The second you step out of the bathroom, still fussing with your hair and debating between earrings, you feel him before you see him. Those strong arms snake around your waist from behind, pulling you back against a wall of muscle and warmth.

“You’re really gonna leave me here?” Benjamin’s voice is low, half teasing, half wounded. His chin rests on your shoulder, the stubble brushing your skin as he leans in close. “Knowing I’ve got two of my favorite people in the world right here?” His big hand spreads over your stomach, protective, almost possessive, thumb absently tracing where your little secret now grows.

You laugh softly, trying to wriggle free, but he only tightens his hold. “It’s just a birthday party, Ben.”

“Mmhm,” he rumbles, unconvinced, lips brushing the shell of your ear. “Birthday party without me sounds like a crime. What if someone tries to keep you out too late? Or what if you get tired? Or…” He trails off, as though even voicing the what-ifs might tempt fate.

You turn your head, finding him watching you with that mix of fierce protectiveness and boyish clinginess that’s only gotten worse since you told him the news. He smirks, clearly not planning on letting you go anytime soon. “Tell me why I should let my wife and my baby go off without me, hmm? ‘Cause right now, sweetheart, I’m not seeing the argument.”