“Alex, I’m not sure what you want to talk about. We covered it all last night. You aren’t happy and I’m holding you back. Why would you come back here? I’m having a hard enough time as it is,” Bianca said, regretting the last sentence the moment it left her mouth. Her words came out harsher than she intended but she had to let him know how she felt, he said his piece and it was time to say hers.
Alex’s head snapped up, and he looked her in the eye, his gaze so intense that she had to look away. “Look at me, Bianca. I didn’t want to end us, you did.”
“If you wanted to be with me, Alex, then why did you say such awful things to me the last time we spoke?” Bianca began to sob, her hormones taking over. She cursed her stupid hormones and looked at her feet.
Without warning, Alex was in front of her, his arms gathering her to his chest. As much as she wanted to fight him, she didn’t, because if she was being honest, it felt so damn good to be held by him.
“I didn’t mean it. I know it’s hard to believe but I was so lonely in the Air Force. When I found you I knew I didn’t want to go back. I ran away from something that wasn’t even close to what we have and I almost gave us up because I was comparing you to her. Truth be told, she couldn’t hold a candle to you, Bianca. You’re it for me. I love you,” Alex said, his mouth pressed against her hair.
Bianca tried not to seem surprised at his declaration. She wanted to tell him she loved him for weeks but was too afraid that after losing the baby the words would seem forced or weak. Almost losing him was enough for her. She had to say the words or she would never forgive herself.
“I love you too, Alex.” At this point tears were falling from her eyes, “And I never wanted to break up, I just thought it was what you wanted so I pretended I was okay with it.”
Alex didn’t speak again; he just bent over her and slammed his mouth into hers. Bianca reciprocated, pushing her tongue at the seam of his lips. Damn, it felt so good to be in his arms again. Before she could think about what would happen next, Alex swept her into his arms and hurried up the stairs. He placed her on the bed and began to strip and Bianca did the same. Within seconds they were both naked and Alex was settled over top of her, his hard erection pressing at her entrance. Bianca opened her legs wider, and lifted her hips, giving him the go ahead to proceed. Alex plunged into her and she cried out with pleasure, missing his body with hers, even if it had only been a few days. Their lovemaking was slow and torturous but also gentle. It was a making up, and coming back together as well as a profession of their love for one another. When they
were through, and Bianca was spent, she rested her head on his chest; all thoughts of lonely Christmases and baking cookies forgotten.
*****
The next morning, Bianca was awakened by a kiss to her lips, a sweet peck that made her feel like a princess in a fairy tale. Alex was back and it was Christmas. Her eyes flew opened when she remembered the gift she got him two days ago that sat wrapped and waiting under her Christmas tree. Sitting up quickly she turned to Alex.
“Merry Christmas! I have a gift for you downstairs.” Bianca said cheerfully, hopping up from the bed.
“Really?” Alex asked, stretching his long limbs out on the bed lazily.
“Yes!” She exclaimed pulling his hand as if to make him get up. “What do you think I was doing that night I was out so late?”
Alex cocked an eyebrow at her and grinned sheepishly. “Well now I feel like an ass,” he said a look of chagrin passing over his face.
Bianca waved his statement off. “It was a misunderstanding that blew up. I’m over it if you are?” She asked hopefully.
Alex nodded, kissing her hand. He sat up and pulled on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and Bianca did the same. They walked down the steps hand in hand and stopped at the tree. Bianca stooped, picking up a small box wrapped in Christmas paper and handed it to Alex.
“Here you go. Hurry and open it!” She said excitedly.
*****
Alex smirked at her excitement and began to unwrap the paper slowly, knowing it was killing her. Inside the paper was a small white non descript box. Now curious, Alex ripped it open. What lay inside made his heart stop. A tiny sterling silver rattle was nestled on a bed of white tissue paper.
“What’s this?” He asked with confusion.
“Just read the inscription,” Bianca urged, angling her head towards the rattle.
Merry Christmas, Daddy.
Alex’s head snapped up so fast he almost got whiplash. Daddy? Did that mean...
“I’m pregnant, Alex!” Bianca exclaimed, jumping into his arms.
Shock kept Alex from responding even as he held her tightly.
“Aren’t you happy?” She asked, pulling away from him with a frown.
What was he doing? “Of course I am. I was just shocked that’s all. When did you find out? How far along are you?” He asked, the idea finally sinking in.
They were going to have a baby. They were finally going to have a baby!
“That afternoon,” Bianca said and she didn’t have to elaborate.