Her body complied and began to shudder in a climax so gigantic she felt the house shaking. She screamed. There was no way she could not, and when he began coming inside her, his hot release thickened by the intensity of their lovemaking, she could only cry out as she was swept away yet again.

And then he leaned up and kissed her, but not before whispering that he loved her and that he planned to spend the rest of his life making her happy, making her feel loved. And she believed him.

With all the strength she could muster, she leaned up to meet him.

“And I love you so very much, too.”

And she meant it.

“Why don’t I have to wear a condom for a while?” Jason asked moments later with her entwined in his arms, their limbs tangled as they enjoyed the aftermath of their lovemaking together. He knew the reason, but he wanted her to confirm it.

She lifted her head slightly, met his gaze and whispered, “I’m having your baby.”

Her announcement did something to him. Being given confirmation that a life they had created together was growing inside her made him shudder. He knew she was waiting for him to say something.

He planned to show her he had taken it well. She needed to know just how happy her announcement had made him. “Knowing that you are pregnant with my child, Bella, is the greatest gift I could ever hope to receive.”

“Oh, Jason.”

And then she was there, closer into his arms with her arms wrapped around his neck. “I was afraid you wouldn’t be happy.”

“You were afraid for nothing. I am ecstatic, overjoyed at the prospect of being a father. Thank you for everything you’ve done, all the happiness you’ve brought me.”

She shook her head. “No, it’s I who needs to thank you for sharing your family with me, for giving me your support when my own family tried to break me down. And for loving me.”

And then she leaned toward his lips and he gave her what she wanted, what he wanted. He knew at that moment the proposal had worked. It had brought them together in a way they thought wasn’t possible. And he would always appreciate and be forever thankful that Bella had come into his life.

Two days later the Westmorelands met at Dillon’s for breakfast to celebrate. It seemed everyone had announcements to make and Dillon felt it was best that they were all made at the same time so they could all rejoice and celebrate.