Page 107 of The Gentlemen

“Hm? What about them?” I knew what he was referring to, and I also knew my response.

“Have you thought about having them? With us?” He was hesitant with his question, nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Levi nervous before. Always so confident, never unsure about his motives or reasoning.

“I have…” I cleared my throat, eyes drifting to his chest. “But every time I consider them, I fall back into the memories of my childhood. The life I never asked for… And then there’s the MUR, what we do… I’m not sure if I want to bring a child into this world.At least… not yet.” I felt bad for my answer, because looking into Levi’s eyes, I saw the glimmer of hope that I would say yes. While Lucas didn’t care, he did, and there was guilt that followed in admitting that I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t know if I ever would be. “I’m sorry, Levi, I—”

“Babygirl, how many times do I have to tell you never to be sorry? Especially to us.” His hand cupped the side of my face, thumb caressing my cheek with a tender, loving touch. “I understand. I just thought I’d ask in case I was wrong in my assumption.”

“You’re not wrong, Levi.”I could always change my mind…“My decision on the possibility isn’t final and never will be—not unless a Doctor tells me otherwise. But for now… I just want you and Lucas. You’re all I need to feel whole and complete.”

“And you are all I need, Tessa. So don’t think for a second that my question changes anything.” I needed to hear his warm and reassuring words. I never wanted to disappoint my husband, and knowing that he wanted to raise a family and I was denying him of that privilege tore me apart. “I will continue to love you with the same all-consuming passion with or without kids.”

“I don’t know what I ever did in this life to deserve a man like you, Levi…” There was a crack in my voice as I met his softened gaze with watery eyes.

“Likewise, babygirl…” Levi murmured with a charming smile, lowering his lips to meet mine as he wiped away a stray tear before relaxing against the cushions. “Likewise.”

When his eyes drifted shut, mine did the same, the three of us napping peacefully together.

Moments like this were what I’d dreamed of since I was a little girl. A life where I had nothing to worry about, and where I was loved unconditionally.

My world was perfect, in every flawless facet.

The End.