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"All these years, you've been carrying this guilt for things that nature caused to happen," he said. "You've carried them, unable to move on, blaming it as bad luck."
"But I have bad luck," I insisted. "Things keep going downhill… and no matter what I do, it doesn't last. Anytime I find something that would guarantee my happiness, it would always end. I have no control of it."
He held my shoulders and looked into my eyes. "If you're that convinced that you're cursed, then what do I say about myself? Or my brothers? I've saved countless lives, but I couldn't save the love of my life. I'm sure Ethan and Ian have been in similar situations." He paused and held my face in his palms. "I know this strong look you have is to hide the powerlessness you actually feel.
I know what it's like having to suppress how you feel, but you have to accept that it has happened. It's not your fault. I'm sure your mother was happy to have you because you proved she was able to give birth despite all odds, and your father died peacefully, knowing that he did his best to make sure you didn't struggle for a thing. And Sophia…"
He took in a deep breath and exhaled. "I see how you take care of Chloe. My daughter doesn't know what it's like to have a mother; yet she's so comfortable with you. Sophia knew you were a good mother. To your family, simply by giving birth to you, showing off paternal instincts or being taken care of, you were their good luck charm, despite all they had to go through."
I was in tears. I had never really thought about it that way. I was convinced that this was my fault, and I was cursed with bad luck. But as I thought about what he said, I had never seen any of these people complain. Dad did mention that Mom was happy when I was born. And Dad was happy too. Sophia never complained about the pain she was in.
It was all in my head.
"If my words still aren't enough to convince you," Ben continued as he wiped the tears away. "I want you to know that from the moment I met you in London, and when we reunited up to this moment that you've been nothing but a source of joy for me and my daughter. You're my good luck charm."
"What's that? That sounds so cringe!" I burst out laughing.
"Don't laugh," he said. I could see his cheeks redden as he was embarrassed by my outburst.
"Cringeworthy it may be, but…" I started to say as I touched my chest and felt my heart get lighter and warmer. "But It's making me genuinely happy."
"That's all I wanted to hear," he said.
I smiled at him and he returned a warmer one. I was happy. The guilt had lightened, and I felt a little more confident in myself and my abilities, all because he had helped me clear my thoughts.
If I wasn't so sure before, I was certain now. I had fallen in love with Ben.
"Thank you," I said.
"There's something else I want to tell you," he said. "And I don't know how it will make you feel; it's poor timing considering you just finished telling me everything you've been through."
"What is it?"
"I went on a blind date today," he replied.
I felt glass shatter in my mind.
"Oh… really," I said.
Why tell me?
"It made me realize something important," he said.
You probably want someone else to be with you?
"That I might actually be falling for you," he said with a grin. "I think… no… I've been thinking about you in London… and since your arrival in Richmond. Seeing you… having you cohabitate with me and my daughter made me realize that I have gotten used to having you around. I still worry you'll disappear."
I didn't expect the words.
"You're quiet… I thought…"
I cut off his words with a kiss, and he didn't hesitate to kiss me back. As I broke the kiss and stared into his eyes, there was no doubt, and no lies - he was falling for me. While he was still in the process, I was already done and had come to a conclusion concerning my feelings.
"Wow, that kiss…"
"It's different isn't it?" I giggled.
"Stronger and more passionate," he added as he brought his face closer to mine and kissed my forehead. "I love it, good girl."
