On the Edge (The Grange Complex Book 1)
Chapter 42

Sasha.

The ground had opened up and was slowly sucking me in, draining me of all my emotions. Time had stopped and the sudden realisation of what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks. Dexter was messing with me; he didn't really just ask me to marry him. The music stopped playing, and the lights came on as I stood in the middle of the room staring at him, bewildered. My heart pounded in my chest uncontrollably. He was on his knees showing me one of the most beautiful engagement rings that I had ever laid my eyes on.

Finally, everything clicked, the secret phone calls, the package and his trip to the strip club.

"Baby, say something. You're making me very nervous," he said.

My heart was beating so hard and fast that I couldn't catch my breath. The tension was palpable, vibrating through me, like an unexpected thunderstorm. I already had my answer, but the baby came first. I had to get over the fear and just tell him that there was a tiny life inside my womb. I swallowed back my tears, trying to shut off the explosion of emotions that I was experiencing. The anger and frustration that I had been feeling in the past few days finally faded.

"I already have my answer, Dex, but I need to tell you something first," I managed to choke out. Dexter frowned and inhaled sharply.

"Tell me what?"

I counted to five, slowing down my breathing. I needed to forget about the sudden panic and anxiety. His dark eyes were drilling through me. He wanted my answer, probably thinking that I was hesitating. "I'm pregnant, Dexter. I've known for a week, but I was scared to tell you because I had no idea how you were going to react," I said, smiling through tears. "And yes, I'll marry you."

Dexter paled, widening his eyes and dropping back on the sofa, hiding his face in his palms. The silence was slowly killing me, dragging this moment on forever. I knew that the news would shock him, but his eyes were enormous, and I had no idea how he felt about it.

"A baby, Sash. Please tell me that you're not fucking with me?" he asked quietly, entwining his fingers into mine.

"No, I had forgotten my hormonal shot and I started feeling unwell after we came back from Spain. I've done the test and it came out positive. I'm pregnant, Dex. You're going to be a father," I explained. His breath was shallow and I had no idea what that meant. Was he happy? Angry with me that I kept this kind of secret for so long?

"Shit, Sasha, this is big. I can't believe it. I'm so happy, baby, so fucking happy," he said. "Come on, let's go outside to the bar. I need a drink."

I was so confused, but I picked up my bag and followed him out. When he opened the door to the bar, I heard gasps and snickers. Then I noticed familiar faces and my heart shuddered in my chest. Dexter's brothers, Gina, Harry and a few of my friends from the hospital stood by the bar, watching us with uncertainty.

"She said yes," Dexter shouted. "And I'm going to be a father. Sasha is pregnant!" Dexter lifted me up and pressed his lips down to mine. I heard screams and cheers. Everyone surrounded us, congratulating us and talking all at once. I was telling Dex to put me down, choking on my own tears.

He'd planned all this, and I couldn't comprehend how I didn't see it coming.

"You called them all?" I asked

"Harry suggested to bring them down here," he said, grinning. "I don't like sharing you, but I made an exception this time around."

"So you guys are now engaged and with a baby on the way? Wow, that's fantastic news, Dexter. Congratulations! You're a lucky bastard," Harry shouted, clapping Dexter on the back, beaming with happiness. Dexter had me in his arms again, kissing me greedily and sensually. When he pulled away I was breathless and dizzy.

"There is a little human inside your stomach, Barbie. I can't believe that we made life. It feels surreal," he said, his voice vibrating. We were both emotional and I tried to stop crying, but tears kept pouring down my cheeks.

"Are you sure about this? Do you really want to get married?" I asked.

"Are you fucking kidding me? I want you to become my wife. The sooner the better, and all you guys are invited by the way," he said, when he finally let go of me.

"Bro, Mum will be ecstatic, but she will kill you when she replaces out how you proposed." Jake laughed.

"Congratulations, guys. I'm pleased that you didn't freak out, Dex," Gina muttered, hiding a smile. Harry, who stood next to her, was staring at her with an interested smile and obvious curiosity. She pretended that she hadn't noticed.

"I need a few days to properly absorb it and come to terms with the idea of becoming a dad," Dexter said, smiling. "Drinks for everyone. The best champagne you have on offer, barman. It's time to fucking celebrate."

Everyone cheered when he kissed me for a really long time, grabbing my ass at the same time. I felt overwhelmed but truly happy. All the worries and anguish had gone away. Dexter handed me the ring and slid it on my finger. It fit perfectly.

I couldn't believe it-I was going to marry Dexter Tyndall. The biggest womaniser of all time. Life couldn't get any better.

Nine months later

Dexter

The screams of that small creature

that came out of Sasha's womb

echoed around the room. I was pacing back and forth, unable to gather my thoughts, panicking that something was wrong. This was happening so fast. Sasha was rushed to the ER after her water broke and I was freaking out. I couldn't breathe, forcing my contracted muscles to relax.

When she went into labour, I had no idea what to do. At first I was trying to keep her calm, then I was

advising her how to breathe, but she was screaming her head off, telling me that I had no idea what I was talking about. I had gone outside to gather my thoughts for a minute, suddenly realising that everyone

was already there. My mother, Jake,

Connor, then Sasha's parents.

I panicked when they all started talking to me, telling me that everything would be all right, that this was the best moment of my life. I couldn't take the pressure, so I stayed with Barbie. She looked so exhausted but glad to see me again. I nearly passed out when the doctor said that it would take hours before anything would happen.

It didn't.

An hour later, the nurse handed me that small screaming bundle, after Sasha made sure that the baby had all ten fingers and toes.

As soon as this tiny creature was in my arms, it stopped crying and the time shifted into oblivion. I was slowly choking, unable to catch my breath, unable to stop looking at something so small, so precious, so perfectly beautiful.

"This is our baby, Dex, our little girl," Sasha whispered, touching her hand whilst the baby's fist clasped her finger.

I stared into my daughter's eyes,

feeling like I was levitating. I couldn't

compare these sudden striking

waves of happiness to anything else in my life. My daughter had wide, large blue eyes and was looking straight through me, seeing the real me. In that moment, I knew that I had to keep being a good person, just for her, and staying healthy was a priority. She was so small, helpless, and I needed to keep my demons at bay, for this creature that my wife and I had brought into this world.

After a moment I looked at Sasha, who looked exhausted but radiant with joy.

"Thank you, Sasha. She's perfect and beautiful," I said, gazing at the love of my life. My Barbie.

"You're right, Dex. She is our pride and joy. I want to name her Rose. I know it's not the name that we discussed, but I think it fits. Josie can be her second name, you know, after Joey."

"Rose, yes, you're right. I like it. What do you think, Rose Josie Tyndall?"

Our daughter gurgled with approval and we both laughed, admiring the damn beautiful baby that we both made.

I imagined being able to stop time and cherish this moment forever and ever. I was in love and truly happy.

The end☐☐☐☐☐☐☐