No Strings Attached

When Clara's cool fingertips brushed against something scorching hot, she recoiled in shock. Annoyed, she glanced at him. "What are you doing? Dad's still outside."

lan wrapped her in his embrace and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Did I scare you? It's not like you haven't felt it before. It's been particularly lively these days. Must be missing you, honey. Tonight, can we... Before he could finish, Clara pressed her lips to his, silencing him. "No way, the doctor said the last trimester is still risky. We can't make love."

lan kissed her palm tenderly. "Just teasing you. I've got plenty of self-control. Once our son is born and you've recovered, we'll drop him off with his grandpa. Then I'll take you on a honeymoon. You wanted to see the Northern Lights, to visit the Grand Canyon, right? We'll see them together."

At his words, a blissful scene unfolded in Clara's mind. They were cuddled together, awestruck by the Northern Lights. Standing at the edge of the world, they marveled at the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Clara, whose eyes sparkled with joy, wrapped her arms around lan's neck. "The happiest thing in the world is to do what you love with the one you love. I'm so happy."

She tiptoed and planted a kiss on lan's jawline. As he gazed down at her radiant smile, a pang of guilt washed over him.

Since being with him, Clara hadn't had a single day of peace. Finally, they were married now, but she was still cooped up at home, unable to go anywhere. She never complained and still found happiness. How deeply she must love him to be so forgiving.

once we get through this phase, I'll make it up to you

looked up at him with a

smile. "I'm already the happiest. I have you, our son, and

care about me. We'll always be

a moment of silence, he

while

grin. "Clara, try this soup. I picked up the

yourself well. The baby's growing fast." Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on

another pound. At this rate, I'll be a whale by the time

slim to me. Some women gain up to two hundred pounds during pregnancy, but you're barely over a hundred and twenty at seven months. You