Chloe
I climb out of our Jeep Cherokee, and Joe meets me on the sidewalk, holding out his hand. Lacing my fingers with his, I smile up at him. He cups my face with his free hand and kisses me slowly and thoroughly, just the way I like it. “I love you so much.”
I cup his cheek and smile. “I love you, too.” He puts his hand on my barely there bump.
“Okay, let’s do this.” Joe leads me around the side of his parents’ house, and the backyard is full of people. Natalie, Dalton, Rion, Shay, and Ryder run past us screaming and laughing.
Journey notices us first and comes walking over with Paisley in her arms. “You guys are here. Chloe, you look beautiful.” I kiss her cheek and then Pay Pay’s forehead. Joe kisses her too and then steals the baby. He’s going to make such a good daddy. I’ve never seen such a large man look so natural with a tiny baby in his arms.
Journey leads me around so I can say hi to everyone. His family is huge. I’m not sure how I’m going to keep some of these people straight, but I guess if I can remember all the kids, I can remember the adults. I spot my family up ahead. “Hey, guys! Did you have a good drive down?”
Dad kisses and hugs me first before Pops grabs me and pulls me into his arms. “We did. How are you doing? You look beautiful.”
The prenatal vitamins I’ve been taking have done wonders for my hair. It’s down past my bra strap now. Now that I’m hardly throwing up anymore, I’m starting to get that glow. “I’m doing great, and thank you. Joe got his paperwork to return to active duty. I’m trying to be strong, but I’m freaking out a little bit.”
I turn and look behind me. Joe’s standing with his brother-in-law, and he’s still got the baby in his arms. “That’s okay. I can imagine that you would be, but you just have to have faith.”
“I know I do.”
“He’s a natural with that baby in his arms. Your dad says you’re glowing. Is there something you want to tell me?” I hug my pops tight.
“Maybe.”
His arms tighten around me. “Oh, honey. That makes me so incredibly happy.”
“We’re going to announce it tonight, so don’t say anything.” He nods, and I kiss his cheek before going to find my man.
***
Everyone sits around talking and listening to music. Joe is holding Rion in his lap, who is passed out. Dinner was delicious except when I had to sneak away to throw up when the scent of the burgers cooking hit me.
Ben takes his son from Joe’s lap, and he signals for me to come to him. He stands up and wraps his arm around my waist.
“Everybody, can I have your attention for a minute?” A lot of people get quiet, but some are still talking, so Joe’s dad hollers for everyone to zip it. “We’re all together today, and I thought this would be a great time to share some news with you all. Chloe’s twelve weeks pregnant.”
He pulls me into a tight hug while everyone cheers and claps around us. “I knew it!” His mom rushes toward us and pulls me from his arms. “I’m so happy for you.” She then hugs her son.
Everyone tries to come at us, but Joe holds his hands up. “Wait just one second. There’s something that I’ve been meaning to ask you, Chloe.” I watch in shock as Joe gets down on one knee in front of me. I cover my mouth as tears leak from my eyes as he opens a black box with the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.
“Chloe, I love you so much. I never expected to find someone who made me as happy as you have. We’ve had our ups and downs already, but they’ve made us stronger and have only solidified my feelings for you. You’re going to be the mother of my child and any future children we’re blessed with. Say you’ll marry me, please.” He slips the princess-cut solitaire on my finger as I nod and cry.
He stands up and grabs me, picking me up in his arms and kissing me hard. “Thank you,” he whispers against my lips.
“For what?”
“For making me the happiest man on earth.”
***
Joe groans against my neck as we both begin to come. “Oh God, baby.” I grip his shoulders as he plants himself to the root, and I can feel the heat of his come as he explodes inside of me. He collapses on top of me, mindful of my belly.
All too soon, he pulls out of me and pulls me into his arms. I rest my hand on the puckered scar on his chest. My fingers swirl round and round as his hand slides up and down my arm. I tilt my head back, and I look at my future husband. I could kick myself for ever being scared. He’s proven time and time again how much he loves me and how much he already loves our baby.
He’s become the best partner I could ask for. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more perfect day, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.