"Been waiting weeks to hear those words from your lips, and I'm pissed as hell we're in a place I can't show you how much they mean to me. I'm trying to beat back the brutal instinct to throw you on that hospital bed and bury myself inside you."
"Of course, I love you."
"Wish it wasn't crisis mode when you told me this."
"I told you that night at my house!" I insist.
"No, you didn't. You told me with your body, but not with the words. I would have remembered."
"It's the same thing!"
"Stop being defensive, Princess, and say it again." He tilts my face and runs his lips along mine.
I fold with an emotional adrenaline high. "I love you, Miller Kendrick. You're domineering, arrogant, bossy, and yet I am madly in love with every bit."
He smiles against my mouth. "Knew you'd grow into it."
"I'll add cocky to the list."
"As soon as we're out of here, I'll show you cocky."
I stretch up on my toes, circle my arms around his neck, and brush my lips across his. "Considering this room is our only chance at privacy, maybe we should take advantage."
A husky growl rumbles in his throat right before he crushes his mouth to mine, his tongue sweeping around as he kisses me possessively. I melt into him, giving him full access and control, memorizing this moment that I know has changed my life. He doesn't slow, going deeper, his lips moving urgently as if he's trying to consume me. His hands slide down, cupping my ass and rolling his hips to mine. I purr down his throat, hitch a leg around his hip, and thrust forward. Electricity sizzles, desire builds, and I intentionally rub myself against his thickness.
"Fuck." He tears his mouth away, dropping his face to my neck. "So fucking hot, grinding against me, my dick begging for your pussy, and I'm in a goddamn maternity room."
His words sink in, and I can't stop the giggle that bubbles up and escapes. Soon I'm in a fit, shaking against him. "You realize the irony of this, right?"
"You vibrating against my cock with each tremor of your body? You think this is funny?" he replies gruffly against my skin.
"No, the fact that sex generally leads to the maternity ward."
His arms clutch so tight, the air leaves my lungs. He raises his face and I fight for breath for a different reason.
"Say the word. The instant you tell me you're ready and give me the green light, it'll be my life’s mission to be standing right here, by your side, while our families wait."
"Miller," his name is barely audible over the pounding of my heart, "are you saying? You want to try for a baby? You want us to—?" I stumble over the possibility.
My vision grows blurry, and I'm lightheaded, sure I'm about to black out.
"Princess, breathe deep and focus on me."
I do the first, but finding focus is difficult.
"The answer to your questions is yes. All of it. But I can see it freaks you the hell out. So, let's go back a few steps."
"Impossible. You just told me you want me to have your baby."
"I also told you I love you. For a man like me, they go hand in hand." His eyes glitter again, and his lips curve in that way that tells me he's amused.
"If you laugh at me right now, I'm taking everything back," I snap, my wits returning.
"Can't take it back, but glad to know that even freaked you can find the sass."
I drop my leg from his hip and narrow my eyes. "You are about to take a beautifully romantic and memorable conversation and turn it into an argument."
He smiles wide, stealing a kiss, and squeezes my ass to hold me in place. "I'm not looking for an argument, Princess. I'm changing the subject so you don't pass out."
There's no time to respond because there's a hustle behind us and I turn to find everyone now in the hall. Thankfully, Miller releases his hold, whirls me around, and casually drapes his arms around my waist.
Stephanie spots us first, coming in. "The nurse and anesthesiologist are talking with Darby now. She's pretty set on waiting, but knowing this is a big baby, doctors are concerned she may wait too long and get into immense pain. Annie got us kicked out when she leaped on the side of the bed to hold Darby down, demanding the doctor do it now."
I snort, slapping my hand over my mouth.
"It's okay to laugh. For a split second, I thought about joining in on holding her down, but we were ushered out."
Todd comes to her side, linking his arm around her. "Baby, I'm glad you aren't the one that got us all booted. Saw it on your face, didn't know if I should hold you back or take off my belt to help secure her to the bed."
I openly laugh now, feeling Miller's chest vibrate at my back.
"Anyway, I think we're heading back to Pierce and Darby's. Todd desperately needs a shower, and we need to get the kids some things."
"Oh no, Runner!" I angle my face to Miller. "He was with us when this all happened. He was hassling when I dashed out the back. We're supposed to take care of him."
"Your brothers cool with taking him tonight while we sit here?"
"Yes, they love dogs."
"We'll swing by and get him. I'll shower, we'll fill your family in, grab some takeout and head back."
"Yes, that sounds like a plan. Did the valet give you my key fob?"
"Yeah." He rolls his eyes in unexplained exasperation. "He also gave me the five hundred dollars you shoved in his hand."
My eyes pop wide. "I thought it was a few fives and was too distracted to care. But he deserves every bit. I was in charge of Darby Kendrick!"
"Babe, I love you taking care of her, but you will need that money to replace those fabulous Dior booties. What
