Once Upon A Half-Time 1(74)

That was the real problem.

And that was why he planned the date. It was an excuse to do something wild, crazy, and fun for the adrenaline rush he craved.

Well…I’d give him a decent shock, and I’d do it without leaving the apartment.

Efficiency was a crucial component to a successful marriage.

“Mrs. Reed…” Lachlan nipped my bottom lip. “I hope you’re ready for the most perfect, unbelievable, exciting date of your life.”

I gave a nervous laugh. “Right back at ya.”

“I have a surprise for you.”

“I’m guessing mine’s bigger.”

Lachlan kissed me, summoning a devilish heat. I shouldn’t have tightened my grip on him. The secret was already suffocating me, and I lost my last gasp of air groaning against his lips.

I had to do it quick. First a kiss. Then the talk.

I’d spill the surprise and blow his mind. I could blow his cock, too, if he needed some reassurance after I blitzed him with the truth.

“Are you ready for today?” Lachlan’s grin turned mischievous. That was my first warning.

“We’re not breaking any laws, are we?”

“We might have to consult some local municipal statutes for what I plan later…” His eyebrows waggled. “But as far as I can tell, this is nothing but fun.”

“Okay?”

“I found the ultimate wilderness experience.”

Uh-oh, that didn’t sound good.

“It’s a three-hour zip-lining tour through the mountains—”

No way. “Lachlan…”

“It has the fastest zip-lines on the east coast.”

“Whoa, wait.”

“We’ll be swinging through the trees, right? And then we’ll blast into a freaking canyon. We’ll fly across the gorge, careening about two hundred feet in the air above a river.”

I was sick just thinking about it. “I don’t think—”

“They call it Gravity.”

“Is that a name or a warning?”

“Once we reach the bottom, the same organization hosts one of the largest paintball arenas in the country. Acres of sprawling wilderness with forts and caves and sniping points.”

The doctor said I wasn’t supposed to have caffeine while pregnant. Paintball tournaments were right out.

I held my hand up. “As romantic as that sounds…”

He anticipated my resistance. “After our day, I’ve reserved our own private chalet, deep in the mountains. We can sit in a hot tub under the stars—just you, me, and very little clothing.”

“Oh.”

“Did you hear about the meteor shower tonight?” He pulled me close. “Supposed to be spectacular. You and I are gonna cuddle, have a little wine, and watch the show from the darkest spot in the state.”

Damn it.

That did sound romantic.

I bit my lip. “About that just you and me part…”

“Grab your bags. I got this whole day planned, Red. I hope you’re ready to fall in love with me.”

Been there. Dealing with that.

I slipped away from his hold. “It sounds so romantic, but I don’t think we should do it. At least, not the zip-line or paintball.”

“Come on. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

“Well, I’m pretty adventured out at the moment.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I can give you proof...” In the form an ultrasound image tucked away in my pocket.

“Elle, I’ve planned this day down to the minute. Trust me.”

I sighed. “I do…but we need to talk. It’s important.”

“Are we finally picking out the china?” He smiled and checked his phone. “You have about five minutes before we hit the road.”

“We might need more than five minutes for this.”

“I can spare ten.”

“This is something that will impact the rest of our lives.”

“Twelve. And not a minute more.”

I’d work with it.

Now how was I going to do this without him spontaneously combusting? He had to take it sitting down. I couldn’t risk Lachlan passing out and denting his head on my countertops.

He sat on the couch, drumming his hands on his knees. For the first time, I fidgeted more than him.

I could do this. No long-winded build-ups. No flowery, fruity talk of blessings or miracles. He was a fun-loving, carefree guy. If I was going to break life-altering news to him, I needed to keep the conversation…light.

I knew one way to handle it. I grabbed my camera and hoped for the best.

“Lachlan, do you remember that day in the locker room? When you told me we were married?”

He grinned. “Yeah. Any man can propose. The real challenge is telling your woman you’re already married.”