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“I’ll forgive you, you know,” he says. “If it’s not mine.”
For a moment I stare, not comprehending what he means. It takes me a few seconds until it clicks and I recoil back from him. I snatch my hands away from his.
“What do you mean?” I ask, the devastation clear in the tone of my voice. I know what he means, though. I feel sick with the burning betrayal in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know how he can think this. How can he sit here and say something like that to me? I haven’t been with anyone but him in years. In fact, he’s only the second man I’ve ever been with. Matthew being my first. There are literal years between them.
“I won’t be mad,” he continues. “I know people make mistakes and…I think I’m in love with you. I’m not sure how to let you go. So please, even if it is his, be with me instead of him.”
The words feel like daggers to me as well as making my heart swell. I feel so conflicted. This isn’t how I expect a love declaration to go. But really, we’ve never done things in the right order. We fell in love in secret as teenagers, both convinced it was one-sided. Then we both moved on and had children before destiny pushed us back together. As I stare at Blake’s devastated face, I realize he’s just feeling insecure because I kept the secret about meeting Matthew from him. He’s so tired and only thinking this way because he’s been through such a traumatic twelve hours with Ethan. Then he stumbled upon me and Matthew together and his mind is running through all the worst-case scenarios. Usually, it’s me that acts like this. I am insecure and make assumptions. I mouth off before I have time to think things through. Now is a time to be patient with him so I swallow how I feel about the accusation. Arguing with him right now will just make him feel worse and make him more suspicious.
“There’s no one else, Blake,” I assure him.
I reach for his hand again, offering him love and support.
“There isn’t?” he asks.
I hate the uncertainty I hear in his voice, but I know it’s a passing worry. He just needs to hear me say it.
I shake my head. “You and Ethan are so important to me. I’d never betray your trust like that. This baby is yours.Ours.”
“I’m sorry. That was completely inappropriate to say,” he tells me. He brings a hand to his face and sighs. “What’s wrong with me?” he laments. “I do trust you. I just…I got the thought in my head, and I just had to get it out.”
“I know. I understand,” I say. “I didn’t mean to keep things from you,” I confess, my voice trembling with vulnerability. “When Matthew reappeared, I…I didn’t want to burden you with it until I knew what I was getting into with him coming back into Emma’s life. I thought I could handle it on my own but hiding and excluding you from the issue isn’t healthy for a relationship. It wasn’t fair to you.”
Blake’s gaze softens, his features relaxing as he absorbs my words. I can sense the walls of doubt and uncertainty gradually crumbling, replaced by a renewed sense of trust and empathy.
“We’re a team,” he says.
I nod, tears streaming down my face as a mix of emotions overwhelms me. The weight of the misunderstanding and the fear of losing Blake slowly lifts from my shoulders.
“Yes, we are a team,” I reply, my voice filled with conviction. “And teams make mistakes, but they also learn and grow from them. I promise to be more open with you, to share my burdens and fears, just like you have done with me.”
Blake reaches out and wipes away my tears, his touch a gentle reassurance that we can weather any storm together.
“I’m sorry for doubting you,” he says, his voice filled with remorse. “It was a moment of weakness and fear. I never should have questioned your faithfulness or the paternity of our child. I love you, Lily, and I trust you.”
I lean into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his love surround me. We sit there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the air thick with forgiveness and a renewed sense of connection.
“I love you too, Blake,” I whisper, my voice filled with sincerity. “And I forgive you.”
At that moment, we reaffirm our commitment to each other, vowing to communicate openly, cherish the love we share, and navigate any challenges that come our way as a united front. As the weight of the misunderstanding lifts, we find solace in our renewed bond, knowing that our love is stronger than any doubt or insecurity. Together, we embrace the future with open hearts, ready to face whatever may come, knowing that our love and trust will guide us through it all. In the quiet of Olivia’s house, with Ethan peacefully sleeping in the next room, we find solace in each other’s arms, embracing the healing power of forgiveness and the strength of our love.
Chapter 22:
Blake
Itakeadeepbreath, my hand lightly resting on Lily’s belly, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness coursing through me. It’s hard to believe that soon, it will be obvious that a baby is growing there. Our child. A surge of joy and excitement fills me as I imagine the future that awaits us.
“Are you sure?” I ask Lily once again, my voice tinged with both excitement and a hint of doubt. This is a big step, and I want to ensure that she’s certain about it.
She grins at me, her eyes shining with unwavering certainty. “Yes!” she tells me enthusiastically. “It’s not like we can keep it a secret much longer. I’m going to start showing soon! You’re so clingy and protective. Olivia is going to figure out that we’re at least sleeping together. She’s not blind.”
Her words ease some of my worries, reminding me of the bond we share and the love that has brought us to this point. I can’t help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm and the way she effortlessly puts my concerns to rest.
“Okay,” I agree, a sense of contentment washing over me. This is our journey together, and I’m ready to embrace it with open arms.
Tonight we will share the news with my sister, Olivia. I’m so nervous and excited that I feel like pacing. It’s a Friday night and Emma is staying over for a sleepover. Olivia is completely unaware that Lily will also be staying the night, too. It’s the perfect opportunity to surprise her and share the incredible news.
As we stand inside Olivia’s kitchen, waiting to make our announcement, I feel a bit overwhelmed. This moment is significant not only for Lily and me but for our entire family. I can’t wait to witness Olivia’s reaction and see her embrace this new chapter in our lives.
