The Heart Knows What the Heart Wants
Page 19
"That's wonderful! Oh, my God, how long have you known?" Ami grinned.
"For sure? Just a few days," Star said, tears welling up in her eyes. "What am I going to do?"
"What do you mean, what are you going to do?" Ami frowned and handed Star a tissue.
Star stared at Ami like she was missing the whole point. "Ami, you told me yourself. Shane doesn't like kids. I didn't think...well, when I miscarried...the doctors had said I'd probably never be able to have children."
There was a knock on the door and Neona stuck her head into the room and told them. "Come on, Ami, they're ready."
Ami kissed Star on the cheek and leaned close to whisper, "Stop worrying. Shane just hates other people's kids. He'll make an amazing daddy. You'll see."
Star chewed on her lower lip and tried to quell the nausea threatening to overtake her again. "I hope you're right."
The wedding was beautiful. Star hoped she looked better than she felt, and Shane declared himself the luckiest, happiest man on Earth.
After the ceremony, during the traditional bride and groom's first dance, Star whispered in Shane's ear, "I love you, and I need to tell you something."
Shane drew back and tilted his head at his new wife. "What are you talking about Mrs. Harper?"
"Saturn, Pluto, and Mars. There is just no easy way to say this," she muttered nervously.
"Blue?" Shane cupped her face in his hands. "What is it?"
"I'm going to have a baby," she blurted.
Shane's mouth dropped open, and a smile spread across his face. "That's the second best thing I've heard all day!" He pulled her against his chest and hugged her tightly.
"What was the first?" she asked.
"When you uttered those two little words. I, and do."
"Are you sure you're not mad?"
"Crazy woman," he said shaking his head, "why would I be mad?"
Star rested her head against his firm chest and inhaled his comforting, familiar scent. "Because you don't like kids?"
Shane shook his head and laughed heartily. "I don't like brats. We won't raise brats. Our kids will be perfect because they are a product of you and me."
***
Before the baby came, Shane and Star bought, and moved into, a small two bedroom house in downtown Red Vale. Shane continued to help coach the high school basketball team while also taking part time Exercise and Sports Science classes in Hannibal.
Star worked for Piper at Everything Under the Sun, doing astrology readings and selling her jewelry creations. She also sold her custom designs online and often had to enlist Shane's help just to keep up with the thriving business.
Star's pregnancy went off with few complications, once she made it through her brief bout of morning sickness. She carried to full term and delivered a healthy baby girl on April tenth. They named her Aries April Harper.
"I love you Star Harper," Shane said. He beamed at his wife, as she held their newborn daughter in her arms.
"I love you, too, Shane Harper."
THE END
Acknowledgments
These are in no particular order.
I have met so many amazing people in all of the different book communities in which I've become a part of. I would like to thank everyone for all of your tireless help, patience, and support while I learn the ropes.
Ami Johnson - Your guidance and editing skills helped shape this book into what it is today.
Stephanie Biedlingmaier of PromotionsbyStephanie@gmail.com -- Your phenomenal skills are second to none!
A.L. Parks - Thank you for your feedback and pep talks and for allowing me to rant unchecked from time to time.
Jean Maurie Puhlman - Your willingness to read my stuff, one chapter at a time.
My co-bloggers at www.shereadsnewadult.com
My ARC readers
The countless book bloggers and book tour organizers who have crossed my path and touched my life in some way.
Last but not least: to my family. Even though miles separate us, you are never too far away.