Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
I recalled her going to the mainland two days ago. She had said it was for wedding stuff, and I hadn’t suspected anything.
“The doctor said everything looked good. You can come for the ultrasound.”
“I will be there for everything.”
Her eyes shone in the moonlight. “I know.”
I dropped to my knees in the sand, spreading my hands over her stomach where our child grew. Still tiny, undetectable to my eye, but he or she was right under my hands. Safe and protected.
The way they would be their entire life.
I looked up at Sofia, tears filling my eyes and spilling down my cheeks. “Thank you, my love.”
She cupped my face. “Tati,” she whispered.
My breath caught and I stood, holding Sofia close.
Today, I’d become two of the greatest words in the world.
Husband.
Daddy.
My former life faded away, and all that mattered was what I held in my arms.
My family.
My greatest gift.
Eighteen months later
SOFIA
I stepped off the boat, surprised not to see Egan there, waiting for me. He often came to greet me after another day at the clinic, unless he was busy in the kitchen. But with our daughter teething and fussy, I had a feeling she was keeping him occupied, instead of his recipes. I strolled the sand toward our home, enjoying the peacefulness. My life had changed, morphing into a reality I had never dreamed possible. I loved working in the clinic, the atmosphere like the family practice I’d always wanted. We were busy, my days flying by. I worked four days a week plus a Saturday once a month. The rest of the time, I spent with my family and our adopted clan. Someone was always around to talk to. Have coffee with. Laugh over the antics of the children. Sip wine and complain about stubborn, overprotective husbands.
It was a common theme here with all the men.
Our house came into view, and the reason for Egan’s absence became apparent. My heart filled with emotion as I climbed the steps to the deck. Egan was asleep in the hammock, Luminița on his chest, her fist in her mouth, gnawing at her knuckles, even in sleep. His big, strong arm held her tight and safe, and she was content. I studied them for a moment, wondering how I got so lucky. Egan was an amazing husband. Protective, caring, supportive. So sexy it boggled my mind. Our passion hadn’t diminished over the months we’d been together. It had grown, and we could barely keep our hands off each other.
He was a fabulous daddy, loving every part of being a father. Even changing diapers. He had kept his word and stayed home with her while I went to work. He went to the mainland once a week to oversee his businesses but mostly left them to be run by the people he hired and trusted. He did a lot of work on the computer, painted, and spent time with his favorite little person.
There was no danger anymore, nothing threatening us in any way. We lived a peaceful, quiet life that we both loved. The Specialist was gone, and in his place was Egan Vulpe—the man.
I loved coming home to them, sometimes finding Egan in the kitchen, Luminița in her bouncy chair, watching him as he cooked and talked to her. Or sang. She loved it when he sang. He made up songs about her. His little light. The name suited her so well because she was the light in our lives and had been from the moment we knew of her existence. When he suggested the name, I loved it. When he told me it was his grandmother’s name, I loved it even more. I knew how much he had adored her.
I took a picture of the two of them, wondering how the news I had to share would change our world. I ran a hand through Egan’s hair, and he stirred, blinking in the sun.
“Iubirea mea. You are home,” he mumbled. “My little light and I fell asleep once she finished cutting that nasty tooth.”
“I love coming home and finding you together.”
He shifted, lifting his arm. “Join us.”
I kicked off my sandals and carefully snuggled in beside him. Luminița stayed asleep, her lips pursing as I tugged her hand from her mouth. “I’m glad that tooth is out.”
“Me as well. Maybe we can get some sleep now.”
“I’ll take tonight’s shift.”
He pressed a kiss to my head. “No, Sofia. You need your rest now.”
I looked up, meeting his warm eyes and wide smile. “You know?”
“I guessed. You’ve been tired again. And you cried when I made you mici last week. And again when I showed you my new painting.”
“It was beautiful,” I protested.
“It was the cat, and I painted it as a joke.” He squeezed me closer. “Say it, my Sofia. I want to hear the words.”