Sweet Affection (Truth Book 3) (38 page)

“How did James take it?”

“He’s happy.” I say matter-of-factly. “I’ve just made a huge twisted knot of tension between us that I need help untying. I’ve always wanted kids. It’s just, the timing sucks.”

She watches me for a moment, before sitting on the bed next to me. “Well the week that you found out could have been better. But you’re in a committed relationship. You’re financially stable. You’ve got a good life Laurel. So what’s wrong sweetheart?”

My head feels sore, so I lay back against the pillow, and bring the covers further up over me.

“I’ve just opened a new store mum. And mine down here, is so busy. We’re getting so many new clients, I can’t just slack off. And James may be committed but we aren’t even married. It’s just not how I pictured it.”

“Laurel, you know better than that. Life rarely goes the way we
picture
it. I thought I’d have the rest of my life with the man I love and look how that turned out. We never know what’s around the next corner. It’s life; you just have to adapt. And you
will
adapt. You’re tough and resilient, compassionate and strong. And you have someone by your side who loves you. Darling, he loves you the way I loved your father. Freely and without reservation. It’s in the way he looks at you, the way he holds you. A simple touch on your shoulder, a smile, a kiss. Look for the signs everywhere. I don’t think you need to doubt his love in the slightest. If marriage is what you both want, you’ll get there. But a baby won’t ruin what you have, because you already have something solid. It’ll only amplify those feelings by a thousand.”

She squeezes my hand and strokes her fingers down my cheek. “You were there for me last year and I’m so grateful for it. Whatever you need, you have it from me. I’ll be on baby duty when you need a break. I’ll come and help you. Anything. I’m ready for my grandbaby duties.” She mock salutes and I laugh, but stop immediately and suck in a breath. I feel battered and bruised today, and I’m so ready for the day to be over.

“How are you feeling? Or is that a stupid question?”

I raise an eyebrow.

“You’re right, that is a stupid question.” She admits. “You gave us all quite a scare though. What happened that night, Laurel?”

She eyes me suspiciously. It must have crossed everyone’s mind. What was I doing driving in my car in the middle of the night following Tyler on his motorcycle?

“Tyler had a nightmare. A really bad, dark, crazy nightmare and he kinda went a bit wild while he was still out of it.”

“Wild how?”

I swallow hard. “He grabbed me. But he didn’t know what he was doing. He was still asleep, technically.” I add quickly. “He was really upset at what he’d done. Couldn’t face me. So he ran out and got on his bike. But I don’t blame him at all. And you can’t either. I want him to get help. He saved my life mum.”

She frowns. “That’s a funny way of looking at it. You wouldn’t have been outside if it wasn’t for him.”

“I know but I was. And when it came down to it, the doctor said I could have bled out but he was quick.” My eyes plead with her to understand.

“Okay, honey. Whatever you say.” She sighs and looks at me with a small smile.  

“Thanks mum. For being here.”

“Where else would I be? You get some rest. I’ll come back and see you tomorrow.”

She leaves and I sink even further down into the bed. It’s uncomfortable but I know I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight. With my baby. I reach my hand down to belly, and rub it gently.

“Hey little one.” I whisper to my little paunch, that I put down to the fact I’ve been having way too much fast food lately.

I close my eyes, and dream about a little boy with the same blue eyes and killer smile as his daddy.

My eyes open to pitch black and it takes a while for them to adjust. When they do, I reach out next to me for my cup of water and take a few sips, thinking about what I’m going to say to James tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll come back to see me. At least I hope I didn’t piss him off too much. My mum got me thinking deeply about this baby, and I’m coming round to the idea. Having a few hours to myself gave me the chance to imagine what life would be like. I could picture a little toddler running my mum ragged while I worked. I could get some more help in the store so I could be at home more, and by the time I went on maternity, Jess would be fully trained in Manchester anyway. It’s not as bad as I first thought.

The sound of the door opening and closing pulls me out of baby thoughts and my eyes shoot to the big dark figure edging his way closer as quiet as a mouse. I watch him take off his shoes and jacket and place them carefully on the chair in the corner. He stands near the end of the bed, not moving, but the shard of moonlight coming through the window shows me his face. It’s indecision.

“What are you doing?” I whisper. I see him jump and raise his hand to his chest.

“Fucking hell, you scared the crap out of me.” He whispers back. “And why are you whispering?”

He walks closer round the side of the bed.

“Because my throat hurts. Why are
you
whispering?” He laughs loudly and shakes his head.

“I have no clue.”

His mouth brushes over mine lightly. He tastes of Coke and fizz mixed with peppermint. Such a familiar taste, I wonder whether I’ll ever get sick of it.

“You’re not mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad at you? I’m mad at myself. I’m such a jerk.”

I pat the side of the bed next to me. “Please?”

“What if I hurt you? You’ve got broken ribs, babe.” I need this connection with him. I need him to make me feel safe, and loved. We nearly lost each other, and now I feel like I want him to wrap his arms around me and never let go. Just like my dad told me.

“You won’t.” I say unwaveringly. “I need you.”

They’re the words he needed me to say because within seconds he’s lying on his back next to me and has one arm draped carefully round my shoulders. There’s not much space, but knowing he’s here and we’re okay will make it easier to get to sleep.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have the reaction you were hoping for today. It was just a big shock. A lot to take in, in one day. But I’ll get there, I promise.” He stiffens next to me, and runs his thumb over my arm, stroking my skin.

“Babe, I should have known you’d need time. Today’s been a highly emotional day. In fact, I’ve had a hell of a week, as have you, and now I really want to start fresh with you tomorrow. Let’s concentrate on getting you both home safely and we can deal with whatever comes next, then. Sound good?”

I nod my head against his t-shirt and breathe him in. Getting
home.

“Sounds good. Baby and I had a talk tonight.”

“You did?” He sounds excited and it fills me with happiness that he’s happy.

“Uh huh.” I say as I yawn dramatically. His hand reaches between us, making its way to my stomach.

“Is this okay?” He whispers. His touch is sweet, gentle; full of devotion and love. To me and my baby. Our baby. 

“Yes.” I whisper back.

“I love you both so much.”

I place a kiss to his neck and close my eyes.

“We love you too.”

Epilogue

I spend the next four weeks in hospital recovering after being woken from the coma. My ribs heal, although they’re still tender, even now. I had several dizzy spells, waves of nausea, and one morning where I woke up to complete disorientation but with the support of James and my family and friends, I’m finally out of hospital and home. Where I belong.

Today’s the first day James has gone back to work for the whole day and I’ve driven myself insane twiddling my thumbs. He insisted I stay home, especially as he wouldn’t be able to check on me. He’s been super overprotective, but it’s because he cares. I know that. So I haven’t made too much of a fuss. But the man’s going to have to let up soon. He’s going to run himself into the ground doing everything.

The thing that’s taken some extra care, is James’ relationship with Tyler. After a few days of people giving him a wide berth I finally convinced James to pass the message on that I wanted to speak to him. He wasn’t staying at ours so I don’t know where he was going to sleep each night. But luckily, he hadn’t left town yet. It took all my negotiating skills to persuade him to stay. James apologised for hitting him, although they’re not best friends and to be honest, it will take a lot for them to be, considering how James felt about my accident. But they’re civil, and he knows the relationship is important to me. His dad’s staying in the UK for a while with Hayley. They’d been thinking about moving back anyway and I think Graham realises he needs to mend his relationship with James.

I whined a little when he told me not to leave the house today, but he gave in easily when I asked for a compromise; to be taken out tonight. One of his meetings was going to run late so my mum has dropped me off at Encore, and that’s where I’m meeting him.

I walk up to the door and frown when I read the piece of paper stuck to the paint. It’s an apology about being closed for the evening.

Well I guess there goes my date with James.

It crosses my mind that there might be something wrong with Ryan, maybe he’s been hurt. He never takes a day off and in the past two years he’s been running the bar, it’s never been closed on a busy evening. Instinctively, my hand comes out to try the knob and I’m surprised but anxious when the latch jolts free and the door flies open.

That’s strange.

I walk in, slowly, cautiously. The room’s dark, and there’s the faint sound of soft music coming from the bar area at the back. There’s hesitation in my strides when I walk through the archway and as I take in the room, the stutter in my heart beat matches the hitch in my breathing. The room looks beautiful. Hundreds of soft, twinkly fairy lights act like a glowing canopy, illuminating the single table and two chairs in the middle of the wooden dance-floor. A soft gasp leaves my mouth thinking how special this will be for his date.

I push out the disappointment that it’s not Jen, and just revel in how proud I am of my friend. I always knew whoever stole his heart would get the perfect boyfriend and this only solidifies it. It brings a little tear to my eye.

Not wanting to intrude anymore, and desperately hoping he’s not watching the CCTV, I turn around quickly, wiping the tear away, and walk straight into a hard wall that jolts me backwards. I’m steadied by strong fingers that curl protectively round my upper arms.

“Whoa mamacita, careful.”

Ty started calling me that when he found out I was pregnant. I definitely prefer it to
grandma
.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as he steps back slightly and I have room to take in his appearance.
Damn
, he’s wearing a tux. He cleans up well.

His lip curls up in a knowing grin, like he’s holding back a secret I know nothing about.

“Tonight, we’re at your service.” He walks to the middle of the dance floor, and turns a chair so it’s facing towards us. He gestures for me to sit, while he walks over to the bar, reaches behind it and brings out a tray. I stand still in shock as he walks back over and pushes me gently down into the seat, then lowers the tray towards me. My heart flutters when I see the solitary pink rose laying diagonally across the tray. With shaking hands I pick it up to read the little white note attached to the stem. My eyes flick up to Tyler’s. Is this from him? This whole thing is really weird. He doesn’t give anything away but his gaze meets mine, softening and showering my face with genuine affection. It moves me so much that the stinging behind my eyes starts up. I drop my eyes to the handwriting and instantly recognise it.

I love…

I suck in a breath and happiness swells inside. It’s James’ writing. What does he love? Me, I know, but I kinda wanted him to say it. I’m pulled out of my inner ‘crazy in love’ gushing when Tyler kisses my forehead, bows his head playfully and turns to walk away.

“Wait…” I start to say but when he turns and winks at me from the door, I know it’s useless. He’s gone. I twirl the rose between my fingers and struggle to keep the massive smile off my face. I look round the room, and try to make out shadows under the glow of the lights then I hear heels clacking along the wooden floors. I angle my neck to try and make out the silhouette and as they come closer I recognise Jess who’s wearing a pretty pink dress and huge grin showing her rows of perfect white teeth.

She doesn’t say anything but lowers the tray in her hand. This time there’s the pink rose but lying next to it, is a maraschino cherry with the little white note attached to the stalk. I laugh and grab the cherry, eyes immediately seeking out the writing.

…The way you always taste of cherries

My grin widens as I bite off the cherry, and take the rose and note into the security of my lap. Jess looks at me with watery eyes. Why is she looking at me like that? Then my heart leaps at the realisation of what could be coming, but I do my best to push those thoughts out my head because I know the disappointment of being mistaken will leave me heartbroken. He already said he’s welcoming me home. And this is his super sweet way of doing so.

In the blink of an eye she’s gone again, and the only sound is the soft hum of Beyoncé’s
Halo
in the background. The door from the back of the room opens and again I try and make out who it is before they come into full view. The figure’s tall and wide, I already know that as I’ve seen Tyler, it must be Blake. He’s wearing a tux too, and I’m stunned at the effort everyone has put into this. It’s an amazing welcome home.

He bends at the waist and lowers his tray. One pink rose, and a champagne glass full of something orange with the note attached to the stem. Although I want to read the note, I hesitate and Blake gets why immediately.