An intense emotion surged through my chest. The sudden feeling of love and the urge to protect the baby surprised me.

With hesitation, I ran my hand over my flat stomach.

I looked up at him again. Though he said he’d support me if I didn’t want it, it didn’t go unnoticed how his gaze followed the movement of my hand. How his hands twitched, as if he wanted to run his hand over my stomach. And his eyes, they held... longing.

My heart clenched for him. He longed for a family for half of his life. He always wanted a happy family he never had.

And I’ll give it to him. I’ll give him everything he ever wanted, the happiness he always deserved.

Taking his hand, I placed it on my stomach. His gaze snapped up to mine, watching me in confusion.

Smiling, I nodded. My vision burned with tears. Tears of happiness. “It’s our baby. I can never give up on it. We’ll keep him or her.”

“Are you sure?” His voice came out uncertain.

“Yes!”

Letting out a shaky breath, he pulled me into him and slammed his lips against mine. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him back eagerly. The intensity and passion his kiss radiated told me the love and appreciation he had for me.

Pulling away, he rested his forehead against mine. “Rosebud…you don’t know what you said. You’ve already given me everything I’ve ever wanted. You. And now you’re making my world complete by giving me a family. A family where there will be you, me, and our baby. Thank you so much. I...I can’t express how grateful I am. I love you so fucking much!”

Grinning, I kissed his lips again. “I love you too!”

He smiled. But it was a different one. There was a light in his eyes, light of felicity and love.

Leaning down, he ran his hand over my tummy lovingly before showering kisses all over my stomach. A giggle escaped my lips as I watched him spooning my belly, as if he was already holding the baby in his arms.

Never had anyone seen this side of Achilles Valencian. So soft and doting. Only I got the luck to watch him like this. And now our baby would experience this rare moment too.

“We made it,” he whispered, looking up at me with a gleaming gaze.

I nodded, smiling as brightly. “I can’t wait to tell everyone. Mom and Dad will be ecstatic.”

Agreeing, he got back to me. Pulling me into his arms, he pecked my temple. “I know. Let’s invite them to dinner and share the news with them.”

“I’ll call them right now.”

When I reached for my phone, he grabbed my hand. “Let’s go home first.”

“All right.” I smiled.