Page 78 of Forbidden Fruit

"You magnificent woman," he murmurs against my hair. "How long have you known?"

"Just two weeks. I wanted to be sure before I told you." I pull back to see his face. "Are you happy?"

Instead of answering, he kisses me, deep and tender, until Liam pats our cheeks with sticky hands.

"Daddy, kiss Mama," he announces, as if sharing breaking news.

"Yes, I am," Clive laughs, scooping Liam up. "Because Mama just gave Daddy the best present ever. You're going to have a little brother or sister."

Liam tilts his head, processing this information with the serious consideration only a toddler can give to life-altering news. "Baby?" he finally asks.

"That's right, buddy. A baby." I smooth his wild curls. "But not for a while yet."

"I want a baby now," Liam declares, making us both laugh.

"Patience, son. You'll have to learn that from your mother because you won't get it from me." Clive winks at me, and I feel a blush warming my cheeks.

The boat rocks gently beneath us as Clive studies the ultrasound again. "I thought you seemed different lately. More tired. I just assumed it was your new project keeping you up."

"That too," I admit. "But mostly this little one." I place a hand on my still-flat stomach. "I'm hoping for a girl this time."

"Boy or girl, it doesn't matter." Clive's hand covers mine. "Another perfect blend of us."

I watch as he carefully tucks the ultrasound into his wallet, handling it like the treasure it is. Four years ago, I couldn't have imagined this—that the intimidating Clive Bishop would become this man, this husband and father who treasures every moment with his family.

Looking at him now, his face lit with joy, I realize how much we've both changed. I'm no longer that anxious people-pleaser desperate for validation. He's softened and found a balance between the ruthless businessman and the tender father who reads bedtime stories with different voices for each character.

"What are you thinking?" Clive asks, noticing my contemplative gaze.

"Just that I love you," I say simply. "And that life has a funny way of working out exactly as it should."