I wrapped her up in my arms and lifted her in the air. Abby’s giggles filled the living room and I knew more than ever that I couldn’t be without her. I would break anyone’s neck who dared to mess with her or our children. She was exactly what I needed in my life.
Finally, I set her down and looked at her. She’d donned one of my dress shirts, and it was so long on her. Even the sleeves eclipsed her wrists and it landed mid-thigh. I never thought I would enjoy the company of anyone long enough to smile at the sight of them wearing my clothes, but here we were.
“We should tell my family,” I said finally as I tucked some hair behind her ear. “And we need a house. A real house for the baby. I’ll get to work on it.”
I started to turn on my heels but she wrapped her hands around my arm and tugged me back. When I turned around, she shook her head at me. Her hair fell out of its loose bun and I smiled as a stray lock fell over her forehead.
“No, stay with me,” she pouted. “We can tell everyone later, but for right now I just want to hold on to you and do nothing else.” She nodded toward the table. “Isn’t that soup for me? Let’s eat lunch and watch this show together.”
I grinned. “You’re very demanding. Do you know that?”
Abigail stuck out her tongue playfully. “You love it or you would have gotten rid of me already.”
I sighed. She was completely right. Abby had me wrapped around her little finger and I didn’t give a damn who knew it. If anyone thought loving someone made me weak, they were wrong. I’d told myself that it would do just that years ago, but it wasn’t true. If anything I was more protective, more ruthless, more in control now that I had Abigail and soon a family that needed my love and protection.
“Sit down,” I said seriously. “I’m going to take amazing care of you for this whole pregnancy.”
Abby smiled up at me. “Promise?” She chuckled and wrapped her arms around her belly lovingly. “You know, I can’t believe this is happening, but I’m so happy. I always wondered if I wanted to have kids someday, and now I know.”
I caressed her cheek, my thumb grazing her soft skin. “I was the same. I was pretty damn positive I never wanted kids, but you changed my mind.” I leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Life with you, anything with you, is worth it.”
My lips brushed against hers and she gripped my shirt tightly. As our kiss deepened, I knew that I’d made the right choice. I reached down, my hand brushing over her belly before I caressed and embraced it. Abigail was carrying my child. She had already captured my heart. What more could a man ask for?
“So, about that wedding.” She laughed as he pulled back from me.
I reached into my pocket and fished out my wallet before I handed her some cash. “Go nuts. I’ll take some more out later. Just make sure you secure everything in cash, baby.”
Abby blinked up at me with wide eyes. “Are … are you serious?”
I laughed at her surprised expression before I kissed the top of her head. “Hey, you’re my wife. As far as I’m concerned, you can have whatever the hell you want.”
She wrapped her arms around me and I hugged her back tightly. Thank God I’d decided to stop being such a stubborn asshole, because I never would have had Abby, and she was the best thing that had ever happened to me.