CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN
BRIELLE
The doctor’s words from the morning check-up still echoed in my head as I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Damien fuss over my shoes like they were made of glass.
“Light activity is good for you at this stage,” the doctor had said during the video call, her voice calm and reassuring. “Short walks, fresh air, gentle stretching. Bed rest is important, but complete immobility can cause its own problems. Just listen to your body, stay hydrated, and avoid anything strenuous. No lifting, no stress, and keep the outings short.”
Damien had listened with that intense focus he always had when it came to me and the baby, nodding along but looking like he was already calculating every possible risk. I had seen the hesitation in his eyes… the fear from last week’s scare still lingered, sharp and raw. But I needed this. I needed to feel like I was living, not just existing in a pillow fort.
So here we were.
“Damien, they’re just shoes,” I said, laughing softly as he knelt in front of me, carefully tying the laces of my comfortable sneakers. “I’m not running a marathon. We’re just going for a short walk in the park. The doctor said it’s fine.”
He looked up at me, those sharp grey eyes soft with worry but trying so hard to relax. “I know. But I’m still going to make sure everything is perfect.”
I rolled my eyes playfully, reaching down to cup his face. “You’re adorable when you’re overprotective. But I promise I’ll tell you the second I feel even a little tired. Deal?”
He leaned up and kissed me softly, lingering for a moment like he needed the reassurance as much as I did. “Deal. But if anything feels off —”
“I’ll tell you immediately,” I finished for him, smiling. “Now help me up before I change my mind and stay in this bed forever.”
He stood, offering his hand and pulling me gently to my feet. His arm wrapped around my waist immediately, supporting me as I found my balance. The fresh air outside called to me, and the thought of stretching my legs even just for a short walk made me excited in a way I hadn’t been since the scare
The park was only a short drive away…one of the quieter ones with wide paths and beautiful trees. Damien had chosen it carefully, of course. When we arrived, he helped me out of the car like I was made of porcelain, then tucked my arm through his as we started walking slowly along the path.
The air was crisp and fresh, the late winter sun warm on my face. I breathed it in deeply, feeling the tension in my body start to melt away.
“This feels so good,” I said, leaning into him. “I didn’t realize how much I missed being outside. The penthouse is beautiful, but it was starting to feel like a very comfortable cage.”
Damien’s arm tightened around me, but his voice was gentle. “I know. I’m sorry if I made it feel that way. I just… after last week, I can’t shake the fear. But I’m trying. For you. For her.”
I stopped walking for a moment, turning to face him. “I know. And I love you for it. It’s sweet. Sometimes a little suffocating, but mostly sweet. Thank you for doing this today. For trusting the doctor and letting us have this.”
He leaned down and kissed me softly, his hand resting on my belly. “Anything for you. Both of you.”
We continued walking, the path winding through trees that were just starting to show hints of spring buds. The park was peaceful — a few joggers in the distance, families with strollers, couples holding hands. I felt normal for the first time in days. Just a pregnant woman out for a walk with her husband.
At one point, we found a quiet bench overlooking a small pond. Damien helped me sit, then sat beside me, pulling me close so my head rested on his shoulder.
“Tell me what you’re thinking about for the sequel,” he said, his voice light. “Tasha mentioned the chosen family theme is resonating. Is the new book going darker?”
I smiled, relaxing against him. “A little. The heroine is facing more challenges…old ghosts coming back, new threats to her happiness. But the love story is stronger. The fated connection feels even more earned this time. I’m writing a scene where she finally chooses him completely, no more doubts. It feels… personal.”
He kissed the top of my head. “You’re incredible. Writing a bestseller while carrying our daughter. I’m in awe of you every day.”
The sun climbed higher, warming our faces. We walked a little more stopping to watch ducks on the pond and laugh at a toddler chasing pigeons. But after a few minutes of peaceful strolling, Damien’s protectiveness kicked in again in the most ridiculous way possible.
“Careful,” he murmured for the tenth time, gently steering me away from a slightly uneven patch of path like it was a landmine. “There’s a root there. And that rock. And…Luna, wait, your left shoe is a little loose.”
I stopped dead, hands on my hips (or what was left of them under the bump), and stared at him. “Damien. I swear, if you try to tie my shoe again I’m going to waddle away and leave you here with the ducks.”
He looked genuinely torn between laughing and actually checking my laces. “I just want you comfortable.”
“I’m pregnant, not made of spun sugar. Come on, Mr. Overprotective. Let’s do something actually fun before you wrap me in bubble wrap and roll me back to the car.”
His mouth twitched. That was the opening I needed. I grabbed his hand and tugged him toward a wider grassy area near the pond where a few families were playing. “See that? People are flying kites. We’re flying a kite.”
Damien blinked. “You want to fly a kite. While seven-and-a-half months pregnant.”
“Exactly. The doctor said gentle activity and stretching. Kite flying is basically arm yoga with wind. Plus, it’ll be hilarious watching you try not to stress about me standing in one spot for ten whole minutes.”
He opened his mouth to argue, closed it, then sighed like I had just asked him to rob a bank. But the sparkle in his eyes gave him away. “Fine. But I’m holding the string the whole time. And if you so much as lean forward too fast—”
“Yes, yes, you’ll catch me. I know the drill.” I grinned, feeling lighter already.