To state that news of Katie’s marriage—to say nothing of her pregnancy—spread across town like wildfire would be an understatement of singular enormity. As she and Kieran drove to the large, luxurious house the Petersens called home, the scandalous announcement followed them like a bow wave following the wake of a sailing ship. It took social media by storm, and Katie’s phone was silent for only a few minutes before it began buzzing almost nonstop with notifications, text messages, and missed calls.

“Are you ok??” read one message notification on the phone’s screen.

“Who is that guy? What’s going on?”

“I’ll kill him if he’s hurt you!”

“Katie, is this a joke?”

“Katie, this is Coach Stephens from school. I just heard the news and I’d like to talk to you about it and make sure you’re all right. Please get in touch as soon as you can.”

“SO THIS IS WHAT YOU MEANT BY KEEP AN EYE ON SOCIAL MEDIA! CALL ME!” That one was from Hannah, and Katie snorted with laughter when she read it.

There were other reactions too, some more positive than the examples described above.

“OMG! I’m so happy for you! I thought you’d never land a guy!”

“If anyone can be a teen mom, it’s you, Katie!”

“Good for you! You look so happy in the picture you posted!”

“I bet the baby’s going to be so cute!”

“Hats off to the guy for stepping up and being responsible. You’ve got a good one!”

“Yes.” Katie showed that last message to Kieran as he drove. “Yes, I do.”

Kieran squirmed with embarrassment, but he smiled back. “Glad to see not everyone hates me.”

“No one could hate you,” Katie assured him, and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. “Not even my parents. When they meet you, they’ll understand.”

“I hope so.”

“What about your dad?” she pressed.

“He’s…Honestly, he figured out we were, um, together this morning. He doesn’t know about our m-marriage or the fact that you’re…pregnant…but he knows we’re seeing each other. He put it together in no time flat.” Kieran smiled a little ruefully. “Nothing gets past him for long. He said that as long as we’re happy together and on the same page about our relationship, he won’t interfere. Whether that still applies after I’ve told him the whole story…is a whole other ball game.”

“Well,” Katie said with a shrug. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Kieran’s heart began thudding in his chest as he turned onto the street where Katie lived. Her home was the largest in the whole neighborhood, an elegant construction of red brick with huge bay windows and huge yards in the front and back that probably took a small army of landscapers to maintain. A fountain gurgled water beside the path leading to the front door, and several cars were parked in the generously-sized garage. One of them was a black Mercedes, and Kieran pointed at it.

“Is that one yours?”

“Yup!” Katie looked at him and shook her head with mirth. “I knew you’d look at the cars first.”

“What can I say? It runs in my blood.” Kieran held the passenger’s side door of the truck open for her and she hopped out. Her strawberry blonde hair swirled in a brief whisper of wind, making his heart clench.

I cannot believe a woman like this chose a guy like me. He clung to that knowledge like a drowning man clinging to a piece of driftwood. Katie chose me. She loves me. No matter what her parents say, they’ll have to accept that even if they don’t like it.

Maybe it’ll be enough to keep her dad from shooting me.

If Katie shared his nervousness, she didn’t show it. She marched right up to the front door, opened it, and headed inside. Kieran followed hot on her heels. I wonder if they’ve heard everything already. Are her parents active on social media?

And if they already know, will that make it better or worse?

“I’m home!” Katie announced.

“Oh, good.” A feminine voice replied. Kieran looked up and saw an older woman—obviously Katie’s mother, he could see the resemblance—coming down the stairs. “Did you have cheer practice today? We—”

Mrs. Petersen’s words trailed off as she noticed Kieran. “Who is that?”

Katie closed her eyes for the briefest moment and summoned all her formidable reserves of courage and confidence. No matter what happens, no matter what they say, no matter if they approve or not, I’ve made my choice and I’m sticking with it.

“Mom,” she said. “I need to talk to you and Dad about something.”

Worry immediately creased Mrs. Petersen’s face. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, don’t worry. I’m not hurt or anything. But I need to tell you guys something.”

“Okay…” Suspicion and growing fear colored Katie’s mother’s voice. “He’s in the backyard doing some work. I’ll go get him.”

She hurried from the kitchen, and returned a second later with none other than Governor Petersen himself. Kieran had seen him before on TV, but this was the first time he’d actually seen the man in person. He was taller in real life, much taller, and his face was one of a man not given to excessive humor. There was a serious, commanding, no-nonsense air about him. Perhaps that’s what made him such a good cop before he became governor, Kieran thought.

Gregory Petersen smiled warmly at his daughter, but his smile faded when he saw Kieran and blatant suspicion took its place. The governor locked eyes with him, and Kieran felt the other man’s scrutiny slice into him like a scalpel. It took enormous concentration just to keep from cringing under such intensity.

“Who,” Mr. Petersen finally managed, “is that?”

“Mom, Dad…” Katie inched closer to Kieran and took his hand in hers. “This is Kieran Callaway. He goes to my school, and he’s an amazing, wonderful person. Before I tell you everything, I need you to know that he makes me the happiest girl in the world, and—”

“You’re dating him?” Mr. Petersen interrupted. “Why was I not informed of this?”

I can think of a few reasons, Kieran thought.

“Daddy, please listen to me and let me finish.” Katie’s voice was calm and soothing.

“All right.” Her father gave Kieran a look that would have turned Medusa to stone. “Continue.”

“Shall we go into the living room?” Mrs. Petersen suggested.

Yes, please, Kieran wanted to say. Before your husband sees my knees shaking.

They went into the living room and sat down. Mr. Petersen took his favorite armchair, while Katie, Kieran and Katie’s mother sat on the couch.

“Mom, Dad…This will take a while to explain, so please don’t interrupt, okay? I need you to know and understand everything, because what I’m going to tell you may…shock you,” Katie admitted. “First, I want you both to know I love you, and I would never do anything that put myself at risk. You know me. You know that I never do anything without thinking it over first. I’m not a rash or spontaneous kind of girl.”

At their nods, she kept going. “You need to understand…for the past several years I’ve been working toward something. I’ve worked so hard for so long to achieve it, and now, after all this time, I have—and I’ve gotten so much more besides.” She squeezed Kieran’s hand meaningfully. “You’re probably wondering why I didn’t tell you about this before, why I kept it a secret…but when I tell you what my goal was, you’ll understand why. I’m sorry that I kept it from you for so long, but I knew you’d try to dissuade me from it. You care about me and you want to keep me safe. I understand that, and you’ve done an amazing job. You’re both the best parents any girl could ask for, and I hope that you won’t hold this against me once I’ve finished filling you in.”

She meet her mother’s gaze head-on, then her father’s. Kieran knew her parents were seeing the same implacable determination in those blue eyes that he had, during their first night together in Orlando. Katie’s posture was one of confidence and poise, her slightly titled chin hinting at the pride she felt in what she’d accomplished.

“Mom. Dad. For years now, I’ve wanted to have a baby,” she said simply. “I’ve been working toward it diligently, and everything—everything—I’ve achieved has been to help me achieve that. I became so focused on my health and physical fitness because I want to have the strongest, healthiest baby I can. I took tae kwon do for years because I wanted to be able to defend myself, to make sure that when I lost my virginity—” Here, her parents both gasped, but she ignored it. “—To make sure that when I lost my virginity, it would be to someone I chose, at a time and place of my choosing. I pushed myself so hard in school because I knew I’d need a good job to provide for my baby, and I started babysitting because I wanted to get as much experience with children as possible. Everything I’ve done, everything I’ve accomplished—it’s all been in service of my dream to have a baby.”

Her parents seemed stunned into silence. Katie went on.

“After I turned eighteen, I realized all the pieces were nearly in place. I’ve got a great job lined up, and I’ve got more than enough money saved to help care for my baby as well as years of experience caring for kids. The only thing I still needed…was someone to be the father.”

Katie turned to Kieran and cupped his cheek tenderly. “I chose Kieran. I just…saw him at school one day and I was drawn to him immediately. I started getting to know him, and the more I got to know him, the more I came to respect and like him—as a man, as a friend…and eventually, as much, much more. Kieran is honest, down-to-earth, hardworking and kind. He treats me with respect and makes me feel cherished and special. He’s my match in every way, and that’s why…that’s why I took him with me to Orlando.”

“You…” Katie’s father sputtered. “You…did…”

“Yup.” Katie didn’t even try to sugar-coat it. “You see, Dad, I really liked Kieran as a friend, but I didn’t expect anything…permanent with him, you know? I just thought we could have some fun for a few weeks and go our separate ways. But I underestimated Kieran. He’s not the kind of guy to just catch and release. He’s got such a big heart, and he said that he could never father a child with me and just go his own way afterward. He said the only way he’d touch me is if he put a ring on my finger…and so I took him up on it." She beamed. "I’m…I’m a married woman now! We still need to get the actual rings, of course, but…we went down to the courthouse and made it official today. We wanted to get married as soon as we could—both because we couldn’t wait any longer, and because we wanted to show you how serious we are about our relationship. Kieran is all in on this with me, and he’s going to be an amazing father. He’s even going to take over his family business soon. Have you heard of Callaway Auto Repair? His father owns it, and his grandfather before him. Kieran is going to take the business to the next level, and between that and and my job and all my savings, our baby will want for nothing.”

“You’re…you’re already pregnant?” Mrs. Petersen asked, tears beading in her eyes. Whether they were tears of joy or sorrow, Kieran couldn’t tell.

“Of course! I took a test the night I got back from Orlando. I’ve officially got a bun in the oven—your first grandchild!” Katie said proudly. “You have no idea how excited I am—I can’t wait to be a mom! I’ve dreamed about it for so long, wanted it for so long, and now it’s finally happening!” The tears that now filled Katie’s eyes were most certainly tears of happiness. “Kieran is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I can’t imagine my life without him. I know this is all a lot to take in, and if you need time to process everything, I completely understand. But please, believe me when I tell you this: I’m so, so happy. Kieran is the sweetest guy ever. I'm honored to be with him and he deserves everything I can give him in return.”

There was dead silence in the living room. Kieran watched as Mr. Petersen’s face turned a shade of red that got deeper with each passing second.

Katie, on the other hand, was still beaming with happiness, her face flushed with excitement. She reached over and took her new husband's hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. It was clear that she was prepared for whatever reaction they might get. Kieran wished he could say the same.

Mr. Petersen finally found his voice, and it came out in a low growl that reminded Kieran of a lion or tiger. "You knew about this?" he demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Kieran as his whole body began to quiver with rage. "You knew she was going to do this?"

“Not until she told me, when we got to Florida,” he said, inching back a little in his seat.

Mr. Petersen slammed his fist down on the coffee table, making everyone jump. "You're lying!" he shouted. "You had to know she was going to do this! You must have manipulated her or coaxed her to do it!"

Kieran winced at the accusation, but he remained calm. "I swear, sir, I had no idea. Katie never told me about her plan until she brought it up in Orlando. I was just as shocked as you are."

“Not shocked enough to keep your hands off her!”

Mr. Petersen's words made him flinch a little. Kieran's heart sank, and he looked down at the floor, unable to meet Katie's gaze. Her father's anger was palpable, like heat rolling off a furnace as it grew and grew. The way the man's face was reddening, you could have toasted marshmallows on his cheeks.

Katie, however, didn't seem fazed. She sat up straighter in her chair, her chin raised defiantly. "Daddy,” she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. "Kieran and I love each other. We're getting married and having a baby. You have to accept that."

“The hell I will!” he roared.

Kieran flinched, wincing as Mr. Petersen stood up, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He was positively quivering with fury as he towered over them, his face twisted into an angry mask. The gleam in his eye now when he looked at Kieran was downright homicidal. Kieran felt a cold sweat break out across his brow.

"How dare you defile my daughter?” Mr. Petersen snarled. “You should have told her she was living in a fantasy world and gotten as far away from her as you could! But instead, you indulged her delusions in order to take advantage of her! This is your fault!"

“Daddy!” Katie protested. “That’s not what happened. Kieran didn’t do anything wrong—”

“He stole your virginity,” Mr. Petersen hissed.

Katie stood and put her hands on her hips, glaring up at him. “It’s awfully hard to steal something that’s been freely offered.”

A vein pulsed in Mr. Petersen’s temple. “I am so very disappointed in you,” he said in a deceptively soft tone. “You’ve destroyed your life, your future. You’re deluding yourself even more than you already have if you think this sham of a marriage will last. Do you have any idea what you’ve gotten yourself into?”

“Yes.” Katie replied simply. “Daddy, I’ve done years of research. I’ve read every book on child-rearing you’d care to name, and you know how good I am with the kids I’ve babysat. I know how to change a diaper and how to mix baby formula and how to baby-proof a house. I know how to get a baby to eat if it doesn’t want to, how to get them to sleep if they’re fussy, how to hold them and burp them and just about everything else you can think of. There is nothing you can say, no objection you can raise, that I haven’t already considered. I know it’s not going to be easy, and I don’t expect it to be. I didn’t decide to become a mom because it sounded easy. I decided to become a mom because I think it’s the most rewarding, most fulfilling, most amazing thing I can possibly do with my life. As for my marriage, don’t try to tell me I don’t know what I’m doing just because I’m young. I know myself well enough to know what I want in a relationship, and Kieran is it. I—both of us—would love to have your approval, but don’t think it’s a necessity. It isn’t. I’m going to be with Kieran whether you approve or not. Read my lips: I. Love. Him.” She folded her arms stubbornly as she squared off with her father, her blue eyes hard like chips of ice.

Kieran knew he was witnessing an epic battle of wills. He wanted to agree, to back Katie up, but knew it was wiser for him to stay silent right now.

“Yes, I went to bed with Kieran,” Katie said firmly. “And you know what? It was awesome. It was great, and he was great, and he will always be great. I don’t regret it at all. I don’t regret any of it. And before you let your blood pressure rise any further, Dad, consider this too: a lot of guys would never have done what Kieran has. He’s only 18, just like me, and yet he’s agreed to take the plunge into parenthood right along with me. He’s altered his whole life to be with me, to be there for me and for our baby. How many other guys his age would do that? Not many. Kieran loves me and cares about me—“

“He loves your body! Nothing more!” her father thundered.

“You’re wrong!” Katie shouted back. Her temper flared, matching Gregory’s. “He loves me for me, and he’s already shown how committed and serious he is! Don’t you dare talk about him like that! I won’t tolerate it! Do you hear me, Daddy? Why can’t you trust that I know what I’m doing? You raised me to be responsible—

“And yet you’re pregnant at 18!”

“After preparing for it for years!” Katie shot back. “It’s not like I just went and got knocked up by some random guy. I was careful and I put a lot of thought into it before I chose Kieran! Daddy, put your anger aside and just think about this for a second. Is there really anything here for you to get mad about? Your only daughter has found a guy she wants to spend the rest of her life with and is carrying your first grandchild. Most dads would be overjoyed. Why can’t you be?”

"You defend him?!"

"I'm doing what any girl should do," Katie said implacably. She stared down her father, utterly unafraid. "I am standing by my man."

Slowly, almost warily, Mrs. Petersen put a hand on her husband’s arm. “Dear…maybe you should take a deep breath. Katie is a good girl, and…she does seem happy, despite everything. It may all work out. And Katie is right, Kieran did step up, and he seems like a decent young man. Despite what he’s done…shouldn’t we at least give him a chance to prove himself? For the sake of our grandchild, if nothing else?”

Gregory knew his wife had a point, and he hated it. “You had better,” he hissed, stabbing a finger at Kieran. Kieran flinched again. "You had better prove yourself, boy, because I will be watching. You take one step backward, one slip-up, give me any reason to think you might hurt my daughter or make her unhappy, and I’ll make you regret it. I was a cop, boy. There’s nowhere you could run, no hole you could hide in, where I cannot find you.” His eyes narrowed to slits. “I don’t like any of this. I think what you and Katie have done is a foolish, stupid thing, driven by youthful idealism and teenage hormones. I think your marriage will not last, and I think you both will come to regret the choices you’ve made. But…” He let out a breath, his nostrils flaring. “I will give you one chance to prove me wrong, not for your sake, but for Katie’s sake and my future grandchild’s sake. One chance, boy. One. Fail, and you and I will have an altogether different and more unpleasant conversation.” He lowered his voice to a guttural snarl. “Do you understand me?”

Kieran nodded, biting his lip. “Yes. I understand. I…I won’t disappoint you, sir.”

“We’ll see,” Mr. Petersen snapped. He ran a hand through his hair and walked out of the living room. “Christ Almighty, I need a drink.”

“Will he be okay?” Katie asked, watching him go.

“I…I think so, yes. He just needs time. So do I, for that matter.” Mrs. Petersen sighed as she watched her husband retrieved a glass decanter of some amber-colored booze from a cabinet in the kitchen. Disdaining a glass, he simply drank straight out of it and took several long swallows. “I have reservations too, Katie," her mother went on. "Lots of them. But what’s done is done, and it can’t be undone. If you’re set on this, there’s nothing we can do but move forward and hope everything works out. We are here for you no matter what happens.”

“I understand.” Katie hugged her mother. “You’ll see. You both will. Kieran and I will be so happy together.”

“I hope you’re right, sweetheart. I truly do. I hope this all works out the way you think it’s going to. I don’t want to see you get hurt, Katie.” Then, in an effort to change the subject and lighten the tension, she asked, “Will there be a formal wedding?”

“That’s the plan!” Katie nodded. “I was actually hoping you might have some suggestions for us.”

“Absolutely. I fact, I know an excellent florist downtown. Here, let me show you…”

Kieran sank into the cushions as Katie and her mother began chattering excitedly about flowers, venues, and dresses. His stress deflated slowly, like a puncture balloon, leaving him feeling tired and drained.

That could have gone better, he thought. But then, it also could’ve gone a lot worse.

The visit lasted for another hour before Katie looked at her watch and winced. “Mom, we still need to tell Kieran’s dad the news, too. Can we call you later tonight?”

Mrs. Petersen nodded. "Of course, dear.” She hugged her daughter tightly. “Please be safe. This is so much to wrap my head around, I feel I’ve gotten a hundred new grey hairs.”

“I’ll be fine,” Katie said. “With Kieran by my side, I’ll always be okay.”

Her mother gave a weak smile. “You really do love him, don’t you?”

“With all my heart,” Katie replied. Pride rang in her voice. "I'm honored to have his baby and I'm honored to be with him. I can't imagine being with anyone else. Kieran treats me like I deserve to be treated."

After a prolonged goodbye, Kieran started the truck, his hands shaking slightly as he pulled out of the driveway. He glanced over at Katie, who was grinning ear to ear, her eyes sparkling with excitement. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions himself; nervousness, anticipation, and a surging sense of protectiveness. He'd never felt this way about anyone before, and it both terrified and thrilled him.

“You holding up okay?” Katie asked.

“Your dad scares the shit out of me,” he admitted.

Katie reached over and squeezed his hand. "I know. He's just worried about me and, in fairness, we did dump a lot on him. Like my mom said, he’ll come around.”

“I hope you’re right, I don’t want him to hate me.”

Katie squeezed his arm. “No one could ever hate you. Also, before we head to your dad’s house, can we do a quick detour? Turn left up ahead, then left again at the next light.”

Kieran did as she asked, his curiosity piqued. He glanced around as they drove through a nice neighborhood, the houses looking well-kept and expensive. After several minutes of driving, Kieran pulled up in front of a beautiful, two-story house with a lush green lawn and a white picket fence. It was easily the nicest house they'd seen so far.

“Know what this is?” Katie asked.

Kieran shook his head. He didn't recognize the house.

She leaned in close, her lips brushing his own. “This is where we will be living, all three of us. This is our home, to raise our baby in. I got a really good deal on the rent and signed the paperwork in secret. I wanted to surprise you. Do you…do you like it?”

Kieran's heart skipped a beat. “It’s...it’s perfect,” he managed, fighting to keep his voice from cracking. “Katie…”

“Ssshhh.” She kissed him heatedly, her tongue dancing with his. “If you like it, show me how much. Fuck my pregnant pussy, Kieran. Now.”

They climbed over the center console and into the backseat, the leather cool and smooth against Kieran's bare back. Katie pushed him down, straddling his hips, her eyes glowing with desire. He reached up, unfastened her bra, and threw it aside. Her breasts spilled free, heavy and full, and he groaned at the sight of them. He palmed them, squeezing and kneading as she ground her hips against him.

She pushed her skirt up, revealing her panties, wet and glistening with need. "Fuck me, Kieran," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I need you inside me." He didn't hesitate, his fingers finding the heat between her legs, parting her folds. Her scent filled his nostrils, a heady mixture of arousal and innocence. He pushed two fingers inside her, feeling her tight muscles grip him as she moaned.

“F-fucking hell,” she gasped.

Kieran leaned in, kissing her neck as he worked his fingers inside her. He could feel her body trembling beneath his touch, her skin flushed and her breath coming in ragged gasps. He reached down, positioning his cock at her entrance, and slowly thrust forward, feeling the hot, tight grip of her channel engulf him. She cried out, arching her back, her nails digging into his shoulders.

“I love you,” she whimpered, as she began bouncing up and down on his dick. “I love you, I love you, I love you!”

Kieran looked up, watching her breasts sway with each thrust. He reached up to cup one, rolling the hard peak between his fingers, eliciting a sharp gasp from her. “Just like that!” Katie said. “Just like that! Play with my tits while you fuck me! My body is yours! Take it!”

He began to pick up the pace, thrusting deeper and harder into her, feeling her inner muscles grip and release him in a rhythm that was both agonizing and exquisite. Her hips met his, her movements uncoordinated and wild, her pleasure all-consuming. He could feel the heat building inside him, the pressure building in his groin as he neared his release.

“Fuck!” Katie shouted, throwing her head back. “So good! So good! You feel so good! Oh fuck, fuck, FUCK!”

Her orgasm crashed into her and she screamed, her pussy rippling and clenching Kieran’s cock. He gritted his teeth, feeling his own release building, and then finally erupted inside her, his body tensing as he emptied himself into her with a hoarse, wordless shout.

They lay there, panting and sweaty, Katie slumping against his chest. The car smelled of sex and their ragged breathing, and Katie’s eyes blazed with passion as she laid a trail of lazy kisses among his chest and the side of his neck.

“I'll always be yours, Kieran. Always and forever. You are the only man I will ever love, and I will never, ever let you go.” She nibbled his lip playfully.

Kieran stroked her hair. “I love you too,” he whispered. “It doesn’t feel like enough, but it’s all I can think to say. You’re…incredible.”

“I don’t care what dad or anyone says,” Katie added. “You’re it for me. They can be skeptical all they want, but we’ll show ‘em. We’re gonna be, like, the happiest couple ever!”

They lay there for a while, the silence only interrupted by the soft purr of the car's engine and the occasional creak of the leather seats as Kieran's body slowly relaxed. Katie traced lazy circles on his chest with her fingertips, her touch feather-light and soothing. She glanced out the window, taking in the night sky beyond, and then back to him.

“As much as I’d love another round, we shouldn’t keep your dad waiting anymore.”

Kieran nodded reluctantly. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Later though,” Katie promised. “Later we’ll have more sex.”

Kieran laughed, kissing her forehead as he pulled up his jeans. They dressed quickly and were back on the road moments later.

The rest of the ride passed in a comfortable silence, Kieran content to just enjoy the feel of Katie's body pressed against his, and the scent of her hair in his nostrils. He could feel his cock begin to stir again, already anticipating the next time they would be together. He glanced at Katie, wondering if she was thinking the same thing.

She was, of course. Katie, unable to help herself, unzipped his fly and began blowing him as he drove.

The head of his cock emerged from her mouth, wet and glistening, as she expertly sucked him back in. Her eyes met his in the rearview mirror, a mix of desire and affection. She moaned around his shaft, her tongue swirling around the head, driving him wild. Kieran gasped with pleasure as he forced himself to keep his eyes on the road.

The car swerved slightly, but he regained control, his hands tight on the wheel. He glanced at Katie again as she sucked and licked and teased him with her tongue.

"Katie..." he managed to croak. "I can't...I need to..."

She nodded, never pausing, winking one blue eye at him. Kieran let go a heartbeat later and came hard into her warm, wet mouth.

Katie took it like an absolute champ. Her slender thrust rippled as she swallowed every drop with obvious relish, her eyes closing in ecstasy. When his cock finally stopped erupting, she removed her lips from around him with exquisite slowness. A few stray strands of his seed dribbled out of her mouth before she wiped them away with the back of her hand.

“Delicious!” she said with a chipper grin. “Better than any candy.”

Kieran laughed, still catching his breath. “Even Reese’s? Your favorite?”

Katie wrinkled her nose in thought. "Well, maybe not quite as good as Reese's, but pretty close." She grinned mischievously. "I could probably eat it all day if you let me."

“I’ll hold you to that,” Kieran replied with a lascivious grin of his own. He held the door open for her, and she paused in front of the side view mirror to check her appearance before smoothing a strand of silky hair from her face. “Let’s do this.”

The front door was unlocked, so the two lovers went right on in. Sean Callaway was in the living room, apparently waiting for them.

“Sorry we’re late,” Kieran apologized. “We were at Katie’s house.”

“Telling her parents you’re now married and she’s carrying your child?” Sean replied drily.

Katie and Kieran both stiffened, and he laughed. “What, are you surprised? It’s all over the internet. I saw the announcement you posted, Katie. I’m not so old that I don’t understand how social media works. Anyone who runs a business has to, these days.”

Kieran gave a nervous smile. “Well, I guess that saves us a lot of talking.”

“Not necessarily. I want to know how this all came about, son. It seems like you’re moving awfully fast.”

Kieran glanced at Katie, who nodded slightly. He took a deep breath and began to tell his father the story. He started with their first meeting at school, then the day he showed Katie around the shop, to the increasing amount of time they spent together leading up to the fateful Orlando trip. Katie picked up from there, telling Sean how she’d longed for a baby, how she’d spent years preparing for one and how, quite unintentionally, she’d fallen for Kieran in the process of pursuing that goal. Sean listened carefully, asking questions here and there but mostly staring silently.

Finally, when they were done, he said. “That’s…quite the story. You’re certainly driven, Katie, I’ll give you that.”

Kieran nodded. "She is. And she's not afraid to go after what she wants.”

“Like you,” Sean said with deadpan humor.

“Like me,” Kieran agreed. “I know it’s not…conventional, what we’ve done…but Dad, I love her.”

Sean leaned forward a little. “Are you sure, son? Are you sure you’re in love and not just in lust? Are you sure this is what you want?”

Kieran looked at him intently. "Yes, Dad. I am. This is what we both want. We love each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together. I know things are happening fast, but we're both adults, and we understand the consequences of our actions. We knew that going in.”

Sean said nothing for a long moment. Katie knew he was weighing his son’s words, gauging them for truth and sincerity. Finally, slowly, he nodded.

“Then I won’t stand in your way, and for what it’s worth you have my approval. I look forward to my grandchild and I will help in any way I can. You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders, Kieran, and you are old enough now to decide what you want in life and who you want to be with. If you’re sure, then I hope you’re very happy together.”

Kieran's heart swelled with relief as he hugged his father. “Thank you, Dad.” He hugged his father tightly. “Trust me, we’ll do everything we can to make sure our child has a wonderful life. Katie and I are both committed to this, and we won't let anything get in our way of being the best parents we can be. She’s everything I didn’t know was missing from my life.”

“Don’t worry about Kieran taking over the family business either,” Katie added. “That isn’t going to change and I’ll support him 100 percent.”

Sean nodded. He seemed genuinely relieved. "I'm glad to hear that. I was worried for a moment there that I might lose my right-hand man and have to leave the business to someone who doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing.”

They all laughed, and the tension in the room eased. Katie reached over and squeezed Kieran's hand, feeling a sense of relief and happiness wash over her.

“Now that we’re on the same page,” Sean said, “I have something for you, Katie. Please wait right there.”

He disappeared down the hall, returning a moment later with a small wooden box. He handed it to Katie, who opened it with trembling hands. Inside was a beautiful diamond ring.

“This belonged to Kieran’s mother, and her mother and her grandmother before,” he says quietly. “I’ve kept it all these years. Kieran never knew, and if I’d known he was going to get married, I’d have given to him so he could give it to you. But the situation being what it is, and since you don’t have any rings yet, I would be very grateful if you would use it. It’d do my heart good to know it’s on the finger of someone my son loves as much as I loved his mother.”

Kieran nodded, unable to speak. He was overcome with emotion, not just for his father's gift but for the depth of feeling behind it. Katie was moved too. Her eyes stung with tears as she placed it on her finger.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered. "I...I don't know what to say, Mr. Callaway."

Sean smiled at her. "You can call me Sean. And you can call me Dad, if you'd like.”

They sat in silence for a moment. Kieran knew this was a memory they would cherish for the rest of their lives, and he was grateful for his father's gift. He leaned forward and wrapped his arm around Katie's shoulders, pulling her close. “I love you,” he said simply.

Katie looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears. "I love you too, Kieran. And I can't wait to start our life together." She turned to Sean. "Your son is an amazing man, and I promise to take good care of him and our child. I’m honored to be with him and I’ll make him happy every single day.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Sean said. “You two are a good match. And if you ever need any advice, you know where to find me. I'll always be here for both of you, as a friend and as a father figure, if you ever need it. Now, why don't we all have dinner? I’ll order pizza if you like!”

Kieran smirked. “Just be sure to get plenty. Katie has quite the appetite.”

Katie stayed at Kieran’s house that night. She insisted on it. Though Kieran’s bedroom was much smaller than her own, she knew her place was beside her man, and she went home just long enough to gather some toiletries and other essentials before heading back to Kieran’s place. His room was messy, but not overly so. Compared to most boys his age, it was rather clean and well-kept. Katie paused to look at the different posters and decorations on the walls.

“Star Wars fan, huh?” she teased.

“Unashamedly,” Kieran replied. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his chest, kissing the top of her head. “I hope my bed is big enough. I don’t want you to feel cramped.”

Katie laughed. “It’s fine, I’ll manage.” Her eyes ran over his body. “But...will you?”

She began to undress, visibly shaking with eagerness. “I always sleep best after we’ve had sex. I know we’ve done it a lot today, but do you have one more round in you?”

Kieran grinned. “Oh, I think I can manage that.” He moved to unbutton his pajama bottoms, revealing his hardening erection. Katie didn’t pause to admire it--she pulled her soft, expensive-looking panties down and all but dragged him to the floor.

“Tell me I’m your wife,” she said softly. “Look at me, Kieran. Look what you’ve won. Look at the mother of your beautiful, beautiful baby.”

Her words stole his breath, and he could feel his heart swell in his chest. He lifted his head to gaze into her eyes, their faces mere inches apart. “You are,” he whispered. “You’re my wife, Katie. I love you, and I always will. And I’ll be the best dad and husband I can be. Thank you for choosing me.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you,” Katie replied, her voice firm, confident, full of conviction. “You’re mine. No one else’s. When I chose you, I made that decision with care. I weighed you in the balance as I got to know you. At first...” she looked away for a moment. “At first all I wanted was a baby. But now, I’m so glad I get to have you, too. I can’t imagine doing this without you by my side. Not anymore.”

She leaned in and kissed him, her tongue darting out to tease his lips apart. He groaned, returning her kiss with equal passion. His hands moved up to cup her breasts, teasing her nipples before straying to her belly.

“Your child grows there even now.” Katie’s voice was husky. “Even as we speak, it takes form and shape. Soon, my belly will begin to swell, and my breasts will grow heavy with milk. My body is going to go through so many dramatic changes as our baby develops. And all of it is because of you.”

Her words sent a shiver down Kieran’s spine. He felt his heart swell even further as he looked down at her, their bodies pressed together on the floor. His hands moved over her skin, tracing the outline of her ribs, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He knew that she was right; their child was already growing inside her, a tiny miracle that they had created together.

“Do you want more than one?” Katie asked fearlessly. “When I’ve brought our son or daughter into the world, would you like to try for another?” A slow, mischievous grin split her beautiful face. “What if we wind up having twins?”

Kieran laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Damn right,” she said proudly. Katie took his shaft in her hand and guided it to her entrance. “Now. Do it now. Please.”

He groaned as he thrust inside her, feeling the tight heat envelop him. She was wet and warm, and he could feel her muscles clenching around him, milking him. He began to move, slow at first but growing faster and faster as the pleasure built inside him. He looked down at her, watching her face as she arched her back, her eyes closed in ecstasy.

“S-see how my beautiful body reacts to you?” Katie asked, her breath hitching. “S-so many guys at school fantasized about...doing this to me...seeing me like this...but you, Kieran--ah!--you’re the only one who can see this way, touch me this way, fuck me this way!”

Her words spurred him on, driving him deeper, harder. Katie’s breasts bounced with each thrust. “I’ve never...been a submissive kind of girl,” she added, clutching him tightly, meeting his eyes without fear. “B-but I...I submit to you, Kieran. You. M-my husband, who I love so much! You’ve given me the most precious gift! All my life all I ever wanted was to be a mom, and now I’m going to be one, thanks to you!” Katie bucked her hips, making him gasp with pleasure. “This is your reward. I am your reward. Take it. Enjoy it. I...I want to make you feel good like this every single day!”

Her words made his heart race. He felt himself on the edge, about to lose control. Katie’s straightforward, heartfelt declaration of love and submission was more arousing than anything he could have imagined. He gripped her hips tightly, feeling the soft, warm flesh beneath his fingers as he pounded into her. Her body moved in perfect sync with his, meeting each thrust with a moan of pleasure.

“I’m going to cum!” Katie cried, her fingers scrabbling at the carpet. “You’re going to make me cum! I’m going to cum!”

Kieran kissed the tip of her nose. “I want that,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I want you to cum. I want to see how good I make you feel. I want to make you feel good like this every day too!”

Katie’s orgasm hit then, like a bolt from the blue, and she arched her back, her eyes widening like dinner plates as her inner walls gripped his cock like a fist. “Kieran! Oh God! KIERAN!”

Her muscles spasmed around him, her nails digging into his back as her pleasure washed over him. He felt his climax building, the hot rush of release surging through him, and he let it go, groaning as he spilled himself deep inside her. Their sweat-slicked bodies slid together, and he collapsed on top of her, their hearts hammering.

Tears of raw emotion ran down Katie’s face. “I love you,” she panted. “I love you, I love you, I love you…”

Kieran kissed her softly, then rolled off her, their sweaty bodies sliding apart. He looked at her, his eyes full of love and admiration. She was truly beautiful, and he knew he was the luckiest man alive to be able to call her his wife.

“Everyone at school knows about us now,” Katie added. “That kind of scrutiny…will you be ok?”

“Will you?” he asked.

Katie shrugged. “I’m not worried about what anyone else thinks, and I’m used to people staring at me. Yeah, some might call me a slut or say I‘m ruining my life, but I don’t care. I’m not ruining my life, I’m living it the way I want to. I’m not a slut, because I’ve only ever been with you. Besides, we’re not doing anything wrong or illegal. We’re both 18, and we’ve both decided, as legal adults, to get married and raise our baby. Anyone who has a problem with that can suck it. Tomorrow I’m going to be extra-clingy and make out with you in public, just to show the pearl-clutchers how little their opinion means to me.”

Kieran couldn’t help grinning at her defiant response. “You’re something else, you know that?”

They lay there in silence for a moment, their breathing slowing as their bodies cooled. Katie idly traced circles on his chest with her finger, watching as his muscles flexed beneath her touch. He reached up and tugged at a loose strand of hair that had come loose during their lovemaking, gently twirling it around his finger.

“Kieran?” Katie asked.

“Yes?”

“Could you pick me up and carry me to your bed? Let’s go to sleep.” She grinned. “You’ve worn me out, I’m afraid.”

Kieran laughed and sat up, scooping her into his arms. Her strawberry blonde hair tickled his chin as he carried her across the room to their bed. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms looped around his neck, and he laid her down on the mattress before sliding in beside her.

Sleep claimed them both only minutes later.

The next thing Katie knew was the beeping of Kieran’s alarm clock. Her blue eyes snapped open and she propped herself up on her elbow. “Kieran?” she said, shaking him a little. “Wake up, sweetie.”

Kieran blinked his eyes open, stretching lazily. “Hmmm? What time is it?”

“Time to get up. It’s a school day.” She clutched his hand. “Ready to face the music? Remember what I said last night: it doesn’t matter what they think.”

Kieran nodded. By now, the whole town knew of his whirlwind romance with Katie, and he was aware that they were all watching them. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay,” he said. “Let’s do this.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching again. Katie rose to her feet as well, wrapping her arms around him from behind, her nude body pressing up against him.

“When we get to school, let’s be confident, Kieran. Let’s act like we know we belong together, let’s show them what a great couple we are. No shying away or looking guilty. Can you do that for me?” she asked.

He nodded, holding her close. They walked hand in hand to the bathroom, where they quickly showered together—Katie even gave him a blowjob that made him cum in less than a minute—and dressed in their school uniforms. Katie took a few minutes to check herself in the mirror, making sure her makeup was perfect and her hair was just so.

“You look beautiful,” Kieran murmured. “You always do. But the uniform makes you look innocent.”

Katie smirked. “Looks can be deceiving,” she purred. “As you well know. Now, let’s go kick some ass at school.” She turned. “I love you, by the way. I didn’t want to forget to say that before we go out there and face the music. I’m yours, and you’re mine, and nothing anyone says or does is going to change that. Okay?”

They walked out of the bathroom, holding hands, and made their way downstairs. Kieran’s father had already left for work but had left breakfast on the table.

A sudden, embarrassing thought crossed Kieran’s mind. “You…you don’t think he heard us last night, do you?”

Katie’s cheeks turned pink. “I hope not! But even if he did, well, he’s probably happy for us. Your dad’s a chill guy.” She sat down at the table and took a bite of the eggs Kieran’s dad had made.

They ate quickly, with Katie putting enough food away to feed a small army. “I’m starving,” she said. “I guess all that...exercise last night made me hungry.” She grinned at him. “And the baby needs food too.”

When they were finished, they piled into Kieran’s truck and headed to school. The drive was made in companionable silence. Both drew strength and comfort from the other, preparing for what was to come.

Katie kissed his hand as he pulled into a parking space. “Ready?”

Kieran nodded, taking a deep breath. He glanced over at her, feeling a warmth in his chest that he hadn’t experienced in a long time. “R-Ready,” he stammered.

She nodded, got out of the car, and took his hand in a firm grip. Together, they walked toward the doors of their high school.