by Sandi Lynn
“Happy Birthday. I was meant to give this to you at your birthday party which we arranged at the restaurant tonight. That’s where I was when Simon called me.”
“You guys were giving me a party? How did you even know it was my birthday?”
“Your birthdate is on the application you filled out.”
“Right.” She smiled. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Of course, I did. Open it.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
She removed the lid from the box and brought her hand up to her mouth.
“Stefan, it’s gorgeous.”
“Do you really like it?”
“I love it. Nobody has ever given me anything like this before. Thank you.” She brought her hand up to my cheek as I leaned in and kissed her lips.
“I want to apologize to you for not telling you that night that I was in love with you. You were right. I was letting my father’s behaviors control me, and I’m so sorry for that. You make me happy, Alex. I know getting too comfortable scares you, but this is where you’re meant to be. That’s why that raccoon sat in the middle of the road. He brought us together.”
She let out a laugh.
“I’m serious. So when people ask how we met, I’m going to tell them we were introduced by a raccoon.”
“You’re going to sound like a lunatic.” She laughed.
“I don’t care. From the night I met you, all I wanted to do was protect you. That’s why I went after Ryan. It’s crazy and I can’t explain it, but I just don’t invite random strangers to stay at my house. I knew you were special the moment I laid eyes on you.”
“Stefan.” Tears filled her eyes.
“I know how scared you must have been when you found out you were pregnant. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to that night. I had just found out earlier in the day. Then you said you didn’t want any more kids and Lily was all that you needed. So, I couldn’t tell you after that.”
“God, I’m such an asshole.” I lowered my head.
Chapter 39
Alex
“I was never going to tell you, Stefan. I’m confessing and I want to be totally honest with you.”
He lifted his head and stared at me as sadness filled his eyes.
“I made a plan. As soon as I started to show, I was going to leave, and I was going to raise the baby alone. I didn’t want to complicate your life more than I already had. That’s why I refused to listen to what you had to say every time you said we needed to talk. And for that, I’m sorry.”
“I would be lying if I said I understood but thank you for being honest with me. Come home, Alex. To our home. The home where we’re going to turn one of the guestrooms into a nursery and where we’re going to raise our baby together. I still can’t believe you’re pregnant. How did this happen while you were on birth control?”
“The night we met, I forgot to take it with everything that had happened. So, the next day when I realized it, I popped two pills out and one fell down the drain. I didn’t plan on sleeping with you and I honestly didn’t think about it when we did have sex. Dr. Kota told me it only takes missing one. I’m sorry. I know you don’t want anymore—”
“Stop. We’re having a baby and I’m happy about it. You know why?”
I slowly shook my head.
“Because I’m having one with you. The woman I’m deeply in love with.”
“I’m scared, Stefan.”
“You don’t have to be scared anymore. Not when you’re with me. Besides, I’m a pro when it comes to kids.” He gave me a wink. “When you get out of here, will you come home?”
“Yes.” A smile crossed my lips. “That’s the only place I want to be.”
“I’m so happy to hear you say that.” I stroked her cheek. “Lily told me today that it’s okay for you to sleep in my bed.”
“She did?”
“Yep. She said she knows when two adults love each other, they have sex.”
“Oh boy. How did you respond?”
“I told her that we can talk about it another time. Maybe you can help me out with that since you’re a woman and all.”
“Oh really?” I laughed.
“Yeah. I think she’d feel more comfortable if it came from you. She looks up to you.”
“How about we sit her down together. We’re going to have to tell her about the baby.”
“I know, and I can’t wait to tell her she’s going to be a big sister. I love you, Alex.”
“I love you too, Stefan.” His lips brushed against mine.
“I know this probably hasn’t been the best birthday you’ve ever had—”
“You’re wrong. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had. Even though something bad happened, something good came out of it.”
“It sure did.” The corners of his mouth curved upward as he softly stroked my cheek.
“How long do you think it’ll take for my car to be fixed?” I asked.
“Well, first, it’ll cost way too much to repair since you don’t have insurance, and second, you’re never getting in that damn car again. You’ve been in two accidents already. I’m buying you a new car and it’s going to have full coverage insurance.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not. I’m telling you that’s how it’s going to be. We’re going to get you a nice safe car.”
“I’m not driving a mini-van.” I raised my brow.
“God no. I would never let you.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Can you help me put this on?” I asked Stefan as I held up my necklace.
With a smile, he took the necklace and clasped it around my neck.
“It looks beautiful on you.” He kissed the side of my neck as I stared at it in the mirror.
“I love it so much. I’m never taking it off.”
“Alex, you have officially been discharged,” my nurse spoke when she walked into the room. “I’m going to call transport and have them send someone up with a wheelchair.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. “I can’t wait to go home.”
About fifteen minutes later, a young man dressed in black scrubs walked into the room with a wheelchair. After Stefan helped me into it, he told the transporter that he would wheel me down himself. When we exited through the hospital doors, I gasped when I saw a horse and carriage parked at the curb.
“Your carriage awaits you, madame.”
“What? You did this?” I asked in shock.
He took my hand, helped me out of the wheelchair and then he helped me into the carriage.
“Yes. I did this because Prince Charming always rescues his princess.”
Tears filled my eyes as he grabbed my hand and held it.
“This is just—I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
“Were not riding all the way home in this, are we?” I laughed.
“No.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “We’re just going to take a little ride around the property of the hospital and the car I have waiting for us will take us home.”
I was right all along. Stefan Kind was my prince charming, my person, and the man I wanted to spend every waking moment with.
When the car pulled into the driveway, Stefan helped me out and up to the door because my body had felt like it had been hit by a truck. The soreness had settled in and as much as I love the horse and carriage ride, it took a toll on my body. But I would never tell him that. What he did for me was something I’d hold on to for the rest of my life.
The moment Stefan opened the door and we stepped inside, Sam, Julia, Sebastian, Simon, and Lily all started singing happy birthday to me.
“I know it’s a day late, but we weren’t going to let a car accident spoil our plans,” Stefan said.
“Thank you, guys, so much.” I wiped the tears from my eyes.
Stefan helped me over to the couch. Looking around, the house was decorated with streamers and balloons.
“I helped deco
rate,” Lily said.
“You did such a great job. Thank you.” I gave her a hug.
“You just sit there and relax,” Stefan said as he kissed my lips. “I’ll go fix you a plate of food.”
“Are you moving back in?” Lily asked.
“Do you want me to?”
“Yes. I’ve missed you.”
“Then yes. I’m moving back in.”
“Yay! You can sleep in Dad’s room with him. I already told him it’s okay.”
“Thank you, Lily.”
“You’re welcome. I know you two love each other so you should sleep together.”
“Okay, sweet niece of mine,” Sebastian said as he scooped her up from the couch. “Let’s go get some food.”
Later that day after everyone had left, I changed into my nightshirt and climbed in Stefan’s bed. Lily made sure it was nice and comfy for me by fluffing my pillows.
“You have to rest now. Can I get you anything?”
“How about a hug?” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a gentle hug.
“You are such a wonderful helper,” I said.
“You’re always taking care of me, so now I want to take care of you.”
Stefan walked into the room and climbed on the bed next to me.
“Come here, baby girl. We need to have a little chat,” Stefan said as Lily climbed in between us.
“What is it, Dad?”
“You know how much I love you, right?”
“Yes. I know.”
“And you know how much I love Alex.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“Well, there’s going to be someone else coming in a few months whom I’m going to love very much also.”
“Who?” Her brows furrowed.
“Your baby brother or sister.”
Lily turned her head and looked at me with wide eyes.
“You’re going to have a baby?”
“I am.” I smiled. “In about seven months.”
“How do you feel about that, baby girl?” Stefan asked.
“I’m really excited. And I hope it’s a girl.”
“Why is that?”
“Cause then you can stop calling me baby girl and call my sister that.”
The smile on Stefan’s face fell flat.
“You will always be my baby girl.”
“I know, Dad, but I’m too old now. You need to stop calling me that.”
“Never!” He grabbed her and hugged her tight.
Chapter 40
Stefan
Alex was sound asleep, and Lily was playing on her iPad in the living room. Grabbing four beers from the refrigerator, I took them out to the patio, lit the firepit and sat down. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I sent a text message to my brothers.
“Beer?”
Within a few minutes Sam and Sebastian walked over, and Simon sent me a text saying he’d be over as soon as he got home.
“How’s Alex doing?” Sam asked as he sat down.
“She’s sleeping right now.” I brought the bottle up to my lips. “We told Lily about the baby.”
“And?” Sebastian asked.
“She’s happy. Now I have to tell Mom and Dad.”
“Don’t worry about them. They’ll be ecstatic another grandchild is on the way. Thanks, by the way, now they’ll get off my back.” Sam smirked as he held up his bottle to me.
“No problem, bro.” I tapped mine against it. “I can’t believe I’m going to have two kids.”
“Honestly, we can’t either,” Sebastian said. “But better you than me.” He held his beer bottle up.
“Touché, brother.”
Simon walked over, grabbed a beer from the table and sat down.
“Where were you?” Sebastian asked.
“At the station pulling a case file so I can go over it tonight. What’s going on over here? How’s Alex?”
“She’s good. She’s asleep.”
“And you? How are you doing?”
“I’m good. Really good. Alex is back in my house, we’re having a baby, and all is right in my world.” I smiled.
We talked for a while and then my brother’s left. The sliding door opened and when I looked over, Alex stepped out, walked over to me and climbed on my lap.
“What are you doing?” she asked as her arms wrapped around my neck.
“My brothers just left. What are you doing out of bed?”
“I missed you.” She smiled as her lips touched mine.
“I missed you too. I’ll go over to Jenni’s apartment tomorrow and get the rest of your things.”
“Okay.”
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“A little bit.”
“Come on. There’s plenty of leftovers in the fridge.”
“Before we eat, there’s something I want to talk to you about,” she spoke.
“Of course. What is it?”
“I’m not quitting my job at the restaurant. Not until after the baby born.”
“Okay. If you really want to keep working there, I will support your decision.”
“I need to make my own money. Especially now that I’m not Lily’s nanny anymore.”
“You don’t ever have to worry about money again. But I understand. I love you, baby, and it makes me happy to take care of you.”
“I love you too.” Our lips met.
A couple days later as I was sitting in my office, my dad walked in.
“Hey, Dad.” I smiled. “What are you doing here?”
“Just checking to see how my sons are running my company.” He smirked.
“We’re running it just fine. You know, I’m glad you stopped by. I was going to call you later and ask if you wanted to meet for lunch this week.”
“Oh? Why?”
“There’s something I have to talk to you about.”
“What did you do?” His brow arched and I let out a laugh.
“It’s nothing bad. Alex is pregnant.”
“With my grandchild I hope.”
“Yes. Of course.”
He sat there and slowly nodded his head while he stared at me.
“Do you love her?”
“I do. Very much.”
“I knew it. Congratulations, son.”
When he walked over, I stood up and he gave me a hug.
“This makes me very happy. Now you need to put a ring on her finger.”
“I will, Dad. But not just yet.”
“Okay. I get that. Let’s plan to get together for dinner. Have you told your mother yet?”
“No. I was going to tell her tonight. She invited us for dinner.”
“She’ll be just as thrilled as I am.”
Chapter 41
Two Months Later
Alex
I was standing naked in front of the full-length mirror staring at my growing belly when Stefan walked into the bedroom.
“Damn. You are one sexy woman.” He walked over and wrapped his arms around me from behind and planted his hands firmly on my belly.
“I think the baby grew overnight,” I said.
“Seems like it.” He pressed his lips against my shoulder. “I didn’t have any of this with Lily.”
“How do you mean?” I turned around in his arms.
“I wasn’t there for Monica’s pregnancy. She lived over an hour away and I barely saw her. I was there right after Lily was born, though. I didn’t help her through the birth because when she called me and by the time I got to the hospital in the middle of rush hour traffic, she had just had her. So, I’m excited to go on this journey with you and watch our baby grow every day. I really wish we could find out the sex today at the ultrasound.”
“We’ll find out tomorrow at the gender reveal party Julia and Sam are throwing for us at the restaurant.”
“Can’t we just find out and not tell anyone we know?” His lips formed a smirk.
“No.” I laughed. “It’ll be fun. You can wa
it one more day to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.”
“Well, if it’s a boy, I’ll be able to tell right away.”
“How?”
“Because us Kind men are very blessed in the manhood department, as you know.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“That you are.” I kissed his lips.
“We have a little bit of time before we have to leave. How about I show you how blessed I really am.”
“Where’s Lily?”
“She and Simon are down at the beach kicking the soccer ball around. I’ll text him and tell him to keep her a while longer.”
“I’m ready if you are.” I grinned.
The ultrasound went well. The baby was growing right on schedule, and everything looked perfect. Lily was enthralled by the experience and Stefan was disappointed he couldn’t tell the sex.
We headed to the restaurant where we met our family in the banquet room for the party. Pink and blue streamers and balloons filled the room as did a big black drop bag that said “Boy or Girl” in gold letters across it hung from the ceiling.
“Okay everyone, it’s time!” Julia announced. “Stefan and Alex, come up here and stand on each side of the drop bag. When we all count to three, cut the end of the ties off and whatever color balloons are inside, is what you’re having.” She grinned.
Stefan and I walked over hand in hand and our lips met before taking our place across from each other.
“ONE. TWO. THREE!” Everyone in the room shouted.
Together, Stefan and I cut the ends of the ties and a massive number of blue balloons fell out.
“It’s a boy!” Stefan threw his arms up with a wide grin as tears sprung to my eyes.
He walked over to me and took me in his arms.
“We’re having a boy.” He smiled before kissing my lips.
“A beautiful little boy. I’m so happy.”
“Me too. I love you so much, Alex.”
“I love you too.”
“Yay! I’m going to have a brother.” Lily jumped up and down with excitement.
Everyone walked over and congratulated us with hugs and kisses.
“Good job, son.” Stefan’s father patted his back. “Congratulations, sweetheart.” He hugged me.
