One:

Grace's POV.

"I think I might head out soon."

Rhyder turned to face me, he immediately looked concerned.

"Why? What's wrong?"

I reached for his hands and held them in mine. I smiled sweetly up at him as I spoke.

"Nothing, I'm fine - really. I'm just tired and want to call it an early night."

Rhyder reached down and gently stroked my jaw with the very tip of his thumb. The concern in his velvety eyes turned to adoration.

"Okay, let me just grab my jacket real quick and we can go."

I stopped him before he could walk away. I was feeling tired and I did want to go to bed early, but I also had another very important reason for wanting to leave.

And it was something that I had to do alone.

"You don't have to come with me, I'll be fine, really. Stay - hang out with your friends, and have a good time. I'll see you again in the morning."

He looked hesitant as he wrapped his muscular, tattooted arms around my waist and pulled me into him.

"Are you sure, babe? I really don't mind going home with you."

"I know, and I love you for it. But I'll be fine. I'm going to take a hot shower and then crawl under the covers until the sun comes up."

"I could take that shower with you - it'll be way more fun."

Rhyder only half teased as he nuzzled my neck.

A delicious chill spider-walked down my spine and settled in my core.

I threw my arms around his neck and allowed myself a moment to breath in his scent and enjoy the warmth of his skin against mine.

I could feel his desire for me growing as he pressed his pelvis into my torso. He bit the base of my neck, sending my entire nervous system into over-drive.

A low growl echoed deep in his chest as I threw my head back and tilted my hips slightly toward him.

"As tempting as that sounds," I breathed, "we both know that I won't be getting much sleep if you're there."

He grunted his defeat softly at that moment as he stepped back just enough to look at me - his seductive eyes swimming with passion.

"Fine, I'll let you go. But you know that I won't have half as much fun when you're not here."

I stood up on my toes to give him a quick peck on the lips before winking teasingly.

"Oh, I'm counting on it."

It was at that moment that Alexis, my best friend, rounded the corner. She was a little unsteady on her feet with a drink in her hand and her long black hair flailing aimlessly behind her.

When she reached us, she threw her slender arms around both our necks and pulled us close.

"You guys are missing all the fun, standing over here alone like little love-sick puppies."

She slurred her words slightly, but her eyes sparkled with unrestrained joy.

Rhyder and I shared a quick glance and a hidden smile that stated how much we both cared for Alexis even though she could be exasperating at times.

Rhyder tucked his one arm under hers to keep her from swaying too much.

I stroked back a lock of dark hair from her face as I spoke.

"And I'm afraid I'm going to have to miss a lot more. I'm headed home."

Alexis straightened immediately and looked at me with a mixture of shock and disappointed.

"What!? Why!?"

"I'm just tired. But Rhyder is staying, so you have to promise to keep an eye on him. Okay?"

Alexis clicked her heels together and pretended to salute me.

"Yes ma'am. You have my word."

I rolled my eyes as Rhyder chuckled softly.

"Yeah, right. We all know who will be looking after who for the rest of the night."

Alexis pouted as I shook my head at her.

"See you tomorrow. And try to keep her out of trouble. Please?"

I gave Rhyder another quick kiss before turning to leave. I barely made it a step when he grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

He drew me into his embrace and closed his arms around me before seizing my mouth with his. Our kiss was deep and slow, and passionate.

I didn't want it to end.

"Oh, come on. That's enough already!"

Alexis's voice sliced through the moment.

Rhyder pulled away but rested his forehead against mine.

"I love you so much."

"I love you more." I said.

"I love you most."

He gave me another gentle kiss before heading back into the party with Alexis by his side.

A few moments later, I was sitting on the closed toilet with the hot water from the running shower steaming up the bathroom.

My hand trembled slightly as I waited for the tiny lines to appear.

I've suspected for a few days that I might be pregnant, but I wanted to be absolutely sure before I told Rhyder.

When the pink lines finally appeared, I couldn't help the massive smile spreading across my face or the warm feeling of absolute joy washing over me.

I stood up, wiped the mirror with my hand, and then placed it gently over my belly as I stared at my own reflection for a few seconds.

Tears welled up in my eyes - I was still smiling stupidly.

"Well, little one. This might be a little sooner than your daddy and I planned, but I'm so excited about you."

I had to swallow the lump that was forming in my throat as I was overcome with emotion.

"And I just know that he's going to feel the exact same way when we tell him tomorrow."

I ended up taking that hot shower and crawling under the covers.

'Sleep sweet, little one. Mommy loves you so much already. We're going to be the happiest little family."

I fell asleep with a full heart and a smile on my lips.