She let out a laugh.
“I’m serious. So when people ask how we met, I’m going to tell them we were introduced by a raccoon.”
“You’re going to sound like a lunatic.” She laughed.
“I don’t care. From the night I met you, all I wanted to do was protect you. That’s why I went after Ryan. It’s crazy and I can’t explain it, but I just don’t invite random strangers to stay at my house. I knew you were special the moment I laid eyes on you.”
“Stefan.” Tears filled her eyes.
“I know how scared you must have been when you found out you were pregnant. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to that night. I had just found out earlier in the day. Then you said you didn’t want any more kids and Lily was all that you needed. So, I couldn’t tell you after that.”
“God, I’m such an asshole.” I lowered my head.
Chapter 39
Alex
“I was never going to tell you, Stefan. I’m confessing and I want to be totally honest with you.”
He lifted his head and stared at me as sadness filled his eyes.
“I made a plan. As soon as I started to show, I was going to leave, and I was going to raise the baby alone. I didn’t want to complicate your life more than I already had. That’s why I refused to listen to what you had to say every time you said we needed to talk. And for that, I’m sorry.”
“I would be lying if I said I understood but thank you for being honest with me. Come home, Alex. To our home. The home where we’re going to turn one of the guestrooms into a nursery and where we’re going to raise our baby together. I still can’t believe you’re pregnant. How did this happen while you were on birth control?”
“The night we met, I forgot to take it with everything that had happened. So, the next day when I realized it, I popped two pills out and one fell down the drain. I didn’t plan on sleeping with you and I honestly didn’t think about it when we did have sex. Dr. Kota told me it only takes missing one. I’m sorry. I know you don’t want anymore—”
“Stop. We’re having a baby and I’m happy about it. You know why?”
I slowly shook my head.
“Because I’m having one with you. The woman I’m deeply in love with.”
“I’m scared, Stefan.”
“You don’t have to be scared anymore. Not when you’re with me. Besides, I’m a pro when it comes to kids.” He gave me a wink. “When you get out of here, will you come home?”
“Yes.” A smile crossed my lips. “That’s the only place I want to be.”
“I’m so happy to hear you say that.” I stroked her cheek. “Lily told me today that it’s okay for you to sleep in my bed.”
“She did?”
“Yep. She said she knows when two adults love each other, they have sex.”
“Oh boy. How did you respond?”
“I told her that we can talk about it another time. Maybe you can help me out with that since you’re a woman and all.”
“Oh really?” I laughed.
“Yeah. I think she’d feel more comfortable if it came from you. She looks up to you.”
“How about we sit her down together. We’re going to have to tell her about the baby.”
“I know, and I can’t wait to tell her she’s going to be a big sister. I love you, Alex.”
“I love you too, Stefan.” His lips brushed against mine.
“I know this probably hasn’t been the best birthday you’ve ever had—”
“You’re wrong. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had. Even though something bad happened, something good came out of it.”
“It sure did.” The corners of his mouth curved upward as he softly stroked my cheek.
“How long do you think it’ll take for my car to be fixed?” I asked.
“Well, first, it’ll cost way too much to repair since you don’t have insurance, and second, you’re never getting in that damn car again. You’ve been in two accidents already. I’m buying you a new car and it’s going to have full coverage insurance.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not. I’m telling you that’s how it’s going to be. We’re going to get you a nice safe car.”
“I’m not driving a mini-van.” I raised my brow.
“God no. I would never let you.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Can you help me put this on?” I asked Stefan as I held up my necklace.
With a smile, he took the necklace and clasped it around my neck.
“It looks beautiful on you.” He kissed the side of my neck as I stared at it in the mirror.
“I love it so much. I’m never taking it off.”
“Alex, you have officially been discharged,” my nurse spoke when she walked into the room. “I’m going to call transport and have them send someone up with a wheelchair.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. “I can’t wait to go home.”
About fifteen minutes later, a young man dressed in black scrubs walked into the room with a wheelchair. After Stefan helped me into it, he told the transporter that he would wheel me down himself. When we exited through the hospital doors, I gasped when I saw a horse and carriage parked at the curb.
“Your carriage awaits you, madame.”
“What? You did this?” I asked in shock.
He took my hand, helped me out of the wheelchair and then he helped me into the carriage.
“Yes. I did this because Prince Charming always rescues his princess.”
Tears filled my eyes as he grabbed my hand and held it.
“This is just—I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
“Were not riding all the way home in this, are we?” I laughed.
“No.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “We’re just going to take a little ride around the property of the hospital and the car I have waiting for us will take us home.”
I was right all along. Stefan Kind was my prince charming, my person, and the man I wanted to spend every waking moment with.
When the car pulled into the driveway, Stefan helped me out and up to the door because my body had felt like it had been hit by a truck. The soreness had settled in and as much as I love the horse and carriage ride, it took a toll on my body. But I would never tell him that. What he did for me was something I’d hold on to for the rest of my life.
The moment Stefan opened the door and we stepped inside, Sam, Julia, Sebastian, Simon, and Lily all started singing happy birthday to me.
“I know it’s a day late, but we weren’t going to let a car accident spoil our plans,” Stefan said.
“Thank you, guys, so much.” I wiped the tears from my eyes.
Stefan helped me over to the couch. Looking around, the house was decorated with streamers and balloons.
“I helped decorate,” Lily said.
“You did such a great job. Thank you.” I gave her a hug.
“You just sit there and relax,” Stefan said as he kissed my lips. “I’ll go fix you a plate of food.”