I woke up this morning with one thing on my mind— Annie Nolan.

Although last night didn't go exactly as planned, it was perfect. I've dated before, even had a few girlfriends, but I have never felt so connected to someone. Shane was right. I was always waiting for Annie.

I would be lying if I said her accusations of me sleeping with Meg didn't hurt, but my heart felt like it was ripped from my chest when I saw her upset. The way she opened up to me and owned her insecurities only made me fall harder. Her emotions were raw, and it just confirmed that I would do anything for her.

And that kiss. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before.

The way her soft body felt against mine plays over in my mind as I make myself breakfast. I burn my eggs when I get lost in the memory of how her soft body felt against mine.

There is a knock at the door, and I almost drop my food when I hear my dad say, "Annie! What a surprise!"

"Hello, Mr. Buckman, is Noah around?" There is a slight tremor in her voice, causing chills to run down my back.

I quickly run to the door and nearly slip to my death on the tile floor. I hear my mom's voice, and it instantly puts a smile on my face. "No running in the house, Noah!"

My stomach flips when I see Annie standing talking to my father. Her beauty continues to leave me speechless. The way her chestnut hair falls on her shoulders has my fingers itching to run through the soft curls.

Annie's honey eyes go wide when she looks in my direction. I glance down and realize that I'm only in sweats with my chest is on full display. She licks her lips, and the simple action has my dick straining against my pants.

I really need to stop popping boners in front of our parents.

She continues to scan over my body, and I can only pray that she likes what she sees.

I'm only pulled from my thoughts when my dad clears his throat. "You know, I'm positive your mom is up there dancing right now. She was always rooting for you two."

Annie's cheeks turn the most beautiful crimson color that makes my stomach flip.

She looks over to my dad with a smile and reaches for his hand. "That means more to me than you will ever know. I adored her. I hope you know that, Mr. Buckman."

My father pulls Annie into a fatherly hug. Watching the two share this moment only proves that she is the girl for me.

When they pull apart, my dad holds Annie at arm's length. His smile is so broad that his diples are on full display. I can't remember the last time I've seen him like that. "Annie, Honey. Please call me Ross. I think it's time you dropped Mr. Buckman." Annie nods her head, but my father has more to say. "As for Lucy, the feeling is mutual. She loved you intensely, probably more than her sons."

My dad looks over to me and winks. I know he is only joking, but he is right. My mother never had enough to say about Annie. I should have listened to her subtle hints and realized the amazing woman who was always in front of me.

"Alright, Kids, I have to head to the shop. Have fun." My dad kisses Annie's cheek before leaving for work.

Annie continues to stare at me, and her intense gaze has me rooted in my spot. She makes her way over to me and places her lips upon mine in a gentle peck. "Hi."

My arms snake around her petite frame pulling her into my body. I need to taste her one more time. The way her soft lips melt with mine sends my body into overdrive, sending sparks of pleasure to every nerve.

The need to be closer overtakes my senses, and when I pick her up, Annie never breaks the kiss. Her tongue sweeps against mine in such a sensual way that it has me completely hooked.

It isn't until we are in my room that Annie breaks away. I continue to hold her up by her voluptuous ass but nearly drop her when I notice her pull up her shirt. I've always known she has a larger chest, but fuck. The way her simple white bra is cupping her beautifully formed breast has me ready to bust in my pants.

I feel like a teenager again and just stare at her. My mouth hangs open, and I am sure drool is starting to form, ready to pour out the corners of my lips. Annie's breaths are rushed, and each exhale causes her breasts to tremble.

I am completely hypnotized.

When I lay her gently on my bed, her hair fans around her head like an angel's halo.

My fingers start to shake as my hand brushes against her silky skin. I begin to explore Annie's divine canvas, and when I look up, her hooded eyes are filled with pure lust. She nods her head, confirming I have the go-ahead to continue.

The way her body breaks out in goosebumps with each of my movements causes my heart to swell.

I made her feel that way.

When I finally reach her delicious breasts, Annie lets out the sexiest moan I have ever heard. One I know I will never get tired of hearing.

My lips begin to pepper kisses along her collar bone, sending Annie into a fit of shivers.

I can't wait to find out what else makes her shake.

When I pull away, her flushed cheeks leave me in awe. "God, you're beautiful."

Annie rakes her nails from the waistband of my sweats up my chest, causing electric shocks to spread across every inch of me. "Right back atcha."

I place one more kiss on her delectable lips before laying beside her. "You should come over more often, you know, so we can make out like horny teenagers."

A song-like laugh falls from Annie's perfect pink lips sending my heart rate skyrocketing. My mouth curves into a smile as she beams up at me with her captivating eyes.

"Actually," she starts as she pushes herself from my bed. "I came to ask you something before I was distracted by that."

Annie points at me, and I puff my chest out in pride.

It's all yours, Sunshine.

"Go cover yourself up or something before I make that handsome face my new favorite seat."

Holy shit.

My dick springs back to life as I stare at her with my mouth to the floor.

Annie stands in my childhood room, half-naked with her hands propped on her hips. "I'm serious, Noah. This is kind of important."

I continue to stare at her with wide eyes, my brain still short-circuiting and unable to produce words. All I am capable of is nodding my head and rushing to my dresser for a shirt.

Once covered, I plop down on my bed and watch in amusement as Annie looks around the floor for her shirt. She shakes her head when she finds it flung on top of my nightstand. Although I am sad to see them go, her perfect tits mixed with her dirty mouth make it hard to concentrate.

Annie sits beside me, our hot make-out session behind us, replaced with an awkward silence. Her leg is bouncing a mile a minute when she finally blurts out, "Will you come to the doctor with me?"

"Of course," I say without a second thought. "When?"

"About forty-five minutes." Annie jolts from her seated position and begins to walk back and forth across the floor.

I let her have her moment, but my brows furrow at her sudden change of emotions. When Annie starts to scratch at the nape of her neck and starts mumbling to herself, my heart shatters. Watching her like this makes me sick to my stomach.

I can't let her suffer alone.

The moment my fingers come in contact with her tiny hand, her head snaps in my direction. Her eyes are wide, full of panic. "Sunshine, what's wrong?"

Annie faces me, and I begin to rub her arms, praying it brings her some comfort. She closes her eyes before releasing a lungful of air. "I have something to tell you, but it's hard for me to talk about."

"Whenever you're ready," I say as I wrap her in a hug. Annie's body melts into me when she rests her cheek against my chest.

"Just give me a minute."

My hand finds its way to her back. I slip it under her shirt and begin to rub in a circular motion. Usually, when I'm under a woman's shirt, I have one thing in mind. Sex could not possibly be further from my mind at the moment—all I want to soothe Annie in any way possible. My thumb begins to rub gently back and forth, and she hums in appreciation.

I don't know how long we stand in this intimate embrace, but Annie finally whispers, "I had a miscarriage last year."

My body stiffens at her confession. "I'm sorry." Annie nuzzles her face into my chest, tightening her grip around me. Moisture begins to seep into my shirt, and it is as if someone kicked me in the balls. Her silent tears could bring me to my knees. "I'm so sorry."

Her breathing picks back up while her body trembles. Annie's voice comes out shaky and forced. "I thought I could go to this appointment alone, but I'm scared." She pulls away and looks up at me with bloodshot eyes, and I want nothing more than to take away her pain. "What if they tell me something is wrong? What if there is no heartbeat?"

"Annie," I pause and try to search for the perfect words to ease her racing thoughts. It seems like an impossible task. Her fears are valid. "I'm here for you. I don't know what will happen at the appointment. I can't guarantee anything even though I wish I could."

She nods her head, but sadness is written all over her beautiful face. "All I know is that whatever happens, I'll be by your side every step of the way."

Her voice comes out so quiet that I need to strain my ears to hear her. "Okay."

"Let me get changed. I'll drive you over." Annie backs away and makes her way out of my room. "Hey," I yell out.

She turns around, and her trembling chin cuts me like a knife to the chest. "I'm here for you."

"I know," She says as she walks out of sight.

Never in my life have I put on a pair of pants so quickly. When I get to the living room, Annie is sitting on the couch staring at the wall.

I hate seeing her like this.

I grab her hand, and when her tiny fingers wrap around mine, electricity shoots up my arm. I pray that my touch gives her some sort of comfort as I walk her to the car.

The ride is short, as her doctor is located right in town. Once parked, I look over to her, and she is just staring aimlessly out the window. I jog around to the passenger side to open the door for her. Before Annie even exits the car, she is clinging to me as if her life depends on it.

After giving the receptionist her name, the two of us take a seat in the empty waiting room. There is nothing else to do but count down the seconds until her appointment. Computer keys clicking is the only sound to fill the space around us. The silence is daunting, mocking the seriousness of Annie's current situation.

Once Annie is done filling out her paperwork, she begins to bite her nails, constantly shifting in her seat.

I honestly don't know what to say to make her feel better.

My palms start to sweat, and I do my best to wipe away the moisture on my jeans.

I feel so helpless.

With nothing else to do, I begin to scan over the posters covering the white walls. When I see a picture of a visibly pregnant woman, I send up a silent prayer asking that Annie has the same round belly in a few months.

"Miss. Nolan?"

Annie jumps from her seat and grips my hand so tightly she might cause a career-ending injury. "Here!"

"Right this way," The nurse says in a soothing voice.

She guides us to an exam room with a machine that looks like a computer screen. This is my first time in an OBGYN office, and I have no idea what I'm looking at.

The nurse hands over a white sheet, and Annie's hand visibly shakes when she reaches for it.

The typical questions are asked, and Annie's vitals are taken. Her answers come out short and meek, her bubbly personality suppressed by her nerves.

"Okay," The nurse starts. "You're having a transvaginal ultrasound today so we can figure out your due date." She quickly looks over the clipboard and looks back at Annie. "You should be around eight weeks."

"I know the date of conception."

The nurse smiles and nods her head. "Perfect. Just undress your lower half, and the sonogram technician will be right in.

"Okay."

Annie walks into the attached bathroom, and when she comes back out, she has the white sheet draped around her bottom. The protective paper covering the table crackles under her movements as she makes herself comfortable.

It seems like a stupid question, but I need to know. "Are you okay?"

This time Annie reaches for my non-throwing arm, and I let out a sigh of relief. She has one hell of a grip.

"I don't know," she answers honestly. "I'm nervous but excited. It's hard to explain."

There is a soft knock on the door, and another woman in light blue scrubs walks in. She has a smile plastered on her face and introduces herself. "Hey, Annie. I'm Monica. Let's see how far along you are."

Monica starts up the machine to the left of Annie. She pulls out a plastic-covered wand and begins to squirt gel along its length.

I have a feeling I know where that goes, but maybe I'm wrong. The wand's long length is intimidating and can in no way be comfortable.

"Alright, are you ready?" Monica asks. Annie nods her head and scoots down to the edge of the exam table. "You're going to feel a little pressure."

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was nothing like this. I am in complete amazement at what women have to go through and have a new appreciation for them.

Annie winces but quickly looks at the black and grey screen. She's searching for something, but all I see is static.

A thumping sound fills the room, and Annie lets out a loud sob. Her free hand covers her mouth while the tears begin to roll down her face.

Monica points to a little blob on the screen and is sporting a grin from ear to ear. "There's your baby, Miss. Nolan. And there is a strong and steady heartbeat."

My stomach flips when I follow Monica's finger. I finally see a slight flickering inside a jelly bean shape.

There is a baby in there.

"The baby is measuring eight weeks and two days. I'll have to double-check my chart, but your due date is sometime in October."

My fingers lace between Annie's, and I bring her hand up to my lips. "A playoff baby."

For the first time since we left the house, Annie shows off her pearly whites and chuckles.

My eyes begin to gloss over as I look down at Annie. She is staring at the screen filled with happiness. I can't help but fall in love with her a little more.

Something deep within me changes. It's almost as if a switch has been flipped, and I will never be the same man I was five minutes ago.

I will love this baby as if they were my own. I will raise them with the love and affection they deserve. I know for sure they will never question how I feel about them.

Simon is missing out, but don't worry, Jellybean, I'll be there. That's a promise.