Page 137 of Mine

I shifted on my feet as I snatched it from him, holding it to my chest protectively.

“It’s small,” I snapped defensively, as he chuckled softly.

“But strong. Like you,” he guided me back to my table, sitting in front of me as he watched me carefully.

“I’m not a Faberge egg.”

“You’re pregnant with my child, in New York City. Yes, you are.”

My eyes met his then and my heart swelled with love for him. Suddenly, I frowned.

“Why are you here though? You’re always busy,” I pushed the muffin into my mouth eagerly as the citrus flavours exploded on my tongue. Why had I not had one of these daily prior to pregnancy? It was delicious.

“Because I’ve considered your request.” He spoke quietly, his eyes on me whilst I swallowed, sipping the coffee and shivering with delight.

“Oh, my God, that’s so good.”

He folded his arms as he watched me with interest.

“Oh? Better than sex?” he questioned innocently as I laughed in response.

“Almost?” I offered as he scoffed, clearly offended.

“Bullshit.”

I laughed as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Baby, listen. I’ve been thinking.”

My breath caught in my throat as he studied me.

“How do you feel about moving back to Winterburg? I could find work locally; you’ll be close to your family. It’s up to you entirely, I know we moved here so you could study—”

“Yes,” I said instantly, tears welling up in my eyes. “I would love to move back there with you. It would be a whole different existence for you though, Cal. I can go back to school there after the baby is born,” I shrugged, having already done my research. I could study therapy anywhere, but New York had the best program. I could graduate with a good enough grade to allow me to finish studying when our child was born. It would mean squeezing my lectures into fewer days, but my tutor had been fantastic.

“We have the scan soon,” Cal smiled, and I smiled back.

“Three days until we get to see Bean.”

“Do you want to move? If so, when? I don’t want you traveling when you are really pregnant. I don’t want you in New York City pregnantperiod, to be honest.”

I stared at him as I ran a hand over my stomach. He was right, as always. I had been kidnapped barely three months ago. But could he really give up the life he was accustomed to for me? He was never without money, and I didn’t work. Not yet. I voiced these concerns to him, and he grabbed both my hands in his.

“You and this child areeverythingI have in this world. Money isn’t an issue; I have a lot of it. I just won’t be making it illegally anymore. I’ve got the sale from the house so I can buy us a home easily. Don’t worry. I’ll get work locally; I’ve gotallkinds of skills.”

Our eyes met and I realized he meant every word. He was going to change his ways, and I couldn’t wait for us to begin our new life together.

But first, I needed to break the news to my parents.

Part Two: Chapter Twenty-Nine

GRETCHEN

“The gel is a little cold, so I do apologize.”

The lady smiled kindly as she squirted the gel onto my bare stomach as I inhaled sharply.

Jesus!