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Reaching over she laid her hand over his and closed her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re here, Brady. I was a little scared you wouldn’t come.”
She opened her eyes and held on to his gaze like her life depended on it; maybe it did. “I know I haven’t dealt with all this well. Going through this pregnancy, and thinking I lost you made me really look at things and focus on what is important. I had to learn to love myself, even like myself, before I could feel as if I was worthy of being loved and accepting love. I know I can do all this on my own, and I don’t need you in our lives, but I really want you here, Brady. I need you here, in a different way. Not just because of Grant, but for me.”
She hoped he understood her words, understood what she was trying to say. To make it easier, she moved in front of him so he could see her clearly. “At first, I thought I could do this on my own. Be a mother. Raise a child. I was confused about my feelings for you, and for Jacob, but I was wrong about all of it.”
She stopped for a quick breath and seeing the encouragement in Brady’s eyes, continued. “It took me way too long to realize my feelings for you. My feelings about us. We share a lot of memories and history. I care so much for you, Brady. I like us together. I want us together.”
She stopped at this point and made sure she had his attention. She searched his eyes for any clues that he doubted what she said, but seeing nothing but encouragement, she smiled, breathed, and continued.
“I’m so sorry it took me so long to realize it, but I want us to be a family, you, me, and Grant. You make me a better person. I love you, Brady, I really do.”
The joy on Brady’s face shone. He searched her eyes to make sure what she said was true. Elizabeth could not hold back the tears any longer, they broke free, and started falling down her face. Brady wiped away one of the stray tears from her cheek and leaned in to give her a hug, with their son between them. He kissed her head.
He pulled away and held her face in his hands, searching her eyes. “I am so glad to hear you say that, Elizabeth. I love you, too.”
Elizabeth thought her heart would beat out of her chest, and he finally leaned in and kissed her lips softly and gently. The kiss was filled with so much more than words could ever be said. She has kissed Brady so many times before, but it was never like this.
There was a whimper from the bundle between them.Separating themselves, they looked down at Grant and laughed at their son.
Elizabeth caught Brady’s gaze. “Do you want to hold him?”
Brady looked back at her with uncertainty. She smiled reassuringly and passed their son into his arms.
Brady melted at the feel of the baby. Elizabeth cuddled next to them both, brushing her hands through Brady’s hair.
“He’s amazing.” Brady had a hard time taking his eyes off the little person he was holding.
“I know. He’s so handsome. Just like his daddy.” Brady looked up at Elizabeth when she said these words. She leaned in, turning his face toward her and kissed him with a passion she didn’t realize she felt. She didn’t just love this man next to her, she needed him, but most of all, she wanted him.
Breaking her lips away from Brady’s, she rested her head on his shoulder. She was happy. She was loved.
The baby made a cute little noise and scrunched up his little face.
They both looked at him and laughed together.
December: One Month Later
“Idon’t know if you should go home tonight.” Elizabeth said as she taped paper around another box. “The weather’s already started getting bad. It’s sleeting and, according to the news, ice is collecting on the roads already.”
“Are you worried about me?” Brady shot her a heated gaze.
She wadded up scraps of wrapping paper and threw it at him. “Shut up,” she laughed. “Anyway, of course I am.”
“Sweet.” He leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips. Elizabeth moaned softly as his kiss drug on and on.
“Hey you two.” Charlotte came into the kitchen carrying Grant.
They pulled away quickly, and Brady winked. Elizabeth could feel heat crawling up her neck.
“Sorry for interrupting your intense gift-wrapping session, but Brady, I think you’ll have to stay the night.”
“Elizabeth just told me the same thing. Something about the roads getting bad. I think she’s worried about me.” He shot a wicked grin in Elizabeth’s direction.
Charlotte turned on the outside lights. Light illuminated the backyard and the deck around the pool. There was quite a thick covering of ice on the deck already.
“Wow,” exclaimed Elizabeth as she looked outside. “I had no clue it had gotten that bad so quickly.”
Brady took Grant from Charlotte’s arms. “Well, it looks like I get to have a sleepover with my favorite guy and my favorite girl.” He placed a soft kiss on Grant’s head.
