Chapter 77
Ben, July 7
It’s like something out of a film. We spot each other, then rush forward until Liz is in my arms. I scoop her into a hug and, without thinking, press a hand gently against her belly.
“Hi, Emma,” I murmur, then shift my gaze up to Liz. My voice drops into something rougher, hungrier. “Hi, Mama.”
The kiss that follows isn’t polite or tentative, it’s everything I’ve wanted to say but couldn’t fit into words. When she pulls back, cheeks flushed, I realize she’s suddenly remembering we’re in a crowded airport.
“Hi,” she whispers, shy in a way that only makes my pulse slam harder. Heat shoots through me, inconveniently obvious, so I grab her hand and start walking before she notices.
We pass a sweet older woman who beams at us. “What a beautiful family,” she says warmly.
“Thank you,” I reply automatically, though inside I’m reeling.
Bliss. That’s the only word I can find for it. Bliss.
Chapter 78
Liz, July 18
Have you ever been half of a perfect couple? I hadn’t either until last week.
Sure, Ben and I have been officially dating for a few months, and before that we had years of connection simmering under the surface. But actually being together in the same country, in the same space has turned us into something stronger than I ever imagined. We’re the kind of couple people secretly hope to be when they’re young and naïve and daydreaming. Somehow even the boring things, grocery shopping, folding laundry, feel sweet when we do them together.
There have been awkward moments, of course. Strangers assume we’re married, or that Ben is the obvious father of my very obvious belly. Ben, always classy, brushes it off with charm. He told one older gentleman he wasn’t “lucky or smart enough” to be married to me yet, but promised he’d fix that the first chance he got. It was corny and cliché but oh my god, it was romantic.
At night, I scroll through photos of the English countryside and let myself daydream. For someone who used to roll her eyes at love and call daydreaming weakness, I’ve come a long way.
Sometimes, I can’t believe how lucky I am. Before I booked that ticket to England, I never would’ve dared picture this future. After Matt, I thought I’d signed a lifelong contract with loneliness. And weirdly, that wasn’t all bad. It forced me to learn myself inside and out and to stand on my own two feet.
And maybe that was what it took. Maybe I had to learn to love myself before I was really ready to be loved.
Look at me. I’ve grown up.
Chapter 79
Ben, August 3
Emma could show up any day now. Liz’s doctor says we’re officially in the “any time” zone, which sounds exciting until you realize it’s mostly just a lot of waiting around. Hurry up and wait—that’s fatherhood’s prelude, apparently. Some days it’s enough to drive a bloke mad.
A sharp knock interrupts my thoughts. I set down my current read—She’s Having a Baby and You’re Having a Breakdown (thanks, Mum)—and cross Liz’s apartment. Cute little place, but tiny. One bedroom, small kitchen, single story. I can make it from sofa to front door in about eight strides, and I’m not exactly a giant.
On the other side of the door is a tall, thin woman in a sharp suit, heels clicking, hair perfect. Definitely lawyer material.
“Good morning. Ben, is it?” She offers her hand before I can answer. “Michaela, Liz’s lawyer. She said to drop these off. You’re expecting them, I presume.” Her words spill out so quickly I barely catch half of them. Before I know it, there’s a sealed envelope in my hand. “Please give these and my regards to Liz.”
“Right. Will do.” I’m halfway through closing the door when she snaps me back.
“Mr. Smith?”
I pull the door open again. “Ma’am?”
She slips me a card. “In case you ever find yourself in need of a family lawyer. I also handle adoptions.”
She winks, heels clicking away down the steps. I stand there like an idiot, staring at the empty stoop, the envelope heavy in one hand, her business card in the other.
Chapter 80
