“Aunt Kenna, come jump with me and Bruce,” Norah yelled inside the bouncy house she hadn’t left since the guy set it up this morning.

“Hold on, squish. I’m helping mommy.”

“Can you take the birthday boy?” Renee asked, holding out my perfect little round nephew.

Renee smiled carefree as she watched Bruce and Norah bounce. She didn’t have to worry about her little girl being taken away anymore. Brian had made good on his threat and Rutching would never bother them or any other young girl again.

“How are you turning two?” I asked, kissing my nephew’s chubby little cheek.

“I drink a lot of milk,” Tucker answered, his hands landing on my cheeks.

“You’re going to be a smart butt just like your sister.” I kissed his belly until he squealed.

“Daddy, come in the bouncer with us. Aunt Kenna has baby Tuck,” Norah announced, throwing me under the bus.

Without hesitation, Brian dove into the jumper, making his little girl laugh hysterically. Brian stuck his head out of the bouncer and opened his arms for Tuck, who wiggled out of my arms and ran to jump with his dad and sister before more guests arrived.

“Have I told you how sexy you look with my jersey on?” Trip whispered in my ear. He stood behind me, pulling me toward him until my back was nestled against his chest.

I reached behind me and pinched his ass. “If you want me to wear your jersey throughout the season we’re going to need to get a bigger size soon.” I held my breath to see if he’d understand.

Trip’s lips stopped kissing my neck and his whole body froze behind me.

Smart men are sexy.

Trip spun me around and placed his hand on my still flat stomach. “Are you pregnant?”

I nodded, tears slipping down my cheeks. Trip swung me around, laughing and cheering.

“We’re having a baby,” he screamed just as both of our parents entered the backyard. Robin and her wife, Julie, followed right behind them.

Both of our moms screamed and rushed us, hugging me before descending on my belly.

“I’m going to be an aunt,” Renee said, kissing my cheek.

“Me too,” Harley cried.

“Why don’t you seem surprised?” I questioned Renee.

“I saw you getting sick yesterday when I went to visit you at work. I was just waiting for you to figure it out,” she answered.

Brian and his crew emerged from the jumper, congratulating me and slapping Trip on the back.

Late into the night, when everyone left and the party was picked up, I lounged on Trip’s lap in front of the fire pit. Renee put the kids to bed and plopped down on Brian’s lap.

I yawned loudly and Renee laughed.

“I remember that,” she said, pointing at my yawn, giggling before yawning herself.

Trip stood up with me still in his arms. “It’s time to get this little mama to bed.”

I waved good night as Trip carried me to our house. His smile hadn’t left his face since I told him about our newest family member.

“Thank you,” I told him, kissing him on the cheek when we entered our room.

“For what?”

“For everything. If it wasn’t for you teaching me to live I would’ve never had the nerve to apply for the sports med position for the Pappies.”

“Darlin’, I don’t think you needed to apply. The way you rehabbed my shoulder they were going to be knocking on your door as soon as you got your license.” Trip waited and I pretended not to notice.

With a huff he questioned, “So I’m only good for getting you your dream job?”

I couldn’t contain my laughter at his haughty tone. “Well, there’s that and then there’s also making me the happiest wife in the world, and now the happiest mommy in the world.”

“Then I guess I should be thanking you. Because of my confession of our love I’m now the most popular pitcher in the league.”

Trip laid me down on the bed and began removing my clothes. Just like him, I waited for more, but he was too busy concentrating on his task.

“And?” I prompted when I was naked and he started shucking off his clothes.

“I think that’s it.”

I threw a pillow at his face as he laughed, his abdominal muscles flexing from the motion. He sat on the side of the bed and traced his finger over my stomach.

“The list of things I need to thank you for would take me forever to finish. But I thank you for your love. For helping me become the man you deserve.” He bent down and kissed my mouth. “And our baby.” He moved lower and kissed my stomach. “And having access to your Batcave.”

My laugh turned into a moan when he kissed me in between my legs. After we were thoroughly satisfied I snuggled up to Trip’s side.

“Babe?” I asked with a sleepy voice.

“What is it, darlin’?”

“I was thinking, if it’s a boy we should name him Wayne. And if it’s a girl we should name her Ivy.”

“I’ll have to ask Batman,” he said with laughter in his voice.

I giggled as I screamed, “I knew it!”

 

 

 

THE END