Chapter 12 Lily
Lily
Banging at the door makes my head threaten to explode as I stumble to the door. I open it and the bright light makes me want to throw up.
Closing my eyes, I fight to stay upright.
“Who-who is it?”
“I can’t believe that you didn’t even look to see who the hell is at your door before you opened it! Are you trying to get murdered, woman?”
That voice. Tears spurt in my eyes and I groan, gritting my teeth.
“What are you doing here, Mark? I thought we talked about this this morning.”
“You talked. Now it’s my turn. I didn’t argue with you because you weren’t feeling good. But I’m done with that. You need to listen to me, woman.”
He shoves me backward lightly and shuts the door softly. Then before I can say one word, he picks me up in his big arms and I gasp, grabbing his shirt to keep myself steady.
Then he stalks over to my sofa and sits down, his arms like steel bands around me when I wriggle. That’s not the only hard thing on him either. I can feel the hard ridge of his cock under my ass and I want to melt into him, want him to kiss me and make me feel better.
He cradles my head and stares into my squinted eyes. Everything feels wavy and my stomach churns.
“I’m not arguing with you about this. I’m here for you. I love you, Lily. I love you so much that just thinking about you leaving me makes me want to howl like a wolf at the moon. I’m not leaving you and you’re sure as hell not leaving me.”
“The bet.”
“There was no bet. It was something that Chris said but I told him he was an idiot. And he is. I would never disrespect you like that. I’d never treat your feelings or mine like they’re a game.
This is no game, baby. This is forever. I’m never going to disappear on you.
When you’re sick, I’ll be here to take care of you from now on.
And as soon as I can talk you into it, I’m gonna take great delight in moving you in with me and Casey.
We’re gonna be your family. I hope you’re ready.
Because from now on, you’re not alone and you never will be. ”
Gasping, I eye him like he’s a crazy man. But he’s serious. About me.
“You love me?”
“I think I’ve said it a few times. I meant it. You’re it for me and you always will be. I want to marry you, raise a family with you and grow old with you. I want it all.”
“What if I don’t want more kids?”
He shrugs his broad shoulders. “I’ve got Casey. I don’t want you to do a damn thing that might hurt you. I don’t need any more kids if you don’t want to have more. All I need is the two of you and I’m a fucking happy man.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m so fucking sure. Now, I can see that you’re still not feeling good so I’m gonna tuck you into bed and call off work. If it’s alright I’ll have Liam bring Casey over here so I can take care of her too. But I’m not leaving.”
My heart soars and the biggest smile breaks on my face. “You’re in love with me.”
“I am. And you’re in love with me, right?”
“So much.”
“Then this is where our new life starts. Just lay back and let it happen because I’m in charge now.”
“Until I feel better,” I warn.
“We’ll see,” he says. His pale blue eyes are so warm and loving that it feels like an actual caress. “Now to bed with you, my love.”
He carries me upstairs and I can’t look away from that sharp jawline, lean cheeks and gorgeous face. He lays me down on the bed and carefully tucks the blankets around me, kissing my lips so gently that tears tingle in my eyes again.
I grasp his hand when he goes to move away. “Can you stay with me for a while?”
“Absolutely.” He drops his coat and then toes his shoes off, climbing into bed with me and holding me tight. Sighing, I wrap my arms around him and let the warmth of his embrace wash over me.
I feel safer than I’ve felt in forever. I feel loved.
He kisses my forehead and his chin rests on the top of my head. I can feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, under my cheek and I rest my hand over his pec. Let the rhythm soothe me back to sleep.
But before I slide into sleep, I whisper, “Why did you change your mind?”
“An old friend of mine gave me a come to Jesus moment.”
“One of the guys at the bakery?”
“No. I met him a long time ago. He’s a distant relative on my mom’s side.”
“He sounds nice. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“We’ll head to Black Timber Peak where he lives sometime soon. But he’s not nice. He’s an asshole. Verity, his wife, is an angel for putting up with his grumpy ass. I’ll tell you how they met sometime. It’s quite the story.”
Smiling, I let his voice caress me. “I’d like that.”
I can’t believe I thought he’d hurt me. Can’t believe I was willing to walk away and not see him due to a stupid misunderstanding. I must have been crazy.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t listen to you when you tried to talk to me.”
“That’s alright. But I’m not doing that again. If you tell me to leave again, it’s not gonna happen.”
“That sounds like a threat.”
“It’s a promise. Now sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up and we’ll have dinner with Casey. And then we’ll work out how this is going to happen. We’re gonna start our new life.”
“I can’t wait,” I whisper sleepily, my muscles aching but my heart finally settling in my chest.
The future looks good. I’m not necessarily healthy, but I’m happy. I’m loved. And sometimes that has to be enough.
“I love you, Mark.”
“Right backatcha, princess. Now rest.”
Settling into his chest, I let myself drift and the pain finally slips away as I slip into sleep.
And dream about a future that I never saw coming. A future with the man of my dreams by my side. And a daughter that I know I’m gonna love with all my heart.