“But I’m huge,” she says in a dull voice. “I’ve gained weight.”
I capture her lips with mine for a devastating kiss.
“And I love every extra pound, sweetheart. You feel so good in my arms at night, and again, you’re the perfect woman to represent G-Raw. I should know because I know our audience better than anyone else.”
But my girlfriend’s eyes slide to the side, and she avoids looking at me.
“What is it, honey?” I demand. “Let it all out.”
Finally, she turns to meet my gaze, tears welling once more.
“Mason, I’m not just thick,” she whispers. “I’ve gained real weight, and it isn’t just from eating a lot.” She pauses and sucks in a deep breath. “I’m pregnant with your child, and that’s where part of the extra twenty pounds comes from.”
For a minute I just stare at her, letting the words cycle through my mind a few times. Trying to let what she’s saying really sink in. I’m going to be a father?
Mimi drops her head, unable to read my mind.
“I’m sorry, and I want you to know that I didn’t plan this. But there were a few times when we went without protection, and you’re a very virile man. I’m so, so sorry, Mason.”
I stroke a finger down her soft cheek.
“Don’t apologize, sweetheart,” I murmur. “You’re a very fertile girl as well.”
Tears come to her eyes again. “But I want this baby, Mason. I understand if this is too much, not to mention a total surprise, but I’m keeping the child no matter what.”
At that, I take her face in my hands and kiss her hungrily. We’re both breathing heavily when I pull back, and I smile at her so hard my cheeks hurt, but I can’t help it.
“Mimi, sweetheart, I want this baby too. In fact, I want a little girl who looks just like you, with your big brown eyes and chestnut curls. We might not have planned to start a family, but sometimes life gives us what we need before we even know it. I can’t wait to be a father, and this is perfect, honey. I love you so much, and you’re going to be an amazing mommy.”
The pretty brunette looks at me with shock. “You want the baby?”
“God, yes.” I kiss her again. “And I want you. I want us to be a family, and I want us to be together.” Tears start rolling down her cheeks again and I try to wipe them away, but my hands are wet and it makes no difference. “Please don’t cry, sweetheart. It breaks my heart to see you like this.”
She shakes her head while another sob escapes her throat. “No, I’m not crying because I’m upset. These are good tears, Mason.” Then, she rests her hands on her swelling belly like she’s cradling the child growing inside before shooting me a watery smile. “I’m just so happy, Mason. I never expected this, and well … I love you, too.”
My heart takes off in a drum solo as I pull the curvy girl close before kissing her deep, hoping she can feel every ounce of my love in my touch.
“You mean that?” I growl low in my throat. “I know we didn’t have the most traditional start to our relationship with the Cocoslick incident, and then you moving in right away, but what I feel for you is real, Mimi. I love you, and I want us to be together.”
She shudders and sighs before winding her arms around my neck and pressing her damp forehead to mine.
“I know, Mason,” she says in a low voice. “And I realize now that my reaction to the photoshoot was a bit of a knee-jerk. I guess I just had to get my biggest fears out there, but now, I feel much better. Thank you for taking such good care of me,” she breathes. “I love you, and I want to be with you too.”
With those words, nothing matters anymore, and I pull the curvy girl close again for a deep, soulful kiss. After all, the gorgeous brunette is everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman. Mimi’s sassy, feisty, beautiful, and gives as good as she gets, in addition to being the mother of my child. What more could a man ask for? Now, we have a world of love before us, and I couldn’t be more content.
Epilogue
Mimi
Six months later.
“God, you’re gorgeous, baby.”
I look in the mirror as Mason walks up behind me, putting his arms around my hips. He brings his hands up to my large belly and rests them gently against the huge bump.
I smile at him in the mirror. “This bikini definitely looks a little different on me now than it did six months ago. I’m like a whale!”
Mason merely pushes my hair to the side and kisses me tenderly just behind my ear. “Our baby is growing inside you, and nothing is more gorgeous than seeing you round and swollen with my child inside.”