This was what mattered. And he would keep telling himself that until the involuntary reactions ceased to occur every time he laid eyes on Sam Holland. He stroked Shelby’s back, making her shiver from the light caress of his fingertips over her skin. She was always so sensitive after they made love.

Then she gasped and sat straight up.

“What?”

“The baby! I felt something!”

Avery was immediately alarmed that they’d somehow managed to harm their unborn child. “Something bad?”

“No, a flutter.” She took his hand and placed it flat against her abdomen. “Here. Do you feel it?”

At first, he felt nothing more than the heat of her skin against his palm, but then, sure enough, there was a ripple of something.

She gasped again and tears filled her big eyes. “Oh my God! There he is!” Though she had no proof to back her claims, she’d convinced herself the baby was a boy. Her hand covered his as their eyes met and held, her smile so bright it could light up the world.

Avery hardened inside her, and when the fluttering finally stopped, he gently turned them so he was on top.

“That was amazing,” she whispered. “I’m so glad you were with me the first time I felt the baby move.”

“So am I. It was incredible.”

“I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Neither can I.” She’d been undergoing fertility treatments when they got together, hoping to become a mother. They didn’t know if the baby was his or a result of the treatments, and he honestly didn’t care either way. The baby would be theirs. He began to move, slowly, reverently, gazing down at her expressive face as he made love to her.

She caressed his face and chest, looking up at him with wonder in her big eyes.

He bent his head to draw her nipple into his mouth, and her moan traveled straight to his cock. Sucking on the tight nub, he picked up the pace until they were both coming with deep groans. Afterward, he gathered her in close to him and closed his eyes as his heart continued to beat fast and hard.

The next time he opened his eyes the room was dark, and Shelby was fast asleep in his arms. He took a deep breath and released it slowly, his brain coming back to life to focus on the situation with Director Hamilton. Hours later, he had the same thought he’d had earlier: it couldn’t possibly be true.

Moving carefully, he disentangled his limbs from Shelby’s embrace and got up to shower. As the hot water rained down upon him, he decided he needed to know. He had to see Troy, to find out what was going on and ask how he could help. That was the right thing for him to do, even if it might be difficult.