Page 146 of Beautiful Thing

I see his point—he’s the manliest man I know. Maybe all that testosterone has a compounding effect or something? Plus, he does have twin brothers so I guess I shouldn’t bethatsurprised to be carrying triplets.

Still, I roll my eyes at him and his massive ego. “Super sperm is one thing. Triple-strength sperm, I was not prepared for.”

Together, we laugh.

I like teasing him about this, but Archer has been his amazing self throughout this process, making sure that I’m as cozy and taken care of as possible every step of the way.

“You realize this is happening because I love you so much, right?” he says. “I can’t help but spread that love around as much as possible. My sperm understood the assignment.”

“Somehow, that logic makes sense to me.” I smile. “And I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited. I can’t wait for this next step in our journey together.”

Whispering back and forth in the middle of our living room late at night, I kiss him and he kisses me back. We’ve been together for over eight years, yet somehow it all still feels exhilarating. Like teenagers sneaking around after curfew. I’ll never get tired of him.

The past few years have been a real adventure. Raising two children and running the hardware store. Plus, I finally went back to school. When I mentioned that I regretted never getting a college degree, Archer insisted that I should make it happen.

Next thing you know, I was working on a business administration degree. He was my biggest supporter through it all. I did my courses online and he was with me every step of the way. Picking up the slack around the house. Taking care of the kids. Hiring staff to replace me at the hardware store.

When we finally had enough money saved, Archer insisted on buying out Darius’s stake in their partnership. Now, my husband and I run Hammers and Hardware as business partners. But if you ask Archer, he’d say thatI’mhis boss, since I’m the one with the fancy degree.

My degree is hardly fancy. I got it from an online school no-one’s ever heard of. But given my chaotic beginnings, I’m so very proud of myself.

And more than that, I love that he’s so proud of me.

“Tell me what I can do to make you more comfortable tonight,” he demands softly.

I think for a moment, then I say, “Hot chocolate by the fireplace?”

We have a new jigsaw puzzle we just started working on. Maybe we could make some progress on that tonight.

He’s already backing away toward the kitchen. “Coming right up, Belle. Anything else?”

I tap my chin. “And maybe some jelly beans—only the yellow ones…and a few saltine crackers…with jalapeños and cream cheese and maybe some Hot Cheetos, if we have any...And some blueberries. For vitamins and all that stuff!” I can’t be held responsible for these insane pregnancy cravings.

Archer looks at me like I’m crazy. But he nods anyway. “Anything for you, Belle.”

I grin.

“Go. Get off your feet. Wait for me in the library. I’ll be right there.”

Archer starts to walk away, but I call after him. “Babe, wait.”

He stops, spinning back around and hurrying back to me. “What is it?”

I wrap my arms around him once more. “I’m so glad it’s you and me, Archer. There’s no one else I’d rather be doing this life with.” I bury my face in his chest and press a kiss to his pounding heart.

He lifts my jaw, searching my eyes. “I’d still be doing life all alone if it weren’t for you, Layla. I love you so much. And I’m so fucking grateful for you.”

“Oh, baby. I love you, too.” My arms tighten around him. “Thank you for this beautiful life you’ve given me and our babies.”