Surprises

Part 16

*Flashback*

Rays of sunlight streamed through the open windows. The early morning air was actually sweet, Michael thought, taking a deep breath. He laughed softly to himself. Maybe it wasn't the air. New York wasn't exactly known for its fragrant atmosphere. Maybe it was something else.

Was it the mixture of red onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms that were sautéing on the stove? Or the pot of maple syrup warming beside it?

He turned away from the day that was beginning outside and gave his attention to the breakfast of omelets and pancakes. Down the hallway, he heard the shower spray turn off and then the scuffle of footsteps brushing against the hardwood floor. His smile widened. He knew exactly what caused the world to taste especially sweet. Dara Jensen carried his baby and soon, they would be a family. An official family.

"Something smells good," Dara announced, rubbing her still flat tummy.

She wore one of his shirts and panties. Her hair was pulled back in some style that Michael couldn't begin to understand. But none of that mattered because she looked as sexy as hell.

"No morning sickness?" he asked as he removed the warm syrup from the stove. He lowered the heat underneath the pan of vegetables and had his arms open and ready for her morning embrace. "You feel good," he murmured against her ear.

"I feel it, too," she said, locking her hands at the nape of his neck. "No morning sickness for me. I'm so hungry. I can't wait to dig in."

Michael laughed. "You're always starving. Wouldn't it be funny if you're carrying twins?"

She poked him hard in the ribs. "No, it wouldn't be funny. I wouldn't mind, I guess, but I feel that this is just one tiny baby inside of me."

He shifted her around in his arms so that her back faced him. His hands dropped to her midsection and lightly stroked. "This baby is a blessing. Our little bundle of hope."

"I like that," she said, leaning back against him. "Hope. Let's name her Hope."

"What if she's a he?" he asked.

Dara looked over her shoulder at him. "Would you mind if we had a girl instead of a boy?"

He shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me. I just want a happy, healthy baby. One with your nose and your eyes."

"I want her to have your dimples."

He rolled his eyes playfully. Dara was always going on about his dimples and how seeing them made her feel. Usually those conversations led to some interesting physical interaction. Hmm...

He gave her a sizzling grin and he literally felt her tremble. His heart swelled. He wanted her so much, but more than that, he wanted so much to make her happy. To make her and their baby happy.

She turned in his embrace, her arms circling around his waist. In an instant, their mouths were pressed together. The thin fabric of his shirt barely made a difference. He could swear that he felt her heart beat and that it beat as fast as his. Later, when they paused to breathe, disappointment rocked through him as she slipped from his arms and began to set the counter with plates, napkins, and eating utensils.

"What happened?" he asked, as he began to prepare their omelets. The platter of chocolate chip pancakes warmed in the oven. She pulled it out and added it to the counter.

"Dara?" he prompted when she didn't answer. "Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?"

"No," she responded. She sat on the barstool and rested her chin on the heel of her hand. "We could get distracted, you know. Let's stay focused. Today is important and... I don't wanna do anything that would... Well, you know."