"This right here is one of the greatest cinematic moments in history."

"I have to tell you this, Blue, you're so wrong. Aren't you a hardcore Martin Scorsese fan? This seems almost blasphemous."

"I said one of the greatest, not the greatest, Tariq."

He throws his hand up, blocking my vision of Patrick Verona singing and dancing on the stands for Kat. "Hey!" I shout, pushing his hand down.

"Yeah, you said one of the greatest but to even put this at the same level as Aragon's epic speech at the Black Gate, the final reveal in Usual Suspects, or the coin toss in No Country for Old Men."

I twist in his hold and he looks down at me with creased brows of adorable irritation. "Not all greatest cinematic moments are hefty with deep messages, some are simple and fun. Patrick shouting and singing his love for Kat and getting chased by a security guard is hysterical, especially when he slaps the security guard's butt."

"I disagree."

"Then, we'll have to agree to disagree then."

I go back to watching my movie choice since he had lost in our epic battle royale in Mario Party 3. His mouth had fallen open in utter betrayal as I received every extra star at the end of the game. He was very angry with Toad. The fact he thinks he can beat me someday is so cute.

"Or when Captain America picks up Thor's hammer."

"You mean MjoInir?" I correct.

I squeak when Tariq goes from holding me to his chest, to hovering over me. His body is pleasantly heavy and those dark eyes light up. "I love it when you speak dork."

I smack his chest, laughing. "First, Avengers Endgame wasn't a cinematic moment, it was an event. Second, I'm not speaking dork, everyone loves Marvel now and most people know Thor's hammer has a name."

"I didn't," he says, leaning down and peppering burning kisses at the nape of my neck.

"That's because you don't pay attention during our movie nights and properly educate yourself."

"That's because I prefer to educate myself on other matters." His voice rumbles on the little pulsing vein at my neck, making me suck in a large needed breath. "Like what makes my girlfriend purr for me."

All he has to do is say girlfriend and I purr.

It's our first day back at school after Christmas break and we finally have some alone time. Christmas had been so much fun but also busy. Between helping his dad in the kitchen, decorating with his mom, shopping with Farrah, and work, my life had been busy, but wonderfully so.

Tariq and his mom both came with me to my first appointment and the face Tariq had made when we heard our baby's heartbeat is one I'll never forget.

It had been relaxed into one of awe, his usually sharp features had taken on a softer look, and his dark eyes misted over a little as if he couldn't believe it, giving a certain light to them. The gentle expression nearly undid me and the guy who said he didn't do holding hands, generously held mine the whole time. When his expression turned to me it was like he had lost his usual confident, cocky air and looked like a man basking in a moment he'd treasure forever... with me.

And his mom.

The man looking down at me right now holds that same fondness. "Do you have any idea," he whispered, kissing one side of my neck, "how much I crave you," then the other, "every single day."

Pulling away I whine a little, making him chuckle. "Sorry, baby, but I know my limits and right now I'm at it."

Heat thrums off me at his words and when I look into his eyes so dark and heated, I know he's serious and having a hard time containing himself. I sit up along with him and I'm scared. Scared of losing him because of putting limits on us.

Tariq checks his watch. "Crap I have class, which means you do too."

He gets up and starts packing his bag while mine is by the door ready and raring to go.

"I'm sorry," I whisper.

He stiffens, then turns to me, brows pulled together making the crease in the middle bulge. "What?"

"I'm sorry." This time my voice cracks a little and Tariq is there in an instant, pulling me up off the couch. His large, broad body encloses mine and his gingery scent helps settle my nerves.

"What is this, Blue? Why are you sorry?" he asks.

My nerves come back tenfold and I take in a shaky breath, my body rigid. "We're going to be late for class."

Tariq's arms press me further into him and he kisses my head. "This is more important."

My hands grip his shirt as my watery gaze finally looks up at him. "I'm sorry because I can't do that. I'm asking a lot from you and it's not fair."

"Hey, baby, no." His fingers graze my cheekbone and his nose touches mine. "Don't ever apologize for having boundaries. I have no problem respecting them. Is it hard, absolutely but don't ever feel like you have to give that part of yourself away when you aren't ready. I wish I would've set boundaries. I wish I would've waited for you, but I am now and I love it, okay? This isn't just your decision, I made it too. When I marry you, I'll enjoy and worship every part of you... thoroughly," he adds with a devious smile.

He said marry me, right?

I didn't just hear that did I?

I relax in his hold. "Really?"

His mouth dips to mine and our lips meet. He's slow, purposeful, enjoying the taste of me when we part he lets out a long, satisfied breath. "Yeah, kissing you is better than anything I've ever felt, so I know having you is so worth it, Blue. You are worth it."

I latch onto him, my forehead pressing against his as I stretch to my tiptoes and give him a sweet, quick kiss. "I love you."

"Woman," he teases, "I promise that someday you'll be screaming that when I get you in bed."

My face reddens and his smile is wide, face crunching, with dimples everywhere... and they're my dimples. I kiss both of them and pull on his hand. "Come on, Fabio, time to get to class."

Nothing could prepare me for what happened when I walked out of class. People whispering, starring, pointing... at me. I mean, I'm used to getting attention but this was odd even for me. I head over to the dining commons where I'm meeting Blue and Heather, but the closer I get to it, the more my skin prickles and my gut tells me something is wrong. Soon I'm breaking out in a sloppy jog to get to my girl.

As soon as I'm out of the cold and into the foyer I spot Blue sporting my jacket as per usual, but what I don't like is how she's surrounded by girls and everyone is watching as Tracy and Lana glare at her.

Since when have those two been friends?

I swing open the door fast and everyone turns to me, wide-eyed... and there's the whispering again. As I'm heading toward the scene I hear a hushed gossiper.

"You think we're about to learn if she's really pregnant?"

I freeze, my gaze widening in shock and anger.

We hadn't told anyone yet.

We were going to tell the guys tonight at game night and show them the ultrasound pic.

No.

Horror spreads through me like poison in my veins and when I catch a glimpse of Blue, she's crying... again. My fists clench and I weave through the crowd, trying to get to her all while hearing Tracy and Lana shrieking at her.

"Are you even pregnant or are you just saying that to keep him around?"

"Yeah, you're not even showing."

Heather snaps at both of them. "You two are so vicious and pathetic, he didn't want either of you and you think ganging up on his pregnant girlfriend is going to earn you any favors?"

God, I love Heather.

Tracy steps up and has the gall to grab Elodie's shirt and whip it up, showing her flat stomach. "See, she'd be showing. Do yourself a favor and either say you're a whore or tell the truth."

I finally reach them and grab Tracy's wrist. "Let. Go. Now."

She yanks her hand out of mine and I don't give anyone my attention as I grab Blue by the waist and get her out of there with Heather following. "Everyone mind their own business!" I shout, rage burning through my pores.

"What happened?" I ask.

My heart starts to break with each sob coming out of Elodie's mouth and hoarse throat. "I... I don't know."

Heather catches up to me, giving me the details. "We came in for lunch and all of a sudden everyone swarmed us, asking if it was true, if she was pregnant. Tracy and Lana started calling her a desperate whore and saying she purposely got pregnant in order to keep you from dumping her, then it turned into she was lying about it." Heather's jaw clenches and her eyes narrow as tears start spilling out as Elodie cries. Heather whispers, so she can't hear, "They said really awful things, Tariq. Things I don't want to repeat."

I don't need to know anymore.

Elodie stumbles and I swiftly pick her up, holding her close to my chest as the whole campus practically watches us wide-eyed and filling every inch of the large space with gossip. I get her to her dorm and she crawls away from me to her bed and it nearly destroys me.

I want to comfort her but Heather puts her hand on my chest. "Give her some space. She's not mad at you. She's really hurting though and I don't think it'd be good for you to see this."

"I want to be here for her," my rough voice cracks, desperate to comfort the girl who has my heart in her shaky hands.

Heather gives me a small smile. "I know, Tariq and she'll want you here soon. I don't know how this got out but right now, your job is to protect her and your child. You need to figure out how to help her and get the campus to stop this rumor mill. She's been through enough."

"I will," I state and glance at my little hedgehog rolled up in that little ball of hers. "When you want me here, call."

"I love you," she answers and that's all I need to get my crap together.

"You have me, Blue. Remember that, okay. I was yours that day at the restaurant, reading your file and I'm always yours."

She sniffles. "I know."

Heather gives me a knowing look and I practically beg her, "please take care of her."

"I will."

The door clicks shut and my fists clench as I stand in the empty hallway, heaving. I'm sick of everyone doubting how much I care for her and in the process putting those doubts in the woman I'm going to make mine. It's not Blue's fault either. She's been on an emotional rollercoaster for too long and it's time to shut it down. I love her, with every piece of me I love her. And now, I'm about to show everyone, and most of all her...

Just how much.

I wonder what Tariq has up his sleeve?

Are you all wondering what's going to happen next? If so, hit the vote button for me :)

And poor Elodie, but don't worry ya'll Tariq is on it! Also how much do we all love Heather? She's such a good friend