“Are you sure?” I ask hesitantly. Libby knows I was terrified of telling him. I didn’t want him to think I was pushing Lucy away. She shared her news with me after we spoke of my concerns about having a baby. It turns out we are both about eight weeks gone.
Libby and I spoke of her concerns as well. She struggled to come to terms with the fact she was pregnant again, given the age of the twins. They will only be one when she has this one. But she is an amazing mom to the girls and I’m sure she will manage with another, although she will have to cut down her workload here at the hotel.
“Yes, you are a fantastic mum to our daughter and we will cope with two.”
“Lucy is going to be an amazing big sister,” I tell him.
He puts me down and looks at me puzzled before turning to Libby. I look at Alex just as realisation hits them both.
“What did you say about Libby?”
“You heard.”
“Holy Fuck.” I’m so glad we aren’t in a church. He turns to face our family and I know he is just about to tell them our news. I hope Libby wasn’t planning on keeping this a secret. “My beautiful amazing wife has just given me the best news a man can get. Today we officially became a family of three, but not for much longer. We are to become a family of four. Not only that, but it appears my wife and sister are both very good at keeping secrets, because not only is Sophie pregnant, so is Libby.” I know Libby only shared her news with Alex this morning; it was her present to him, so this is news to all our family.
We are greeted with congratulations from everyone, including Tom and Moria, who have said they are more than happy for us. My parents are a little shocked. Mom declares that she wants to stay here forever. She wants to be a big part of her grand children’s life and she can’t do that from the States. She has spent much of her time these last five months travelling, so she can spend time with the twins. What my mom wants, she usually gets and I would love having her here.
“Libby, did you bring a coat?” I ask her.
“Yes, are you needing some fresh air?”
“Yes.” She hands me the coat.
Ethan is standing talking with Alex when I approach him. I can guess the topic of conversation. His eyes meet mine and his smile grows.
“Can we go outside?” I look around the room and Lucy is now with my mom.
“Of course.”
He links his arm with mine and we walk outside, leaving behind all our family deep in conversation. I know it’s dark but the moon is low in the sky lighting up the Loch in front of us. It glistens as it ripples against the shoreline. He’s standing behind me, his hands rest on my belly. This is a feeling I could get used to.
“Are you feeling alright?” he asks with genuine concern.
“Yes.”
“I’m so happy, Sophie. You’ve no idea how happy I am.”
“I think I have an idea. You and Lucy mean the world to me. I can’t imagine not having any of you in my life.” It’s true my life before meeting Ethan was meaningless. All I was interested in was my work, I suppose I’m more like Alex than I care to admit. But like Alex, my priorities have changed and for the better.
“You are deep in thought Mrs. Stewart.”
“No, not deep in thought. Just thinking how happy and lucky I am having you both in my life.”
He turns me in his arms until I face him. His smile is warm and loving. He kisses me. “I’m the lucky one and I will never forget it. You came into my life when I thought the only thing I had to live for was Lucy. You’ve shown me there was so much more to my life. You made me believe in love again after I had given in. I love you with everything I have and more. You are the most amazing and selfless person I have ever met. You’ve given up so much to build a life here in Scotland with me and Lucy.”
“Ethan, stop,” I tell him through my tear filled eyes.
“Sophie, its true. I appreciate and love you more than my words can convey. I am sure we will have a lifetime together to create our own happy memories as a family. I will never take you for granted. But most importantly I have made a promise in front of our family today to love you always and forever.”
I can’t control my tears that fall at his words. I have no words; he’s left me speechless. He holds me close to his chest and I take comfort in his steady heartbeat. We stand under the night sky for moments. No words are spoken just a silent understanding of what I’m needing. I just need the comfort he provides me with.
I step back from his tight hold and gaze into his dark loving eyes. “I love you and Lucy, so much,” I tell him. He kisses me.
“We both love you too.”
The End
THE CAPTURED SERIES
Family Ties A Captured Series Novella
He’s Captured my Heart Book 1
He’s Captured my Trust Book 2
He’s Captured my Soul Book 3
She’s Captured my Love Book 4
KAREN FRANCES IS THE AUTHOR of The Captured Series.
She currently lives just outside Glasgow, Scotland, with her husband, five children and two dogs. She spends some of her free time trying to keep fit and prepare healthy meals for her family, when their busy schedules allow them all to sit down at meal times together. She loves nothing more than spending time socialising with her closest family and friends, whether that’s a day out or more often than not a BBQ or meal at her home for everyone. After years of running after her three sons to and from football, she finally has some free time in the evenings for herself, which, when she’s not a taxi service for her daughters, she usually spends reading or writing.
Find out more at www.karenfrancesauthor.co.uk or follow on Facebook or Twitter.
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