Mia came dashing toward Cole, her coffee-colored hair flying behind her, hands waving madly in the air.

“School’s out for summer!” she yelled, her pride at having finished the first year of her undergrad degree written all over her face. It was a major milestone for her, and every day that passed, she transformed into the enthusiastic, positive, idealistic girl she’d been as a teenager. She still went to see her counselor, although the frequency had reduced to once a month, and Cole had a feeling she’d drop the sessions all together in the not too distant future.

He swung her up into his arms and twirled her around. His mouth came down on hers, and he kissed her, hard. Other students streamed past, all looking forward to the summer ahead, full of picnics in the park and bike rides, and long sunny evenings.

He put her down, and she peered at him with pursed lips. “I’m not sure how much I like you coming to meet me in your uniform. The girls at college are already fangirling all over you. They don’t need any encouragement, and I don’t need the pit of envy that is circling in my stomach right now.”

Cole grinned and then kissed the tip of her nose. “Only got eyes for you, beautiful.”

Her pout turned into a satisfied smile. “Good. Best keep it that way, mister.”

He slung an arm around her shoulders, and they set off for the subway. “I’ve got something I need to discuss when we get home.”

Mia craned her neck and looked up at him, a twinge of anxiety darkening her features. She still worried far too much, pre-programmed to expect the worst even as she hoped for the best. “Oh yeah?”

He squeezed her against his side. “It’s good news… I think.”

“Tell me now. I hate waiting.”

He laughed. “No.”

She stuck out her tongue. “I actually have some news of my own to share, but maybe I’ll make you wait a little longer.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Yep.” She emphasized the p.

He laughed. “Then let’s go.”

They stopped off at her favorite deli to grab dinner. When they arrived home, the basement was, thankfully, empty. Cole put the dinner in the fridge and then took a seat next to Mia.

“Well,” she said impatiently. “Hurry up. The suspense is killing me.”

“I didn’t want to mention anything until I was certain it was going to work out.” He took a breath. “I’ve been promoted to detective.”

A beaming smile spread across her face, and she threw herself into his lap, almost strangling him in her exuberance.

“Oh my God, Cole. That’s fantastic! I’m so proud of you.” And then she hit him in the shoulder with the palm of her hand. “You little sneak. You didn’t mention a thing.”

He rubbed his shoulder. She hadn’t hurt him, but he liked to tease her. “I mightn’t have been successful, and I didn’t want to get your hopes up. Or mine for that matter. But yeah”—he shrugged—“Detective Brook from first of the month.”

“Does this mean you have to give back the uniform?” She trailed her fingertip over his chest. “Coz I’m not sure I’m down with that.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “I’m sure I can figure something out.”

“Good. My eyes only, though, right? No more turning up to college looking so hot.”

He winked. “You got it, beautiful. Okay, your turn. Shoot.”

She climbed off his lap, which fired up his concern. That, and the fact she was chewing on her lip. She opened her purse, took out an envelope, and passed it to him.

“This arrived today.”

He opened the flap and removed the papers. He unfolded them and scanned the first page. He didn’t need to read any further.

“It’s final?” he asked. “This is it. You’re actually divorced?”

She nodded. “Tanner Fuckhead is no more.”

He chuckled. When he’d told her Draven’s nickname for her now ex-husband, she’d thought it hilarious and had proceeded to call him that ever since. She’d even told her counselor who had studiously responded that if Millie needed to refer to her tormentor in that way, it was fine by her.

“How do you feel?”

She pulled her lips to one side. “Relieved. A little sad and a lot annoyed that I let him control me for so many years. Time I could have spent with you.”

Cole wagged his finger. “Uh-uh. We’re not going there.” He lifted her arm and kissed the inside of her wrist. “Now is all that matters.” He pressed her into the couch, his arms either side of her head. “And I’ve got you all to myself.”

He went to kiss her, but she stopped him. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you before I demand you take me into the bedroom and devour me.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. He sat up, pulling her with him. “Get on with it then. Devouring waits for no man, or woman.”

“Wait there.” She got up and disappeared into her bedroom. She was back a few moments later holding an oblong box. She handed it to him, her teeth worrying her bottom lip.

“I’m really nervous about giving this to you. I’m not sure how you’re going to react.”

“You worry too much. I love presents.”

He weighed up the box in his hand. It was light as a feather. He removed the top part. It took a few seconds for his eyes to compute what he was seeing. Nestled inside the box was a pair of baby’s booties, and a white stick showing two distinct vertical lines. His head came up, and his mouth fell open.

“Please tell me this isn’t a joke.”

She offered him an uncertain smile. “Definitely not a joke. I’m nine weeks along, according to the doctor I went to see during a free period today.”

An overwhelming surge of happiness rushed through him, taking his breath away. He caught her face between his hands and kissed her. He kissed the ever-loving life out of her. The woman he thought he’d lost forever was his, and she’d given him the best gift possible. A family. A future. An amazing life to look forward to.

“You’re okay about it then?” she asked tentatively. “I know we briefly talked about having kids one day, but the timing isn’t great. It’ll be difficult juggling everything, what with school, my job at the college, your promotion, and all the other things we’ve got going on. But I—”

He kissed her again, because it was the only way he could stop her rambling. When he drew back a second time, he placed a finger over her lips in case she set off chattering once more.

“I couldn’t be any happier. It’s not possible. You’re all I’ve ever wanted, and a family of our own will only enhance the love I have for you. Whatever obstacles are thrown in our way, we’ll work them out.”

She got to her feet and held out her hand. “You owe me a devouring, Detective Brook. Better take advantage before two becomes three.”

He took her hand and grinned cheekily. “And that’s what uncles are for.”