I feel myself being carried, but all I care about is the warmth and comfort surrounding me as I remain halfway between waking and sleeping. I was having a wonderful dream about Jordan. How he loved both my child and me. Treated the baby like his own. Loved me like we’d known each other forever.

I’m trying incredibly hard not to get my hopes up where he’s concerned. What if it’s just the honeymoon stage? What if when we get home, he decides he doesn’t actually want a ready-made family? I have so many doubts and fears that my head is spinning and soon, my stomach will be revolting.

“Put me down,” I mumble, jumping from his arms. Seeing the beauty around me, I forget for a second that my belly is upset. Admiring the gentle waves of the lagoon just steps away from our feet, I’m horrifyingly reminded of the tumultuous feeling as the contents of my stomach come barreling forward in all my embarrassing glory.

Dropping to my knees in the perfect white sand as I tarnish its pristineness, I can feel hot tears scorching my cheeks. Shockingly, I also feel Jordan’s hand running soothingly along my back while his other holds my hair out of the way. He doesn’t say anything, only supports me while I make a fool of myself.

As my stomach settles again, quiet overtakes us in the tranquil night. The light breeze cools my overheated body as Jordan helps me to my feet. Wiping my mouth in a very unladylike fashion, he turns me to look at him, asking, “You okay?”

“Fine,” I barely squeak out, unable to meet his gaze.

“Does this happen a lot?” He seems worried.

“Uh, well, often enough. Morning sickness and all.” It’s a stupid lie to tell. The doctors told me I may experience it, and I may not. So far, I haven’t gotten sick once. Queasy, yes, but that’s not the reason for my mess tonight. My nerves and fears have gotten the best of me.

“Let’s walk you inside. I had the hut stocked with everything we’d need before we arrived.”

I look at the beautiful scene before me as he pulls me inside the tiny structure. I think it’s about as big as my small apartment. Covered in straw on the outside, I’m almost afraid the inside will be the same. As we enter, I am pleasantly surprised to see normal walls. Must be an appeal thing, I figure.

Looking around, I notice it’s nothing more than what a bachelor apartment would be. Just one large room excluding the bathroom and even that is only blocked off by glass stones. The kitchen is at the back overlooking the shrouded trees behind us. The bed looks deliciously comfortable with its huge pillows and large window facing the water we just left.

If I close my eyes and strain my hearing, I can hear the water swishing on the shore. Its gentle sway rocks me into another dimension.

Hands on my hips startle me out of my fantasy. “Crawl on into bed, and I’ll grab you some water.” Jordan’s words are soft but no less commanding than his suggestion we come inside.

Impossible to ignore his caring nature, I follow his lead and lay atop the soft bed. Immediately, I’m left feeling more content in that moment than ever before in my life. If this is all a dream, I don’t ever want to wake up.

The light breeze through the open window, the sounds from the rustling trees, and the water swaying soon have me lulled into sleep. I hear Jordan near me again, encouraging me to drink, but I couldn’t be bothered. I just want to enjoy the freedom of being peaceful without the guilt of my parents ruining it.

Megan is fucking exhausted. The bags under her eyes worry me. The throwing up did for a second until she told me it happens. I don’t know much about pregnancy, but I do know that’s one of the side effects.

The way she clung to me as I carried her from the car and down the boardwalk appeased the craving I have for her. If she trusts me in her sleep, hopefully, it will come easier in consciousness.

Placing the glass of water on the table for her if she needs it through the night, I move down to her feet and gently slip her shoes off. Dropping them on the floor, I work my way up her body with every small layer of clothing until she’s laying in nothing but her thong and bra. Stepping back, I admire her lightly tanned skin with the perfect curve of her hips as she rests on her side. Two little dimples top the swell of her firm ass. No matter how she lives her life, I can tell she obviously takes care of her body.

Her blonde locks trail half-way down her back as her breathing eases and draws my attention to her breasts. More than a handful but not so big I won’t be able to touch every inch of her when we finally make love.

The tiny bump in her belly has me grinning from ear to ear. She created a life. I wonder how far along she is. I don’t think she mentioned it on the plane. Gently caressing her skin from shoulder to hip, I can’t help cradling the tiny life she’s carrying in the palm of one hand. So small, yet so damn important. There isn’t a thing in this world I wouldn’t do for these two people.

Leaning forward, I kiss just above her navel and whisper, “If you’re a boy, I’ll teach you everything about becoming a good man. If you’re a girl, you’ll know what love looks like every single day. No matter what you are, you’ll be loved fiercely.”

I don’t know what tempts me to do it, but I rub my cheek against Megan’s skin like a predator marking its territory. I need this woman to understand she’s mine. For life.

Standing up, I wander around to secure the door then strip my clothes off to my boxer briefs before I fall gently down into bed behind Megan. Wrapping my arms around her, one under her head, the other around her waist to cradle our child, I press my entire body against her. There isn’t a piece of us not touching.

Megan sighing and relaxing further as she pushes back into me, allows me to relax as well. Sleep envelops me, and I know when I wake, we’re going to be in a better place than either of us were at any time today.