Unexpected

by Jenna Hartley

  “What do you think, Preston?” Alexis placed her hand on my thigh, and I stared down at her bare ring finger. It was taunting me.

  “I think they’re all great designs. I want whatever makes you happy,” I said, and I meant it. It really didn’t matter to me, so long as Alexis was satisfied.

  “Aww,” Lauren said. “That’s so sweet.” She leaned forward, her expression hardening. “But really, which one do you like best?”

  “Umm…” Sweat prickled along my forehead, and I felt like I was taking a test I hadn’t prepared for. “Well, I like the rug in this one. It looks fluffy but still easy to clean. A wooden rocking chair has a classic feel to it, but I want to make sure whatever chair we get is comfortable. As for the crib, as long as the paint is nontoxic and it meets all the safety criteria and then some, I’ll be happy.”

  Alexis smiled up at me, and I knew I’d passed with flying colors. She kissed my cheek. “Good answers.”

  “You liked them?” I asked.

  She lowered her voice, speaking into my ear. “Yes, and I’ll show you just how much I liked them later.”

  “Mmm,” I hummed. “I like the sound of that.”

  Ever since I’d moved in, she was insatiable. If I’d thought she was horny before, she was even more so now. Not that I was complaining. She wanted sex, and I was more than happy to oblige. Sex and, well, Starbucks breakfast sandwiches. She was obsessed with them, and she still couldn’t stomach the thought of her breakfast shakes.

  Lauren cleared her throat, and I glanced at the time on my phone. It was getting late.

  “Well, ladies—” I stood, knowing Lauren and Alexis could discuss the nursery plans for hours. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for my date with Sophia.”

  I climbed the stairs two at a time, restless with nerves and excitement. Tonight was important, and I wanted to get it just right. It was time for phase one of my plan.

  I showered and dressed in a suit and tie before slipping the box into my pocket. After one last glance in the mirror, I headed across the hall to Sophia’s room and knocked on the door.

  It swung open, and she grinned up at me. “You look very handsome.”

  “Thank you. I love the glitter,” I said, smiling as she twisted from side to side, making her skirt sparkle as she twirled. “Do you have your stuff packed for Brooklyn’s?” That was phase two.

  “Yep!” She tried to lift her duffel bag, but she couldn’t.

  I hefted it onto my shoulder. “What on earth do you have in here?”

  “Just…stuff. Okay?” she huffed.

  “Okay.” Far be it for me to understand the needs of a seven-year-old girls’ slumber party. “Let’s go say goodbye to Lauren and your mom.”

  She skipped down the stairs and into the living room. I could hear Lauren and Alexis gushing over her outfit and her hair. When I stepped into the room, all eyes shot to me. Lauren gave me two thumbs up, and Alexis stared at me as if she couldn’t quite believe her eyes.

  While Sophia was saying goodbye to Lauren, Alexis crossed the room to me. “You look hot,” she said, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I can’t wait for you to get home.”

  She pressed her lips to mine, and I loved that she no longer shied away from showing affection. I loved the fact that we no longer had to hide our relationship—from anyone. Sophia, my parents, Cal. I didn’t get the impression he was my biggest fan, but he was no longer hostile toward me. Not that we saw him much—he was still on tour, and it was going so well, it had been extended.

  “Me either.” I grinned, swatting her on the butt. “All right, princess,” I said to Sophia. “Your carriage awaits.”

  “Goodnight, Preston.” Lauren waved.

  “Night.”

  I drove across town, hoping Sophia would like the place I’d chosen for dinner. She talked about her plans with Brooklyn and her hopes for the baby. She told me about her latest history assignment, and we brainstormed ideas for it.

  I was no longer her nanny, but Alexis and I had decided not to fill the position. Instead, I’d structured my classes so I could take Sophia to school and pick her up. And we’d settled easily into a new routine. We did our homework together in the afternoons before cooking dinner. We had it ready by the time Alexis arrived home, and then we’d eat together as a family. And I loved it. I loved the new life we’d made for ourselves, our family.

  Alexis had transitioned to working fewer hours and actually enjoying her days off—and not just because she was pregnant. She’d really made an effort to find more balance in her life, to prioritize days at the aquarium and family movie nights.

  As the host led us through the restaurant, I hoped Sophia felt as special as she was. Dinner passed by quickly, and after dessert, it was time to pop the big question. I tugged at my collar, hoping I was doing the right thing.

  “Sophia,” I said.

  “Yes, Preston.” She folded her little hands on the table, meeting my gaze. She was so serious. So mature.

  “You know that I love you, right?” She nodded. “And I’d never want to replace your dad. But I have to ask—how would you like to be my daughter too?”

  She scrunched up her face. “Would I call you Daddy?”

  I lifted a shoulder. “Only if you want to. But Preston’s good too.”

  “Okay. Cool.” She seemed to relax. “I love you too, Preston.”

  I smiled. “Which brings me to my next question. I want to marry your mom. Would you be okay with that?”

  “Okay?” She nearly leaped out of her chair, drawing curious looks from nearby diners. “This is so awesome. Do you have a ring? When are you getting married? Can I be the flower girl? What about my baby sister?”

  “Whoa. Whoa.” I chuckled, thrilled by her reaction. “Slow down.

  “I do have a ring. And, of course, you can be the flower girl. As to the rest, it’s up to your mom.”

  “Yes. Yes. Yes,” she hissed.

  “I also have a present for you,” I said, wanting something to commemorate this moment. I pulled out the velvet box and slid it across the table.

  Her eyes were wide, and when she opened it, she squealed. “Thank you, Preston.” She pulled out the delicate chain with a heart locket engraved with the letter “S.” “I love it.”

  “You’re welcome. I thought we could put pictures of our family inside. I already added one from the baby’s sonogram.”

  She rushed over to me and threw her arms around my neck. “Thank you. And thanks for making my mom so happy.”

  My heart swelled with happiness, and I only hoped my proposal to Alexis would go as well. Sophia didn’t seem to care that I was younger than her mom, or her former nanny; she loved me. And I was relieved that most of the kids at her school didn’t seem to care either. If they’d teased Sophia about it, she certainly hadn’t mentioned it to Alexis or me.

  When I dropped Sophia off at Brooklyn’s, she stood at the door and gave me two thumbs up. The entire drive home, I rehearsed my speech, relieved to find Alexis still awake.

  “Hey.” She glanced at me over the back of the couch, typing something on her laptop. “Did you have a good time?”

  She was already in her pajamas, and I removed my suit jacket and tie before heading over to the couch. Christina on the Coast played in the background, and I smiled to myself, thinking it was a good omen.

  I grinned. “Always.”

  “I think it’s super sweet that you took Sophia on a date. I bet she absolutely loved it.”

  I nodded. “I think she had fun. I definitely did.”

  “Let me just finish this email about the Miller property,” she said, returning her attention to her laptop.

  Despite having to cut the showing short because of Sophia’s broken wrist, Alexis had sold the twenty-million-dollar property. It was closing soon, and I was so proud of her. And I knew having the extra money in the bank gave her a sense of security with the new baby coming.

  When she shut the laptop, I sank down onto
the cushions with a heavy sigh, hoping I wasn’t about to make a huge fool of myself. As long as she said yes, I didn’t really care.

  “This,” I said, gesturing between us, “isn’t working for me.”

  I hoped she’d remember those words, remember the night she’d spoken them. The night everything changed.

  “Is it because I got mad at you for leaving the toilet seat up?” she asked, not looking away from the TV.

  I shook my head. I couldn’t care less about that. I honestly felt bad I’d forgotten to put it down, but I was still getting used to living with a woman.

  “If you want to redecorate so it feels more like ‘our’ home instead of ‘my’ home, I’m sure Lauren would be happy to help,” she said. “Oh man, look at their new pool.”

  “Nope. That’s not it either.” I tried to school my face into a stern expression. Man, this was hard—hard to act like I was upset when I was bursting with excitement.

  “Preston.” She lowered the volume on the TV and turned to face me. “What’s going on? I thought everything was great. Please, just talk to me. Whatever it is, we can find a solution.”

  “This isn’t working because I want more. I don’t want to be just your boyfriend or your baby daddy. I want to be your husband.”

  I knelt to the ground before her, smirking to myself when I heard her gasp. “I love you. I love our family, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  I reached into my pocket to pull out a small velvet box. I fumbled, nearly dropping it.

  “Alexis Black, will you marry me?”

  She stared at the rings for a moment without saying anything. All the while, my heart was pounding, blood whooshing through my ears.

  “Oh my gosh.” She held her hands to her mouth. “Those rings are…stunning.”

  “I’m glad you think so.” I grinned, pleased that she was so taken with the stacking rings I’d chosen. I removed the rose gold band with diamonds from the box and held it up. “This one represents my love for Sophia. She gave me her blessing, by the way.”

  She held out her left hand, presenting it to me so I could slide the ring on. A tear fell down her cheek, and I wiped it away with my thumb.

  “This one,” I said, holding up the black gold band with diamonds. “Represents my love for you. I chose it not only because of your last name, but because black is required for all the other colors to have depth and variation of hue. Much like you give depth and richness to each of our lives.”

  I slid it onto her finger before removing the final ring, a white gold band with diamonds inlaid in a scalloped edge. “And this one is for our child—our future. It represents the hope you’ve given me.”

  She cupped my cheeks. “Every time I think I couldn’t possibly love you more, you go and do something like this.” She laughed through her tears. “I love you. I’m so incredibly in love with you. And yes, I absolutely will marry you.”

  I was flooded with relief, overwhelmed with excitement, and just in awe of this incredible woman. I slanted my lips over hers, needing to seal the moment with a kiss. I poured all my hopes and dreams, all my love into it.

  I loved her. I loved her, and I couldn’t wait to marry her. I gathered her in my arms and carried her up the stairs to our room, where I spent the rest of the night making love to my future wife.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “Ooh, girl.” Lauren stood behind me, meeting my eyes in the reflection in the mirror. “You look amazing.”

  I smoothed my hands over my stomach, which had popped in the last month. “Despite the baby bump?”

  “Because of the baby bump. This dress is perfect for your curves, and Preston is going to lose his shit when he sees you.”

  I grinned, knowing she was right. He was going to love the cream gown that flowed over my body like water. It dipped low in the front, showcasing my larger breasts, but gathered around my stomach. It was the perfect mix of retro and modern, and it made me feel incredibly sexy. And it was perfect for the venue—the 1920s jazz club where we’d had our first date.

  Sophia skipped into the room with Juliana on her heels. “Oh, Mommy.” She came to a halt when she saw me, and I turned to face her. “You look sooo pretty.”

  “So do you, baby.” She looked so sweet in her blush-colored dress with a sparkly headband. The locket Preston gave her dangled around her neck, and I knew she couldn’t wait to walk me down the aisle.

  “Everyone’s in place,” Juliana said. “So, whenever you’re ready.”

  “I think I changed my mind,” I blurted.

  Juliana gasped, and Lauren’s eyes went wide. “Are you having second thoughts?” she whispered.

  This wasn’t my first time walking down the aisle, but it would be my last. We’d planned the wedding in less than a month, and it had been a whirlwind of excitement. But now, I wanted to savor the moment. And I wanted to take a moment to be with Preston.

  “Juliana, can you get the photographer? I want to have a ‘first look’ after all.”

  I could hear the collective sigh of relief, and I laughed. “Wait…did you guys think I was having second thoughts about marrying Preston?”

  “If you were,” Juliana said, pausing at the door, “I was going to step in. I planned a kick-ass party, and your groom looks hot.”

  I laughed, placing a hand on my belly. “Well, we wouldn’t want to ruin your party, Juliana,” I teased, knowing how hard this had to be for her—planning a wedding less than a year after she’d lost her fiancé in a tragic accident. But she’d been insistent.

  “And keep your hands off the groom—he’s mine,” I said, hoping to keep the mood light.

  “Oh, there’s no doubting that,” Lauren said. “That boy is so in love with you.”

  “Not a boy,” I chided.

  “Mm, girl. I know.” She waggled her eyebrows, placing her hand on Sophia’s shoulder and steering her toward the door. “Come on, Soph. Let’s give your parents a moment alone.”

  “Why can’t I stay?” she asked as they passed through the door.

  “Because this is a special moment just for them. One day, you’ll understand,” Lauren said.

  I turned back to the mirror, checking my teeth, adjusting my earrings. I couldn’t believe I was getting married—again. But this time, I knew I was making the right decision. I couldn’t imagine my life without Preston. I couldn’t imagine our family without him.

  A moment later, there was a knock at the door. “Alexis?” Preston called.

  With a shaky hand, I twisted the knob, opening the door just an inch or two. “Are you ready?”

  “So ready,” he said. “The photographer is here.”

  The photographer took some shots, framing us on either side of the door, holding hands. We still hadn’t seen each other, and I was growing impatient.

  “Okay,” the photographer said. “I’m going to have Preston wait for you at the end of the hall with his back turned.” A moment later, he said, “You can come out now, Alexis.”

  As promised, Preston was standing at the end of the hall. It was the first time I’d seen him all day, and I admired the way the custom tuxedo draped over the muscles of his shoulders and back. And when he turned to face me, I felt the rightness of my decision settle over me. Not only was I happy we got to share this moment, but I was thrilled I got to share my life with him.

  His jaw dropped, and I dipped my head, gratified by his reaction. All the while, the silk train swished behind me, the material flowing over my body as I glided toward him.

  “You,” he breathed as he drank me in. “I-I don’t even know what to say.” He rubbed a hand over his mouth. “I can’t believe you’re going to be my wife.”

  I grinned. “I can’t believe you’re going to be my husband. That I get to wake up to your handsome face every morning. That I get to fall asleep in your arms.”

  “You look absolutely stunning,” he said, settling his hands on my hips, resting his forehead against mine. “And I love you.”
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  “I love you too.” Our breath mingled, and I stared into his blue eyes, seeing my future written there.

  “I’m dying to kiss you, but I don’t want to mess up your lipstick.”

  I laughed. “It’s lip stain, and it won’t smear. But if you’re worried about it, you can kiss me somewhere else.”

  “Alexis,” he chided, pretending to be outraged. “What are you suggesting?”

  I bit back a grin. “I was suggesting somewhere like my cheek or neck. What were you suggesting?” I asked, knowing full well what he had in mind.

  I’d forgotten all about the photographer at that point, but he continued to snap away, taking picture after picture.

  Preston gently brushed my hair aside, placing a kiss on the sensitive spot behind my ear. “I guess you’ll just have to wait until later to find out.”

  I sighed, losing myself in his touch. He grazed the shell of my ear with his teeth and goose bumps erupted across my body. I wrapped my arms around his neck, needing more.

  “Stop. That tickles.” I said, holding my belly as I laughed.

  He leaned back and frowned. “Me or…” He glanced down to where my hand was resting on my stomach. “The baby?”

  I nodded. I took his hand and placed it over my stomach. “Here.” We waited, and I hoped she’d move again. We’d been playing this game for days. She’d recently started moving, and without fail, every time Preston put his hand on my belly, she stopped. “There,” I said, when there was another little flutter. “Can you feel her?”

  “Her, huh?” He glanced up at me. “So you’re referring to the baby as a girl now.”

  I shrugged. “It seemed easier than fighting you and Sophia every time I mention the baby.”

  “You know we’re just teasing, right? I’ll be thrilled either way.”