“I’m sure Vivien has it all under control,” the doctor replies with a smile. “Try not to worry, and whatever you can do to alleviate her workload will be appreciated, I’m sure.”
“Reeve takes good care of me,” I assure her. “He just worries too much.”
* * *
“Why can’t my sister come out now?” Easton huffs as Reeve straps him into his booster seat in the back of my SUV.
“She’s still growing and developing,” Reeve calmly explains. “Lainey will come out when she’s good and ready.”
“Brody says his sister was all covered in green slime when she came out of his mommy’s belly. Will my sister be covered in green slime too?” His cute button nose scrunches up, and I suppress a giggle.
“Nope.” Reeve ruffles his hair, fighting laughter as well. “Your sister will be perfect when you meet her. Just like you were when you were born.”
Seeming satisfied with that answer, Easton turns on his iPad, losing himself in cartoons.
“Green slime.” Reeve chuckles as he gets behind the wheel. “What the hell are kids talking about these days?”
We spend a wonderful few hours at the Los Angeles Zoo despite the irritating paparazzi following us around at the start. Reeve sent Leon to complain to security, and the paps were told to leave. Some people stop to ask Reeve for autographs, while other families shoot curious looks our way, but most leave us to enjoy our family outing in peace.
This isn’t our first time here, but Easton is as excited as every other trip. The Rainforest of the Americas is still his favorite exhibit, and he races across the wooden bridge toward the two-story Amazonian stilt house, hollering and screaming with sheer excitement. From the upper level, we see the eagles’ habitat and the otters messing around in the lake below. From the lower level, we get up close and personal with piranhas, stingray, and other aquatic species. The monkeys and jaguars are Easton’s favorites, and I snap plenty of pics of Reeve posing with our son beside the enclosures.
“That was awesome,” E proclaims, holding my hand and Reeve’s as we leave the zoo. “Next time, can we bring my sister?”
“We sure can, buddy.” Reeve crouches down. “Want to climb onto my shoulders?”
Easton doesn’t need any further invitation, scrambling onto his dad’s shoulders without hesitation. My heart aches behind my chest cavity as I watch E perched on top of Reeve with his legs dangling over his dad’s shoulders. Reeve loops my arm through his, and we walk toward the parking lot, flanked by Leon and a second bodyguard. The paparazzi snap photos of us as we head toward our car, but I do my best to ignore them and the painful ache spreading across my chest. This is probably the last time we will enjoy an outing as a family before the truth is revealed.
I know my husband. I know he’ll be devastated if Easton isn’t his, but it won’t change who he is to Easton or how much our son means to him. Reeve will still be my husband, and Easton’s father, even if Dillon is thrust upon our lives.
* * *
“Penny for your thoughts?” Reeve whispers, tucking strands of hair behind my ears as we wait for the waitress to bring our drinks.
“Did you imagine this?” I blurt, turning my head to face him. “All those years ago when we were kids. Did you think we’d end up here?”
“Yes,” he admits with zero hesitation. “I often dreamed of this. Marrying you. Having a family and a successful career. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.” He kisses me, and I’m glad we’re tucked into a private booth, away from prying eyes, in our favorite Italian restaurant. “I’m glad we’re giving Easton a sibling.” He flashes me a cheeky grin, waggling his brows. “The first of many.”
“Define many,” I say, watching Easton out of the corner of my eye. The waitress gave him crayons and some paper, and he’s coloring to his heart’s content. Our bodyguards are seated at a table next to us, keeping an eye on everything.
“Three. Four. Five. An entire football team.” Reeve shrugs, and my jaw trails the ground. His arm slides around my shoulders as he chuckles. “Don’t look so alarmed. You know you’re in the driver’s seat.”
I thread my fingers through his brown hair. “It’s a joint decision, but I’m not sure this body is up for another four or five pregnancies.” Though, in this moment, I would give Reeve anything his heart desired if it helped to lessen the blow of what’s coming.
“You can withstand more than you realize. We both can. I think we’ve already proven that.” It’s not like Reeve to directly, or indirectly, refer to our past, so I’m surprised he’s gone there. “Viv.” He clasps my face in his palms. “You know I love you completely and utterly with no limitations or boundaries. You know there is nothing you could say or do that would ever change that. Right?”
My heart jackhammers against my rib cage, and my pulse vibrates in my neck. Are his words coincidental, or does he know something? “I know that. And I love you the same way. You have given me everything, Reeve, and I have never regretted my decision to marry you. I love what we’ve created together, this wonderful life we share, and I would do anything to protect our family. I hope you know that.” It’s slightly risky saying this, but I need to get those words out.
“I know.” He kisses me, and I’m surprised at the intensity of his kiss as his mouth works against mine. When he breaks our lip-lock, he rests his forehead against mine. “You’re my world, Vivien. Nothing matters more to me than you, Easton, and Lainey.”
Unspoken words hover in the air between us, and I’m grateful when the waitress arrives with our food. If Reeve had asked me again what was wrong, I think this time I would’ve told him.
I hope I get the results in a couple of days so I can finally talk to my husband and tell him what’s been going on.
Reeve’s cell rings in the car on our way home, but he quickly silences the incoming call, switching off his phone so as not to disturb our sleeping son.
When we get home, Reeve carries Easton to his bedroom, leaving me to undress him and tuck him into bed.
After settling E, I pad into our master suite carrying my shoes and stifling a yawn.