She sobs even harder, and I stroke her hair and continue.
“I’ve been trying to figure out how to get in touch with you over the last few days, and came up with nada, so honey, don’t be angry, but I went to your parents’ apartment and got your address.”
She gasps then, staring at me.
“You told Maurice about us?”
“Your mom, too,” I say with a small smile. “Thankfully, Mina was there and she was my saving grace. Your mom got your dad to calm his ass down before he had a heart attack.”
Rachel gasps again.
“OMG, is he okay?”
I sigh.
“He is, but it’s going to take some explaining, definitely. Your mom gave me your address and I basically beat feet out of there, I was so desperate to see you.”
But Rachel’s still in a state of disbelief.
“But you could have destroyed your friendship with Maurice by telling him about us! Thirty years, down the tubes! You risked that for me?”
I merely kiss her and murmur, “I’ll risk it all for you, baby. I love you honey, and I’ll go to the ends of the Earth for you. For us.”
With that, everything comes pouring out into the open. Rachel sobs again as I kiss her through the tears, but now, I know everything’s going to be alright.
“I love you, Max,” she manages through her hiccups. “I know it happened fast -- for both of us -- but I do love you, and I was so devastated when I thought you’d moved on. I just automatically assumed that the man with Katy was you, and I couldn’t stand it.”
“You won’t ever have to worry about that, Rach. I’m here, and I’d never touch another woman.”
She smiles up at me blearily and says, “I know, because you’re perfect for me. You balance me out and help me work through the things that get under my skin. You’re loving, caring, and wise, and that’s why you’ll be a fantastic father.”
Suddenly, I pause, my heart thrumming.
“What was that again?”
Now, it’s Rachel’s turn to look mischievous.
“Oh, did I forget to mention? There’s one more thing: I’m pregnant with your baby.”
“Pregnant?” I manage in a choked tone.
“Mm-hmm. Pregnant.”
My knees feel weak, so I drop down on them in front of her and press my face against her belly as tears spring to my eyes. “OMG, thank you honey,” I say in a choked voice. “I’ve wanted to be a father for so long, and now, it’s finally happening. Hi, baby. Hello in there. It’s Dad.”
I look up at Rachel, and she’s crying. Big, fat tears stream down her beautiful features as she smiles at me. “So you’re excited then?”
I nod, my throat closing a bit.
“Excited? Honey, I’m thrilled. Ecstatic. Overjoyed. There aren’t enough words to describe how over the moon I am for this baby, and for you too, sweetheart.” I wrap my arms around her middle while I’m still on my knees, and then deliver another kiss to her midsection. “We’re going to be a family, Rachel Champion, and I love you so much.”
She strokes my hair before speaking the sweetest words I’ve ever heard.
“Yes, we’re going to be a family, Max. And I love you too.”
With that, the Heavens part and the angels begin to sing because I’ve known this woman her whole life, but something changed along the way. Rachel went from being a little girl to a gorgeous, sassy, giving woman, and I consider myself lucky to be the man in her life.
Epilogue
Rachel
Seven months later.
I’m heavily pregnant, and I feel like the broad side of a barn. I can’t see my feet. I can’t feel my ass. I’m just fat everywhere, and I love it so damn much. I haven’t had the easiest pregnancy, but it’s been wonderful nonetheless because my dreams have finally come true.
After we made-up, things went into hyperdrive. Max settled in New York, buying a huge apartment for us to share, and I moved in with him right away. We converted one of the spare bedrooms into a nursery, and my boyfriend has been going crazy furnishing it with a crib, dresser, and a plethora of stuffed animals that our baby won’t be able to play with until he’s at least a year old. But even if it’s over the top, I love it. Max is beyond excited to be a father, and I’m so happy that that’s the case.
Not only that, but Max has cut back on his traveling because he wants to be here for me and the baby. Don’t get me wrong: my boyfriend is absolutely in demand, but he restricts his business to New York City-based events now. Yet who knows what will happen in the future? Sephora’s already talked to him about expanding his line further, and I’m beyond excited. Max is a huge success, and now, it’s about taking his business to the next level.