L ying in in a tub, nestled between Martin Thomas’s legs was an experience Sylvie never expected to happen. He showered constantly, but wasn’t a bath person. But he proved he had a lot of tricks up his sleeves.

She glanced at her hand, admiring the sparkly diamond ring. The ring had been in her family for generations. “How did you get this?”

“I called Bruno yesterday morning, before my meeting and asked for his blessing. Your mother cried and said you better call her later.” They loved Martin and already considered him a part of the family. It didn’t surprise her they would say yes. “She insisted I use this thing. Said it was all you ever talked about as a kid. That one day you’d wear this ring and live happily ever after,” he said mockingly.

Sylvie smiled, picturing her mother with tears of joy in her eyes. “I’ve always loved it. The old-fashioned setting and intricate gold design. Its understated elegance.”

He kissed the side of her neck. “Just like you, ma belle.” His tongue outlined the shell of her ear.

“That’s sweet. But how did you get it? There were no deliveries here yesterday or today. Other than my Valentine’s Day surprise. Which I love by the way.”

His hands were wrapped around her waist, drawing lines over her ribs and circles around her belly button. “I had the courier company hold the package and call me when it arrived. I got it last night after you refused to come to the rehearsal dinner with me. Why didn’t you come? It was a big blow to my plans. I second guessed us.”

“We weren’t an us. That was the problem. I developed these feelings for you, and I had no idea how you felt. I fell in love with you and it scared the shit out of me. No strings attached or labels, remember?”

“I remember.” He slipped his hand under the water and pressed it over her sex. He caressed her breast with his other hand. “You looked so frightened about being with me; like any second you might change your mind. I thought saying that would help you relax. It’s always been more for me. From the moment our lips touched for the first time, there was no turning back.”

She opened her legs wide and gripped the edge of the tub as his fingers slid along her folds. The gentle squeeze of her breast sent tingles all over. Her breasts were so sensitive. “But you said it wasn’t a good idea. I pushed for us to try.”

He pushed two fingers inside her. “Yes, you did. You had to be the one in control or it never would have worked. This was always going to happen. You and me. I knew once you finally agreed to come here that I would never let you go.”

“Why didn’t you say something sooner? Oh… don’t stop.” She ground her pelvis against his hand as his thumb rubbed her clit.

“Because when I finally thought you were falling for me, you pulled away. After our trip, I figured we’d turned a corner. But you ran away from me the night of the bachelor party. Did you seriously think I’d leave you when you’re sick?” He doubled his pace, fucking her faster.

“Oh… Yes!” She came against his hand. Sylvie turned her face towards him and kissed him as the ripples of pleasure continued.

“Sit on my lap,” he said, lifting her in the water and sitting her on his cock. “We get to do this for the rest of our lives.”

She used the edge of the tub to leverage herself as she moved on him. “I’ll never get enough of this or of you. I love you so much.” She picked up the pace, and he thrust into her over and over.

Water splashed over the side of the tub as they made love.

“I love you to too, ma belle. Pour toujours.”

“Always,” she repeated as they came together.

They got out of the tub and he helped her dry off. There was still a wedding to attend in a few hours. He handed her a bathrobe. They dressed and returned to the dining room. “Are you hungry? I noticed you barely ate.” He lifted her plate off the table and there were only a few bites missing.

“Not really.” The truth was she’d thought the knots in her stomach would go away now that Martin had returned home and they were okay. Better than okay, they were in love and engaged. But she still didn’t feel like herself.

“That’s not like you,” he said before shoveling a bite of chicken into his mouth.

“I’ll be right back.” She kissed him and grabbed her purse off the couch. Reaching inside for her lip gloss, her birth control pill pack fell out. She checked the package and there were still a few pills left. Realization dawned that her period was due the day before. She was late, and she was never late. “Um. Martin, I need to head down to the drugstore. I’ll be right back.”

Sylvie didn’t even bother putting on clothes. She pulled her jacket over the housecoat and slipped into her heels. The store was adjacent to the building, so she didn’t have far to go.

Those were the longest two elevator rides of her life. She raced to the bathroom as soon as she was back. She tore open the package and peed on the stick. Three minutes and she’d have her answer. She sat on the toilet waiting.

Martin knocked as he opened the door. “Is everything all right?” His eyes widened when he saw the stick in her hand. “Are you?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’m late.” Her hands shook as she held out their future.

He leaned over and stared at the little window on the stick. “What are we looking for? A plus or lines or what? How do we know?”

“The box said this one is one line for not pregnant and two lines for yes, we’re having a baby. I bought another one just in case.”

“In case what?”

Two lines appeared on the stick. Bright pink lines and there was definitely more than one. “In case this happened.” She closed her eyes too afraid to see the disappointment in his eyes. She’d missed a few pills this month, but she never imagined this would happen.

“We’re having a baby.” He pulled her off the toilet and hugged her. “You’re pregnant with our child.”

She opened her eyes and laughed. Her panties were around her knees as he held her. “I’ll take the other test to be sure.”

He kissed her mouth, surprising her with his tenderness. “How do you feel about having my baby?”

“Scared.” She felt like this was her fault. That he would think she’d done this on purpose or something. “I must have missed a pill on the travel days. My schedule was all mixed up and I’m so sorry. I never—”

His lips covered hers again. He caressed the side of her face and looked into her eyes. “Don’t be sorry; I’m not. I knew the risk when I came inside you. It takes two to make a baby, Sylvie. This is meant to be. I hope you’re happy about having a big family. Take the test so we can celebrate.”

This was not the reaction she expected. Who was this man and what had he done with her best friend?

She smiled and her eyes filled with happy tears. This baby wasn’t planned, but it would be so loved. “Get out of here so I can take the other test.”

Martin reached onto the back of the toilet seat, grabbed the box and ripped it open. “Sit. I’m not going anywhere or missing a moment of this.” She sat down and he handed her the stick. He read the instructions as she peed. Having him standing over her was intimidating, but perfect all the same. “Give me the stick. I want to hold it this time.”

“Gross, its covered in my pee.” She held onto the tiny white stick that any moment would show a plus or minus.

He ripped the thing out of her hands and dropped to his knees so they could watch it together. “Nothing about you is gross. You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met and I love you.”

“Even if I get super huge and fat?” She chewed her lip, not relishing the prospect of gaining more weight; or the morning sickness sure to come. But as the first minute passed, she wanted this baby with all her might.

“It’s not fat when parts of us are merging and creating life. Look… a plus sign. We are pregnant.”

“You are sure you’re happy about this? I thought you never wanted to get married or have kids.”

He rubbed his nose against hers. “Not with anyone but you. With you, ma belle, I want it all. The wedding, kids, the Stanley Cup and the happily ever after.”

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t get enough of Martin and Sylvie’s story? An extended epilogue is available on my website in the Bonus section: