Page 78 of Cherishing Grier
He froze. After a long moment of silence, he asked, “What did you say?”
I clutched his hand in both of mine. “I’m not sure how it happened because I’ve been taking my pills every day, but I’m pregnant.”
Elijah stared at me, his eyes wide. “We’re having a baby?”
I nodded.
He just stared some more, looking completely bewildered.
“Say something,” I demanded. “You’re freaking me out.”
He blinked, coming out of his trance, and wrapped both arms around me. Hugging me close, he pressed his lips to my forehead. “You’re sure?” he asked.
“Yeah. I didn’t get my period a couple of weeks ago, but the first test was negative. Then, the nausea started, so I went to the doctor just in case it was something else. They did bloodwork and said I’m definitely pregnant.”
When I’d asked about the birth control failure, his only response was a shrug and to say sometimes it happened and suggest a different form of contraception in the future. Super helpful, that guy. I was glad he wasn’t my regular practitioner or my OBGYN because I would’ve needed a new one.
He hugged me tighter. “We’re having a baby,” he murmured.
“We are.” I still couldn’t tell how he felt about it. He didn’t sound upset, but he didn’t sound happy either. Held to his chest like I was, I couldn’t see his face to get a read on his expression.
“I never knew.”
“Knew what?” I asked.
“That it was possible to be this happy.” His arms cradled me closer. “You are all my dreams come true.”
I lifted my head and leaned back so I could see his face. His sapphire eyes sparkled with moisture, but there was a smile on his lips.
“So, you’re not upset?”
He shook his head and kissed me. “The baby may be a surprise, but it’s the best one you could have given me. Are you okay?” he asked, studying my face.
I nodded. Once I’d gotten used to the idea of being pregnant, a cautious excitement had filled me. I saw how special my friend’s children were. Sure, I could see that it wasn’t easy, but the love they shared was so beautiful. I wanted to experience that for myself.
“I was shocked at first, but…I’m happy,” I admitted.
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me, Grier Lawson.”
“I think it’s the other way around, Eli. The only thing I ever wanted in my entire life was a family. People who loved me no matter what. You’ve given me that.”
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. “I will do everything in my power to give you what you need and what you want. For the rest of my life.”
“I just want you and the family we build together.”
As he held me close, I realized that the best decision of my life was inviting him to my room the night of Lucy’s wedding. Everything that happened after that had led to this moment, to this life that I cherished more than anything.
