Knowing the impact his disastrous relationship has had on the twins alone. Luckily, they met women who were worth fighting for, who broke down their barriers.
“I hate to say it, but you weren’t very successful.”
“I realise that now. At the time, I thought I was protecting those I love.”
I look into his eyes and see the truth in his words. I lean in and gently place a kiss on his lips.
“You know, those who love you would have helped. A problem shared is a problem halved.”
“I know. Only at that time, I felt trapped. I couldn’t see a way out. Didn’t think anyone would understand.”
I get it. When you’re in the thick of things, it’s often hard to navigate a path through it, especially when you’re isolated.
“I spoke to Mum. I know she said nothing for the same reason I didn’t. It would have made the whole situation more complicated.”
“I get that. But you also need to understand anyone who loves you would have never judged you. They would have supported you.”
“Maybe not. But I was my own judge and jury. But I’m older now. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Have and raise a family with you, if that’s what you want?”
The uncertainty in his voice steals my breath, and I choke on the air I’ve inhaled.
“You want more children?” I squeak.
He grins. “With you, I want a football team.”
“But I assumed.” I pause when he raises a brow. “Well, when you didn’t have any more children after Lottie, I just assumed.”
“It’s dangerous to assume. You, of all people, should know that,” he says, a small smile playing around his lips. “The truth is, I didn’t want any more children with Darra. We didn’t love one another, and I didn’t want to bring any more children into a loveless marriage.”
“Oh,” I say, my heart rate picking up. Is it possible? “I…”
I realise how stupid I was to assume. But what will he think? My hand goes to my still-flat stomach.
Elijah watches my movement. His eyes sparkle as he drops to his knees. He places a kiss where my hand is.
“I would love nothing more than to watch you grow big with my child in here. To have you, the mother of my child, hopefully, children.”
I bite my lip as yet another tear escapes and makes its way down my cheek. My hormones are already in overdrive.
“About that,” I say. “We may have already passed go and collected our two hundred pounds,” I say. “I’m late.”
Elijah rocks back on his heels and stares up at me. “Are you serious?”
“I’m late and have been suffering some sickness. I put it down to stress, but I did a test before coming over here and?—”
“You’re pregnant?”
I nod my head, not sure how he’s going to take it.
“I’m not expecting anything from you,” I say quickly, my hand cupping his cheek. “I don’t expect you to marry me, you got trapped into one marriage. I refuse to do that to you.”
Elijah is off the floor and sweeping me into his arms, swinging me around.
“You think I’m going to let you get away with not marrying me? Have you listened to a word I’ve just said? I love you, woman, more than I have ever loved anyone. I can’t imagine life without you, and now you tell me you’re pregnant. It looks like fate is stepping in once more and telling us we have to make a go of it.”
I throw my head back and laugh. My tears are free-flowing now.
“I have to warn you. I seem to be prone to tears at the moment.”
