Victoria

The new county we've settled in back home is populated and swarming with welcoming people. Ever since Rio and I returned back home, after an unforgettable and cherishing stay at Cancún, almost every single person I've came across - even at the new job - is decent. And no one here, absolutely no one, knows I rule the kingdom I run.

So remaining innocent, yet untraceable in the homely community, I have not once regretted our move - not that I expect to at the slightest. I love it here. And I am undoubtably grateful for the house I was gifted.

And Rio, he's loving it. Taking a swim in our pool almost every other day, and keeping the entire house spotless as a plate of dinner is plastered on the kitchen table's surface every night for me, Rio hasn't failed me at obtaining the gallant husband material he incessantly portrays.

In addition to the ones frequently on my mind, my sister has settled into her official happy place. After selling my old house to Ann, I stumbled across this guy named Carlos at a local fair one day, and the moment he started blabbering on about the latest season of The Bachelor, I gathered the feeling that he'd be perfect for Ann. So that same day, I introduced them.

Ann almost immediately started crushing, profusely. It was nothing she could deny; the way he made her turn into a tomato every time he smiled at her was remarkable.
Soon, and finally, they started dating. So, Carlos has been around every time I stopped by my sister's place - which she of course is taking immense care of - and essentially, Abby seems to love his presence. Therefore, I'm kinda proud of my own self. I love seeing love happen!

OK, enough of claiming credit as to playing Cupid and a content wife over the past month, but I'm just happy. And, excited for the things to come.

This week has been hectic. Lovely, but hectic. The hospital was filled with rushing nurses, awaiting patients, carried blood samples determined to be tested. I've missed this.

And it wasn't Rio that made me quit back then, either. No, that was all on me. I decided to stick by his side and accept any and everything that came with him - and that included running our business. So stating the obvious, being this queen became my job.

But now living in the outskirts of the city and not having the need to maintain much of a low profile, I'm taking this as a fresh start. And I haven't regretted starting my career over one bit.

Now, in the driver seat of my car on the way home after another long day at work, my finger is incessantly tapping on the steering wheel's surface from the accelerating excitement bubbling up inside me. I can't wait to see my husband. In my passenger seat sits a thoughtful gift for him, just because. I think he'll love it!

I turn past the corner of a memorial wooden bench and onto the street that's aligned with slim autumn trees on either side; their red and orange leaves delicately diffusing from their homely branches and claiming territory on the leafy ground.

And seconds later, my home comes to view. The yard is canvased in the withering leaves - it was more of my decision to not rake them up - who can? I think the autumn leaves are such a beautiful sight.

The house's tall and red brick foundation brings jitters to my stomach. I still can't believe this is my home! The black shutters on each front window are open, and so are the white sheer curtains, bringing to my knowledge the sunlight that's already beaming perfectly inside.

Beginning to pull into the driveway, a smile powerfully tugs at my lips as I see the front door start to open. By the time his tall silhouette comes to view I put my car in park, and I can't tear my fond gaze away.

Rio steps out onto the large wooden porch wearing his grey long sleeve button down shirt and black pants - his taller figure already sending me a charming smile before I exit the car. I'm sure to shut the door behind me before I start in my tracks and make my way over towards the front porch.

My husband plants his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he seems to observe my body whilst I near. My hair's in a slightly messy bun, so I'm starting to wonder if the inevitable smile is just for show. Kidding; from the way his sleeved arms pull me onto his hard body and tightens the embrace himself - and when his alluring scent of aftershave washes over me - I know it's all too real.

Taken into his arms in my wine-colored scrubs, my eyes flutter up to delicately settle on Rio's. "How was your day, ma?" He questions; his soothing tone low and husky. I deliver him a small smile in turn, letting my hands rest on either tattooed arm of his.

"It was fantabulous." I answer, within a fresh grin. "Or should I say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, as a kid informed me of earlier today, when asked the same question." I smirk thinking back at the cheery little boy I encountered hours ago at the hospital, just before I shake my head.

"I'm a little tired now though." I add on, fixating on my husband's gaze again. Rio's chocolate brown eyes are warm and ardent as they stay on mine; a glimmer of interest sparking within his irises like a flame at my use of vocabulary. And I gotta admit, I did mentally give myself a pat on the back at the successful task of pronouncing it right.

"Tell me about yours." I start, carefully moving past him to approach our porch swing. I plop myself lazily down on it's wooden surface, and it takes seconds for his body to claim the empty spot next to me. My feet merely lift up from the floor by the gentle force of Rio's body; allowing for us to swing back and forth carefully.

"Didn't do too much around here, darlin'. Just straightened up a bit. I tried checking out the cooking channel for the first time but," I keep my undivided attention on Rio as he goes to scratch his head a moment, briefly licking his lips, "it was on some show where this woman literally wouldn't stop smiling during any meal she made, so I just ended up loosin' interest."

I feel my lips quirk upward listening to him, and shake my head only to follow his current gaze. My light brown eyes land on our leafy front yard; it's vast and keen perimeter earning a widening smile from me afterwards.

"You know you were asleep this morning but I woke up with quite the stomach bug." I sigh, ridding back loose strands of my brown hair behind an ear while I turn to face my husband again. He blazing eyes lock on mine.

Either of Rio's thick brows rise. "Really?" He asks lowly, a hint of concern lurking behind his raw tone next to my side. I purse my lips and deliver him a firm nod in return, "yep."

"How about you, how was earlier when you woke up to my absence after I had to go into work?" I question softly, poking his shoulder.

"Nah it was alright just gave Chris a call... but how are you feelin' now?" Rio pushes aside my question, I can tell, whilst furrowing his brows.

I force back the twitch of my lips. "I'm fine, hun. Felt much better once I got some food in my system during lunch with Jeannette. And now I'm just really wanting to snack on pickles. Know if we have any in the fridge?" I hop off the porch swing - hiding my flushed cheeks by facing ahead as the anticipation kicks at my gut.

"But you hate pickles." He remarks, coming to a firm and tall stand when I peer over my shoulder, still heading towards the front door.

I tug at my lip, soon coming to a steady halt. "Shoot, I forgot my purse!" I roll my eyes, attracting Rio's dark brown irises. I suck in a breath. "Mind running to the car and getting it for me?" I ask him, beginning to fold my arms across my chest.

I watch the gangster deliberately sweep his tongue across his full lips, before sending me a nod in response. "Sure, ma. Help yourself to the fridge and I'll be right behind you." He dismisses himself huskily, jogging down the porch steps to get to my car.

But I stand behind, in exciting wait.

Seeing him swing open the passenger side door, in search for my purse, I gain sight of Rio's back muscles tensing a moment as he looks down to the seat. My heartbeat accelerates, racing wildly like the day I married him.

"Wh-" I hear him diffuse a surprised and soft chuckle, a moment. He turns around with his present in hand, starting in his steps fast up the sidewalk that leads to me.

And with the most brightest smile, Rio stares at me with a surprised expression - holding up my pregnancy test. "You're-" he exhales a shaky breath before running his hands roughly down his face - my grin widens.

And before he could finish spilling the words out, Rio runs up to me within smooth and fast steps. Already on the front porch, Rio wraps his strong arms around me to pull me into a tight - very tight - hug. My feet have no choice but to lift from the ground when a squeal escapes my curved lips.

He spins me around as I feel the vibration of his chuckles against my own chest - my body still pressed hard against his.

And amongst my heart racing from the ongoing excitement, captivated in my husband's arms, the prominent relief and happiness arouses at the sight of Rio's lit up expression that occurred just seconds ago - that in which I refuse to forget.

---

Hello, loves!!

It's been so long since I've updated but I'm here!! I'm back! And I've missed you guys!!

Insert down in the comments your facial expression when you received the surprise in this chapter, too!!!

Posting again soon!

xx