The Proposal & Solid Soul - Brenda Jackson [63]
And then he leaned up and kissed her, but not before whispering that he loved her and that he planned to spend the rest of his life making her happy, making her feel loved. And she believed him.
With all the strength she could muster, she leaned up to meet him.
“And I love you so very much, too.”
And she meant it.
“Why don’t I have to wear a condom for a while?” Jason asked moments later with her entwined in his arms, their limbs tangled as they enjoyed the aftermath of their lovemaking together. He knew the reason, but he wanted her to confirm it.
She lifted her head slightly, met his gaze and whispered, “I’m having your baby.”
Her announcement did something to him. Being given confirmation that a life they had created together was growing inside her made him shudder. He knew she was waiting for him to say something.
He planned to show her he had taken it well. She needed to know just how happy her announcement had made him. “Knowing that you are pregnant with my child, Bella, is the greatest gift I could ever hope to receive.”
“Oh, Jason.”
And then she was there, closer into his arms with her arms wrapped around his neck. “I was afraid you wouldn’t be happy.”
“You were afraid for nothing. I am ecstatic, overjoyed at the prospect of being a father. Thank you for everything you’ve done, all the happiness you’ve brought me.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s I who needs to thank you for sharing your family with me, for giving me your support when my own family tried to break me down. And for loving me.”
And then she leaned toward his lips and he gave her what she wanted, what he wanted. He knew at that moment the proposal had worked. It had brought them together in a way they thought wasn’t possible. And he would always appreciate and be forever thankful that Bella had come into his life.
TWO DAYS LATER THE Westmorelands met at Dillon’s for breakfast to celebrate. It seemed everyone had announcements to make and Dillon felt it was best that they were all made at the same time so they could all rejoice and celebrate.
First Dillon announced he’d received word from Bane that he would be graduating from the naval academy in a few months with honors. Dillon almost choked up when he’d said it, which let everyone know the magnitude of Bane’s accomplishments in the eyes of his family. They knew Bane’s first year in the navy had been hard since he hadn’t known the meaning of discipline. But he’d finally straightened up and had dreams of becoming a SEAL. He’d worked hard and found favor with one of the high-ranking chief petty officers who’d recognized his potential and recommended him for the academy.
Zane then announced that Hercules had done his duty and had impregnated Silver Fly and everyone could only anticipate the beauty of the foal she would one day deliver.
Ramsey followed and said he’d received word from Storm Westmoreland that his wife, Jayla, was expecting and so were Durango and his wife, Savannah. Reggie and Libby’s twins were now crawling all over the place. And then with a huge smile on his face Ramsey announced that he and Chloe were having another baby. That sent out loud cheers and it seemed the loudest had come from Chloe’s father, Senator Jamison Burton of Florida, who along with Chloe’s stepmother, had arrived the day before to visit with his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Everyone got quiet when Jason stood to announce that he and Bella would be having a baby in the spring, as well. Bella’s eyes were glued to Jason as he spoke and she could feel the love radiating from his every word.
“Bella and I are converting her grandfather’s ranch into a guest house and combining our lands for our future children to enjoy one day,” he ended by saying.
“Does that mean the two of you want more than one child?” Zane asked with a sly chuckle.
Jason glanced over at Bella. “Yes, I want as many children as my wife wants to give