I stare at her, trying to work out what’s going through her mind.
She shrugs. “It’s not like Elijah has proposed. Even if he does, you don’t have to accept.” I open my mouth, but she holds up a hand. “Hear me out. Elijah is a grown ass man. He married Darra because he was young and did what he thought was best for everyone. He is no longer young and naïve. He also loves you. That is clear for everyone to see.”
She steps closer and takes both my hands in hers, rubbing her thumbs over the backs soothingly.
“Elijah loves you. If it had been you who came to him fifteen years ago and said you were pregnant, he would have happily married you. The problem was not the pregnancy. It was the woman. He never loved Darra. He may have thought he did, at one point. But I think it was more ease. She was there, and she met his needs. She and her father wove a web of deceit and then she sprung the trap.”
“But what if he doesn’t want any more children? It’s not like we’ve had that discussion. We’ve barely been together three months.”
My voice rises as I voice my growing panic.
Mum lets go of my hands and cups my cheeks.
“Elijah knows why you were marrying Kris. He knows what you want. I can’t see him not wanting to make you happy.”
“But I want his happiness.”
“Oh, Pen, happiness…and I’m talking lasting happiness is give and take. It is a two-way street. Neither party can give up their heart’s desire without serious consequences.”
She must read something in my expression, because she gives me her bestMumlook.
“Before you completely despair, speak to Elijah. He might surprise you. And if you only think he’s doing something because it’s the right thing, tell him you won’t marry him until after the baby is born.”
CHAPTER 68
ELIJAH
Harper calls me on our safe line to say she’s on Kristophe’s plane.
My phone pings again as she sends a picture on the group chat. I inhale, not recognising my baby sister. I’ll hand it to Kristophe, he’s been a tremendous help in getting her to safety and I feel better knowing he’s there, especially now she’s heading to a new life, albeit temporarily, until we can close down what’s going on here.
My stomach churns at the thought of her being alone in another country. But Kristophe has reassured me. He’ll be there to help, day or night. He has a vast network all over the country.
My buzzer rings and my heart picks up.
It’s been too long. I throw open the door and pull Pen into my arms.
“I’ve missed you,” I say.
My mouth closes on hers as I pull her into the apartment, slamming the door closed behind her.
She kisses me back with the same enthusiasm, a gentle groan escaping against my lips as I pull her hard against me, letting her know exactly how much.
Her hand slides under my t-shirt, my muscles contracting sharply as she rakes her nails gently against my skin.
I pull my top over my head, walking her backwards and into the main living room.
Pen freezes. “What about Lottie?” she asks, pulling away.
“Really? I’m seducing you, and all you can think about is my daughter?”
She drops her head against my chest and groans. “You know what I mean.”
I laugh. “I do. Lottie is spending the night with Dani. Girl stuff apparently. Not something I would understand.”
I grimace, making Pen laugh. “She’s growing up. Just wait until she meets a boy.”
“Please, don’t remind me,” I groan, before pulling her back into my arms. “But, the positive, it does mean we have the apartment to ourselves for the whole night.”
