Evening had fallen over the city. From the top story of the apartment building, Carter could see out on downtown D.C. Though she stared out the window, her mind barely registered what she was seeing. A knot had formed in her chest and she was trying to battle the fear that was creeping in. As she watched the fading light reflect off the surrounding buildings, she absentmindedly twisted the gold band on her left hand. The metal was a reminder she wasn't alone, but still her emotions took tighter hold.

The front door opened and Donovan walked in. After dropping the keys into the bowl, he glanced around, his eyes landing on Carter. She didn't turn at his entrance. Pulling off his suit jacket, he tossed it onto a chair, his tie quickly following, and walked over to her. Even when he stopped right behind her, she couldn't look at him. Her mind was a battle field and she was afraid of what he would see in her eyes.

"Hey," he said. "Is your cold doing better?"

He rested his hands on her shoulders, then ran them down her arms, wrapping his own arms around her stomach. Carter leaned back into him, some of her thoughts stilling with the familiar feel of his body pressed against hers. There was a strength and steadiness in his hold that she clung to. Still she couldn't speak, emotions gnawing at her. Sensing her thoughts, Donovan kissed the side of her head then nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his warm breath spreading over her skin.

Twisting in his embrace, Carter stared up at him.

"Donovan," she said.

Panic seized him. There was a note of fear in her voice that made every part of him tense, bracing for her to say something that would break him. The sight of her throwing up that morning had been difficult and all he could imagine was that it was only the sign of something worse. His hold on her tightened as if someone were about to come snatch her away from him.

Seeing this, Carter laid one hand on his face. Though that seemed to calm him, Carter still felt her own fear mounting. Hating all that she felt, she forced the words out.

"I'm pregnant."

Donovan froze. All his panic was wiped away. For a long moment, all he could do was stare at her in shock.

"Really?" he asked.

Carter nodded, the weight in her chest growing. Happiness exploded inside Donovan. Laughing, he hugged her, lifting her off her feet. Carter held onto him, as his excitement spilled out. After he set her back down, he started kissing her, his smiling never leaving his face.

"We're going to have a baby," he said between kisses.

When Carter didn't respond with the same enthusiasm, he stopped and held her face.

"Hey," he said. "What is it?"

In an instant his expression sobered, worry edging in at Carter's lost look. Unable to fight it, Carter spoke the words that she hated to admit.

"I'm so scared."

A choked cry escaped her and she covered her mouth, wanting to keep it all inside. The memories of her own mother and the night she left racing around her mind. Years of emptiness threatened to break her. The human inside her was precious and she feared she had already failed.

"Hey hey hey," Donovan said, his voice gentle. "Come here."

He wrapped her in his arms, pulling her against him, reminding her that she wasn't alone. In his hold, Carter felt the tendrils of panic loosening. She laid her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as the warmth from his body reassured and calmed her frantic mind.

"What if I'm an awful mother," she said.

Donovan pulled away and cupped her face, understanding hitting him.

"You're going to be a great mother," he said, his voice heavy with conviction. "You are strong, loving and fiercely protective. You are not your mother, you hear me?"

Tears made treks down Carter's face as she stared into the unyielding gaze of her husband. Donovan stared right back as if to make sure she believed him. In response, she placed her hands over his.

"And you are not alone," he said. "I'm here. You will never be alone in this. This kid is going to be spoiled, tough and too smart for its own good."

A laugh bubbled out of Carter's throat. The feel of it damped the strength of her emotions.

"We're going to have a baby," she whispered.

Donovan's smile returned in full force.

"We're going to have a baby!"

He kissed her again and she felt her fears diminishing as he stole them away. Taking a step back, Donovan sat down on the coffee table, guiding Carter onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his hand fell to her stomach. A look of awe came over his face as he stared. Affection flooded Carter's heart at the expression.

"You're not scared?" she asked.

He raised his head.

"Not at all," he said. "I grew up with two strong parents. Also I watched Link for eight years." He grinned. "I'm already prepared for the teenage years."

As Carter studied his face, she found herself amazed at the confidence he had. Seeing her thoughts, Donovan placed a hand on her cheek.

"We've taken down corrupt politicians," he said, "drug cartels and terrorist organizations. We can handle a baby. You have nothing to fear."

Leaning down, he kissed her stomach, making her laugh. He kissed her and Carter felt the strength and security in him.

"I guess you're right," she said. "I have nothing to fear, I have you."

**********************************************************************

Hello mellow!

So you're truly terrific! I have been blown away with how much you enjoy this book and I'm thrilled you do! Thanks for reading and always being so wonderful and supportive! ❤️😘

They are going to have a baby! How cute! Let's face it they would make epic parents! Am I right?

As always I have no idea when I will stop writing these so make sure to keep it close to your heart or in your library so you always know if there is something new! 😉

Vote, dance and sing!