She beckoned him with her pointer finger and then led him to their bedroom, his favorite room in the house. He closed the door. When he spun, he found her on her knees before him. “Oh, baby, you don’t play fair either.”
She simply grinned and lowered his zipper.
* * * *
Cara glanced at her friends and family seated at the table, feasting on another successful dinner. Yet, something felt off, probably her stomach again. Pete seemed quiet after their little afternoon delight. She sensed he was hiding something. Well, she had a secret of her own.
John sat between her father and Pete, boasting about one of the boys in his group. Across from them, Darlene fed her husband a piece of buttered biscuit.
Stan rolled his eyes at their corny display and shoved a spoonful of potatoes in his mouth. Cara wished he would find someone. He deserved to be happy. She was overjoyed to find out he was moving back to Heart Falls. Stan had decided to buy his parents’ house and transfer to the local firehouse. Pete was less than thrilled at first, but they had come to an understanding. It was more than she could ask for.
Pete glanced at her again with a big grin.
What was he up to?
Pete tapped a fork on his glass. He rose from his chair. “Can I have everyone’s attention? I have some news I would like to announce. The loan came through. I’m now the proud owner of Cross Landscaping and Design.” Everyone clapped. Pete had loved fixing up her yard so much he decided to make a living at it. They had applied for a loan last week, but she didn’t know it was approved. “We’ll be open for business in less than a month.”
“When did you find out?” Cara exclaimed.
“This morning, baby, but I wanted to surprise you.”
“I’m so happy for you, Pete.”
“Be happy for us, Cara.”
Pete stepped over to Cara and lowered himself to his knees. The chatter quieted down. Cara covered her mouth, not sure whether to laugh or cry. So, she did both.
“Baby, I asked you a question sometime back and you told me no. Shocked the shit out of me, but it wouldn’t have been like you not to keep me on my toes.” Laughter erupted around them. Pete flashed a grin. “You wanted me to stop drinking and I have. You wanted me to seek help dealing with all the craziness going on in my head and I am. You saved my life, Cara. I was in a dark place and you refused to lift me out. Instead, you gave me the strength to crawl out on my own and for that, I will always love you.”
Pete reached into his front pocket. He pulled out a ring she recognized right away. A modest silver-toned band topped with a pearl encircled with diamonds.
“Is that grandmom’s?” Cara looked at her father.
Her dad nodded. “She gave it to me a week before she passed. She wanted me to give it to the man who stole your heart. I’ve kept it for Pete ever since. I knew he’d come around one day.”
Pete took her hand in his. “Be my wife, Cara? There is no one I would rather have beside me.” Cara could no longer hold back her tears of joy.
Smiling, she glanced around at the eyes staring at her. All of sudden, her stomach did a wretched turn and before she knew it, she jumped up from her chair and ran to the bathroom. She fell to the floor on her knees and emptied her stomach in the toilet.
Pete pounded on the door. “Baby, what’s going on? Are you okay?” When she didn’t answer, he cracked the door and peeked inside. He stepped in, closing the door behind him.
Cara lifted herself to the sink. She quickly brushed her teeth and rinsed, while Pete watched with concern.
“Well, that wasn’t exactly the response I was aiming for,” Pete joked as he tucked a loose curl behind her ear.
“I doubt you’re expecting this either, but I’m pregnant.”
Pete stared without blinking. “Pregnant?”
“Yep, went to the doctor today. He told me I’m about eight weeks along.” When Pete didn’t respond, she added, “I know this isn’t exactly part of the plan, but I’m happy, Pete. Scared out of my mind, but happy.” She let another minute of silence pass. She frowned, propping her hands on her hips. “Will you say something? Your tight lips are starting to freak me out here.”
“I’m gonna be a daddy,” he whispered. His shocked expression suddenly morphed into pure joy.
He dragged her out into the living room in front of everyone and shouted, “I’m gonna be a daddy!”
Congratulations came from every direction but one. John strutted over with a scowl. “You better make an honest woman out her.” John bumped Pete’s shoulder. “I got my shotgun loaded just in case.” John winked at Cara.
Cara pushed John out of the way. “Will you shut up?”
“Damn, not even showing and she’s already moody.” John dodged Cara’s fist before it landed on his biceps.
“What do say, Cara? Will you let me make an honest woman out of you? You know I love you with everything I am.” Pete pulled her into his arms.
“I’m already an honest woman, but you can make me your wife.”
“So you’re accepting me this time.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
She nodded. “I love you, Pete. There’s nothing I want more than to be your wife.”
John tugged her hair like when they were kids. “You better make her promise, Pete. With those hormones surging, she’s bound to change her mind.”
Pete shook his head with a chuckle. “Do you promise, baby?”
She drew an X above her left breast. “Cross my heart.”
The End
Publisher’s Note
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About K. D. Friedrich
K. D. Friedrich is a writer of Contemporary and Paranormal Romance. A graduate of NYIT, she earned a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in art, social science, psychology, and business. The culprit of that odd mixture was a severe case of indecision. By day, she crunches numbers, but by night, she's busy creating interesting worlds and compelling characters, hot alpha heroes being her favorite. In 2013, she placed second in the Golden Palm contest for Paranormal Romance. She’s an overprotective mother (her daughter’s words), lifelong New Yorker, and an obsessed reader of everything romance. You can find her on Twitter @KDFriedrich_ and on her Facebook page K. D. Friedrich.
Table of Contents
Cross My Heart
Blurb
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
About K. D. Friedrich
Cross My Heart Page 20