Aching for Adam

Chapter 19

I walked into the apartment and slumped down on the couch. The past few days had been emotionally overwhelming, and I felt exhausted.

Telling Tam about my pregnancy and engagement had gone exactly as expected—lots of squeals and laughter—and I couldn't have been happier, even if a genie had appeared in front of me granting three wishes. I had everything I had ever wanted, and I felt so lucky.

I heard the door unlock, and Adam walked in. I smiled, already missing him after the few hours we'd been apart. He'd gone to his parents' place to tell them everything. He had insisted on going alone, claiming that if it didn't go well, he didn't want me caught in the crossfire. I had tried to reassure him, told him it would be fine, and that even if it wasn't, I wanted to be there to support him. But after some back and forth, I had let it go, and he had gone alone.

My smile faded when I noticed his small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"What happened? Did it go okay?" My frown deepened at his silence.

"So-so," he answered, placing his keys on the kitchen table before joining me on the couch.

I cupped his face in my hands, caressing his cheek. "Tell me what happened, Adam," I asked softly. He lowered his head.

"Well, I started by telling them about us seeing each other at the wedding and getting back together, which was the smallest piece of news I had to give them. I thought it would ease them into it, but their faces didn't look too thrilled. They started asking questions—whether I was sure it was the right thing, reminding me we parted ways for a reason, that you had left me, that I was just going to get hurt again... I stopped them at some point and told them that you were the love of my life and that I had already asked you to marry me." His gaze lifted to mine, his eyes shimmering with determination. "They were speechless for a few minutes. And before I had the chance to talk myself out of it, I blurted that you were also pregnant with my child."

His eyes drifted down, and I lifted his chin so he'd look at me.

"I take it that made things escalate," I said, tilting my head with a wince.

"Actually, they didn't say anything. Their faces just froze. They looked at each other for what felt like a lifetime, and they never said a word. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore, so I got up and left." His eyes watered, but he blinked the tears away.

"I'm so sorry, Adam." I wanted to cry and punch something all at once. Seeing him hurt like this tore me apart, just like it had when I'd left him years ago. I had promised myself I would never cause him pain again. This, though, was out of my control—and I wished I had insisted on going with him. Maybe they wouldn't have been so harsh if I'd been there. At the very least, I could have supported him. Now, I just felt horrible.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too, Elle. So much." He leaned into my touch and closed his eyes for a few seconds. When they reopened, his features seemed a little more relaxed. He gave me a more genuine smile, his voice soft and sweet. "Nothing matters as much as having you, being with you, and your health and happiness. The rest comes second." He looked down at my stomach. "Well... for the next few months, at least. After that, you'll unfortunately have to live with coming in second." His eyes twinkled with playfulness, and we both laughed.

My heart squeezed so hard I forgot to breathe for a moment. I loved Adam more than life itself, but I already knew the baby would come first in every way from the moment I found out I was pregnant.

"Wanna look at the listings the realtor sent us?" His smile grew, and I knew then I would do anything in the world for this man.

"Yeah, I'd really love to." I threw my legs over his and grabbed the laptop from the side table.

After an hour, we found a house we both really loved. It was in a great neighborhood, with a grocery store and pharmacy within walking distance. It was way over my price range, but Adam had told me not to worry about it so many times I'd finally stopped arguing.

We called the realtor and set up a visit for noon the next day. A jolt of excitement ran through me. I couldn't wait to see the house where I might raise our child.

"Now that that's done, how about setting a date for the wedding, and finding a planner?" He asked. I grinned. How could I have ever let this man go?

"Actually, I already found a planner. Well—Tam did. She said she was like a fairy godmother, that even if we thought our plans were impossible, she always managed to make miracles happen. I'll give her a call tomorrow, and if she's available, we'll start planning right away. As for the date, I was thinking August 30th. It's the day you kissed me for the very first time, remember? It's only a couple of months away, and it's a Saturday."

He smiled and brushed his lips against mine. "There couldn't be a more perfect date," he whispered, sending a shiver through me.

The kiss deepened, fire spreading through my body. I whimpered, and he growled in response. He picked me up and carried me to the bedroom, laying me down before joining me. I pushed him over so I was on top, kissing my way down his body, removing his shirt as I went. We made sweet love until we were both basking in total bliss.