Page 73 of The Rebel with Broken Strings

His eyes locked on to hers, concern flickering across his face. “Everything alright?”

Aubrey took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’ve been watching you with the kids today, and it just melts my heart.” She placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. “The way you connect with them, how patient and kind you are.”

Gunner’s brow furrowed slightly, a question forming on his lips. Before he could speak, Aubrey pressed on.

“I’m so glad you’re good with children, because…” She paused, her voice catching. “Well… I’m pregnant.”

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Aubrey searched his face, trying to gauge his reaction.

Until Gunner’s eyes widened, heady emotions flashing across his features. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face—one that reached his eyes and lit up his entire being.

“Aubrey,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re gonna have a baby?”

She nodded, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “We are.”

In one fluid motion, Gunner pulled her close, enveloping her in his strong arms. “Oh, darlin’,” he murmured into her hair.

Aubrey melted into his embrace, relief and joy washing over her. “You’re happy?” she asked, her voice muffled against his chest.

Gunner pulled her in close, holding her face tenderly in his hands. “This is more than just happiness,” he whispered as he placed a hand on her stomach. “This baby is our future, our legacy. And I swear to you, right now, that I will love and protect both of you with every fiber of my being.”

She returned his smile with one of her own. “And we will love you endlessly.”

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