The Heart Chaser by Gina Azzi

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Abbi

Ipace back and forth in front of the bathroom sink, too nervous to look at the pregnancy test. My engagement ring throws the sunlight and I grin, twisting the wedding band around my finger. Luca and I married last summer in Philadelphia. It was a small wedding but loud as hell as the Pandatellis know how to party. Between Luca’s family, the Crawfords, and the team, we were surrounded by love and genuine well-wishers.

I glance at my phone, excitement and nerves squeezing the pit of my stomach. One more minute until I can look. Oh, how desperately I want to be pregnant. Luca and I haven’t been trying that long, only three months, and still, waiting each month is agony.

My phone dings and I peek at the screen. Twenty seconds to go.

Luca: Bringing home Mexican for dinner. Make margaritas.

I grin. I really hope we won’t be drinking margaritas but still have something to celebrate.

I take a deep breath, knowing it’s time to look at the test. A wave of nerves buzzes through me. I squeeze my eyes shut tight.

Whatever the test says, it’s fine. Everything is good.

Take a leap of faith, Abigail.

I let out a shaky exhale and lean over the vanity.

Two pink lines greet me and I squeal, throwing my arms in the air. Oh my God, I’m pregnant! Luca and I are going to have a baby. A baby!

My phone beeps and I grin, picking it up.

Luca: On my way home.

His message spurs me into action. I quickly tuck the pregnancy test in the vanity drawer. Assessing my reflection, I fluff my hair and apply some perfume and lipstick. I hurry into the bedroom to retrieve the present I purchased the month after my wedding, hoping beyond hope that one day, I’d be able to give it to Luca.

I tuck the gift bag out of sight and set the kitchen table. I’m just filling the water glasses when I hear the front door open.

“Honey, I’m home!” Luca announces.

“In the kitchen.”

He enters the room and my breath lodges in my throat. Will I ever not have this reaction to him? Will he always make my heart race? Can I love him any more than I do right now?

“Hi, baby,” he murmurs, dropping a kiss to my lips. “Hungry?”

I nod, too excited to speak. Do I tell him now? After we eat? Tonight?

“Okay,” he says, placing the takeout bag on the table and unpacking our dinner.

I shuffle from one foot to the other.

“Abbi?” Luca turns, frowning. “You okay?”

I nod, grinning so hard my cheeks ache.

Luca chuckles, tilting his head as he studies me. “What’s going on? Want a margarita?” He glances around, probably wondering where the tequila is.

“We’re having a baby!” I announce, unable to keep my secret for a moment longer.

Since I’m staring straight at him, I have the privilege of witnessing the sheer joy that ripples across Luca’s face. His eyes widen, a blue brighter than a summer sky. His lips part, disbelief curling the corners upward. And pure wonder colors his gaze, filling me up with more love than I’ve ever known. “We are?”

I nod, tears springing to my eyes. I laugh and lift my hand, wicking away a tear. “It’s the hormones.”

“It is?” He moves closer, his hands settling on my hips. “We’re pregnant,” he whispers, kissing me.

“We’re pregnant,” I murmur. “Oh, I almost forgot.” I scurry away to grab the gift bag. I pass it to him.

Luca grins at me as he reaches into the bag and pulls out the sweetest Hawks onesie. “Oh God,” he laughs. “I love it.” His eyes find mine again. “I can’t believe this.”

“I know!”

“When did you find out? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired?” he asks, his hands finding my hips again.

“Happy,” I tell him truthfully.

“Me too. So fucking happy. I love you, Abbi.” He kisses me softly, one of his hands caressing my stomach. “And I love you too,” he says, looking down at my abdomen.

My heart turns to mush at that and I wrap my arms around Luca’s shoulders, pulling him close and kissing him hard.

He moans into my mouth. “You hungry, baby?”

“Uh-huh,” I say, dragging my mouth down the side of his neck. “But not for food.”

Luca chuckles, lifting me gently in his arms and walking us toward our bedroom. “I already love this pregnancy thing.”

“It’s the hormones,” I joke, as he places me in the center of our bed.

Luca steps back and studies me. He bites his lower lip and pulls his shirt over his head, discarding it on the floor. My eyes widen and Luca chuckles. “Yeah, okay. We’ll see, baby.”

I laugh as he moves up my body. Luca kisses me passionately and I lose myself in his touch as he reminds me just how good we are at making babies.

A whole hockey team.

* * *

Thankyou so much for reading The Heart Chaser! I hope you loved Abbi and Luca’s story.

Areyou wondering where Yaeger disappeared to? If second chance, homecoming, marriage of convenience romances are your jam, make sure you preorder The Trailblazer! You don’t want to miss the next installment of BHH, coming November 11.