“I fancied some fresh air.” He jumps out of his side before he comes over to mine.
He’s waiting for me, so I take my time getting out of the car. We walk in silence, but after a few minutes he puts his hand out to take mine and I let him. I want to forget everything. I want to pretend that he didn’t end things with me because he couldn’t tell me what was going on.
“I’m so sorry.” That’s all he can say.
Biting my lip, I stop myself from saying anything. I want to tell him it’s okay, I forgive him, but I can’t. His hand squeezes mine tight. He wants a response.
“I think I should go home.”
We haven’t walked for long, but he doesn’t push me. Turning around, he takes me back to the car.
Alex pulls up outside my house. I’m about to get out, when his hand is on my arm.
“I love you,” he tells me as I leave. I’m running to the front door and just as I’m about to get inside, Alex shouts to me. “Marry me.”
I stop and turn around. I don’t know what to do anymore, so I leave him standing there.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
ALEX
I’ve not heard backfrom Gemma, but I know she needs time. The children haven’t been themselves, so I decide to take them out for dinner. We sat in the local burger joint. They haven’t stopped asking questions since they saw Gemma in my room last week. These are questions that I can’t answer. This was all my fault. I did this to us.
Eden is kicking Ace and he keeps getting annoyed. I’m trying to read the menu, but I’m about to lose my temper.
“Eden, stop kicking your brother. Move over there.” I point to the other side of the booth, so she can’t reach him.
Eden moves slightly, but not far enough. She kicks Ace again.
“Eden!” I scold her.
I give up and sit between the two of them. The waiter comes over to take our order. As a special treat, Ace orders an orange fizzy drink and Eden picks a lemonade.
“You know fizzy drinks will make them hyper.” It takes me a while to understand what’s going on. “Room for onemore?” Gemma is standing next to our table; she’s wearing her favourite jeans and white top.
“Gemma.” Eden screams, jumping out of her seat and her arms wrap around her.
Gemma bends down, picking Eden up and kissing her head. Ace looks like he wants a hug as well. She puts her hand out to him.
“Come here,” she tells him.
Ace goes over and hugs her. He’s shot up in height, but bends down a little as he cries on her shoulder.
“I’ve missed you both so much,” I just about hear her whisper.
She’s not letting go of them. I can’t take my eyes off her. I want to wrap her up and not let go.
“How did you know we were here?” Eden asks.
“I followed you. I came to talk and you were leaving.”
“I didn’t see your car,” I tell her.
“I sold her. It’s not much good if I have to drive two children around, and no offence, your choice in cars is pretty lame.”
She’s coming back. We have so much to talk about, but we can’t right now.
