On the Edge (The Grange Complex Book 1) novel Chapter 42

Sasha

The ground had opened up and was slowly sucking me in, draining me of all my emotions. Time had stopped and the sudden realisation of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks. Dexter was messing with me; he didn’t really just ask me to marry him. The music stopped playing, and the lights came on as I stood in the middle of the room staring at him, bewildered. My heart pounded in my chest uncontrollably. He was on his knees showing me one of the most beautiful engagement rings that I had ever laid my eyes on.

Finally, everything clicked, the secret phone calls, the package and his trip to the strip club.

“Baby, say something. You’re making me very nervous,” he said.

My heart was beating so hard and fast that I couldn’t catch my breath. The tension was palpable, vibrating through me, like an unexpected thunderstorm. I already had my answer, but the baby came first. I had to get over the fear and just tell him that there was a tiny life inside my womb. I swallowed back my tears, trying to shut off the explosion of emotions that I was experiencing. The anger and frustration that I had been feeling in the past few days finally faded.

“I already have my answer, Dex, but I need to tell you something first,” I managed to choke out. Dexter frowned and inhaled sharply.

“Tell me what?”

I counted to five, slowing down my breathing. I needed to forget about the sudden panic and anxiety. His dark eyes were drilling through me. He wanted my answer, probably thinking that I was hesitating.

“I’m pregnant, Dexter. I’ve known for a week, but I was scared to tell you because I had no idea how you were going to react,” I said, smiling through tears. “And yes, I’ll marry you.”

Dexter paled, widening his eyes and dropping back on the sofa, hiding his face in his palms. The silence was slowly killing me, dragging this moment on forever. I knew that the news would shock him, but his eyes were enormous, and I had no idea how he felt about it.

“A baby, Sash. Please tell me that you’re not fucking with me?” he asked quietly, entwining his fingers into mine.

“No, I had forgotten my hormonal shot and I started feeling unwell after we came back from Spain. I’ve done the test and it came out positive. I’m pregnant, Dex. You’re going to be a father,” I explained. His breath was shallow and I had no idea what that meant. Was he happy? Angry with me that I kept this kind of secret for so long?

“Shit, Sasha, this is big. I can’t believe it. I’m so happy, baby, so fucking happy,” he said. “Come on, let’s go outside to the bar. I need a drink.”

I was so confused, but I picked up my bag and followed him out. When he opened the door to the bar, I heard gasps and snickers. Then I noticed familiar faces and my heart shuddered in my chest. Dexter’s brothers, Gina, Harry and a few of my friends from the hospital stood by the bar, watching us with uncertainty.

“She said yes,” Dexter shouted. “And I’m going to be a father. Sasha is pregnant!” Dexter lifted me up and pressed his lips down to mine. I heard screams and cheers. Everyone surrounded us, congratulating us and talking all at once. I was telling Dex to put me down, choking on my own tears.

He’d planned all this, and I couldn’t comprehend how I didn’t see it coming.

“You called them all?” I asked

“Harry suggested to bring them down here,” he said, grinning. “I don’t like sharing you, but I made an exception this time around.”

“So you guys are now engaged and with a baby on the way? Wow, that’s fantastic news, Dexter. Congratulations! You’re a lucky bastard,” Harry shouted, clapping Dexter on the back, beaming with happiness.

Dexter had me in his arms again, kissing me greedily and sensually. When he pulled away I was breathless and dizzy.

“There is a little human inside your stomach, Barbie. I can’t believe that we made life. It feels surreal,” he said, his voice vibrating. We were both emotional and I tried to stop crying, but tears kept pouring down my cheeks.

“Are you sure about this? Do you really want to get married?” I asked.