She stands and takes off her gloves, letting them drop.
I magnetize to her, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close to me. I feel a chord moving through her, thrumming, and the beast inside of me senses there’s something… not wrong, precisely, but different.
It’s in her scent. It’s in the way she holds me.
I don’t know how to explain how I can read my woman.
I just know I can.
And I’ll always be able to.
“What is it?” I ask, taking a step back so I can look her fully in the face.
She tries for a laugh, tilting her head playfully. “Who said there’s anything?”
“You don’t need to say,” I growl. “Has something happened?”
I know it’s nothing to do with her and Natalie.
They’ve become even closer friends since the revelation. Natalie meant it when she said she supports us, and when she found out we were engaged that support exploded. We’ve had several dinners with the four of us – me, Kelly, Natalie, and Angela – since that first sit-down.
I know it’s not Lennie, either. He’s currently in custody awaiting trial on several charges, many of which are outstanding.
He’s going to be in prison for a long time.
I move my hand over her face, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear in that way that makes her tilt her head in the way I love.
Love.
Like I love my woman.
“Tell me,” I say. “Whatever it is.”
She moves close to me again, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and looking up at me. There’s so much in the softness of her expression, hope and longing, and even a glint of fear.
“I did lots of tests today.”
My chest starts to pound with the mounting glee of this moment.
But I have to be cautious.
“What sorts of tests?”
She giggles. “You know what sorts of tests. I can tell. You just don’t want to get your hopes up. Fine… pregnancy tests.”
“And?” I say, my voice trembling in excitement.
“Four tests, in total. All different brands.”
“Sassy, the suspense is killing me…”
“They were positive,” she yells, squeezing down on my shoulders. “I’m pregnant, Kaleb. We’re going to have a family.”
“Yes,” I roar, scooping her into my arms and spinning her around.
She laughs and our lips find each other, fused together in passion, as she giggles through the tight press of our mouths. I laugh as it breaks off, putting her down and pulling her to my chest.
“You’re what I always dreamed of.” I kiss the top of her head. “This is what I’ve always wanted. I love you, Kelly. I love you so much. I can’t wait to see what an incredible mother you’re going to be.”
“I’m so happy,” she whimpers against my chest, burying her face against my pecs. “I got myself all worked up. What we have right now is so perfect.”
“It is,” I say passionately. “But having a family together is going to be even better.”
She looks up at me, her smile tugging parts on of me that were dormant before my woman came along, parts of me I never thought would awaken.
But she did it, my Sassy, my Kelly.
“Forever,” I whisper, leaning down and kissing the tears of joy from her cheeks.
Extended Epilogue
One Year Later…
Kelly
Janie, the woman who photographed me and Kaleb back when our romance started, smiles broadly when we walk over to her. She’s standing next to the refreshments table, the same way she was the first time we came here.
Kaleb walks beside me, my husband looking strong in his shirt, the sleeves rolled up. Love sweeps over me when I take in the sight of him cradling Isabella to his chest, his powerful hand cradling her.
She sleeps like an angel in his arms, her face rested against his chest.
Our meet eyes, smiling the way we always do when we’re with our daughter.
It’s a I can’t believe how lucky we are smile, the same one we aimed at each other on our wedding day when I walked down the aisle toward him.
I feel frumpy after the pregnancy, in my flowing dress meant to hide my pregnancy weight, but every time Kaleb looks at me I can read how badly he wants to claim me. It’s in the volcanic glint in his eyes, always smoldering, but my animal has learned to keep it in check…
Except when we’re alone, and then he falls upon me, greedily taking my body.
“I’ll never stop wanting you,” he growled in my ear last night. “Never.”
I believe him.
And it feels so freaking good.
Janie walks over. “Look at this little angel. What’s her name?”
“Isabella,” I murmur. “I want to give her the nickname Izzy, but my husband prefers Bella.”
“Why not both?” Janie says with a smile. “That way, it’s doubly special.”
“Hear that, Bella?” my husband says with a warm smile on his lips.
A smile.
It’s hard to remember the time he was only smirks and wolfish flashes of his teeth.