FOUR

Luc needed to get everything right. Meghan was taking another nap, but he knew she’d be up soon. The kids were dressed and ready to go for their surprise, and Luc was an odd bundle of nerves.

Sasha and Cliff were in the living room, balls of energy, ready to start. Well, Sasha was a ball of energy, Cliff looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. But his little sister and Mom needed him, and he’d stepped up to the plate.

Seriously, Luc loved these kids.

He took a deep breath and headed into the master bedroom where Meghan napped, an old throw draped over her. He’d heard her moving around a minute ago, so he hoped she was awake. Considering the whole point of what was about to happen was because they hadn’t woken her up before, it would be silly to wake her up now.

He looked down at the bed and smiled when she blinked up sleepily at him.

“Hey,” she croaked.

He quickly helped her up so she was sitting and handed over the bottle of water they kept by the bed. He tucked her hair behind her ears as she drank.

“Hey.”

“What’s up?” she asked. “Everything okay?”

“Everything’s great. The kids and I have something to show you, though, if you’re up for it.”

Her eyes brightened. “Really? What is it?”

He shook his head. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. How about you go use the restroom since I figure our little kicker is busy with your bladder, then we can go out into the living room.”

She rolled her eyes but let him help her stand. “So romantic, but yeah, I have to pee. Again.”

He kissed the top of her head and watched her waddle toward the bathroom. Not that he’d ever tell her she waddled. He was a man who cherished his life, after all.

When she was finished, he led her to the living room and held her when she froze.

“What did you do?” she asked, her voice breathy.

“We made you miss her recital. And though you needed the sleep, we felt terrible.” He kissed her temple. “So take a seat, put your feet up next to Boomer, and enjoy the show.”

They’d decorated the living room with streamers and paper stars, the same colors but to a much smaller scale of Sasha’s recital.

Their little girl wore her recital outfit and waved.

“Are you ready, Mommy?”

Meghan wiped tears as Luc helped her sit on the couch next to their dog. “I’m so ready, baby. You look so pretty! And Cliff! Are you going to dance, too?”

Cliff wore a black shirt and his soccer shorts but had his head down. He looked up at her words and smiled. “Sasha needed others to dance with her. But watch her okay? She’s great. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Meghan gave a watery laugh. “I’m sure you’re perfect.” She looked up at Luc. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“Just you wait.” He winked and went to stand next to Sasha. “Ready?” he asked the kids.

“Ready!” Sasha giggled while Cliff looked a bit nervous.

Meghan’s eyes widened. “You, too?”

Luc winked again. “Our baby girl needed help. Now watch the masters at work.” He started the music and began.

Sasha pranced, twirled, and danced. Cliff did his best, not as bad as he thought he was. In fact, from the gleam of competition in his eyes, Luc figured the boy might want dance lessons soon.

As for Luc…well, he would never be the guy to put on tights and dance like he was meant to, but doing a few twirls for his wife wasn’t a bad way to end the day.

When the music finished, and they did their bows, Meghan was a watery mess, clapping and cheering for them.

“I’d stand for an ovation, but I can’t.” She wiped tears from her face, her cheeks red. “You guys are amazing. Simply amazing.”

The kids went to her open arms, and Meghan hugged her children. Boomer, of course, had to be part of it, and Meghan opened her arms for him, too.

Luc met his wife’s eyes over their children’s heads and knew they’d done the right thing today. In less than a month, they’d have another child in their lives, and new challenges would arise. They’d face them like they faced everything else.

Together.

“I love you,” he mouthed, and she did the same to him.

Yeah, he loved her. He’d fallen for his best friend, and every day he’d thank God for second chances.

He’d caught his Montgomery, and there was no way he’d ever let her go.