“I want to explore things. I want to push myself. I want to be the perfect man for the perfect woman. You see, I’m looking for love and commitment and weekend strolls on the beach. I’m looking for someone I trust who can help me figure out who I am. I’ve got a list of things I want to try. And I guess I’m looking for a partner.”
I lean in and give him a conspiratorial smile.
“And what sort of things are on your list?”
“Oh, nothing crazy. I want to get drunk on margs while we make Korean fried chicken on a Friday night. I want to go for long, ill-advised walks along the Thames. I want to dance at every wedding with you. I want to have in-jokes, and stupidphrases, and a shared passion for re-runs ofCriminal Minds. I want the little stuff and the big stuff and everything in between. The good days and the bad days. I want it all. With you.”
My eyes are shining with happy tears as I lean across the table and crash my mouth onto his. He opens immediately and our tongues clash in a wild dance, desperate for each other. His thumb strokes my jaw exactly like he did the first time he kissed me, and my whole body lights up in recognition. I moan softly into his mouth and he groans in reply. After a moment, he pauses, pulling back to look into my eyes.
“I’m ready to be what you deserve now, Em, if you’ll let me. You’re all I can think about, the only thing I want. I’m addicted to you. I’ve been addicted since the moment you turned up on my doorstep with two coffees and an insane idea.”
I smile, even as tears form in my eyes.
“You came storming into my perfect, tidy little life and turned it upside down. I thought I had everything I needed until I had you. And without you, nothing will ever be enough. I didn’t know it was possible to love someone this much. Will you be mine, Em? Because whether you want me or not, I am so fucking yours that it hurts.”
“I’ve been yours the whole time, Luke. I fell hard and fast and I don’t regret a single moment of us. You’re it for me.” We stare at each other in wonder, then he fists my hair and pulls me back in for another kiss.
Time slows down and we are lost in each other. We are meant to do this forever; I feel it in my bones.
A small cough in the distance is the only thing that pulls me back into reality and we break apart on a breathless laugh. This is a hospital cafeteria after all. Probably not the ideal place to climb the love of my life like a tree.
I sit back in my chair, a blush rushing to my cheeks, but nothing can wipe the grin off my face.
“I think I can help you with that list, Mr Pullman.”
The smile he gives me is blinding.
CHAPTER 47
Emmy
Priya givesbirth to my beautiful niece, Ellora, two hours later. Luke and I stay in the cafeteria, talking the whole time. By the time we are summoned back to the maternity ward, we’re holding hands and leaning into each other like lovesick teenagers. It’s totally over the top and I love every second of it.
I knock on the door and we grip each other’s hands tightly. This is the first test of this fledging thing between us.
Nick pulls the door open, eyes full of happy tears. He pulls us both into a bone crushing hug. It lasts way longer than usual.
“Congratulations, mate.” Luke claps him on the back and gives him a squeeze.
“Congratulations, Dad.” I grin, leaning up to kiss Nick on the cheek.
“She’s perfect, guys. She’s so perfect.” Nick releases us and steps aside so we can see Priya sitting up in bed, hair messy but face glowing, a tiny bundle cradled against her chest.
I cross the room in seconds and peer down at the tiny baby before me. My niece.
“Oh, Pri,” I say, my eyes filling instantly with tears. “Look at what you made!”
Priya grins and holds her out to me. “Want a cuddle?”
I squeal and hold out my arms as Priya gently transfers her over.
She’s impossibly small in my arms, her warmth sinking into my skin, the faintest flutter of breath on my collarbone. She gives a tiny stretch, her mouth opening in a silent yawn, and I swear my heart just splits open.
“Hello, beautiful girl,” I whisper.
Something so tiny and perfect, brand new in the world. Luke and I, we’re something new too. Fragile. Precious. Worth protecting. I snuggle Ellora close and breathe in her delicious new baby smell. Nick’s right: she’s perfect.
I glance over to Luke and Nick standing together. Luke says something I can’t hear, and Nick chuckles, shaking his head.
