Aching for Adam

Chapter 18

After Adam made sweet love to me, he slipped out of bed and headed to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with coffee and breakfast, setting the tray between us like it was the most natural thing in the world. Gosh, I wished I could marry this man. Oh wait—I officially would. The thought made me giggle.

"What's so funny, love?" Adam asked, raising an eyebrow in my direction.

"Nothing. I just love you." I kissed his cheek and let my hand drift down the length of his chiseled stomach before pulling away, forcing myself to stop when dangerous thoughts started bubbling up again.

It was Saturday, which meant we had the whole day stretched out in front of us. No work, no obligations—just time together to start figuring out the next steps with the baby. That was our priority now. The wedding and everything else could wait. Still, neither of us had done this before, and we didn't have the faintest idea where to begin.

"Adam, we need to tell our families," I said carefully. "I didn't really want to tell my mom yet, but I think I need her support. And honestly...I just want to tell the whole world at the top of my lungs." I grinned, and he nodded.

"I know. I feel the same way. Let's tell our families tomorrow, if you're okay with that. And on Monday we'll make an appointment with a doctor." His smile was steady and reassuring, exactly what I needed.

"Sounds perfect." I perched on his lap, curling into him.

He brushed his thumb across my knuckles. "I want us to get a house together. At first, I thought about just surprising you with one, but...you're going to live there for...well, forever, I hope. It wouldn't be right. We need to do this together." His soft eyes sent waves of calm straight through me, reminding me I could handle anything as long as he was by my side. How had I ever lived without him? 

"Yes, let's! Let me make a list of things we need to do." I jumped up and grabbed a notepad from the side table. Adam groaned but his eyes twinkled.

"I see you haven't changed."

"Nope. And you love it." I smirked, scribbling furiously.

"Actually...I do." His voice softened, and my heart squeezed.

A few minutes later, I sat back and looked at the page: plan a wedding, prepare for the baby, buy a house and move. The enormity of it all suddenly hit me, and my chest tightened with the start of a panic.

Adam immediately caught on. "Hey. Breathe. We'll get a wedding planner so you won't have to do everything yourself. We'll take the baby one step at a time. And for the house, we'll get a realtor and be selective, so we don't waste time."

Deep breath in. Exhale out. Okay. We could do this.

"I want to get married quickly, Adam," I admitted. "I've been waiting for this my whole life, and I don't want to wait anymore. I also don't want to be huge at my wedding. And once the baby comes, we won't have time."

"Elle," he said gently, "I know how much you love weddings. I don't want you to look back and regret rushing. If it were up to me, we'd go to city hall today and you'd be Mrs. Taylor before dinner. But I want this to be perfect for you."

I stared at him, wonder and love swelling inside me until it hurt. How could I have been so stupid to let him go? How could I be this lucky to have him back now? The urge to marry him today surged through me, fierce and sudden. As if I were afraid he might slip from my fingers again. The who, what, when, and where didn't matter anymore. I just wanted us to promise forever—that he would be mine, and I would be his.

"Adam. Let's do it. Today. Let's get married."

His eyes sparkled, his whole face lighting up.

"Elle, it's Saturday. I don't even think we can—"

"Then we'll elope. Or we'll find someone online who's licensed to marry us." I rattled off half-formed ideas, my heart racing.

Adam took my hands and anchored me with his gaze. "Love, I want nothing more, I promise you that. But I'll still be here tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that. There's no need to rush. We can probably make it happen in a couple of months with the right help. Let's plan this properly—a real wedding, like you've always dreamed of. I'll pledge my love to you in front of everyone we care about. And besides," his mouth quirked, "it'll spread the word faster that you're officially off the market. Never to return again."

I laughed and swatted his shoulder, even though he was right. How was he always so calm and collected while I was scatterbrained and emotional?

"Okay. We'll do it," I said simply.

He leaned in to kiss me, and I nipped at his bottom lip. His breath faltered, and he let out a low grunt.

God help me—I just couldn't keep my hands off this man.

_________

I took a deep breath and opened the door to my parents' house. "Hey Mom, hey Dad!" I called out, Adam in tow.

We made our way to the yard, where they were sunbathing. Adam never let go of my hand.

"Oh, hey sweetheart, it's nice to see you." My mom opened her eyes slowly. "Adam? Adam! It's so nice to see you again!" Her smile widened, and she darted her eyes to me, throwing a knowing look. Great. She was already thrilled about the first piece of news we had to share.

"Hey Adam, how are you? Nice to see you." My dad got up and shook his hand.

It was as if Adam and I had never been apart. I felt a giggle bubble up my throat. This didn't faze them in the slightest. Maybe this was going to be easier than I thought. They were the live-and-let-live type, but not even a little surprise? Was their reaction so tame because they had always known we were meant to be together?

"It was about damn time you two got back together!" my mom squealed, and I got my answer. "Rick was no good for you, honey. Adam, here on the other hand... well, just don't let him get away this time." She patted his shoulder.

Before I could speak, Adam beat me to it. "Don't worry, Helen. I'll never let her out of my sight again. That's a promise." He looked at me, and the whole world disappeared. There was only him, only me, and the love I felt in every inch of my bones.

"Mom, Dad. Could you come inside? We were actually here because we wanted to talk to you." I hesitated, but my mom blurted out—

"You're pregnant?!"

My face froze, and I turned to Adam. He looked just as shocked. Then I glanced at my dad, who simply stared at me expectantly.

"W-what?" I frowned at my mother.

"Well? Are you?" She sounded impatient, like she was asking whether I wanted sugar in my coffee.

I looked up at Adam again, not knowing what to do. But he was smiling wide, giving me the slightest nod of encouragement.

"Yes, I'm pregnant." And since nothing seemed to faze them, I added, "And we're getting married in the next couple of months."

"Oh my goodness, Elle, that is wonderful. I'm going to be a grandma! Thank goodness you two came to your senses. I love you both so much." She burst into tears, pulling us into her arms. A tear of relief escaped my eye, and I laughed, shaking my head.

"Unbelievable. How did you know, Mom?"

"You see him at his sister's wedding. A few weeks later, you're back together. You look like you might combust from nerves right now. Plus, your cheeks are flushed, and your boobs—"

"All right, Mom, I get the picture." I rolled my eyes.

My dad looked a little teary-eyed as he stepped forward for a congratulatory hug. "I'm so happy for you, sweetheart," he muttered, voice shaking. He shook Adam's hand and gave him a fatherly pat on the shoulder. "You guys are going to be great parents."

Adam squeezed my hand and pulled me closer. I blew out a long breath of relief and instinctively raised my hand to my stomach.

I had never thought I could feel this happy.

We stayed for dinner, my parents happily spending the entire time telling us what to do and what not to do. We hardly got a word in, but it was still nice. I needed their support, and watching them so excited threatened to bring tears back to my eyes all over again.