Beyond the Stars by Kelly Beltz Page A

down.
    “Jack, I need to tell you something,” I said. Maybe I could deliver the news with a little more grace. He sat looking at me with a puzzled expression.
    “What, you hate Italian food? I don’t care. We can eat somewhere else.” He chuckled under his breath.
    “I think … I think I’m pregnant,” I blurted out. There goes my telling him gently. At least he was sitting down. I stared at his face to quickly survey his reaction. His expression was unreadable. His mouth opened a little while he processed what I had said. Without warning, Jack jumped to his feet, and before I knew it, I was in his arms. He held me tightly around my back and hugged me with an unbreakable grip.
    “Oh—a baby, that’s fantastic! Sami, are you sure?” he asked as he tipped me back to look at my face. He seemed a little apprehensive by my silence.
    “So you’re happy about this.” I looked up at his face to see if he was truly glad. He wasn’t stunned or running for the door. He was smiling from ear to ear with that beautiful, breathtaking smile. Could he be anymore handsome?
    “Yes, aren’t you?”
    “I think so. I’m just nervous. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about becoming a dad,” I confessed.
    “Are you kidding? Don’t be foolish! Sami, I have always wanted kids, and I really want you! You are going to be the most amazing mother.”
    “You think so, huh?” I muttered.
    Jack quickly dropped down on one knee and took my hand. “Samantha Gerris, will you marry me?” he asked with his engaging voice.
    I looked at him, with his impromptu proposal. I’m sure I looked shocked. It wasn’t how I imagined the moment. I thought that a marriage proposal had to be this carefully orchestrated event with a ring. I felt a rush of excitement. Tears burst from my eyes and ran down my cheeks. I couldn’t move or speak. All I felt was how much I loved him. I looked into his bright eyes. We were making the decision to share our lives together, without all the hoopla. Just like that, right here, right now. It was perfect!
    “Yes, I’d love to. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.” I smiled and pulled him up to my lips and kissed him. He lifted me up from the floor and spun me around like we were on a dance floor. He put me down after a few spins and hugged me tightly into his body.
    “You make me so happy. I love you so much,” he whispered passionately. His voice rang in my ear. I thought I had died and went to heaven. I couldn’t believe I would get to share my life with someone so amazing. My mother was right. I should learn to be grateful for the good in my life and stop trying to control everything around me.
    On the way to dinner, Jack told me that he was already planning to ask me to marry him. He said he was hesitant because we had only dated for a little over three months. He explained how he wanted to meet my parents first and ask my father’s permission. This shouldn’t have surprised me. Jack was a traditional guy. He was even too proper at times. My dad would have gotten a kick out of that. He always was a little overprotective of me. It would have played right into his parental ego. I imagined my dad enjoying his moment of power. He would have taken his time, making Jack sweat while he questioned him endlessly. Maybe it was better for everyone if it was a done deal.
    “Oh, you wouldn’t believe it. Tess gave me a bonus for completing my recent assignment at work. I almost forgot all about it.”
    “Well, then we must celebrate. We’ll get dessert since you can’t drink. Plus, I’m really hungry tonight.”
    “You don’t sound surprised.”
    “Please, Sami, you have to know how good you are at your job. You’re a breath of fresh air. I’ve heard that everyone is thrilled with your ideas. You’re just what that place needed.”
    I was flattered by his perception of my job performance. I also felt relieved to hear that he understood my commitment to my career. I needed my independence.