Chapter 38
Ican’t believe she’s here. And she’s carrying my baby.
When I launched my campaign to win Pippa back, I was in it for the long haul. My life makes no sense without her.
She thought I was joking when I told her we were flying to Vegas on the company jet. By the time we drove back to Auckland, it was waiting at the airport, fuelled up and ready to go.
There’s a part of me that wants to herd her onto the plane to make sure she doesn’t run—I know we still have a lot of trust to rebuild.
I wouldn’t blame her if she did.
When we do reach the plane, I follow her on. My heart sinks when she gasps—and it sinks in she’s never travelled like this before. She missed out while I stole our honeymoon.
God, I have so much to make up for.
The hostess hovers, but I make sure Pippa’s all buckled into her seat—safe and with me. I almost feel like I can’t take my eyes off her for a second in case this is all a dream and she disappears.
She stretches out her long legs and yawns. I lean back and gaze at my beautiful girl.
For the first time in weeks, my heart’s at peace.
I’ll always regret what happened, but now we can look forward and have the future together we always wanted.
“Sleep if you need to, sweetheart,” I say. “There’s a bed you can lie down on to rest once we’re up in the air.”
“I didn’t have the best night last night.” Her tiredness is obvious from her soft voice. “Between thinking about us and Lucas, it’s enough to make anyone tired.”
Sliding my hand into hers, I lean over and kiss her softly. “I’ve booked a suite at the Bellagio. Tonight we rest and then tomorrow we’ll organise our marriage license. Then you’ll be all mine.”
“I’ve been yours for most of my life.”
I squeeze her hand. “And I’ll be yours for the rest of our lives.”
I’ll make sure she never has cause to regret this decision.
Once we’re in the air, I look over at her again. Her head is back on the headrest of the seat and her eyes are heavy. “Let’s go and lie down, Pip.”
She smiles at me. “Sure.”
After unbuckling her belt, she rises from her seat, and I lead her toward the back of the plane. As I push open the door, she gasps behind me at the sight of the queen-size bed.
“That’s huge. I thought it’d be a bunk or something.”
I take her hand in mine. “Nothing but the best for my girl.”
“You know you don’t have to join me. I’m just going to sleep.”
Pulling her into an embrace, I give her a gentle kiss. “I haven’t held you in my arms for weeks. I’ll sleep with you.”
Her expression softens. “I’d like that.”
I reach for her to help her get out of her clothing, but she gently pushes me away. “You do that and neither of us will get any sleep.” She laughs, and it’s music to my ears.
How did I ever walk away from her?
I’ll be asking myself that question for the rest of my life.
“When we get back, I’m finding a therapist,” I blurt out.”
She pauses, her hands on the waistline of her skirt. “You are?”
“The way I handled everything and finding out that Mum groomed Lucas—I need help.”
Tears well in her eyes, and she nods. “I think that’s a good idea.”
“I want to be a better man for you.” I flick a glance to her stomach. “And our baby. I don’t want a marriage like my parents—always at each other’s throats. I should have told you this a long time ago.”
She cups my cheeks. “We won’t be like them. They were toxic for each other. You and I—we’re different.”
“I’m scared I’ll mess up again.”
Pippa slips her arms around my neck. “Nothing’s ever perfect. I’ll come with you to therapy if you want me to. We do this together.”
I rub her arms. “You’d do that?”
“I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life. As long as we keep communicating, we can get through anything together.”
My throat tightens. This is one of the many reasons I love this woman so much. She’s not blind to my faults, and she’s willing to support me through it. I know she’s not like my mother, who blames everything on everyone else and never takes responsibility.
I’m so in love with Pippa, it hurts.
“Let’s catch up on some sleep before we get married.” Pippa’s eyes dance with excitement. “We’ll deal with the real-life stuff when we get back.”
With a tender kiss, she drops her arms and then pushes her skirt to the floor. I’ve missed her so much. She climbs into the bed, pulling the covers over her, and I slide in beside her.
I caress her soft skin and run my hand over her stomach where the smallest of baby bumps has begun.
“I can’t believe we’re having a baby.”
“Better get used to the idea. We’ve got seven months to get ready.”
I laugh against the back of her neck and breathe her in.
“I wish I’d been there when you found out. There’s no way I want to miss another second of this pregnancy.”
She lets out a soft sigh. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
And together, against the hum of the plane engines, we drift off to sleep.