Chapter 288. Close to You

Aleah traced her fingers along the contours of Denny’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips. “I could stay like this forever,” she murmured, her voice a soft whisper.

Denny smiled, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “Me too. There is nowhere else I would rather be.” He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, feeling the weight of the moment settle around them.

She chuckled, a sound that filled the room with warmth. “I know! It feels surreal, doesn’t it?”

“Now we are living it,” he replied, his voice filled with wonder. “And I would not change a thing.”

Aleah shifted slightly, her belly resting against Denny’s side. “I love how connected we are through this experience. It is like we are both in this together, no matter what.”

“Always,” he promised, his hand finding her belly again. He felt a gentle kick beneath his palm, and his face lit up with joy. “Hey there, little one,” he said, his voice soft and