The MC President's Forsaken Wife (Zara and Knox) novel Chapter 379

Chapter 186-1

One week later

I stand at the dining table, leaning forward on my palms as I pour over the thick architectural drafting paper spread across the surface. Heavy brass weights hold down the stubborn, curling edges.

“If we clear out the built-in shelving along the east wall,” I say, tracing a fingertip along the penciled lines. “The crib can sit right in the center bay. It’ll get the morning light, but it won’t be in the direct line of the draft from the balcony.”

“East wall works,” Locke says. “I checked the stud layout yesterday. Wall anchors will hold five

hundred pounds easily. Nothing’s moving that frame once I bolt it down.”

“It’s a baby crib, Locke, not a mooring cleat for a battleship.”

“Same difference. I’m building it for our kid, so it gets built to survive a goddamn hurricane.”

I look up at him standing there gazing at the plans for our baby’s nursery, and my heart does that

familiar, breathless flip.

Eleven weeks now.

The lingering morning nausea that plagued the earlier weeks has finally faded into a distant

memory, replaced by a surge of vibrant, steady energy. My skin is bright and vibrant with life, my

body strong and grounded.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not just surviving day to day… I’m thriving. We both are. And tucked safely beneath my heart, our little baby is growing stronger every single hour.

“You’re glowing today, Zara,” Locke says, his gaze dropping to my lips before rising back to meet

my eyes.

“I feel good. Really good. Dr. Innis said at the ten-week checkup that everything looked perfect, but… I don’t know. Sitting here, looking at these blueprints, planning the nursery with you… it suddenly feels so real.”

“It’s real, baby. Every bit of it.”

I c**k my head. “Hey… do you mind that Jade figured it out on New Year’s Eve?”

“Well, she didn’t hear it from anyone else. She just looked at you and knew.”

“She did,” I say. “You know how Jade is.”

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Chapter 186-1

+25 Poinse

“I’m actually really glad she knows. It gives you another woman to talk to openly so you’re not carrying it all alone. And anyway… it’s just another six days until the twelve-week mark. Then we

ell the whole club.”

“A week feels like nothing,” I say softly, getting up on my tiptoes up to kiss him. “And honestly, having Jade in on it has been so nice. She’s already talking paint swatches and fabric samples.”

Before Locke can reply, the security intercom on the wall beside the private elevator chimes. He steps over, pressing the response button.

“Hiiiii!” Jade’s cheerful voice crackles over the speaker. “It’s me, the world’s best aunt!”

Locke glances over at me, raising an eyebrow in amusement as he presses the button to let her gain access to the elevator. “Come on up, auntie.”

He turns back to me, pulling his heavy leather jacket off the back of a kitchen chair and sliding his arms into the sleeves. “I’m heading down to the clubhouse now, anyway. Cobra wants to go over the shipment manifest that you found in the chemical company’s records, and then I’m meeting the lumber supplier about the wood for the crib.”

“Full day,” I say, stepping into his space and reaching up to rest my hands on his chest.

Everything’s moving in the right direction.”

Locke leans down, taking my lips in a deep, slow kiss that sets my pulse humming. “Call me if you

need anything, baby.”

“I will.”

The elevator doors slide open with a ping, revealing Jade holding a towering stack of glossy

interior design magazines and a paper bakery bag that smells heavenly.

“Morning, you two lovebirds in domestic paradise,” Jade announces. She gives Locke a quick wave as he steps into the elevator cab she just vacated. “Don’t worry, Locke, I’m here to handle vital nursery business. I also have piping hot cinnamon rolls.”

“Keep an eye on her, Jade,” Locke says, his gray eyes lingering on me with quiet affection as the elevator doors start to slide shut. “She’s not lifting anything, you got me?”

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