‘What’s wrong! You’ve been gone for days, without bothering to contact me and you ask what’s wrong!’
Tobias closed his eyes and sighed. His shoulders relaxed. ‘Megan, sit down. Let me explain.’ He led her to the kitchen table and sat her down. ‘I’ve been in France.’
‘France?’ Megan’s head shot up. ‘Why?’
‘I went to see Carrie’s parents. They moved there after the accident.’ Megan stared at him baffled, waiting for him to continue. ‘I had to tell them that I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with the girl next door and intend to marry her. The last thing I wanted was for them to read about our wedding in the paper. They deserve prior notice. I owe them that.’
Megan blinked; her mouth was wide open. Had she just heard him right? Tobias grinned. ‘Say something, Megan.’
‘But… you never said…’
‘Surelyyou must know how I feel about you?’ His eyes bored into hers. She had to tell him.
‘But… I… I’m…’
Tobias looked searchingly at her. ‘You’re what? Surprised? Disappointed? Give me a clue.’ She could hear the frustration in his voice. Oh God. She just went for it.
‘Tobias, I’m pregnant.’
‘Pregnant?’ Now it was his turn to look shocked. Realisation finally sunk in. He got up and wrapped his arms round her. ‘Megan, that’s wonderful news,’ he whispered in her ear. She pulled back to look at him with tears in her eyes. ‘Tell me you’re delighted, too.’ He searched her face.
‘I’ve only just found out, this afternoon, in fact.’
‘Marry me, Megan.’ It was more of a command than a proposal.
‘Yes, Tobias,’ she laughed in between tears, ‘I will,’ and she threw her arms round him.
They both slept like babies that night, entwined in each other’s body, safe in the knowledge all was well, safe in the comfort of their love for each other. All the pent-up emotion they had both experienced had finally released, leaving a heart-warming glow burning inside. They had made tender love, relishing the touch, smell and taste of each other. Afterwards they had held together tightly, never wanting to let go.
In the early hours of the morning Tobias stirred, immediately comforted by the warmth of Megan’s body lying next to his. He’d not felt this happy in a long, long time. He gently stroked her stomach, elated, knowing his offspring was growing there. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
‘Thank you,’ he said gently.
‘For what?’
‘Everything,’ he answered, and kissed her lovingly.
