Chasing Stars (44 page)
Authors: L. Duarte
“Oh, baby. You just made me the happiest man on earth.” He kisses me breathless. My heart accelerates and desire courses through me. Wow, this man, still owns me. And, yes, I still swoon. He drops to his knees and embraces my waist. My fingers run through his hair. I allow him the time to adjust to the news.
Then, I hear him whispering against my tummy. “Hey, it’s me, your dad. Your mom just told me about you. I am nervous as hell. Sorry, I don’t mean to cuss. Anyway, I just want to tell you that, even though I just heard about you, I already love you with all my heart. Furthermore, I want to promise you—as I have promised your mom—that I commit myself to be the best father I can. This place is where I feel the closest to God, and He is my witness that I will never abandon you. I will always protect you and teach you how to get up every time you fall. Yeah, it sucks, but sometimes we stumble in life. But I will hold your hand through it all.” Will kisses my tummy and stands up. “Is it OK for you to hike?”
“I am not sick, Will.” I smile.
“God, I love you, woman.” He enlaces my waist and pulls me closer to him.
“I love you, too.”
Will kisses me gently. He holds my hand, tugging me down the empty halls of the ruins.
“Let’s go, baby. It is cold up here. I don’t want you getting sick.” He grins, but there is a hint of concern in the depth of his dark-green eyes.
I chuckle, but follow the man I am desperately in love with. Oh boy, the next nine months will be super long with Will’s protectiveness. Inside, I am glowing. It feels good to be cared for.
As we stroll down, I remember the day I died. Life has been generous to me. I am neither perfect nor conceited, but now I understand my worth. I am right where I am supposed to be, with exactly what I was meant to have. I acknowledge and receive it gracefully. I glance back to where the sky holds its glory, and I smile. Then, I mouth, “Thank you.” And I wink back at God.
I have found that there is only one thing better than reading, and that is writing. I am always torn between the two. I am also frequently torn between chocolate and coffee. However, I emphatically do not like the month of February, lies, and flies. For me, bravery is defined by the courage to do what we fear the most. This conviction is reflected in my debut work of romantic fiction,
Chasing Stars
. I live in Connecticut with my husband and two children. Drop a few lines. I would love to hear from you.
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