I spun Lisa into my arms and dipped her back, ready to kiss her again, just like the first time. But she’d pressed her lips together and gave me the tiniest shake of her head, warning me off.
The audience went wild, but I barely noticed because I couldn’t take my eyes off my girl. Worry was flooding my mind, and all I wanted to do was pick her up and run off stage. But I didn’t get the chance.
As soon as I raised her up, she mumbled an apology before bolting from the stage. Everyone went silent, and though I was shocked, I didn’t hesitate to forget everything and run after her.
She went straight to my dressing room, into the bathroom, and dropped to her knees in front of the toilet. I grabbed a towel and wet it, holding it against her forehead as she lost the contents of her stomach.
Someone knocked and called out that the set medic, Brenda, was at the door. I shouted for her to come in, and she was there a few seconds later and knelt beside Lisa.
Brenda asked her a few generic questions, then a corner of her mouth curved up as she asked a few more specific ones. Finally, she stood and said, “I’m pretty sure there’s nothing wrong with you.”
I balked and pointed at Lisa. “She’s been feeling sick all day and just threw up! What do you mean nothing is going on with her?”
Brenda chuckled. “I didn’t say that. I said nothing was wrong. I suggest you take a test to confirm, but I’m fairly confident that what you’re experiencing is morning sickness.”
“Morning sickness?” Lisa and I echoed at the same time.
The fear I’d been feeling was quickly replaced with joy and pride. “We’re having a baby?”
Brenda nodded. “That would be my assumption. Go see a doctor.” Then she left us alone, and I heard the murmur of voices before the door closed, and we were alone.
“Why are you so shocked?” Lisa grumbled. “I got the distinct impression you were doing everything you could to make this happen.”
I grinned and helped her to her feet. “It’s not like you put up a fight.”
Lisa giggled. “True, but I’m not the one who looks flabbergasted by this news.”
“What you're seeing is pride that I bred my woman.”
“Did knocking me up turn you into this caveman, or have you been hiding him this whole time?” Her eyes were narrowed as she studied me.
I grinned and yanked her tightly into my body so she could feel my hard-on pressing against her. “You’ve met my caveman every time I’ve made you come, baby.”
Lisa snorted, but her reply was interrupted by another knock.
“Any chance you two can return to the stage for the announcement of the winner?”
I raised an eyebrow at Lisa, and she grimaced, then nodded.
I shook my head. “Stay here. I don’t want to risk you getting sick again.”
“But—”
“No buts. Stay here.” She argued with me while I walked her to the couch in the dressing room, but it seemed to tire her out, so she eventually capitulated.
As I strutted onto the stage to join the other contestants, the judges watched me with concern, though the female was also glaring at me with accusatory eyes.
“Shouldn’t you be with your partner?” she snapped.
I shook my head and grinned. “She wanted me to finish the show.”
“Is she okay?” another judge piped up.
I felt like my chest was going to burst open with the secret I was holding, but I kept telling myself to shut up. Unfortunately, the Neanderthal took charge at that moment. I stepped forward and threw my hands in the air. “We’re having a baby!” I shouted.
The studio erupted, and I was surrounded by a chorus of congratulations while other contestants shook my hand or hugged me.
Lisa was going to kick my ass for announcing it on live television, but hopefully, the fact that I was keeping my proposal private—somewhat—would make up for it.
When I returned to the dressing room, she stood and glared at me, but there was no real anger in her expression. She wasn’t able to hold it long either before she beamed as she ran over to jump in my arms.
“Looks like I won’t have to wear that tutu after all,” I joked.
Lisa’s smile was playful, but she had a slightly wicked glint in her blue eyes. “Unless we have a daughter. I’m pretty sure she’s going to want you to wear a tiara once Lucy and Lacey show her the picture of your tea party.”
Epilogue
Lisa
Hale flung his arm around my shoulder as we walked out of a cozy cafe in Greenwich Village that was famous for their brunch. “C’mon, admit it. My French toast is way better.”
“I don’t think you can make that call. You barely had a taste of theirs,” I teased, even though he was absolutely right.