Page 194 of Pets in Space 10

Kari paced anxiously in the luxurious suite she’d reserved on an exclusive entertainment station. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected when she and Luka decided to take a leap of faith in their relationship. It wasn’t easy. Then again, nothing worth having ever was.

Whenever possible, she used leave time to meet him at agreed upon locations. They’d spend days in bed, desperation lending an edge to their lovemaking. Sometimes, she was only approved for one day of leave, making it harder to connect.

For his part, Luka did his best to accommodate her schedule, but there were times he couldn’t get away at all.

Once he’d traveled thirteen hours to meet up and she’d been called away after only two hours together.

She worried the strain would wear on him and he wouldn’t think she was worth the effort.

But today was different. They’d both managed a seven-day break in their work lives to be together.

Her nerves wouldn’t let her sit still. Twisting her fingers together, she paused at the beep of the electronic lock on the door.

She turned in the middle of the living room and waited, the skirt of her green dress swirling around her ankles.

The door opened smoothly. Dressed head to toe in black, he barely paused his long strides, coming right toward her. His pace didn’t slow as he swung her in his arms and kissed her. Joy, relief and excitement rushed through her veins.

She whimpered and latched on to his shoulders. It had been too long. She missed him. The kiss ended on a slow exhale from both of them. His eyes lit up. “I’ve been dying to taste you. Let’s skip dinner.”

She laughed and slapped at his shoulders. “No. Tonight is special. Everything is set up.”

He groaned and lowered her to her feet but never let her go. It was always like this if they were together. He touched her every chance he got and with each caress and kiss, she became more certain of the feelings tying her heart in knots.

“Fine. Remind me again, what we’re celebrating?”

His disgruntled tone didn’t bother her. She bounced on her toes and shared. “Zsusa’s got-you day.”

He frowned. Clearly, he didn’t remember.

Reaching out, she shoved his sleeve up, grateful as always to see the tattoo twisting up his forearm.

“One of the things you shared with me was the date you found Zsusa. I thought we could celebrate her since we have this time together and she’s a part of our family too. ”

His gaze softened and he shifted to lead them toward the circular lounge seat in the corner. After he positioned her on his lap, he said, “You planned this for Zsusa too?”

She nodded. As much as he pretended annoyance with the gathos’ mischievous behavior, he loved the feline. Kari did as well, but there was more to her reason for celebrating and having this time with Luka.

Blowing out a breath, she pulled a printed sheet from the pocket of her new dress bought for this night in particular. He glanced from the paper to her face then back again before accepting it.

The moment he read it and understood, his gaze shot to hers. “Is this…”

Tears glimmered in her eyes. “I suspected but wanted to tell you in person.”

His hand landed carefully on her flat stomach. “We’re having a baby?”

During their long talks, they’d discussed their interest in having children. The number remained in the air with her at three and him at two.

His surprise dulled to disappointment and she tensed. What if he wasn’t as happy as she was about this news?

“Is it my fault? I know you wanted to focus on your tenure in the military. You have four more years to go before you planned to step down.”

She glided her palm over his jaw. “It’s not your fault. I missed my shot because of the sector 7 assignment.”

“Six weeks!” he snapped in remembrance. “It was the longest time we’ve gone without talking to one another daily.”

Needless to say, he was still upset about that. “Are you happy about this? I’ll be grounded from flight in another two weeks but my doctor is certain I can still carry out my other duties or take an extended leave and return after the birth.”

His attention froze on her words. He pulled her around until she straddled his lap. “Explain what that means. Give it to me straight, Kari.”

Honesty was the key in their relationship. Taking a deep breath, she blurted, “I can spend the next few months with you until our baby is born.”

No more time apart. No more trying to align their schedules. They would have six to seven months of uninterrupted living together. Her father might get angry but not at the pause in her career. He’d want to be actively present for her pregnancy and being with Luka wouldn’t allow for that.

Luka had stood by his word and gradually pulled the Atoro out of any business deals he considered a conflict for them. He’d diverted a lot of work into the legitimate shipping line and his business in that sector continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

It wasn’t everything but they didn’t discuss it because she knew he worked feverishly in the endeavor to make it so his actions didn’t create negative consequences for her military career.

He cupped her face and leaned in close. Her pulse leaped. “Is this what you want?”

Shakily, she nodded. “I want this time with you before the baby comes.”

His smile burst wide. “I love you so much, lieutenant.”

The words had the desired effect and she kissed him, light and quick. “I love you too. Now, release Zsusa so we can celebrate her and then move onto each other.”

The gathos bounced around them for the rest of the evening, tackling her new squeaky toys and the bowl full of treats Kari had bought for the occasion. Once the furry bundle drifted off, Luka showed Kari again and again, why making a deal with him was the best decision she’d ever made.