you. Seeing as I’m jobless, I’ve got the time.”

He bites his lip.

“You mean, I get to be nursed back to health by my sexy girlfriend?”

I hold up my finger.

“I’ve been upgraded to baby momma.”

He chuckles.

“There’s a couple more upgrades you’ll have too.”

My stomach flutters.

“Yeah?”

He nods.

“I’d love to move in, Hallie. And then, what if we buy somewhere together? A proper family home.”

A sadness shadows his face, and I stroke his cheek.

“Mom would have been so excited that I’m having a baby with you.”

I sigh.

“My dad would have too. But I bet they’re both looking down on us with a smile. Hey, our dads are probably best of friends up there, drinking whiskey.”

He laughs and pulls me in for a kiss.

“I will never, ever, let you down again, Hallie.”

“I know,” I whisper.

“You need to get some rest, beastie.”

He presses his lips against my temple and rests his hand on my belly.

“How am I supposed to sleep when I’m so fucking happy? I’m going to be a dad. We’re having a baby. And I’ve got you back.”

I don’t think I’ve ever been more at peace than I am right now.

“You never lost me. Not in my heart. I think I was always going to find my way back to you.”

“Or I was going to chase you until you did.”

I shake my head and chuckle.

“Too soon?” he asks.

“No. Your dark humor is actually a major turn on for me.”

“Good. I suppose I’d best sleep so I can get back to running after you.”