They were both laughing as he drew her into his arms, his gold eyes open and on hers as their lips pressed the first time. Then Halina let her eyes drift closed. Lost herself in their new and thrilling fantasy come true.
Mitch held her tight and kissed her as if he hadn’t kissed her in months.
They broke apart to the urging of the others for hugs and kisses and laughter. With their limited time, cake and champagne quickly followed. And with the room filled with more happiness and love than Halina could have ever hoped for, Mitch pulled her aside.
He slid one arm around her waist, kissed her temple, and murmured, “I want to smear you with cake and lick you clean.”
She laughed, kissed him. “Okay.”
“I have something to show you,” he murmured.
She pressed her hand against his chest, felt the quick beat of his heart beneath her hand, and leaned into his hips. “I think I already feel it.”
He laughed, low and deep. “That’s for later.” He lifted his phone. “A wedding present.”
She turned her head and glanced at the picture of Schaeffer, red-faced and indignant, eyes bugging out, arms cuffed behind his back. He looked so ridiculous, she burst out laughing. Then she turned to Mitch, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed her face to his shoulder. Her laughter turned to tears. And he held her tight, stroking her back.
“Hey, baby,” he crooned. “I’m sorry, I thought you’d be happy.”
She nodded, pulled back, sniffling. “I am. I am. My emotions are just . . . kinda all over the place.” She put a hand to his face, drawing his gaze to hers. “I have something for you too.” She leaned close and whispered, “I’m pregnant.”
He gasped. Stilled. His hand closed around hers. “Really? For sure?”
She nodded and pressed her forehead to his jaw. “Teague felt it when he was healing some of my cuts.”
Mitch dropped his mouth to hers and took her in such a searing, passionate kiss, she had to fist her hands in his jacket to keep herself from swaying right off her feet. He pulled away, holding her face in both his hands. Tears lined his lashes.
“Oh my God,” he said, breathless. Then a heated smile came over his face. “Maybe we can work on perfecting your skills with the ferrite bead. See if our kid’s going to be a Supreme Court judge or the next Nobel Peace Prize-winner or . . .” His brows rose. “A pitcher for the Padres like his . . . or her . . . old man once upon a time?”
Halina laughed and shook her head. “I think I’d rather enjoy watching our baby follow his or her very own path, choice by choice.”
“Agreed.” He kissed her again. Pulled back and pressed his forehead to hers. “Hali, God. I love you so much. You’ve filled my life beyond my wildest dreams.”
She smiled and whispered against his lips, “That makes three of us.”