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Michael reached her first, and before he could say anything, she launched herself into his arms and gave him a scorching kiss to curl his toes.
When she pulled away, his eyes were half-lidded and dazed. She smiled and pushed him into the living room.
Seth and Dillon stood in the doorway, observing her cautiously. Not wanting to leave them out in the least, she went into Seth’s arms and kissed him with every bit as much heat as she’d kissed Michael.
Man, she loved the way he smelled. Loved the way he felt. He was still wearing his uniform, and he hadn’t yet taken off his holster with his gun.
All in good time.
She felt a little smug when he was reluctant to let her go, but she pointed him toward Michael and then went into Dillon’s arms.
She tried to take control much as she’d done with Michael and Seth—though interestingly enough, Michael was the more dominant force, especially when it came to sex—but Dillon was having none of that.
He met her hungrily, ta
king over and ravaging her mouth. For several long, breathless seconds, he tasted her, explored her lips, and nibbled teasingly at their fullness.
“How are you feeling?” he whispered.
She put a finger over his lips and then turned to the others.
“I have something important I want to tell you. ”
Seth lifted an eyebrow, then glanced at Michael, then to Dillon, and finally back to her. “Okay. ”
She gestured everyone toward the couch. “Sit. ”
As soon as they were all seated, she moved forward, no longer nervous or edgy. Peace settled over her. Her mind was quiet and no longer contained the painful memories of the past. It was filled instead with images of the future. Of her husbands and a tiny newborn baby. And then an older child, a girl or a boy. And of her husbands doting on him or her, and other children. Their family.
Her heart felt near to bursting. For so long she’d been ruled by the past. She’d hurt for so long that she’d nearly forgotten how to experience joy. Now it flooded her. Seeped into every part of her heart and soul.
She went to her knees between Dillon’s legs and reached with both hands to pull Seth’s and Michael’s hands so that she held them against her heart.
“Guess what? I’m having your baby,” she said, her smile so big that she could barely get the words out.
Seth’s eyes went soft. With love. So much love. And understanding as well. Michael smiled and squeezed her hand. Dillon reached out and cupped her cheek, his expression so fierce, and yet tears glittered harshly in his eyes.
“Isn’t that wonderful?” she asked.
And suddenly she was pulled onto Dillon’s lap. Michael cradled her from behind and Seth pulled her feet onto his lap. They surrounded her, their love warming her to her very core.
“It’s the most wonderful gift anyone’s ever given me,” Dillon choked out.
Seth’s hand caressed a line up her leg to rest on her knee and he squeezed, his smile so big that his face nearly split.
Michael nuzzled her neck and then whispered low in her ear. “Are you happy, Lily? I know you’re scared, baby, but are you happy?”
She turned, leaning into his chest. “I’m terrified, but I’ve never been happier than at this moment. ”
“We won’t let you down,” Dillon said gruffly. “We’ll be with you every second of every minute of every day. You’ll never be alone. ”
She reached up to cup his face as he’d done to hers. “I know, Dillon. I do know. I love you all so much. I’m so sorry I handled this so badly the first time. I wanted it to be special and for a little while, I let grief for Rose overwhelm me. I want this baby. I want our child. So very much. ”
She turned so she could straddle Dillon’s lap and so she could touch Michael and Seth. She could see them and they could see her.
“Before I met you, I would never have believed that my life could be so full of joy and happiness. I’d vowed to never have another child. I wouldn’t risk it. But you give me such strength. You love me, and because you love me, I feel so strong. I feel like I can do anything. Even face my darkest fear. ”
Seth leaned in and pressed his lips to hers and then he cupped the back of her head, simply holding her close.
“We’ll do this together, Lily. Just like Dillon said. You’ll never be alone. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Our baby will be protected, cherished, and loved by every member of the Colter family. No child will ever grow up more loved. ”
“Have you been to the doctor yet?” Michael asked. “Do you know how far along you are?”
They hadn’t discussed the pregnancy since she’d had her little meltdown. She could see the questions they were dying to ask, but they’d purposely not overwhelmed her and had given her time to adjust to the idea.
She loved them for that, but she also knew that it had been difficult for them because they wanted to be able to talk about it. They wanted to be able to be excited. They wanted her to be as happy about it as they were.
And so they’d let her take the lead and had been as loving and supportive as always, content to wait until she was ready to take that first shaky step.
Well, she was there. She might not light the world on fire with her courage or bravery, but she had something going for her that not many others had. She had three wonderful men who loved her unconditionally.
Unconditionally.
Such a strong, powerful word. How many people could say they were loved without conditions? Without strings? No questions. No hesitation. They were loved.
Her heart clutched even as she nodded in response to Michael’s question.
“I went to see Dr. Burton several days ago. I suspected … or rather I had a suspicion, or maybe it was a fear. He did a test there in the office, then gave me a bunch of vitamins to take and scheduled another appointment in a month. My best estimate is that I’m around six to eight weeks along. Probably closer to eight by now. ”
