Happily Ever All-Star: A Secret Baby Romance - Sosie Frost Page 0,356

a freaking canyon. We’ll fly across the gorge, careening about two hundred feet in the air above a river.”

I was sick just thinking about it. “I don’t think—”

“They call it Gravity.”

“Is that a name or a warning?”

“Once we reach the bottom, the same organization hosts one of the largest paintball arenas in the country. Acres of sprawling wilderness with forts and caves and sniping points.”

The doctor said I wasn’t supposed to have caffeine while pregnant. Paintball tournaments were right out.

I held my hand up. “As romantic as that sounds…”

He anticipated my resistance. “After our day, I’ve reserved our own private chalet, deep in the mountains. We can sit in a hot tub under the stars—just you, me, and very little clothing.”

“Oh.”

“Did you hear about the meteor shower tonight?” He pulled me close. “Supposed to be spectacular. You and I are gonna cuddle, have a little wine, and watch the show from the darkest spot in the state.”

Damn it.

That did sound romantic.

I bit my lip. “About that just you and me part…”

“Grab your bags. I got this whole day planned, Red. I hope you’re ready to fall in love with me.”

Been there. Dealing with that.

I slipped away from his hold. “It sounds so romantic, but I don’t think we should do it. At least, not the zip-line or paintball.”

“Come on. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“Well, I’m pretty adventured out at the moment.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I can give you proof...” In the form an ultrasound image tucked away in my pocket.

“Elle, I’ve planned this day down to the minute. Trust me.”

I sighed. “I do…but we need to talk. It’s important.”

“Are we finally picking out the china?” He smiled and checked his phone. “You have about five minutes before we hit the road.”

“We might need more than five minutes for this.”

“I can spare ten.”

“This is something that will impact the rest of our lives.”

“Twelve. And not a minute more.”

I’d work with it.

Now how was I going to do this without him spontaneously combusting? He had to take it sitting down. I couldn’t risk Lachlan passing out and denting his head on my countertops.

He sat on the couch, drumming his hands on his knees. For the first time, I fidgeted more than him.

I could do this. No long-winded build-ups. No flowery, fruity talk of blessings or miracles. He was a fun-loving, carefree guy. If I was going to break life-altering news to him, I needed to keep the conversation…light.

I knew one way to handle it. I grabbed my camera and hoped for the best.

“Lachlan, do you remember that day in the locker room? When you told me we were married?”

He grinned. “Yeah. Any man can propose. The real challenge is telling your woman you’re already married.”

“Sure.” I faked a smile. “And…remember how you said you would’ve loved to have a picture taken at that moment, so you could have shown me how shocked I was?”

“I’d have paid a shit-ton money for that shot, Red.”

“That’s a good sign.” I settled next to him on the couch, holding the camera at arm’s length for our selfie. “We’re going to take a picture now.”

“Clothes on?”

Enough of my nudes were already in the world. “Yep. Are you ready?”

He wrapped an arm around me, leaning close to get centered in the frame. “Will this go on the Lachlan shelf?”

“Most likely.” I took a breath. “Okay, say…We accidentally got pregnant during our date at the river, and I didn’t know how to tell you that I’m carrying your baby.”

Click.

Flash.

Silence.

I checked the image. It was a good photo. I smiled beautifully, but Lachlan…

Was about how I expected him.

This news tamed the puppy dog. His wiggles and drumming and grinning and teasing stopped.

Hell, I wasn’t sure he was even breathing.

He didn’t move.

Whoops. I broke him.

“Admittedly…” I cleared my throat. “That wasn’t the best way to tell you.”

He nodded, fast.

“I’m sorry, Lachlan,” I said. “I wanted you to know. I tried to tell you when I had laryngitis. Remember when we played charades? But you were so upset about the team. I planned to wait until it got better for you, but if you planned this big, amazing date for us...” I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “I needed a good excuse to skip the zip-lining.”

His voice hollowed. “Yeah.”

“Are you okay?”

He nodded, but his head wasn’t exactly bobbing up and down. I hurried to bring him a bottle of water. He took it. Didn’t open it. He gripped the plastic a little too hard, and the bottle crinkled in his