Page 20 of Keyed Up

“The police are investigating.”

“She made it personal. So did I.”

I rolled my eyes, but inside, my belly was warm. My new nanny agency was already taking off. Many of Colton’s connections were reaching out to him about nannies who could be trusted with high-profile clients. That meant that I would be interviewing and checking into dozens of contracted nannies by the end of the year. But it felt good. It felt good to match families with the help they needed. It felt good to be home for my almost stepdaughter.

And it would be the perfect time to bring on more employees around the time I would need to be gone for a few months.

Nervously, I glanced at Colton. We were nearly back to our car now. Seeing a nearby park full of kids made me think of my surprise, and I could feel myself trailing behind a little, dragging Colton with me.

“What next, sweetheart?” Colton asked. “Are you ready for the next round of interviews?”

“I am.” I gnawed on my lower lip. “I’m thinking about hiring one more assistant, though.”

“Is Alex not doing a good job?”

“No, I just…” I flushed. “I’m going to need a little more help in the next few months.”

Colton’s hands immediately found my sides, turning me to him. “Is something wrong?”

“No, actually, it’s all so good. So, so good.” I cupped his jaw and then took one of his big hands off my side and moved it to the center of my belly. “I just want to be able to soak up every bit of this new little one.”

Colton’s gaze darted between my face and his hand once, twice, and then a third time. His throat worked hard. “You’re pregnant.”

“I am.”

In the next moment, I was swept up in his arms, and he was swirling me around and around as he pressed his face into the side of my neck, kissing everything he could reach.

When he finally set me down, he kissed me on the mouth, long and sweet, his hands tangling in my hair. “I can’t believe I almost missed all of this.” His hand moved back over my still-flat belly.

I smiled at him and then leaned in for another kiss. “Remind me you’re real.”

“Always, sweetheart.” Then he was kissing me again and again until I didn’t doubt that this was the life I had dreamed up and the man I’d fallen for completely.

My heart was full, my future bright.

And he was by my side.

The End