Page 143 of Range
I sliced at the distance between us, quieting Range altogether. Though I’d promised to keep my hands to myself, I couldn’t. She was irresistible.
“Josiah,” Sunshine gasped.
I fell to my knees. My hands pushed her top upward, exposing her rounding belly. I rested my palms and cheek against her skin.
Oxygen evaporated from my lungs. I inhaled, hoping to regain control of my respiratory system.
Muah.
Muah.
Muah.
Muah.
Ecstasy consumed me. There wasn’t a better title in the world.
Father.
So much of my identity was overshadowed by my degrees and position in pharmaceuticals that I often wondered if I’d be much more than my accomplishments.
Range was preparing to disrupt that idea. She was preparing to bring life into this world. Life that I helped create. Life that would surpass any of my prior accomplishments.
“Siah,” she whispered, placing a hand on the back of my head.
“Thank you.”
Her sacrifices wouldn’t go unnoticed. Not now. Not ever. I was forever indebted. I owed her my life, and I’d give it to her. But, more. I’d give her my love, too. One that she’d never recover from. One she’d never run from. One she’d never fear. One she’d seek refuge in. One she’d find harmony through. One she’d live to grow old with.
I stood, pulling her closer to me. On the tips of her toes, she welcomed me into her warmth. I accepted the invitation.
“Mmmmm,” she moaned against me.
“I’ve missed you, Sunshine.”
I released her, but immediately regretted it.
“I’ve missed you more.”
“How have you been feeling, my love?”
“Morning sickness lets up almost every day before noon.”
“I’m happy to hear that. When’s your next appointment?”
There was something on her mind. There was always something on her mind.
“Talk to me, Range. Tell me what’s circling in that pretty head of yours.”
She stared at me. Big brown eyes penetrating parts of me that belonged to her alone.
“I won’t be returning to the doctor.”
My breath hiked in my chest.
“Why not?”
“Because that’s not the route I want to take with this pregnancy.”
