A series of emotions played across Monique’s gorgeous face in response to his confession. Joy. Confusion. Disbelief. She raised an inquisitive brow, her arms folded defiantly. “ Since when?”
There’s the woman I know and love.
“Since the day you kissed me in my pickup truck.” He grinned. “All I’ve thought of since then is what it would be like to kiss you again. To have you in my life every day and in my bed every night.”
“Why didn’t you tell me how you felt?”
“Didn’t want to risk destroying my friendship with you or Ray, but I’ve always wanted you. Wanted this.”
“He probably won’t take the news well,” she said. “Then what?”
“I value my friendships, but I value family even more.” He rested a tentative hand on her belly. “We’re family now, babe. Family always comes first.”
Monique seemed satisfied with his response. She wrapped her arms around him, her cheek pressed to his chest.
“Then we’re doing this?” He laughed nervously when she nodded against his chest, both their hearts racing. “I can’t believe it or that I’m going to be a dad.”
She glanced up at him, her mouth curved seductively. “I can’t drink, but I can think of a few other ways to celebrate.”
He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.
*
Mitch’s heart thundered in his chest as he stepped inside his best friend’s condo.
“So what is it that couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” Ray yawned.
Ray had gotten in late from New York, but Mitch couldn’t wait another minute to tell him the truth. The brunt of the storm had missed them and the roads were in much better shape than expected, so Mitch and Monique had returned a few hours earlier.
Mitch wiped a damp palm on his pant leg. “It’s about me and…” He cleared his throat, standing taller. “Monique. We’re together now.”
“Together, together?” Ray raised an eyebrow as he walked over to the bar.
“Yes.” Mitch braced himself for his friend’s fury.
Ray poured two rum and colas in silence. He handed one to Mitch with a sly grin. “About damn time. Thought I was gonna have to lock you two in a root cellar together before you figured it out.”
“Wait…what?” Mitch swallowed a gulp of his drink, before setting it on the bar. “You wanted us to be together?”
“You’re a lot better than the alternatives.” Ray shrugged. “Besides, I sort of violated our hands-off-my-sister pact a long time ago. Felt guilty about it ever since.”
Mitch sighed in relief, and then his eyes widened when Ray’s words sank in. “You and Navia?”
“A gentleman never kisses and tells.” He sipped his drink. “But rest assured I was a gentleman, and in the end, your sister has far better taste than mine apparently does.”
They laughed. Then Mitch took a deep breath. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
Ray froze. “Oh God. Don’t tell me—”
“You’re going to be an uncle.” Monique had let herself in with her key.
She was absolutely gorgeous.
Mitch never believed his mother’s talk about a pregnancy glow, but Monique was luminous.
More beautiful than she’d ever been.
“I see.” Ray took another sip of his drink, his voice tight. “Is this what you want, Squirt?”
“Yes.” Monique wrapped her arms around Mitch’s waist and gazed up at him. The love in her eyes made his heart expand. “And I honestly couldn’t be happier.”
Ray offered a reluctant smile. “Then I’m happy for you, for both of you.” He raised his glass to them. “Congrats to the two people I love most.”
Love, it seemed, was contagious.
Mitch glanced at his watch. It was officially Valentine’s Day, and he was grateful that Monique would forever be his.