by Wendy Smith
“It’s really lovely. I’m just tired.”
“Eat up and then we can go and get some sleep.”
“Grandma would say you should eat more, Mum. You’re too thin.” Xander does what seems to be an impression of Chloe’s mother.
Chloe laughs. “Point taken.”
“At least this is edible.” He shrugs.
Chloe forks a piece of meat and potato and takes a big bite.
Xander shoots a smile at me before hoovering up what’s left on his plate. “That was so good. You can cook for us any time,” he says.
“I’m thinking it’ll have to be a fairly regular thing.” I meet Chloe’s gaze. There’s no going back now whatever happens.
I know she loves me.
After we’ve finished eating, Xander collects our plates and loads up the dishwasher without being asked. I almost feel like the intruder, Chloe’s kids are so dedicated to her. But they’ve been through so much, and them letting me into their world can only grow from here.
“I’m going to bed. If anything happens with Braden …”
“I’ll come and wake you up.” Chloe smiles at him.
He bends over and kisses her cheek. “Have a good sleep, Mum.”
“You too, sweetheart.”
She turns and watches him leave before standing.
I stand beside her and take her hand in mine. “Are you okay?”
“What if this girl turns out to be serious with Braden? I don’t want my babies having sex. I don’t even want to think about it.”
I chuckle and bury my face in her neck. “I’m not sure you get a say in it. We’ll just make sure they’re both safe.”
“They’ve already had the talk with me.” She pulls away and turns her head. “I’m glad you’re here though. I doubt they’ll want to go into any detail with their mother.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“I know you will. Thank you for loving them.”
“It’s easy when they’re a part of two people I love.”
Chloe swallows hard. “Should we go and lie down now?”
“Only a lie down?”
She laughs. “I’m way too tired for anything else.”
I shrug. “It was worth a try.”
She leans against me as we walk up the stairs together, and I slip an arm around her waist.
Reaching her bedroom door, she slides her arms around my neck.
“Stay the night with us?”
“Are you ready for that?”
She leans into me and closes her eyes. “I don’t want to waste another minute of my life without you.”
I wrap my arms around her and press a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”
She sniffs. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
“It doesn’t matter now. All that matters is that we’re together and the boys are safe.”
“They’re never leaving this house again.”
I chuckle. “We’ll talk about it later. I’m not sure either of them will want to go anywhere for a while.”
“I could have lost both of them.” She clings a little tighter.
“But you didn’t, and they’re both okay. We just need to get Braden home and we can all start this new life. And get ready for our little one to arrive.” I kiss her again. “Let’s get to bed.”
“I bought a new bed.”
“You did?”
She leans back and gives me a small smile. “My old one’s in the spare room. I couldn’t quite bring myself to get rid of it, but I have a nice new comfortable one.”
“With plenty of room for me?”
“I bought it with you in mind.” Her smile widens. “It’s plenty big.”
She pushes open the door.
The room’s different. Not in decor, but the bed and the other furniture don’t look like they used to.
“It’s all new. I wanted a fresh start.”
“Looks good. Plenty of room for my stuff.”
Chloe turns to look at me. “Is that you deciding to move into my house?”
I shrug. “You’ve made this place your own. Besides, there’s more space here.”
She rubs her neck before pulling her T-shirt over her head.
“Want a neck rub?”
“I’ll be fine. That chair was okay, but nothing like sleeping in your own bed.”
I laugh as she pulls my shirt on. “You kept it?”
“I’ve been sleeping in it. It made me think of you.”
I tug off the shirt I’m wearing and drop my pants to the floor while she climbs into bed. She sighs contentedly as I slide in beside her and pull her into my arms. It feels like forever since we’ve been like this, and after tonight I have no intention to spend another night without her.
“You give the best hugs.” She places a palm on my chest.
“Glad you like them.”
“I’ve missed them. I’ve missed you.”
I cup her cheek. “I need to tell you about Piper.”
Chloe’s expression tightens. Her eyes search mine.
“Nothing happened. She turned up because she heard we’d been spending time together and she wanted to stick her nose in. Then she left. I should have said something that day, and I didn’t, and I feel bad for not doing anything.”
She blinks rapidly. “I thought maybe you got sick of waiting.”
“I would have waited forever for you. You’re the only one I want.”
Tears fill her eyes. “Hunter.”
“Let it all out, sweetheart. You’re safe here with me. And you always will be.”
Her warm tears spill onto my chest, and I close my eyes and hold her tight. How frightened she must have been to get that call when she’s already been through so much.
I can’t promise her that nothing will ever happen to me, but I can be the man she needs me to be.
“I’ve got you, Chloe. Always.”
Wiping her cheeks with my thumb, I take in the sight of her. I’m so in love with her that watching her takes my breath away. After pushing her blonde hair off her face, I run a finger over the freckles on her nose.
“What are you doing?”
“Touching you.”
Her lips twitch as I run my finger down her throat and over her breasts. “It’s hard to believe there’s anything in there.” I place my hand on her stomach.
She laughs. “You’ll see it soon enough. I looked like I’d swallowed a beach ball with the twins.”
I raise my eyebrows. “What if it’s twins?”
She lets out a sigh. “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”
“You know I wouldn’t mind either way.”
Chloe plants a kiss on my chest. “Whatever will be, will be. What about gender? Any preference?”
“I’m happy whatever we have.”
“Me too. I always thought it’d be nice to have a girl after two boys, but either way is good.”
I tap her cheek. “If we have a girl, I hope she gets your freckles.”
Chloe screws up her nose. “No way.”
“I always thought they were cute. I’m glad you don’t cover them up.”
Compliments still bring a blush to her cheeks, and I love seeing her like this. She’s obviously got Braden on her mind, but whatever distraction I can bring to the conversation, I will.
He’s safe and will hopefully be home in the next few days.
And then we can all start life as a family together.
Thirty-One
Chloe
Two weeks later, there’s one more thing I need to do before I move ahead.
I could leave things as they are, but I can either continue to put up with Kay’s negativity or I can make the choice to cut her out of my life.
She can have a relationship with her grandchildren without me if that’s what she wants. But I won’t put up with her trying to make me feel as if I love Scott less by moving on with my life.
It’s time to stand up to her.
I called earlier to let h
er know I’d be coming, but now I’m in her driveway and tension pools in my stomach.
But there’s no backing down from this.
Taking a deep breath, I get out of the car and walk toward the house. The back door’s open, and I give it a quick tap.
“Kay? It’s Chloe.”
She appears from the other end of the kitchen. “Come in. Are the boys with you?”
“No. It’s just me today.”
I kick off my shoes on the doorstep and walk into the house.
“Coffee?”
“That would be lovely.”
Her smile shows me she’s unsure of why I’m here, and I’m not about to lay it out until we’re both sitting down and she’s calm. I’m sure she won’t be happy, but which way she’ll go, I don’t know.
“Take a seat in the living room, and I’ll bring it through.”
“Thank you.”
I take a deep breath as I walk into the room. This house is so full of memories, and I walk to the shelves on the wall and pick up a photo of Scott. It was taken just before we left for Auckland. Running my finger down the glass, I smile.
“He was so handsome,” Kay says. “That floppy hair and those dimples. The boys inherited those.”
I put the photo back down. “They inherited a lot from him.”
She hands me my coffee and we sit on the couch together.
I take a sip. “That’s so good.”
“You said you had to talk to me?”
Placing the coffee cup on the table, I wait as she does the same before I speak.
“There’s something I need to tell you, Kay. I know you’re not going to like it, but I’m not going to put up with your negativity anymore.”
She clamps her lips together, and I’m thankful because I’m not sure how I’d handle her biting back.
“I’m in love with Hunter Emerson. We’re having a baby.”
Her lower lip wobbles. “Is that why you buried Scott?”
I shake my head. “No. We came home for that, but realising I could have a new life gave me the strength to do it.”
Tears fill her eyes.
“I loved Scott with all my heart. We grew up together, got through all the tough things together, and we were devoted to each other until the day he died. For four years, my heart’s been so heavy because he’s not with me, and I’d still give anything for him to come back.”
She swallows hard, opens her mouth, and then closes it again. I know this is hard for her. Scott was her only son. But I’m a grown up who has to make my own decisions now.
I choose my life.
“I never planned to fall for Hunter. But he loves me, and he loves my boys, and he respects Scott’s legacy. I couldn’t love anyone who didn’t do that. He gave me time and space to work this all out for myself. And I love him, Kay, just as I still love Scott.”
Tears spill down her cheeks, and she gives me a short, sharp nod. “All I wanted was to make sure Scott’s boys were taken care of.”
“I’m their mother. I’ve put them first all their lives. I always will. Hunter was Scott’s best friend, and he’ll be there for our boys no matter what. I have faith in that.”
For seventeen years, our relationship has been toxic. And I’m glad I’m getting this out in the open. It should have been done years ago instead of this passive aggressive game.
“I miss Scott,” she says.
“So do I.” Tears prick my eyes. “He never failed to tell me he loved me. Every single day. I’ve got this hole in my heart that’ll never mend.”
“And Hunter loves you like that too?”
I nod. “He was unexpected, but yes, he loves me like that too.”
She reaches for my hand. “I’m glad. Will you still bring the boys to see me?”
I place my other hand on hers. “Of course. You’ll always be their grandmother.”
“And your little one?” She sniffs. “You know I don’t like to gossip, but I don’t think Hunter has much of a relationship with his parents. I could …”
“You’re family. You’re always welcome.”
Her lips spread into a cautious smile. “Thank you, Chloe. I know I was hard on you, but I just loved Scott so much.”
“I know.”
“I hope you’re happy. It’s what you all deserve. And there’s a part of me that’s glad it’s Hunter. He won’t drag you around the world.”
I shake my head. “We’re staying right here.”
“And having a baby. I always hoped you and Scott would have more. This is wonderful.”
My smile grows. “It’s not something I thought I’d be doing with someone new, but I’m very happy. Hunter’s over the moon. I don’t think he can quite believe it.”
“He doesn’t have children, does he?”
I shake my head. “No. This is his first.”
“He’s a good man, Chloe.”
“He really is. He’ll be a good father to all my children.”
There’s a moment when she takes in what I said as it registers on her face and her mouth opens and closes.
“Scott will always be Braden and Xander’s father, but now they’ll have two dads. Hunter doesn’t want to try and replace Scott, but he will be there for them when they need him. He loves them.”
She picks up her coffee and takes a sip. “Then, I’m happy for you. I just wish Scott was here.”
“Me too.”
The scent of onion and garlic floats through the air as I walk into the kitchen, and my mouth waters.
Hunter stands at the cooktop making lunch. He looks up at me and smiles as I walk through the door.
“Give me one second.” Flicking off the element, he turns toward me. “I was just about to put yours in the fridge.”
“What is it?”
“I cooked up some of those potatoes the boys like.”
I laugh. “They so have you twisted around their little fingers.”
He shrugs. “I don’t mind.”
“Just wait until the baby arrives. You’re so screwed.”
Hunter wraps his arms around my waist. “Where have you been?”
“I went to see Scott’s mother.”
“Oh.”
I sigh. “It’s long overdue. But I think we’ve come to some peace. She’s very excited about our baby too.”
He chuckles, kissing the top of my head. “Not as excited as I am.”
“I don’t think anyone’s as excited as you.” I raise my face, and he gives me a tender kiss on the lips.
“Where are the boys?” I ask.
“Braden’s in his room playing games and Xander’s gone to rugby practice.”
I facepalm. “I forgot his rugby practice.”
“It’s okay. I sorted it. But I have to pick him up in about an hour.” A slow smile spreads across his lips. “So, I figure, I have about an hour.”
“An hour for what?”
He raises his hand to my face, running his thumb down my cheek. “Well, you’re already pregnant, but we could practice what got you in that state.”
I laugh. “That sounds interesting.”
“I love you, Chloe,” he says.
And then he scoops me into his arms and I laugh silently against his shoulder as he carries me up the stairs, past Braden’s closed door and into our bedroom.
Life couldn’t be better.
Thirty-Two
Chloe
“Chloe.”
I turn at the sound of Dad’s voice behind me. His face is full of joy with a smile that extends from his lips up to his eyes.
“You look beautiful,” he says, crossing the room, his arms open.
“Bit different to jeans and a registry office.” I laugh, but I wanted this day to be as different to my last wedding day as possible.
“Very different. You looked beautiful for that day too, if I didn’t say it back then.” He has tears in his eyes, and I reach up and wipe them away
Hunter and I decided to marry before the baby arrived, and the
n he organised this day in record time. Anyone would think he was anxious. We haven’t yet reached twelve weeks, so the only people we’ve told about the baby are Braden and Xander.
I run my hand down the front of my pale yellow dress and touch the tiny bump that’s recently appeared.
“Thanks, Dad.” I lean forward and peck him on the cheek.
“Hunter’s a lucky man. But I might be biased.” He winks at me, and I grasp his arm, leaning into him.
“Love you.”
“I love you too. Let’s get you married.”
I loop my arm into his and take a deep breath. I never thought I’d have a second wedding day, yet here I am about to marry my best friend. He gets me on a level no one else does, and he loves our family so much.
Coming home was the best choice I ever made.
Dad leads me out the back door, past the pool and onto the lawn where Hunter waits. Braden and Xander stand at his side, and I tear up when I lay eyes on all three of my boys standing together.
Hunter shines so bright as he meets my gaze. His whole handsome face lights up, and I take a deep breath as we approach.
It’s a small gathering. My parents, Caleb, Darren and Meredith with their children, Kay and Preston. Hunter’s relationship with his parents is still fractured, and he wanted today to be without tension, so they weren’t invited. I didn’t push him—it’s only because Kay’s made such an effort with me since the day we talked it out that she’s here.
Hunter steps forward as we approach, and takes my hand in his as my father drops his arm.
“She’s all yours,” Dad says.
I meet Hunter’s gaze and all I see is love. “Thank you,” Hunter says.
He squeezes my hand as we turn to the celebrant.
But I barely pay any attention as she speaks until it comes up to the part where we exchange vows.
And then Hunter takes my other hand as we face one another.
“Chloe. You’ve brought the light to my life where there was none. And you gave me the family I always wanted. I’m a man of few words, but just know that I’ll always love and cherish you, and I’ll never take what we have for granted.”
My eyes swim with tears, and I let them fall, not worrying about wiping them away.
