Curiosity leading her, Emily slowly sank onto the mattress. Staring at the laptop, she couldnt stop her fingers from tapping in Gavins passcode. She knew the paternity test results werent due for another couple of days, and she chided herself for even looking, yet something pushed her forward. She entered the URL into the proper space. With her heart starting to pound when the website popped up, Emily entered the case number she was given in order to check the results. Though shed never been a mathematician or English major, this series of numbers and letters was burned into Emilys head. Her body tensed when the site started to load the information. It wasnt the same page thatd shown up the past couple of times shed checked. Instead, a taunting hourglass popped up. Emily stared at it and it stared right back as she waited.

Breathe

The wicked little hourglass disappeared

Breathe

A blue triangle representing the father showed up

Breathe

A graph showing probable paternity said hello

Breathe

Emilys heart dropped, sinking right down to her feet. Unable to breathe, speak, or think, the only properly functioning body part Emily had left was her tear ducts. Those were working just fine because she broke out into hysterics, gulping for air as she tried to calm herself. In a daze over the results staring her right in the face, Emily slowly stood and made her way downstairs. How would she even begin to tell Gavin? She needed words for this moment and her mind was blank. Completely empty of coherent thoughts, her body trembling, Emily stepped onto the back porch. Her eyes landed on Gavins. Sitting in one of the poolside chairs, he cocked his head to the side when hed saw her. She was glad he didnt go down to the beach with everyone. She didnt want to tell him in front of anyone. She needed to tell him in private. She only wished she knew how.

She stopped in front of the pool, watching Gavin move toward. She could tell he knew she was a mess, and her heart bled from the look in his eyes. Standing before her, Gavin cupped her cheek and gently placed the other hand on her stomach.

Whats wrong? he asked, his nervousness palpable.

Emily swallowed, her words stuttering between her deep breaths for air. Did you know one year ago tonight you began saving my life? Gavin went to speak, but Emily continued. You did, Gavin. I didnt know it then, but you did. Weve been through more in this past year than any two people in a new relationship should have to endure. We deserve a break. She looked at her watch and quickly back at him. Kiss me right now. Kiss me the way you kissed me last year on this very night. I promise you I wont stop it, either.

Without thinking, Gavin pulled her to his mouth, sliding his tongue over hers. Though familiar, her kiss would always be new to him, something unexplored with each stroke of her touch. With blazing fireworks going off above them, Gavin kissed her the way he did the first time he was lucky enough to feel her lips, feel her in his arms. Emily didnt break the kiss this time; Gavin had to stop because of her sobbing. He went to speak, but she beat him to the punch.

You said no matter who Noahs father is, youd love and raise him as if he were your own.

Dropping his arms, Gavin felt the blood drain from his face, felt his heart hammer through his chest.

When you told me that, I didnt know what to think, Emily cried, bringing her hands to his cheeks. Do you know how many men would stay? Not many. You took me back after all the pain I caused you, and then you accepted the fact you might not be the father of the child Im carrying. I wouldve loved you for an eternity before taking on that responsibility. After that, I knew Id find you in my next life. She paused, brushing her lips over his. Gavin Blake, fate fucked with us a little bit in the beginning but its done messing with us. Its giving us the break we deserved from the start. Noahs your son.

What? he breathed, feeling his shoulders sag from the lack of weight theyd been carrying. I am?

Emily nodded, tears falling in a torrent. Yes, you are. I checked and

It was Gavins turn to cut her off. He surged his hands through her hair, pulling her into his mouth again. Mind un-fucked, Gavin spoke between worshipping her lips. Are you sure? Tell me youre sure, Emily.

Im positive, she cried, holding his face as she kissed him back as feverishly as he was kissing her. Hes yours, Gavin. Hes yours.

Jesus, Olivia quipped, making her way over to them. Therere plenty of bedrooms. I mean, its a mansion, Blake. Take her inside. Emily giggled and wiped away her tears. Brows furrowed, Olivia looked confused as all hell. Okay. Wait a minute. Youre crying, but youre kissing him? Did I miss something?

Gavin grinned, tossing his arm over Emilys shoulder. Yeah. You missed the memo that says Im Noahs father.

Olivias eyes went wide. Shut the cellar door! She all but hopped into Gavins arms, her squeals pitching above the blasting fireworks. Are you guys for real? Hes the baby daddy?

Yes, Emily laughed as Olivia bear hugged her. Hes the baby daddy.

Gavin smacked his smiling lips together. The swoon-worthy baby daddy.

Clapping, Olivia started running toward the stairs to the beach. Im going to get everyone!