My heart brims over with love for this incredible man.

The rest of the world fades away. In this moment there’s only him and me, existing in this bubble he’s created through his lyrics. A journey specific to the two of us.

“Never thought it was possible in one lifetime to feel such magic twice,” he croons. “Until the day that girl waltzed back into my life, Giving me more than I ever dared to dream, A life, a purpose, and it all revolves around you, little bean.”

Tears pour down my face as he sings of the future he imagines for us. A life filled with love and laughter. With struggles and triumphs.

His lips brush my lobe, and I swear I feel a tear hit my shoulder when he sings of how foolish he’d been to take a love like this for granted.

My chest heaves with sobs when he sings the chorus for the last time:

“You’re mine, through and through,

No matter what, you’re mine.

The both of you.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

“Hey,” Lyle says, walking out of our bathroom looking all kinds of sexy in a gray muscle shirt and faded black jeans. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired.” With a groan, I roll to my back.

Like a magnet, his hand adheres to my stomach, the tips of his fingers poking around in hopes my little squatter will push back.

He gets his wish.

The corners of his mouth lift into a smile. “He’s so strong.”

“Tell me about it.” There were a few times I was convinced he’d cracked a rib or two.

“Just a couple more weeks, Li’l Momma.”

I hold out three fingers and wiggle them in the air. “Thirty-seven down, three to go.”

“Sure you don’t want me to wait for you to leave?” He plops down on the bed, smoothing a hand up and down my leg over the blanket. “I will happily tell Frank to take a hike and come back for me later.”

“I’m positive.” I give his thigh a squeeze, teasing his bulge with a stroke of my pinky. “I’m just gonna take a nap and have nice a long bath. I’ll call one of the guys to come get me when I’m ready to head that way.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You need to be at rehearsal with the rest of the band.”

He draws a deep breath and sighs. “I just hate leaving you here alone…especially since you’ve been getting those Braxton Hicks the last few days.”

“You heard Dr. Ruby yourself. This is perfectly normal.” I can’t help but smile over his concern. “Besides, I’ll have Maui here to keep me company.”

The bird perks up at the sound of his name and starts pacing along his perch. “I’m a demigod.”

“You’re an asshole.” Lyle turns toward my bird and gives him the finger.