Mary drew a deep breath before she slipped into Simon's office.

The man in question glanced up from the computer where he sat behind his desk, dazzling in a green t-shirt, chocolate locks muddled and sexy. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise." Would she ever get accustomed to the trickle of excitement each time she saw Simon? The sensation expanded as he stood up, closed the distance between them, and kissed her on the cheek. The gesture sweet, comforting and normal. "I wasn't expecting to see you until tonight."

Mary wrapped her arms around his waistline and let his warmth invade her body. She pressed her head against his chest, the beating of his heart settling her nerves. "The movers finished early." There hadn't been all that much to pack from her apartment in Washington. A few family heirlooms, her art supplies and a closet full of clothes she may never wear again. Stacks of boxes sat in Simon's spare bedroom, the furniture put in storage until they found a new place to live. Or built one.

The decision to move in together was easy. Since choosing to be with each other, Mary had spent every night in Simon's bed and every day in Bridgetown. At first, the town had been ablaze with gossip about the couple, innuendo spread about their relationship with opinions on how long Mary would stay with Simon. They ignored the hints, jabs and outright questions, preferring to show the locals the depth of their love by sticking together and hoping over time they'd see their connection for what it was—real and permanent.

Simon held her close. "Everything go okay?"

"Fine."

"And your dad?" Simon nuzzled her hair.

She'd quit her job at the art gallery and that left only one reason to remain in Washington. Her father. Emily convinced Mary it was time to stop living a life for what might have been, for what her mother may have wished, for their father's pipe dreams and to start living a life for herself. Philip Montgomery had taken Mary's new approach to life with a surprising amount of grace. While disappointed he wouldn't see his oldest daughter as much, he offered his full support in her choice of partners in life. He promised he only wanted her to be content and if Simon was her path to happiness, he was on board.

Still, a part of her felt guilty about leaving her father. For years it had been just the two of them, united in a common goal, alike attitude, similar interests. What would happen now? Her father assured her he would have no trouble filling his days, what with two grandchildren and another on the way.

"We had lunch at the club. He bragged about his daughter's boyfriend owning a winery and how he'd send a case of the merlot to everyone once the casks aged to perfection."

Simon's chest rumbled with a laugh beneath Mary's ear. "Does he know that could take years?"

"Oh, he's counting on it. Plans to live off the promise of what might be."

"Your dad will be fine. He has Beth and Lance." Simon rubbed her back. "And he's always welcome here. There's plenty of room at the Lakehouse. When we build our home, we'll make certain to incorporate a grandfather suite so he can have his own place with us as well."

Right. Mary swallowed, butterflies swirling in her stomach. "Speaking of rooms, I need to tell you something." Underneath her touch, Simon stiffen at her words. This wasn't a good way to start.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yes... I think so." She'd prefer not to leave the warmth of his embrace, but peeled herself away from his chest, needing to see his reaction. "But you may have a different opinion."

"Mary?" Fingers dug into her waist, like Simon was trying to delay her from running away. There was no need. she'd stay as long as he'd have her.

This was too soon. Everything happening too fast. The timing wrong but she had no control. What was done was done, and she could only hope Simon would feel the same way as she did. Mary cleared her throat and forced out the words. "I'm pregnant."

Wrinkles of worry morphed into gathers of glee as a massive grin exploded across his handsome face. "You are?"

Well, so far, so good. Relief pushed out the nerves from earlier at his positive response. "I am. So you're happy?"

"Happy? I'm thrilled." Simon grasped her face in his palms, blue eyes sparkling. "We're going to have a child together. I can't think of anything that could make me happier."

"Not even a Michelin Star for the new restaurant?"

He swayed his head. "Not even close." Blue eyes searched hers as a look of concern spread across his face. "How are you feeling? Do you need something? Anything?"

She couldn't help but smile at his concern. As always, Simon put her before him, caring as only he could. "I feel fine, maybe it's too early for morning sickness."

"Too early? How far along are you?" Simon's voice wobbled.

"I saw the doctor yesterday, and he thinks about six weeks." Mary placed her arms around his neck. "I think she was conceived the night at the hotel, in New York."

An ominous shadow crossed Simon's face. The nerves from before leapt back to life, mixed with confusion. Could he be disturbed she referred to the baby as a girl? No, he could never be sexist like that.

"At... the... hotel, huh." His gaze fell to the floor, evading her.

Disappointment surged through Mary. Their night together in the hotel was special to her, a turning point. Where they'd shifted from casual lovers to the potential for more. So much more than just sex, the experience formed a connection that couldn't be broken. It was the first time he told her he loved her and the baby they created was a symbol of the bond between them. After their night together, she knew deep down, living without Simon was unthinkable.

"Is that why you're with me, then?" Simon whispered dejectedly.

Mary blinked, not fully comprehending what Simon was suggesting. Her first reaction was anger. How dare he think she was only with him because he had knocked her up. The nerve of him to assume she was that desperate. Did he think she didn't choose him because she loved him?

Then his words and his expression hit her. This wasn't condemnation. This was heartache. Of course, he would doubt her actions. For years, she'd played games with him, toyed with his emotions. How could he think otherwise?

Mary echoed his action from earlier and placed both hands on his face, seeking his gaze. The presence of pain she found there pierced her heart. It would take a long time to make up for all the hurt she'd caused Simon over the years, to get him to trust in her. Then and there she determined to make this right. To do whatever she could, to never see this expression on his face again.

"Simon," she spoke softly but confidently, "I swear to you, I am not with you because you compromised me. I only found out because I missed my period." Hope flickered in his eyes. This was a start. "I am with you because I choose to be. Because I love you. Please believe me."

With the lightest of nods, the light returned to Simon's face, and he leaned forward and kissed her. A kiss full of tender and warmth and conviction. "I love you too."

"You better."

"Besides, who says you didn't compromise me?" Simon joked. The shadow on Mary's heart shifted a little. If he could joke about this surprise pregnancy, he believed her.

Simon dropped to his knees, wrapping his arms around her waist and placed his cheek against her stomach. "She's going to be so beautiful, just like her mother."

Mary laughed. "And hopefully she'll have the kind heart of her father."

Simon leaned back, found both of her hands, and clasped them. An expression of reverence took over his face, followed by a silly smile. "Simon says marry me."

She didn't hesitate. "Yes."

The man she loved leapt from his feet, picking Mary up and swinging her around. "I was wrong before, it is possible to be happier."

"Ok, Ok, but could we stop with the spinning? You're making me a bit dizzy."

Simon froze mid twirl and placed her back on solid ground. He dragged her over to the couch, and joining her, he wove their fingers together. "When can we set a date? Is it possible to arrange everything before she comes?" Simon glanced down at her stomach. "Do you think we can use Emily's wedding planner?"

She snorted at his enthusiasm. "Simon, I don't want a big wedding."

"Nonsense." He swung his head. "You're having the wedding of your dreams. No matter what the cost."

Climbing onto his lap, straddling him, she rested her head on his shoulder. "The wedding of my dreams, huh? How about we fly to Vegas tonight?"

Simon nudged her back to gauge her seriousness. "Very funny. I know you, Mary Montgomery. You've been dreaming of your wedding for years. I'm going to make sure you get everything you want."

"The old Mary would require a grand affair. When I pictured my wedding day, I expected the event to outshine my sisters and my friends. A grand spectacle to make everyone envious. Make Emily wear pink, have dad give me away. Wanted everyone looking at me." She ran a hand across Simon's broad shoulders. "Now I don't care about what others think. I crave only one person to see me—you."

"Nope, don't believe you."

Mary poked him in the middle of his chest. "It's true. I don't want to wait, wish my life to start now. Be Mrs. Wainwright as soon as possible. I choose our family to be united."

He gawked at her. "Are you positive? You won't have any... regrets?"

"No mistake, love." Mary placed her hand over Simon's heart, savoring the warmth under her fingers. "As long as I'm with you, I won't regret anything."

Hey there. D. L. Croisette here. Thank you, thank you for coming on this journey with me and reading the story of Mary and Simon. I appreciate the support for my writing. And I'm a little sad to say a farewell to this couple. 

I'd love to know your thoughts on the story. In the next chapter I have a few questions if you have time to give your opinion.

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Anyone else think Sophie deserves a chance at love?

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