Page 80 of Tear Me Down

“I’m kidding, mostly.” She tries to play it off but can quickly tell I’m not amused. “On a serious note, I know how long you've wanted a family. This is something you’ve always dreamed of having, and even if I think it’s with a crazy person, you're happy. I'm not going to act weird about that,” she says softly, and I can’t help but smile to myself as that warmth spreads through my chest again.

“You’re amazing. You know that?”

She giggles softly, obviously not able to handle any more of this serious conversation.

“Yeah, I know. Love ya, I'll tell you where I put the tests when you get home.”

“Love ya too, thank you.” She makes a kissing noise as she hangs up the phone.

Holy shit…

I feel the excitement start to build in my chest, but I try to shove it down. I can be excited when I know for sure. Well, excited andterrified… I don't know if I would even be a good mom… I certainly don’t have much to go off of except for the Andersons and watching the moms that bring their sons into the shop, but I suppose I know whatnotto do. Damien will be a great dad, but Serena’s right, what if something happens to him? Should a kid reallyonlybe stuck with me? How far along would I even be right now? With not one, but two missed periods?

Oh, God…

“Good morning, beautiful.” I’m startled by his words and the feeling of his hands wrapping around me.

“Good afternoon, you mean?” I giggle nervously, trying to play off my anxiety.

“Damn. How long did I sleep?”

“As long as you needed to, baby. I’ve got everything packed except some clothes for you for today, the place is clean from our adventures last night, and your lunch is in the oven almost done. I was going to wake you up when that was done anyway so we’re not late getting on the road.”

Jesus, ramble much?

“I'm staring at my lunch right now.” He starts kissing my neck, and I giggle softly to mask the sting from the bruises. “Holy shit.” He stops and I can feel him gazing over the marks. “Fuck, I'm sorry,” he mumbles and releases a small breath.

“No sir, you don’t get to feel bad. Last night was amazing. Not all bruises are bad ones.” I reach back and kiss him, but his face hardens and morphs into guilt.

“Where else are you bruised?”

“It doesn’t matter, Damien. It’s fine,” I say softly, trying to keep him calm.

Shit, if I am pregnant and he bruised me like this, he’d never forgive himself.

“Do I really need to rip those clothes off of you and look for myself, Ashia?” he warns with a sharp tone. I turn around and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him close to me.

“Damien, it’s okay. I promise. They’re not bad, and it’s not like you hit or abused me. We're fine, and hey, it was you that promised to bring me the pain I begged for, and I definitely begged for it.” I reach up and kiss him again, and he smirks. “How’d you sleep?” I inquire, hoping to turn the subject some. He takes a small breath and runs his hand up and down my sidesoothingly.

“Amazingly.”

“Good, do you feel a little better?”

He nods confidently.

“Much better.”

“You better not be lying to me.” I raise a brow, and he chuckles, because both of us know better than that.

“Never.” He kisses me again in a soft, sweet gesture. “Did you get sick again?”

A cold wave washes over me, almost ruining the moment.

“A little, not too bad.” I know I shouldn’t lie, but the moment I know one way or another, I’ll explain it to him. The little time that we have left of this getaway shouldn’t be ruined by something that I’m not even sure of yet.

“As soon as we get back we’ll call the doctor and get you in. Maybe even this evening before they leave for the day,” he suggests, and I shake my head lightly.

“I'm fine, really. It comes and goes. We’ll get a call in, but it’s okay that it’s not today.”