Page 48 of Keeping Denver

It's been a few weeks since Callan and I officially got back together. Much to his dismay, I'm still living with Frances and Richard. I'm also still working for Spencer. He asks me every day to come home, but I decline. Honestly, I don't know what's holding me back. A small part of me fears the unknown and putting my trust in him again.

So far, Callan has been the model boyfriend. Mitch still picks me up every morning. Lunch is still promptly delivered to my desk at noon, and Callan is always waiting outside Spencer's building to take me home at the end of each workday. He sees to my every need, proving he is determined to take care of me.

I sense Callan is at his tipping point. I feel that at any moment, he is going to scoop me up caveman-style and carry me back to his penthouse. And as I sit here in the stall of the women's bathroom at work, staring down at the positive pregnancy test, in my hand, I know without a doubt Callan will take care of his baby too. Butterflies swarm in my stomach at the thought of being a mother, and I smile. I have the best people in my life and can say with certainty this baby will be so loved. I'm going to give my son or daughter everything I never had.

Later that night, Callan and Spencer are here at Frances and Richard's to celebrate Richard's retirement. There is a big party planned next weekend, but tonight Richard wanted to celebrate with us, his family. Callan, who is sitting beside me, stands and lifts his glass of Champagne. "It's about time you start living life doing whatever the hell you want. I can't think of any man who deserves it more. You've dedicated your entire career to helping others. You find the good in people and do your best to help them see it too. I know Spencer would agree when I say, if it weren't for you, we wouldn't be where we are today." Callan glances down at me, with love in his eyes. "You helped me pull my head out my ass more times than I'd like to admit and showed me the paths worth taking. You're my mentor, the man I look up to. You've shown me what a man can and should be. I love you, Richard, and hope one day to be half the man you are." We all lift our glasses in the air.

"Show off." Spencer eyes Callan with a smirk, and I giggle.

As Callan takes his seat, he notices I have yet to touch my drink, and asks, "Your Champagne warm, baby? Want me to get you another glass?"

"No, no." I pause, trying to produce an excuse for not drinking. With tonight's focus on Richard's accomplishments, I don't want to bring up my news.

"I think she's coming down with something," Spencer cuts in. "She's been looking a little green all week. I've even seen her making extra trips to the restroom at work."

Shit!

Callan scoots his chair back, suddenly full of worry. "Baby. You didn't mention you weren't feeling well. I'll give Dr. Morgan a call." Callan pulls his cell phone from his pocket and begins dialing.

I put my hand over his stopping him from making the call. "Callan. Put the phone away. I'm not sick."

"Are you sure. You do look a little pale, baby."

"Callan, I'm not sick. I'm pregnant." The words slip from my mouth. Frances gasps and Spencer mutters, "Holy shit."

Callan, however, goes stock still, his expression I can't decipher. My nerves kick in. Unmoving, I wait for his reaction with bated breath.

Suddenly dropping to his knees, Callan wraps his arms around my torso and lays his forehead against my belly. Quiet tears trickle down Frances' cheeks, and Richard pulls her close. I thread my fingers through Callan's soft, dark hair. My nervousness vanishes entirely as the man I love continues to hold me. "Not exactly the way I wanted to tell you we're having a baby." Callan lifts his face, and I take in his watery eyes. I smile at him, losing myself like I always do in his tantalizingly green eyes. I hope our baby has his eyes.

"A beautiful woman walked into my office once. She stole my heart before I ever knew her name." Tears fall from my eyes, landing on Callan's cheek as he holds my gaze. "Now, she's giving me the greatest gift I could ever imagine." He palms my stomach. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too." My hand covers his, and I tell him, "I'm ready to come home."

Callan stands and pulls me into him. "For good?"

"For good," I confirm, and for a moment, the room falls silent.

"Well, what the hell are you waiting for?" Richard throws his hands in the air. "Kiss her already."

Callan kisses my forehead, then takes my face in the palms of his hands. He hovers his lips inches from mine. "I plan on keeping you forever, Denver Hollis. Marry me?"

I close my eyes. "Okay." Then my man kisses me.