“Morgan, can we talk?” I pulled him out onto the balcony overlooking the beautiful grounds of the venue. It was a stunning view. Perfectly manicured lawns and pretty styled bushes. Lanterns had been set up for night-time walks. It all looked so romantic.
“What have I done?” he asked, his brow furrowed in worry.
“Nothing. I just have something I need to ask you, but I need you to be honest with me, okay?” I looked at him, trying to keep my face serious.
“Okay.” He folded his arms over his chest.
I pulled at his hands so he was holding mine. “When are you moving in with me?” I smiled.
He looked at me with wide eyes for a few moments before his face broke into a huge smile. “Really? You’re asking me to move in with you?” He stepped towards me and put his hands on my waist, as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“I am.” I nodded. “I love you and I want to be with you every second of every day.”
“What about Charlie?” he asked.
I’d been spending lots of time with Charlie since he’d been living with Morgan and his parents, and we’d formed a strong bond. Now, whenever I walked into the room, Charlie would hold his hands up for me to pick him up. His smiles and laughterwhen we played together were my whole world. I was never as happy as when I saw Morgan with his son in his arms, happy and smiling.
“What about him?” I asked and tilted my head back.
“Well, we kind of come as a package now,” he replied.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Morgan, I want you both to move in with me, you,andCharlie. Do you want to?” I worried he may not want to because of Charlie. Maybe it would be too hard for him to juggle it all.
“Yes, yes, I do. I love you too, baby.” He kissed me softly.
I pulled him over to the bench that overlooked the gardens and sat down, pulling him down beside me and settling into his side. “I’m so happy, Morgan. Thank you for everything.”
“Me too, Andie. I love you so much.” He kissed the top of my head.
“This is for you.” I pulled back, pulled a small wooden box out of my bag and handed it to him.
He opened the box revealing a key. “It’s the key to my house. Well, our house now.” I grinned at him.
My heart swelled when he looked up at me. A huge smile filled his face, and his eyes shone with happy tears.
Kate and Nolan had been invited to the evening party for the wedding and of course, Charlie. Morgan had bought him a little grey suit to match his and he was the cutest thing I had ever seen. He immediately put his hands out to me for me to hold him when they arrived at our table. I took him from Kate and settled him on my lap. Morgan sat to my side, his arm on the back of my chair, stroking my back.
“Let’s have a picture of the three of you together, all dressed up,” Kate called out and held up her mobile phone.
“She’s been taking pictures non-stop since we arrived. Look out, there will be hundreds on your phone by the morning.” Nolan laughed.
“Shut up, you. One day, all we will have left are photos,” Kate replied.
I had one hand around Charlie and one hand resting on Morgan’s leg. I smiled at the camera whilst gently squeezing Morgan’s leg.
“That is one for the album. I’ll send it over later to you, Andie.”
Later, the three of us were on the dancefloor I held Charlie in one arm, resting him on my hip and my other arm wrapped around Morgan’s back as we swayed from side to side. Morgan had one arm around me and one resting lightly on Charlie’s back. Charlie’s head started to drop, and he lay his head on my shoulder, his eyes closed.
I smiled at Morgan. “Do you want me to take him up so you can have a few more hours with Baz?” I stepped back and held Charlie with both hands.
“Nah, I’d rather be with you and Charlie. Let me just tell Mum and Dad.” He kissed the back of Charlie’s head.
I rested my head on Charlie’s and began swaying from side to side again slowly. I felt so happy I could burst; I had all I’d ever wanted in life. A good man to love, who loved me back, and a child to share that love with. Charlie may not be my son, but I loved him as though he was.
EPILOGUE
MORGAN
