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“I know you don’t think you’re carrying that box,” DeSean grumbled as he came over and snatched it from my hands. “I thought we talked about this. I carry. You unpack. And I’ll help with all that.”

“I’m feeling pretty useless these days,” I mumbled. I gestured to the back of the house where Mama Delta and Arionna were cooking while Necie set the table. “Watch,” I urged. “Hey, Mama Delta, is there anything I can do to help?”

“Yes, you get off those feet, girl. You baking my next granddaughter. Rest.” The woman wiped her hands on her apron. “I’ll get you a drink. You want milk?”

I raised my hands and then dropped them in frustration. “I can do things.”

DeSean waggled his brows. “Don’t I know it. And tonight, I’ll let you do me to prove it. It’s bad luck not to have sex the first night in a new house.” He pulled me into his arms and pressed his lips to mine. “I love you, Mrs. Brown.” He released me so he could lay his hands on either side of my bulging belly. “Look around, baby. We did it. We sold two houses and built our dream home before our daughter arrives.”

Tears sprang to my eyes. I sniffled and nodded.

“Aw, you need to get those feet up,” Tommy suggested as he passed me. “Here.” He set the chair behind the desk in our office.

Taking a cue, D scooped me up into his arms despite my protests. “There’s no stairs. I’m barely carrying you five feet. I got you, Tegyn, and our baby too.”

I nodded. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so…emotional.”

Mama Delta entered the room with a big glass of chocolate milk. “You need the calories,” she murmured as she pushed the glass across the desk to me. “And you cry if you want, girl. This is a big day.”

I swiped at my eyes. “Thank you for understanding.” Then I picked up the cup and took a few sips, knowing it would make her happy.

“Let’s walk,” D murmured as he reached out and tugged me up from the chair.

I took a deep breath and stood. “Okay.”

He waited until we were out of the room and away from all the extra ears. “You know what today is?”

I tilted my head. “Um, February, 27^th.”

D smirked. “A year ago today, I almost lost you. A year ago today, Camilla fell on her own sword. A year has made a huge change in our lives.” He brought me to our new master bedroom and opened the French doors to the balcony. “We got married. We made a baby. We sold two houses. We designed and built this one.” He licked his lips. “This place, this life with you is the culminations of all my dreams, all my prayers.” D tucked my hair behind my ears. “I worry that you’re not living your dreams. You had this whole career, this life before me.”

I smiled. “You have to know that my life has only grown fuller. I still run my own travel company. I still write for the newspaper and maintain my blog. If anything, you’ve enriched my business because now I’m featuring family travel tips and vacation ideas.”

“So, life’s not too dull for you?” He cupped my face.

I pressed his hand to my cheek. “No, life is pretty damn perfect. Look around. What more could I possibly want?”

DeSean laughed. “The hell if I know. I even gave you a girl.”

“Dinner!” Mama Delta called from the bottom of the stairs.

“Daddy! Mommy! Dinner!” Keyon giggled.

“And you’re sure you don’t mind him calling me that?” I asked quietly. “This is relatively new. We could still nip it in the bud if it bothers you.”

“No, you’re the only real mommy he has ever had. Just like you’re the only woman to ever have my heart.” DeSean gave me one more passionate kiss that left me breathless.

“You kissed me like that when we have to wait a good three hours before we can christen the house? You know how horny I’ve been this trimester. You’re cruel, DeSean.” I turned to rub my butt over the front of his pants and felt his penis jerk to attention. With a smirk I murmured, “And now we’re even.” Then I sashayed to the door and started down the stairs to join our family. Life had never been so good.