Reeve leans in, dotting kisses all over my bump through my dress. “Hey, little Lainey. How’s Daddy’s girl? Give Mommy a big cuddle, and no kicking tonight. She needs to relax.”
As if on cue, our daughter delivers a mighty kick, causing my stomach to visibly move. Reeve runs his fingers over the protruding lump, his eyes lighting up at the sight of it. “Lainey is going to be a troublemaker, I think.” His gaze jumps to mine as he rubs my bump. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
Placing my hands over his, I lean down and kiss him. “Only eleven more weeks.”
“We should bring E with us to the ultrasound on Wednesday. Let him see his baby sister.” I nod because it’s a great idea. “Maybe we could take him to the zoo after and then grab a bite to eat?” His hopeful eyes lock on mine, and I can’t say no.
“That sounds like a perfect plan.”
Reeve straightens up, kissing me softly before placing a fork in my hand. “You eat, and I’ll go run your bath.”
“Mommy, Mommy!” Easton tries to jump out of Reeve’s arms. “I see her leg! I see my sister’s leg!” He points at the screen where Lainey is wiggling her legs.
“That’s right, buddy.” Reeve hugs Easton closer, his eyes turning glassy. “That’s your baby sister.”
“I love her.” Easton’s lopsided smile melts my heart. “I can’t wait for her to come out of Mom’s tummy so I can hug her. I’ll even let her play with my Hot Wheels and my monster truck.”
My heart swells to bursting point. This kid slays me every day. “That’s really sweet, E. Your sister is so lucky to have you as her big brother.” Reeve and I exchange a look loaded with emotion. I reach out for his hand, needing to touch him, needing to believe we are going to get through this, even if Easton turns out to be Dillon’s.
Reeve sets Easton down in the chair, taking my hand and pecking my lips, uncaring the doctor and nurse are in the room. “I love you,” he whispers against my mouth. “You are amazing.” He slides his arm around my back as the nurse wipes the goop from my exposed stomach.
The doctor smiles at us as she switches off the machine. “I bet she’ll be every bit as adorable as her big brother.” She pats my hand. “Everything looks great, Vivien. You’re on track for a healthy, normal delivery.”
“You might tell her to stop working so hard,” Reeve says, arching a brow in my direction.
“I’m sure Vivien has it all under control,” the doctor replies with a smile. “Try not to worry, and whatever you can do to alleviate her workload will be appreciated, I’m sure.”
“Reeve takes good care of me,” I assure her. “He just worries too much.”
“Why can’t my sister come out now?” Easton huffs as Reeve straps him into his booster seat in the back of my SUV.
“She’s still growing and developing,” Reeve calmly explains. “Lainey will come out when she’s good and ready.”
“Brody says his sister was all covered in green slime when she came out of his mommy’s belly. Will my sister be covered in green slime too?” His cute button nose scrunches up, and I suppress a giggle.
“Nope.” Reeve ruffles his hair, fighting laughter as well. “Your sister will be perfect when you meet her. Just like you were when you were born.”
Seeming satisfied with that answer, Easton turns on his iPad, losing himself in cartoons.
“Green slime.” Reeve chuckles as he gets behind the wheel. “What the hell are kids talking about these days?”
We spend a wonderful few hours at the Los Angeles Zoo despite the irritating paparazzi following us around at the start. Reeve sent Leon to complain to security, and the paps were told to leave. Some people stop to ask Reeve for autographs, while other families shoot curious looks our way, but most leave us to enjoy our family outing in peace.
This isn’t our first time here, but Easton is as excited as every other trip. The Rainforest of the Americas is still his favorite exhibit, and he races across the wooden bridge toward the two-story Amazonian stilt house, hollering and screaming with sheer excitement. From the upper level, we see the eagles’ habitat and the otters messing around in the lake below. From the lower level, we get up close and personal with piranhas, stingray, and other aquatic species. The monkeys and jaguars are Easton’s favorites, and I snap plenty of pics of Reeve posing with our son beside the enclosures.
“That was awesome,” E proclaims, holding my hand and Reeve’s as we leave the zoo. “Next time, can we bring my sister?”
“We sure can, buddy.” Reeve crouches down. “Want to climb onto my shoulders?”
Easton doesn’t need any further invitation, scrambling onto his dad’s shoulders without hesitation. My heart aches behind my chest cavity as I watch E perched on top of Reeve with his legs dangling over his dad’s shoulders. Reeve loops my arm through his, and we walk toward the parking lot, flanked by Leon and a second bodyguard. The paparazzi snap photos of us as we head toward our car, but I do my best to ignore them and the painful ache spreading across my chest. This is probably the last time we will enjoy an outing as a family before the truth is revealed.
I know my husband. I know he’ll be devastated if Easton isn’t his, but it won’t change who he is to Easton or how much our son means to him. Reeve will still be my husband, and Easton’s father, even if Dillon is thrust upon our lives.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Reeve whispers, tucking strands of hair behind my ears as we wait for the waitress to bring our drinks.
“Did you imagine this?” I blurt, turning my head to face him. “All those years ago when we were kids. Did you think we’d end up here?”
“Yes,” he admits with zero hesitation. “I often dreamed of this. Marrying you. Having a family and a successful career. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.” He kisses me, and I’m glad we’re tucked into a private booth, away from prying eyes, in our favorite Italian restaurant. “I’m glad we’re giving Easton a sibling.” He flashes me a cheeky grin, waggling his brows. “The first of many.”
“Define many,” I say, watching Easton out of the corner of my eye. The waitress gave him crayons and some paper, and he’s coloring to his heart’s content. Our bodyguards are seated at a table next to us, keeping an eye on everything.
“Three. Four. Five. An entire football team.” Reeve shrugs, and my jaw trails the ground. His arm slides around my shoulders as he chuckles. “Don’t look so alarmed. You know you’re in the driver’s seat.”
I thread my fingers through his brown hair. “It’s a joint decision, but I’m not sure this body is up for another four or five pregnancies.” Though, in this moment, I would give Reeve anything his heart desired if it helped to lessen the blow of what’s coming.
“You can withstand more than you realize. We both can. I think we’ve already proven that.” It’s not like Reeve to directly, or indirectly, refer to our past, so I’m surprised he’s gone there. “Viv.” He clasps my face in his palms. “You know I love you completely and utterly with no limitations or boundaries. You know there is nothing you could say or do that would ever change that. Right?”