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She gives me a small giggle. We’re still holding each other, and we embrace like it’s our last time all over again. We embrace for all the times we didn’t get to be there for each other. My eyes begin to well up at the thought of finally being home with my family.

“Don’t you dare start crying because you’ll set me off. Right now, I’m doing well at maintaining my hormone levels. This pregnancy stuff doesn’t seem real; I can’t believe I’m an aunt, and now I’m going to be a mum.”

“I know it’s crazy, but I’m here for you no matter what and there are no more secrets between us.”

“So Blake is Katie’s dad?” She smiles. “I can see the love you two have for each other, so Corban and I will give you both some space tonight. Tomorrow we’ll get you to safety, but also close by because I don’t want to have to say goodbye to you all over again. So please, I beg you, don’t leave again. We can sort this all out together.” She releases my arms.

We look around for the boys and notice they cleared the room to give us this moment together. I know we’ll have plenty of moments together from now on after we’ve dealt with this Jacob situation. Once that’s achieved, I can get on with my life and hopefully have the happily ever after I need.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Melodi

Walking into Corban’s apartment, I’m overwhelmed with so many different emotions. The ride home was silent and Corban knew I needed a moment to process everything that’s happened today, so he didn’t push for conversation. He just held my hand and let me know he was there for me. It’s those small gestures that mean the most. They may be little, but they speak a thousand words.

I walk straight to the bedroom and collapse, instantly sighing in relief to just have a moment to myself. So many things to think about. My sister who I thought was dead isn’t, and now I’ve got myself to worry about as well. But most importantly I need to worry about this crazy person who has it in for my family. Why couldn’t he leave us alone?

Corban walks into the room, stopping just in the doorway. I look up and meet his gaze. “Are you all right?”

I know he’s worried about me and the babies. There isn’t much that can be done for the babies except for me getting the rest that I need. I’m bound to become sicker over the next few weeks, or perhaps days. I don’t know how I’ll cope with it, but with Corban’s help I’m sure I’ll be fine. There’s also Rachel and Flick, who I’m sure are on high alert with everything they’ve heard today.

“Yeah, I’m okay, or as okay as someone can be when they find out that their sister, who they thought was dead for the last three years, has actually been in hiding and returns with a kid who belongs to the person who helped her hide.” I begin spewing these words out without even thinking. “How could she do this to me, as well as our parents? Was she even thinking of us when she put this silly plan in motion?” I release a loud sigh and cover my face with my hands.

Corban wraps me securely in his arms, not saying anything because words are not what I need at the moment. I need him to be here with me, just him.

We lay here in silence, his hands lightly gliding over my body, sending shivers down my spine.

“Let’s forget about everything but us at the moment. Let’s think about what’s going on in here.” He gently places his hand over my lower abdomen, giving it a soft rub which brings a smile to my lips. “Now there’s the bright smile I know and love.”

“It’s crazy to think we’re going to be parents.” I grin.

“I just hope they aren’t girls, because seriously, girls are trouble,” he laughs, placing a warm kiss on my lips. His kisses make my emotions swell because he fills my heart with so much genuine joy.

“So when are we going to tell your parents? We need to tell them before Rachel gets to them first.”

Corban laughs, he knows his sister well. “I’ll ring Mom tomorrow and we can go over together after work.”

“Sounds good.” I smile.

His lips connect with my mine and the heat of the kiss is liquefying. I wrap my arms around his neck, as awkward as it is with a heavy cast wrapped around my arm. I still can’t believe I was that stupid and fell. In a way, it’s kind of a blessing in disguise since we found out that we are expecting, so it all worked out. Now I’ve just got to put up with the silly cast for the next few weeks, although I don’t think it’s going to deter Corban from getting what he wants.

As his hands explore my body, I revel in his touch which ignites my inner fire. With our lips connecting and our bodies tangling with each other’s, I am in the place I would never want to leave, Corban’s arms. He’s my security, my rock, and I never want to be apart from him.

After a busy day at the office, we’re on our way to Corban’s parents’ place to give them our exciting news. Corban came to me today in between meetings and informed me that it seems Rachel may have already gotten to his parents. When I asked her, she innocently declined. She said nothing, but the little smile she had was one that spoke a thousand words. After a lot more pushing from my side, and a threat that she won’t be allowed to come to the next scan, she caved, finally admitting that she didn’t tell them everything and that she only said we had some special news for them.

At least she didn’t give away our little secret. Otherwise, she would’ve had Corban and me angry with her. So now her parents have turned this whole thing into something it doesn’t need to be. Corban told me that Athena is bringing her new boyfriend tonight. I’m looking forward to meeting him since she’s kept him to herself lately and wouldn’t even give us his name. She’s a very secretive woman, and I can’t say that she’s a close friend of mine, but I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and start to put a little trust in her since she will be an auntie to our babies. My only hope is she snaps out of her immature bitchiness. And, of course, Rachel and Axel will be there as well.

I know I should be more understanding, but I don’t know how Abby could shut me out of her life for three years. Then when Blake decides it’s time for her to come out of hiding, she comes and in turn puts myself, Corban, and my children in danger. Not that I knew about the babies, but now I do. I’m apprehensive about what Jacob could be up to.

I didn’t get flowers today, which really surprised me since I’ve been getting them daily, but Blake informed me that there was a bunch sent to my apartment addressed to Abby. It was a bunch of red and black roses, I don’t know what that means, but I think he’s just twisting her head and trying to make her feel uneasy. I’d hate for anything to happen to her or Katie, especially since I’ve only just got them back into my life. Blake is moving them tonight into the apartment that Corban offered. I hope that they make it there okay and that it’s a safe place for them right now.

“You look deep in thought,” Corban says bringing me back to the present.

“Yeah, I’ve got a lot going on.” I release a sigh. “I hope Abby and Katie are safe.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. I doubt Blake would let anything happen to either of them especially now that he knows Katie is his.”

“It feels like I’ve only just got Abby back, and now I can’t even relish in that moment because it’s tainted by the same man who forced her away from me in the first place. I can’t believe she actually got away with that whole set up. But now that I think about it, she had Blake on the inside and he most likely oversaw everything.” I’m beginning to feel annoyed at Blake because now knowing what I do, he actually lied to me. “How do I begin to trust him or even her ever again?”

Corban reaches out taking my hand in his, trying to soothe my annoyance.

“Do you think that they would do it all again?”

“I hope not. I don’t think they’d be silly enough to do it again especially since Jacob would most likely know. All I can do is hope not. I don’t even know how my parents are going to react to the news. My Dad is going to hit the roof, and who knows, Mum might pass out or something. This is all so messed up, and now I’ve dragged you and your family along with my friends into it. I feel terrible about this.”