A BABY ON THE WAY

A BABY ON THE WAY

I can't believe I’m stuck with these two lovebirds. It's been three months since the incident, and while I’m relieved everything is back to normal, I’m honestly getting tired of their constant bickering.

"I don't think that's a good idea. Let’s present our gifts before the wedding. It will be unique, and Gia is going to love it."

"I don't think they'll have time to receive gifts before stepping onto the altar," Dax argued.

"They will. They have to," Brianna insisted stubbornly.

"You’re talking like you're going to force them to accept the gift before anything else happens," Dax teased.

"What? Why would I do that?" Brianna huffed, crossing her arms.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Can you two stop already? It doesn’t matter when they receive the gift. The most important thing is that they get it!"

"Sorry, Nancy, but you’re stuck with us," Dax smirked.

"Really, dude?"

"Yes, really," he confirmed, grinning.

"Don’t mind him, Nancy. How about we go shopping for the wedding?" Brianna suggested.

"Will you cover my expenses too?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, I will," she promised.

"Now you're talking! Let's ditch this man beside you, shall we?" I grinned.

"You ladies can't do this to me!" Dax protested.

"Sorry, honey," Brianna teased.

"Sorry, Dax. See you later," I added.

"Wait! You can’t just leave me here. Brianna, say something!" Dax pleaded.

"I already did—bye," she replied with a wink before driving off.

Brianna's POV

I watched through the rearview mirror as Dax sighed in frustration. These last three months had been the best time of my life so far, and yet, I was still holding onto one big secret.

"Have you told him yet?" Nancy asked, her tone gentle. Over time, we had grown close, and I considered her my friend now.

"Not yet. I'm scared, Nancy."

"You shouldn't be. Dax loves and adores you. I’m sure he’ll be the happiest man alive when he finds out you're having his baby."

"But what if he doesn’t want to marry me?" I whispered, voicing my deepest fear.

"Are you kidding me? I’ve spoken to him a couple of times, and all he talks about is you."

I exhaled shakily. "I’ll tell him after the wedding."

"You better," Nancy warned playfully. "You should be getting some time off already. How far along are you?"

"Four weeks," I admitted. "Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask—would you be interested in working with us? Dax and I are opening our own crime-fighting agency."

"Hmm, can I think about it and get back to you?"

"I don’t see why not."

"Good. Now let’s go have a little fun today since we’re off duty."

Gia’s POV

"Hey, relax. You look absolutely beautiful," Eric said, holding my hands.

"I’m nervous," I confessed, my stomach twisting with anxiety.

"I know." He smiled warmly before brushing a soft kiss on my lips. "I need to get back, or Brianna will kill me if she finds me in the ladies’ dressing room."

"Okay," I murmured, watching as he walked away.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The thought of the hall packed with guests waiting for me was making my hands tremble.

"There you are! What are you doing? Your dress is ready," Brianna announced as she walked in.

"Brianna, I’m so nervous," I admitted.

"Stop worrying—you’ll do great," she reassured me, pulling me into a comforting hug. I clung to her, trying to draw from her strength.

Brianna’s POV

I watched as my father proudly walked Gia down the aisle. She had insisted that he be the one to give her away, refusing even to invite her own father. It made me respect her even more.

"She’s so beautiful. Now I can officially call her my daughter," my mother whispered beside me, dabbing at her eyes.

"Mum, you’re not supposed to be crying," I teased, nudging her playfully.

"I know," she sniffled. "But these are tears of joy. Watching my two beautiful children getting married—it’s a dream come true."

I smiled, my heart swelling with warmth. Today was perfect.

"I know, they are so perfect for each other. Now stop crying, Mum."

"When are you getting married?"

"Oh, Mum, soon. I’ll get married soon."

"You better do. Where’s Dax?"

"Standing close to the groom. I need to go stay next to the bride."

"I'm so lucky—my daughter-in-law is a beauty, and my son-in-law is so handsome. I can’t wait to hold my grandchildren."

"Okay, Mum."

I wanted to tell her the news, but a nervous lump formed in my throat. Instead, I smiled, turned, and went to stand beside Gia.

As the reception kicked off, exhaustion weighed on me. The day had been long, and despite the celebration, I hadn't seen Dax in a while.

"You look exhausted. Come sit."

Nancy dragged me toward a table and set a plate of food in front of me.

"Nancy, I don’t have an appetite."

"But you have to eat."

"I can't. Just the sight of food is making me want to throw up."

"Welcome to parenthood."

Her words sent a jolt through me. I glanced at her, searching her face.

"Wait… have you been…?" My eyes finished the question.

"Yes," she admitted with a small smile. "It was a one-night stand. But it gave me a beautiful princess."

"Where is she?"

"With my mum in Europe."

"Does he know? I mean, did you tell her father?"

"No. It was a one-time thing. We never met again."

"I’m so sorry, Nancy."

"It’s nothing," she said, brushing it off, though I could sense the lingering ache in her voice. "I just wish I could introduce my daughter to her father. But I'm ashamed to even admit it was just a one-night thing."

"You don’t have to be ashamed. That night gave you something beautiful."

She smiled, then pushed the plate toward me again.

"I know. Now, please eat."

"Fine," I sighed, finally giving in.

Dax’s POV

"Where are we going? We need to take pictures with the bride and groom before they leave."

"I know, but I have something for you."

There was a nervous energy in my chest as I turned to face her. My hands trembled slightly as I pulled out the small velvet box.

"I’m sorry this isn’t grand or extravagant, but… Brianna, will you marry me?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, emotions flickering across her face. My heart pounded as I waited.

"Dax… I have something to tell you."

"Answer me first, please."

A slow smile spread across her lips.

"Yes, I’ll marry you. I’ve been waiting for this question for a while now."

Relief and joy crashed over me.

"I’m sorry I made you wait. And I’m sorry this isn’t as big as you deserve—"

"I don’t need big, Dax. I just need you."

I pressed a kiss to her cheek, my chest tightening with overwhelming love.

"You wanted to tell me something?"

She hesitated, then gently took my hand and placed it over her stomach.

"What if I told you… we’re about to welcome someone new into our lives?"

I blinked, my mind struggling to process her words.

"I don’t understand…"

Her lips quirked into a soft smile.

"Are you ready to be a father?"

My breath caught. My pulse raced.

"You’re pregnant?"

She nodded.

A mixture of shock, joy, and disbelief hit me all at once. I wanted to shout to the world, to run around and tell everyone that not only did I have the most incredible woman beside me, but we were having a baby.

"Are you disappointed?" she asked hesitantly.

Disappointed?

I laughed—a full, joyous laugh—before lifting her into my arms, spinning her in circles as I held her tight.

"Thank you. Thank you for choosing me, for loving me despite everything."

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring.

"This was supposed to be a surprise, but I can't wait anymore to make you mine."

She let out a breathless laugh, tears glistening in her eyes.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered as I slipped the ring onto her finger.

And in that moment, I knew—this was all I ever wanted.

I watched as her face lit up with excitement. Seeing Brianna happy made everything feel right.

"I'm glad you love it," I said, watching her admire the ring.

"I can't wait to tell Gia that she's going to be an aunty!" she beamed.

"I'm sorry to spoil your little fun, but it's time for the pictures," Nancy interrupted from behind us.

"Oh my God, Nancy, I'm getting married soon!" Brianna gushed, her happiness contagious.

I smiled, feeling relieved. I was so damn lucky to have her.

"Okay, ladies, let's go. You both can catch up later," I said, taking Brianna’s hand. "Sorry, Nancy, but I’m stealing her away right after we send the newlyweds off."

Nancy waved me off with a smirk. "I know, go do your thing. As for me, I’m going to have fun!"

"Bye, Nancy!"

The moment the party ended, I didn’t waste time—I dragged Brianna home, eager to be alone with her.



"Dax?"

"Yeah?" I turned to her, noticing the way her expression softened.

"Do you ever feel like this is too good to be true?"

I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "No, I don’t. I just want to focus on us. Do you think we should put everything else on hold and just focus on the wedding and the baby first?"

She smiled, leaning into me. "I don’t care about anything else, as long as I have you with me."

She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Can you promise me something?"

"Anything," I said without hesitation.

"Please make up with your parents. For me. I know things have been hard, but they’re still your family."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Fine. I’ll call them so we can set a date for a family dinner."

She smiled, looking relieved. "That’s all I ask."

After a brief silence, she looked at me curiously. "Are you planning on taking over your dad’s company?"

I shook my head. "No. I have better things to do."

"Like what?" she asked.

I looked into her eyes, feeling nothing but certainty. "Like being a better husband and father."

Her gaze softened. "You are not like your father, Dax," she whispered.

I let out a deep breath, then smirked. "I can’t wait to meet our little princess."

She raised an eyebrow. "Who said our baby is a princess? I want a little Dax."

"But I want a little Brianna," I teased.

She grinned. "Okay, let’s make a deal. If the baby is a girl, I’ll grant you three wishes. But if it’s a boy—which he will be—you’ll grant me five wishes."

"Five?" I laughed.

"Yes," she said confidently.

"Fine, but don’t be so sure you’re going to win."

"Oh, I know I’m going to win," she smirked. "Now let me start thinking about what I’m going to demand with my five wishes."

I watched her, completely in awe. God, I loved this woman. And in that moment, I knew—this was exactly the kind of life I had always wanted.