Chapter 26
Twenty-Six
Emma
“Let me take you out. On a date.”
I cock an eyebrow at my husband.
My husband.
How did I let myself get talked into this? Oh, right. It’s because I spent nearly thirty years dreaming about what Caleb and I once had. And adult Caleb is even more impressive than teenage Caleb.
For two weeks he’s slept in my bed every night. We’ve spooned, and I’ve woken up most mornings feeling him hard pressed against me. He’s not pushed me into anything, and I’ve just enjoyed him being close.
“But, the kids—”
“Noah’s here, and Bailey and Kiera are both old enough to stay home with Jason. You’re allowed a night out.” He slips his arms around my waist and pulls me close.
“Do it, Mum.” Bailey’s voice comes from the doorway, and I smile to myself. “You deserve a night out. I can’t ever remember you having one before.”
“Never?” Caleb asks.
I shake my head.
“I’m not giving you the chance to say no, then. We’re going out for dinner tonight. Somewhere nice.”
“Go and get changed, Mum. You’ve got that dress you bought the other day you haven’t worn yet. That black one,” Bailey says.
I hold up my palms. “Okay, okay.”
Caleb swats me on the bum. “I’ll come with you. I need to get out of my work clothes and have a quick shower.”
He trails up the stairs behind me.
“Are you joining me in the shower?” he asks.
“I don’t think so. We’ll never get to dinner if that happens.”
He laughs. “I think you’re right. Maybe we can have a shower together when we get home.”
“That depends on how well dinner goes.”
Caleb rolls his eyes and heads into the ensuite when we get into the bedroom.
I walk to the wardrobe and pull out the dress Bailey was talking about. Chloe and I went clothes shopping a week ago, and she insisted that I needed a little black dress to round out my wardrobe.
I’m happy to put my trust in her.
The dress hugs my curves in a way I’ve never dressed before. When I bought it, the thought of Caleb seeing me in it made me smile. I didn’t think I’d get a chance so quickly.
After changing, I head to the main bathroom. I could disrupt Caleb, but Chloe’s also been giving me make up lessons, and if we’re going out, I want to try this for the first time.
It’s only a light application, but for some reason, it gives me confidence.
I’ve never had a real date.
Caleb and I were so young when we were together the first time. There was no going out on dates.
There was no romance with Malcolm.
I make my way downstairs to the living room where my children are watching TV.
“You look so pretty, Mum.” Bailey beams her gorgeous smile at me.
“Do you really think so?”
“I think Dad loves you no matter what, but you do look beautiful,” Noah says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”
“I’ve never dressed up like this. Do you really think I look alright?”
The scent of my husband’s cologne tells me he’s behind me without him saying a word.
“Emma.” Caleb casts an appreciative gaze over me, and I feel like that sixteen-year-old girl I was all over again. He used to look at me like I hung the moon, and that look is in his eyes again.
“Caleb.”
“You look incredible.”
“Thank you.”
I’ll never get enough of him complimenting me.
“Let’s get going. I took the liberty of reserving a table somewhere I think you’ll like.”
I shrug. “Let’s face it. You could probably take me to McDonald’s and I’ll be happy.”
He laughs. “You deserve far more than that.”
Taking me by the hand, he leads me out the door, waving goodbye to the kids on the way before helping me into his truck.
“Where are we going?”
“The Thirsty Whale.”
I glance at him as he starts the truck. “That sounds … interesting.”
“They do amazing ribs, and the menu’s good. I was going to take you to one of the wineries around here, but this is more my scene.”
I smile. “I want to know your scene.”
Caleb takes my hand in his and raises it to his lips. “You’re my scene now.”
Laughing, I drop my hand so he can put the truck in gear and back down the driveway.
We drive across Napier until we reach West Quay Marina and Caleb pulls into the carpark.
Once he helps me out of the truck, we walk hand in hand around the corner and inside the building where we’re shown to our table.
“Here are your menus. Can I take your drinks order in the meantime?” the waitress asks.
“Sure. I’ll have a Corona. Emma?” Caleb asks.
I smile. “Just an orange juice, please.”
She smiles at me and makes a note. “I’ll be back with your drinks and to take your order shortly.”
“Thank you,” Caleb says.
I scan the menu. “What is it you like?”
“The baby back ribs. But it’s all good. Sean and I come here for lunch sometimes.”
I keep my eyes on the menu. “Sean? You don’t bring dates here?”
He chuckles. “I don’t really date, Em. Not like this.” His warm hand closes over my free hand. “And definitely not now when I have you.”
A shiver runs through me.
“I think I’ve read this menu three times already. You’re not making it easy to focus.”
Placing it flat on the table, I meet his gaze.
Caleb grins. “I’ve been having trouble focusing for weeks.”
My cheeks flush.
“The lamb shank’s nice, or you could get a steak maybe,” he continues.
I blow out a long breath. “Lamb shank sounds good.”
He gives my hand a squeeze before letting go. “You’re nervous.”
“I’ve not done anything like this before.”
“Well, I hope this is the first of many dates, then. I’ve got you.”
Even with the background noise, the sound of stilettos clicking on the wooden floor echoes and I look up to see a gorgeous young blonde standing beside our table.
“Caleb? It’s so good to see you again. How have you been?”
I want to die.
This woman must be at least fifteen years younger than me. What the hell is Caleb doing with me when he could be with her?
I’ve given birth four times. My body isn’t as perky as hers.
Panic rises in my chest.
Caleb doesn’t miss a beat. His hand slips back over mine and he squeezes my fingers.
“I’m great. Kelly, isn’t it?”
She huffs, her cheeks pinking up. “Kylie.”
“Oh, sorry.” He smiles. “I’m on a date with my wife.”
“Wife?” Her cheeks darken and she flicks a glance at me. “I’m so sorry. I never would have come over if I knew.”
“But you knew I was on a date.” Caleb’s smile doesn’t waver.
“It was nice seeing you again.” She waves and almost runs in her eagerness to get away.
Caleb chuckles. But despite his hand on mine, and the way he ran her off, insecurity floods my system.
What if he’s caught up in nostalgia?
I’ve got nothing on her.
“Emma.” He gives my hand another squeeze. “I’ve lost you.”
I blink rapidly. “Sorry?”
“You’re inside your head again. How do I bring you back to me?”
“I …” I’m not sure what I can say. I know I drift off when I remember things or when I’m shrinking inside.
“I want you. Not anyone else on this planet. I didn’t marry you just to support you against your father. There’s such a strong connection between us, and I know you feel it too.”
Nodding, I grasp his hand back. “I do. I just don’t know whether this is going to work.”
“Why not?” His eyes search mine.
“Because you’ve clearly spent time with women like Kylie. And I’m …”
“You’re beautiful. You always have been. We lost so much time, but I’m determined that we never waste another moment.”
“But what if you change your mind?”
I’m not sure what it is that possesses me to finally voice my concern, but Caleb’s brows knit.
“You’re my girl, Emma. That’s never going to change. I’m not sure it ever did—even when we were apart.”
He’s saying all the right things. It’s unfair of me to doubt him. But I’ve spent years being run down, and I need to grow confident within myself before I can believe it.
“Please? Have faith in me. I won’t let you down.”
I let out a long breath and nod.
“You think you’re not beautiful to me?”
I shrug. “I’m obviously older than the women you’ve been dating.”
“You’re my age.” He pulls his chair closer to me. “I happen to love women my age. Or, one of them at least.”
I smile, despite myself. “It’s just … It’s been so long, and I’ve had babies.”
“You have, and one of them was mine. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?”
I gaze into his eyes and shake my head.
“There’s such a big part of me that wishes they were all mine—hell, I think they are now.”
The smile on my lips grows. “They adore you.”
“Feeling’s mutual. And their mother? She’s one hot MILF.”
I snort. “Stop it.”
“Want me to show you when we get home?”
My heart leaps. We haven’t had sex since our wedding night. But he was patient, and it was the most amazing night of my life. Maybe I can relax enough to enjoy it.
“I want to try again.”
He presses a long kiss to my forehead. “That’s all I’m asking. Let me love you the way you should have been loved all along.”
After dinner, we go for a drive.
Without a licence, I’ve still not travelled far from home, and Caleb takes me along Marine Parade.
It’s different at night.
The beach is visible, but the sea is dark and disappears into the night.
It’s beautiful and haunting in a way.
The street is lit up, and we pass the fountain that’s a kaleidoscope of colours against the darkness.
I smile when we reach the Aquarium.
“That was such a special day,” I say. I turn my head to face Caleb. “Jason really loves you.”
“Feeling’s mutual. He’s a good kid.”
“They all love you.”
He glances at me and continues down to the end of Marine Parade where we can pull into the foreshore reserve and park.
“What are we doing now?” I ask.
“I’m keeping you to myself for a while long before I take you home.”
I unbuckle my seatbelt and grasp his arm. “I don’t mind.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Me? Why?”
Caleb holds out one arm, and I nestle in against his side. “When you came back, you were like a butterfly with broken wings.”
I raise my head to meet his gaze. “What do you mean?”
“When we were younger, you were so full of life and confidence. The woman I met again was a shell of her former self. But that’s changed. Your wings are growing back.”
“I’m not sure butterflies grow new wings.”
“You are. I see you shining all the time, and it’s blinding and beautiful.”
Tears well in my eyes.
“You are beautiful.”
“Caleb …”
“I think I need to change my analogy because you are soaring like a bird, and I’m just the man who’s been privileged enough to see this transformation.”
I place a kiss on his cheek. “You’re so much more than that. I’m not sure I could do this without you.”
“Of course you could. You have no idea how strong you are, but you’ve had to be to endure what you have. But you never, ever have to deal with that bullshit again. You know that, don’t you?”
“I do,” I croak.
“And I’ll always be here for you—no matter what.”
As I close my eyes and breathe in the sea air, I wonder how true those words really are.
But I’m not about to question it, and I just breathe him in and enjoy the moment.