The pounding of Monique’s heart filled her ears.
She’d laid her heart bare to him.
Each second of silence was a crushing weight on her chest, restricting her breathing.
“Say something. Anything.”
“Then why’d you marry that guy?”
Fair question.
“I was in a bad place emotionally. You were with that girl everyone was sure you’d marry. The one you moved to Atlanta for.”
“So you married some dude in a raggedy-ass band to get back at me?”
“No, but I thought I’d lost you. That there was no chance for us. I just needed…” She couldn’t say the words.
“To feel something.” His tone and gaze softened.
A fresh flood of tears streamed down her cheeks. She was a mess. She’d never been so emotional, and she’d never allowed herself to be vulnerable with anyone—not even her father and brother. Their family wasn’t big on emotions, or I-love-yous.
“Mo, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you how I feel about you.” He pressed a kiss to her wet cheek. “And for being a coward. I was afraid to risk my friendship with your brother.” He wiped tears from her face with his thumb, a soft smile on his lips. “I should’ve told you how much I—”
She pressed her fingers to his mouth. “I need to tell you something first.” She stood, pacing the floor. When she turned to face him, one hand drifted to her belly. “I’m pregnant.”
*
Everything slowed, as if they were trapped in molasses. Monique’s words. Her movements. His heartbeat. His breathing.
“Come again?”
“You’re going to be a father, Mitchell Johnston.” She rubbed her flat belly.
I’m going to be a father?
His mouth opened and closed, like a guppy in a fishbowl, but no sound escaped.
Eyes filled with sadness, she forced a smile. “I know neither of us planned this, but I want this baby, and that’s my decision. So if you don’t want to be—”
“Are you kidding?” He stood, cradling her face in his hands, his eyes glistening. “Baby, I love you so much. Been in love with you for as long as I can remember.”
Her mouth curved in a slow grin. “What about Ray?”
“He’s going to kill me, but right now, I’m too happy to care. I’m excited about being with you and raising our kid together. Maybe a little girl who looks like you and has your fiery spirit, but hopefully not the Johnston family’s ears.” He tugged on the lobe of one of his prominent ears.
“Me, too.” A genuine grin crinkled her eyes, her cheeks rising. “About a life together, not the thing about the ears. I happen to adore them.” Her expression suddenly grew serious. “But you need to be sure about your decision. This isn’t what you wanted five weeks or even five hours ago.”
He stroked her cheek. “This is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of.”