The seconds turn to minutes before he speaks again. “I think I can switch to full-time nights when I’m back on the force and make more money. I say you snag a job right away. We’ll bank everything you make, along with the extra I’ll pull in. But when the kid comes, I want you home. A year, maybe longer if we plan it right.”

He rubs his jaw, appearing to think aloud. “I can probably get enough from the sale of this place to buy us a house outright—it’ll be small, but leave us enough to invest in that parking deck me and my brothers plan to buy. Between the revenue it’ll bring in, and my job, we’ll eventually get a bigger place and still have a good sum to retire on.”

He glances out the window. “I want something with a big yard so he can run around, and I can teach him to play catch—or her. Wren has a great throwing arm—why not a girl, too, right?”

This time, it’s my turn to simply stare. I can barely find my words. “Ah, right.”

Curran closes the short expanse separating us, laughing a little. “Ma’s going to lose her mind—seeing how this here’ll be the first grandkid. Thing is, we’ll need to find something pretty quick so I can get the nursery ready. Paint it. That sort of thing.” He stops talking when he gets his first good look at me. “Why you crying?”

I shake my hands out. “I’m that girl.”

He places his hands on my hips and draws me to him. “What girl?”

“The one who gets knocked up.”

He grins. “And I’m the hot stud boyfriend who did the knocking up.”

“Curran, I’m serious.”

“So am I,” he says, holding on to his smile. “Babe, what’s the big deal? Okay, scratch that, since it kind of is.”

“Kind of?” My voice is positively shrill, but that doesn’t stop Curran from laughing again.

He holds me closer, leaving enough space so I can see him. “I want this,” he says. “You and me and this baby, forever, you feel me? Okay, so this was quicker than I had in mind, but so what? It’ll give us a jump start and a good excuse to tie the knot.”

“You want to marry me?” I say. He nods. “And keep the baby?”

His smile softens. “Yeah. I do. So let’s get a place, have a baby, and be forever. What do you say?”

Curran wraps his arms around me when I fall against his chest. “You’re happy,” I say, not really believing it.

“Hell, yeah. I always wanted a hot wife and a houseful of kids. Now, I get both. Hey, can you dress in an apron and nothing else—you know, just to kick-start our married life?”

I clutch his shirt, smiling through my tears. Curran wants our baby and he wants me, forever.

But as happy as I am, I’m not prepared. Not for what happens next.

Chapter 27

Tess

My hips slide against Curran as my speed increases. I grip the headboard, my body tightening in that way that releases my screams. Curran’s chest reddens to match his face, the cords in his neck and his arm muscles straining. “Fuck,” he grunts, his release hard enough to make him jolt and clench my hips. “Oh, fuck.”

A few more swear words follow as I fall forward. I slow my motions, allowing him time to finish. When his breaths seem to ease, I push up enough to meet his lips, moaning as I taste him and maybe a little of me. He grins and tugs on my top lip. “Happy graduation,” he murmurs.

I laugh, coughing due to my momentary lack of air. He rolls us on our sides, his fingers skimming the curve of my waist. “You okay?”

“Just a little worn.”

“Because of all our hot gorilla lovin’?”

I laugh, and cough, again. Curran and I went strong most of the night. We managed some sleep, but not a lot. “Did I tell you I’m proud of you?” he asks, his hand lowering to claim my backside.

“You did, but I like hearing it,” I say, taking a moment to enjoy his grin. “Your family was sweet to attend my commencement.” My smile widens, remembering how they cheered for me when my name was announced at the ceremony. My father hadn’t bothered coming. If it weren’t for Curran and his family, I would have accepted my juris doctorate alone.

“Declan would have been there, too,” he says, pressing a kiss along my ear. “He feels bad he missed it.”

My fingers run along his jaw as I speak softly. “He has a lot going on. Defense begins their case tomorrow. After that, it’ll be up to the jury to decide Montenegro’s fate.”

Curran laughs a little. “Yeah. I don’t think those saps stand a chance. The case Deck presented for the prosecution was epic. I knew my brother was good, but I have to admit, he blew me away.”

I know what Curran means and quietly agree. Declan is a renowned prosecutor in the area. But to witness his litigation skills firsthand was positively mesmerizing. His presentation, startling quickness, and skills in court are spectacles to behold. And with the Associated Press and all the major networks covering the trial, he’s receiving national attention.

I adjust my hold over Curran. “Your brother has exceeded everyone’s expectations. But keep in mind that the defense is tough, and the best money can buy. They’re going to fight tooth and nail, especially if those threats against them are valid.”

“I get it, but you have to admit, Deck’s a goddamn gladiator and the courtroom is his arena. Shit, he didn’t show any mercy.”

Curran calls him a gladiator. To me, Declan is more a Titan of Greek mythology. And while the defense may be gods in their own right, this time I’m certain the Titan is going to win the war. “He’s really amazing,” I admit.

“More than me?” he asks, nibbling on my neck.

I laugh. “I confess, professionally I’m deeply in awe of your brother. Personally, you’re who I love, and everything I want.”

“Good.” My body settles against him when he snuggles me closer. “Hey, Tess,” he says, his voice growing serious. “I don’t want you to go back to your place anymore. I want you with me, permanently.”

For the most part, I already am, but his words make everything so official. I’ve been looking forward to letting go of my past and racing into the future with Curran. Yet, as much as I want us to, I’m scared. Everything happening between us is beautiful, and more than I could have dreamed of. But it’s happening so quickly, and bringing on major changes in my life.

My past is horrible. There’s no question. But it’s also familiar, and something so familiar is hard to abandon despite the pain it’s caused.

Curran’s hand skims along my spine when he senses my hesitation. “Tess, you’re done. You graduated. There’s nothing to tie you to your father anymore. Say you’ll be here for good when I get back from my shift.”

“Okay,” I whisper. Although I smile, my eyes manage to sting.

Curran wipes my tears and kisses me, taking his time until he remembers he has someplace to be. “Damnit,” he says when he glances at the clock. “I gotta head out.” He slips out of bed. “Do you need my truck today?”

I hate to ask. “Would you mind? I’m supposed to have lunch with Sofia and Wren, but with Finn’s upcoming match, it might be easier for me to meet them at the gym.”

“Sure. Whatever you want, babe.” He hurries into the bathroom. “Hey. We need to get you your own wheels,” he calls out. “Sofe’s brother is a mechanic, and usually fixes up cars to sell. Mateo can hook us up with something good. I’ll call him during my break and see what he has.”

Curran starts the water for the shower just as I’m rolling out of bed. I spread out the sheets. “Are you sure? I’m worried about costs.”