The Bratva King's Kidnapped Bride - Page 72

We lay tangled up together for a few, panting moments, then Aleks hoisted himself up, bringing me with him. He carried me into the adjoining bathroom and we both stood under a stinging spray, rinsing away the sweat of both of our workouts.

I already had my appointment clothes down there, and he raced ahead of me in just his shorts, his skin still wet and gleaming from the shower. By the time I was dressed and had my hair in some semblance of order, he was waiting for me at the front of the house, tapping his watch in mock impatience.

“We’re going to be so late,” I said.

“I’ll pay the fee,” he assured me.

We went over our ever-growing list of baby names as our driver sped toward the medical center. He was against Aleksandr Jr. but I liked it. We got stuck on whether or not we agreed on Samuel for half the ride. All of our choices were boy’s names, and as we got checked in for the appointment, my anxiety returned.

What if I saw disappointment in his eyes, if it was a girl? He adored his daughter and he’d love this one, too, but if it was there all the same, how hurt would I feel? The notion that he needed a male heir was ridiculous, and he agreed, but sometimes I wondered if he was just paying lip service. What if our child wasn’t enough?

The doctor arrived, waving off our apologies for being a bit late. With the goo on my belly, I gripped Aleks’s hand as she moved the imaging wand around. First, we heard the heartbeat that always delighted us at every visit, and Aleks squeezed my fingers, a big smile on his face.

“Everything looks perfect,” the doctor said, still moving here and there across my small bump.

“It does,” Aleks said, leaning closer to marvel at our baby’s snub-nosed profile and tiny hands. The image was clear, even at this early stage, and we could see so much of what our future child would be like.

“If we can just get the little one to turn a bit, I can probably tell you what color to paint the nursery,” she teased.

I glanced at Aleks just as he turned to look at me. Our eyes met, and he frowned at whatever he had seen in mine.

“Okay, here we go,” the doctor said excitedly. “I think I can tell…”

“I don’t need to know,” Aleks interrupted.

I gaped at him. “What do you mean?”

He shrugged. “I mean, I don’t care. Let it be a surprise.” He could see I was shocked, and he continued. “I’m happy to have a boy, but I’d be equally thrilled if it’s a girl who’s as strong-willed, resilient, and hardworking as her mother. Or as stubborn as her half-sister or as smart as her aunts. Knowing our baby is healthy is enough for me.”

Happy tears streamed down my face and I laughingly swiped them away. I hadn’t realized how anxious I’d been about this until he put my fear to rest.

“Are you really sure?” I asked. He answered me with a kiss that told me all I needed to know. He really didn’t care one way or the other. Except… “Well, there is the nursery, though. I wanted to do ballerinas for a girl and jungle for a boy, but I guess I could just do beige.”

Aleks cracked up, startling the doctor, who’d stepped aside while we had our moment. “No beige. We’d better find out.” He nodded, and the doctor grinned.

“Do you both really want to know?” she asked.

“Tell us,” we prodded.

“You’re probably going to want to buy some ballet slippers,” she said.

Aleks whooped and dragged me into a hug. The doctor offered her congratulations and slipped out of the room.

“Another girl,” he said, pulling the paper from the exam table to wipe off my stomach. He really was thrilled. There was no denying the joy written all over his face.

“You know I want to have more kids,” I said. “I hope you’re ready for that.”

“Bring it on,” he said. “But only because you want to.”

“Well, only if you want to,” I said magnanimously.

He laughed again and pulled me close for a soul-stirring kiss. I’d never been happier. There was nothing we couldn’t face together, and just like he promised, I had faith everything would work out with our families.

“Oh, my love,” he said, holding me close. “I definitely do. I want it all.” He leaned back, growing serious as he shook his head. “No. I already have it all. As long as I have you.”

“You do,” I told him. “You always will.”

*****

THE END