Chapter Twenty-Seven
Abby
Last night was beautiful. Corban is an amazing man. When he came to me and told me what he had planned, I knew he was the perfect match for my sister. She deserves the best and he is…well, apart from my Blake. He is my perfect. We had a great night last night. Corban planned it in a way that I could attend. So what’s better than a rooftop proposal? Boy, was it magical. There was light finger foods and lots of wine to go around. Melodi was a little bummed not to be able to have any, but there were delicious non-alcoholic drinks as well. Her man thought of everything.
I’m so happy for them both. With marriage out in the open, I wasn’t expecting Blake’s pillow talk last night when we got home. I wouldn’t have guessed that he has thought about it, but when he came out and said what he did, it stumped me.
“Would you want to get married?”
I’m instantly speechless. “Of course, I want to one day. Isn’t it every girl’s dream to wear that big white dress and be walked down the aisle by their dad?”
He simply nods. Even though there was silence, I could still hear his mind ticking over. “So not right now?” Did he really say that?
“I…I don’t know. Are you asking me?”
He shrugged, a little unsure of himself. “I would like us to be a family.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. Are you asking me?” My heart felt like it was going to jump right out of my chest. This wasn’t a conversation I thought we’d be having so soon after rekindling our relationship. I love him with every fibre of my being and I know he loves Katie. She’s even asked if she can call him Dad. Of course, I told her that he is her dad and she was so excited by that little fact. She thinks he’s amazing.
“I don’t have a ring for you, but yes, I’m asking if one day you’ll be my wife.”
I’m gobsmacked. It’s not the most romantic way of proposing to a girl, but I will take what I can. “Yes, ring or not, you’re the only man I’ve loved with my whole heart.” After those words had left my mouth, he claimed it with his.
Now I’m sitting in the apartment that seems more like a prison lately, thinking over the whole night. I still can’t believe that I’m going to marry the man who has consumed my thoughts over the last three years, and even before then. The day I met him in that park always plays out in my mind. I’m so grateful for him coming out of his way to talk and befriend me. I wasn’t looking for anything new because I only knew the way Jacob treated me. Of course, I was young and silly, never thinking I’d ever find anyone better. Boy, was I wrong. Blake showed me a whole new world. Now I get to prepare for a future together with our daughter and I couldn’t be more excited.
Looking around the living area, I watch Katie colouring in the new book that Blake had given her yesterday. He’s been spoiling her like crazy and she has him wrapped around her little finger already. They’re funny to watch play, he’ll even sit and play dolls with her. Making up for lost time I guess. I really want to take her out today to the park for a little while. She’s been amazing through everything without hardly any meltdowns. I know she hates being cooped up in here. Where we lived before coming out of hiding, we had a park across the road and we’d go there almost daily. She loved it. I’m sure Blake won’t mind if we go out to the park. He takes us there every couple of days because he doesn’t want us going out alone.
We still haven’t seen or heard from Jacob or Athena. I’m worried about Athena because I know just what he’s capable of.
I reach for my phone to call Blake and let him know what I’m going to do. I already know he won’t like it, but I really need to get out of this prison for a while. He doesn’t pick up so I send him a quick message.
Me: Hey, I’m taking Katie over to the park. I know you’re going to freak out once you read this, but I’ll be okay and it’s a public area. I love you. Will message you once we get there.
I hit send and prepare a small lunch for Katie and myself.
“Katie! Please go get ready, we’re going to the park,” I yell from the kitchen. She comes bouncing in with a bright smile on her face.
“Where’s Daddy? Is he coming?”
Hearing her call Blake Daddy plays on my heartstrings. “No, darling, he’ll come later.”
“Okay, Mummy.” She skips out of the kitchen, hopefully, to get ready.
After everything is packed and ready to go, we begin our short walk around the block to the park. It’s a beautiful bright sunny day. There’s a little chill in the air which is refreshing. I hold on tight to Katie’s hand, always looking around making sure we aren’t being followed. As soon as Katie sees the park, she squirms her hand out of my tight grip and runs straight for the slide. I pick up my pace to keep up with her and not let her out of my sight. I message Blake once we arrive with still no reply. I know he’s busy, not only doing his everyday job, but also looking for Jacob and Athena.
We play at the park for about an hour or so more, until Katie becomes tired. We set off home, exhausted, and ready for a sleep. Katie wants to be carried so I pick her up and she soon falls asleep. This is my exercise for the day. She isn’t as small as she once was, but I will take the cuddles any day. Before I know it, she won’t want them anymore and will be screaming at me that she hates me. As I approach my apartment building, my senses are heightened. That eerie feeling of being watched or followed rings loud and is clear in my mind. I pick up my pace and clutch Katie tighter. I look around and notice the street is pretty empty, possibly one or two people on the other side of the road. My heart begins to race in fear. The hair on the back of my neck starts to stand up and a shiver runs down my spine.
My instinct kicks in and it’s screaming at me to run. It only takes a short moment and as I’m about to run, someone grabs me from behind and hits me painfully across my head. My last thoughts are of Katie and how I hope Blake can at least save her from Jacob. Then darkness overtakes me.
“Why isn’t she waking up?”
My head is foggy, but I can hear a young girl’s concerned voice.
I can’t bring myself to open my eyes. My head is throbbing and panic rises in my chest as my breathing constricts.
Katie…where is she?
Is she safe?
Surely if Jacob believes she’s his, he won’t harm her.
“Oh, she will wake up. I didn’t hit her hard enough to kill her. I have something special in store for her.” I hear the malice in his voice, the venom dripping from his words. Fear grips my heart making me feel as though it’s in a vice. “Wake up, Abby!” he yells, causing me to flinch away slightly. A sharp stabbing pain rages through my head. “See, she’s awake.”
I open my eyes slightly, slowly taking in my surroundings. As things become clearer, I realise I know this place. I’m back at Melodi’s apartment. Have they been staying here this whole time? They couldn’t be because I know Melodi has been coming back when she needs to pick things up as she needed them. I lightly rub my hand over my head, feeling a damp, warm patch. I take a look at my hand and it’s covered with deep red blood. My heart drops deep into my stomach. This is really bad.
Once my blurry eyes clear, I can see my worst nightmare standing before me. I wish I could just get Katie out and go back to my little hiding place. His evil smile brings fear into my heart. Think of one thing that makes your heart stop and mine is standing right before me.
“Where’s Katie?” I croak, my throat tight and dry.
“Oh, so that’s her name? She wouldn’t speak to me, so I punished her.”
Panic tears through my whole body and my injuries are forgotten, I lunge at him, aiming my punches and scratches straight for his face. I feel my fist connect with his face and he cries out in anger mixed with pain. He grabs my shoulders, shoving me backward with all the force he can muster. My body slams against the wall and I crumble to the ground. There are tears in my eyes, but I dare not give him the pleasure of seeing me cry, so I swallow them down along with the lump in my throat.