Forbidden Desires

Chapter.65 Surprise!!.

Karlie's POV

"You are the closest I will ever come to magic." — Suzanne Finnamor

I woke up alone in my room, staring at the ceiling, and for the first time, I realized—it was time. Time to stop living as though this marriage was just a formality. This wasn't temporary. This wasn't a trial run. Anthony was my husband. And despite the circumstances, he had done everything right. He had taken care of me, of our baby. I guess I should start saying our baby, because that's what he was choosing to be—a father.

Today was my 18-week appointment. The nausea had eased up, and as long as I ate what he wanted, things were fine. I kept saying he because deep in my heart, I felt it—I was carrying a boy. He had been moving more, especially at night, his tiny kicks growing stronger. Every little flutter was a reminder that he was real, that he was mine, and that I was already hopelessly in love with him.

A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I called.

The door opened, and there he was—Anthony.

"I wanted to know if you had any special requests for breakfast," he said. "You don't have to wait on me. I can tell Kenya or Rosa what you need."

I smiled. "I need fruits, bacon, eggs, and pancakes today."

He raised an eyebrow. "Wow, somebody's hungry."

I placed my hand on my belly. "Yes, we are."

He turned to leave, but something in me didn't want him to.

"Wait," I said. "Can you sit with me a moment? There's something I want to talk to you about."

His expression turned serious. "Is everything okay? You and the baby?"

I reached for his hand. "Slow down. Everything is fine."

He exhaled in relief.

"It's just... I feel like it's time we start sharing a room," I admitted. "This isn't just a temporary arrangement, Anthony. It's real. And I... I don't want to sleep alone anymore."

Surprise flickered across his face, followed by something softer, something unreadable.

"I'm from a home full of people," I continued. "Here, it's just us and the staff. It feels... lonely at night."

He studied me for a moment before nodding. "If that's what you want, Karlie, then I'm more than happy to oblige."

He stood to leave, and before I could second-guess myself, I reached for him.

"My husband," I whispered, surprising even myself.

He turned back just as I got out of bed, standing in front of him. Our eyes met, and without another word, I leaned in, pressing my lips to his.

It was our first kiss since our wedding.

His hands found my waist, pulling me closer as the kiss deepened, slow and deliberate. The baby kicked, and I gasped against his lips.

"Did you feel that?" I asked breathlessly.

He chuckled. "I sure did."

With a boyish grin, he knelt down, resting his ear against my belly.

"Hey, little guy," he murmured. "How are you? I can't wait to meet you. I'm going to teach you all about sports, and I'll be the best dad I can be."

Warmth filled my chest as I ran my fingers through his hair.

"Let's go have breakfast, love," he said, looking up at me.

I nodded. "Our appointment is at noon. Do you think I should go see a stylist after?"