Thirsty: Part Six

Fuck the world!

I ended up at the Plaza Hotel in New York. When I got to the airport I looked as crazy as mental asylum escapee. When I asked the Airline Customer service officer what flight was available and where to, she looked at me like I was crazy. It was only after I told her my name did she recognize who I was as a top person in my profession and offered me a first class seat to New York. As soon as I landed in New York I went shopping since I had absolutely nothing, and was still commando under my skirt. I was tired of my mess of a life. I wanted to forget everything, I didn’t call my parents because I wasn’t in the mood to explain that I found out that my husband was a certified homosexual using me as a cover for his church.

My plan was to lock myself away from the world in my suite. All I wanted was wine and to be left alone. I felt like I was in a dark hole and it was swallowing me alive. I was numb. I guess this was what depression felt like. Aunt Marcy and uncle Ian tried calling me but I rejected their calls until I turned off my phone. If I were being honest, what I really wanted was Neil. I just wanted him to hold me, I didn’t want him to speak, I just wanted to curl my body in his lap with my head under his chin. Wine became my friend and family in those few days.

I had a glass of wine and I immersed myself in a bath full of jasmine bubbles. I was already halfway through the bottle of yellow tail when I heard the doorbell and a knock on the door. My brain was a little fuzzy, I don’t remember if I had ordered more wine. I grabbed the white robe and shrugged it on soap suds soaking through the white. The buzzing and knocking continued and I could feel it in my head, I was pissed. I dragged the door open without using the peephole and a strong body stormed through the door and strong hands cupped my face and the body pushed into mine. The potent Versace scent assailed my senses before I had a chance to look at him or his voice permeated my brain. The heard the door slam shut and it reverberated in my head.

“I’ve been tracking you down for days like a fucking bloodhound! Do you have any idea the hell I’ve been through after you left?” He was really here. I couldn’t believe he was really here. His lips were so close to mine all I had to do was taste them. Desperation and the alcohol made me do exactly that. I grabbed his shirt pulling him to me and covered his lips with mine. He was here and I could taste him. He was like a balm to my hurting soul. I don’t know how he found me and I didn’t care, I just wanted to feel him. I grabbed the t-shirt and threw it over his head. He didn’t object, he actually took over the kiss. I could feel the desperation and hurt in the way he kissed me. His tongue and lips spoke volumes, he kept his hands on my face. I didn’t realize that my tears had started until his thumbs wiped the streams away even as his lips took control of mine. My hands ran up and down the contours of his naked back. Feeling the sinews that were so familiar. I needed this. I needed him.

“Tia Maria…” he breathed against my lips.

“Shhhh, please don’t speak,” I whispered. My hands moved to his belt buckle and started fumbling to open it. He held my hands to still them. I didn’t realize that I was shaking and my tears had started flowing way more than before.

“Baby…Tia…wait,” he linked his fingers through mine as the sobs started to shake my body. “Baby you’re shaking…come here… please forgive me, forgive me, forgive me” He whispered in my hair and held me close rocking me back and forth. I wailed like a baby in his arms.

My knees buckled and I fell to my knees and he followed my down. He brought my knuckles to his lips and kissed them, then he held my head and brought it to his chest and I let go and allowed the sobs to flow from my body. He sat and drew my body unto his rocking me as I wailed from the depths of my soul. All the hurt, everything I had bottled inside for all those years were released. My fingers linked with his and I squeezed his fingers trying to stem the flow of my tears, forgetting the pain in my right hand. The pain in my soul was deeper and way more profound.

He held me for what seemed like hours rocking me. I could feel the tension in his body but he kept it tight. He kept whispering how sorry he was when this really had very little to do with him. I was so angry at myself for being so stupid that I couldn’t see any possible signs. I endured the emotional trauma and abuse that Kevin sang in my ears daily. I was going to hell, I was consumed by the ways of the devil, my need for pleasure was sinful. I endured for so long, even started to believe it. Neil made me feel whole and to this day that scared me because I didn’t believe it could be true that I was with the wrong person all these years. I couldn’t believe the yearning I felt for him deep in my soul, I was doubting even in that moment the complete solace I felt just being held by him. No one knew where I was, yet here he was in my hotel room holding me while I laid my soul bare at his feet. This was my first real cry since I found out about Kevin, I didn’t realize how deeply hurt and broken I was.

It had been a full five days of me in the darkness of the suite, curled in the bed and drinking wine. Today I wanted to soak and drink, another way to dull the pain I was feeling and here he was. It’s as if I willed his body to find me. I thanked God silently for his presence because I felt so alone and distraught. I know my parents were worried, but I couldn’t face anybody right now. When my sobs subsided I became aware that I was curled in his lap on the floor infront of the huge fire place.

“How did you find me?” I asked softly.

“I had to see you T. I needed to explain what happened so I contacted Ian, and they told me nobody had seen or heard from you since that day you left my house. Marcy said you went home to make things right with your husband.” He paused for a few seconds and I could feel him taking in deep calming breaths.

“But nobody had seen or heard from you since then. They are unable to contact your husband too, so they thought you two were together. But Marcy said you told her everything, it was strange that she hadn’t heard from you at all considering what you were going through. They’re worried T, they almost went to the police to report you missing.” He drew me closer to his chest as he spoke burying his face into my curls. ‘My parents’, I closed my eyes as I thought about how worried they must be.

“I was worried too, and I felt like if anything happened to you it would be on me.” He continued speaking softly.

“So I had access to your credit card info from the party payments; and I asked a friend of mine to trace the activity on your card. That’s how I found out you left the country the same day you left my house. I’m sorry T, I know it’s illegal, but I had to find you. This is all my fault, baby I’m so sorry.” I was quiet for a while just breathing his scent and basking in the warmth of his body.

“It’s not your fault,” I said this so softly, for a second I thought he didn’t hear because he continued rocking me in his arms not responding.

“Yea, it is” he breathed into my hair.

I started shaking my head and he let out a deep sigh. If only he knew what really happened.

“Your parents are beside themselves with worry Tia, you need to tell them you’re ok.”

“I don’t want to talk.” I turned my face into his bare chest in an attempt to hide my face.

“Tia, Marcy is a mess. She seriously thinks something bad happened to you and it’s her fault because she was the last person who saw you.” I stilled picturing my aunt in tears. I rarely saw my aunt cry and it was not an image that I could tolerate.

“Fuck! They did their best with me Neil and I’m so stupid!” And the tears started again.

“Hey shit happens to the best of us baby, you’re far from stupid believe me. Look at me, I’m hopelessly in love with another man’s wife.” That last part was said so softly. He kissed my hair and struggled to fish his cellphone from his pocket. He handed me the iPhone. “Please call them.” There was a subtle command in his plea.

I reluctantly took the cellphone and took a few calming breaths before dialing. I was still snuggled on his chest. It felt like my safe spot and if I moved he would disappear. Aunt Marcy answered on the first ring, almost as if she was waiting for the call.

“Neil did you find her?!” The words rushed out as soon as she answered. I could hear the tears in her voice.

“Mommy it’s me...” I said forcing the words through my tears.

“Baby! Oh my God! Thank you God!” I could hear desperation and relief in her voice. “Tia...” her voice trailed off into tears and then I heard uncle Ian.

“Tia! Are you ok babygirl?” He asked, his loving voice washing over me causing fresh tears to start spilling.

“Daddy I’m sorry...” were all the words I could manage to get out before I started sobbing again. Neil took the phone from my hand.

“Ian, I’ve got her. She’s gonna be ok,” I heard him saying. “We’re in New York at the Plaza Hotel.” Uncle Ian must have said they were gonna fly over because he said, “You guys can relax a little now I’m not going to leave her no matter what she says. I think she needs a bit more time...” he said even as his arms drew me closer to his body. “Ok I’ll keep you updated.” He ended the call and tossed the phone on a nearby coffee table.

“T, I hate to see you like this, I’ll hold you on this floor all night if I have to.” I automatically snuggled closer to him pressing my body into his as if I did it I could melt into him.

“Thank you for coming.” I said feeling like a child in need. He didn’t respond, he inhaled and kissed my hair and lifted my right hand to plant a kiss on it in his usual way when I winced from the pain he realized it was swollen. I didn’t remember my hand, I was so consumed with how I felt inside I hadn’t realized my hand was still a little swollen and painful.

“What happened to your hand?” He asked suddenly tense.

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s not ‘nothing’ if it’s swollen and you are wincing. Tia mi put dung badness from me a yute enu mi nu really wah pick it up back but Yu need fi tell me which pussy put dem hand pan yu!” Ok this was a whole different side of him. All the charm was gone and he was so tense. He sat upright to examine my hand. Stretching the fingers, they were a little painful but it wasn’t that bad.

“Nobody hit me. I don’t want to talk please.” I pleaded.

“Fine.” He was reluctant but he kissed each my finger and drew my body up against his again.
He didn’t speak again, I suspect he was deep in thought as my tears went and came until my eyes drifted shut and I fell sound asleep on the floor snuggled against his body.

I was dreaming that I was in New York and Neil came barging into my hotel suite and ended up holding me on the floor until I feel asleep. That was the first time I fell asleep not drunk. I felt solid warmth and I instinctively snuggled closer before my eyes opened. It wasn’t a dream, he was there. He moved me to the bed some time during the night, I have no idea but I was still lying halfway on his body with my head on his chest our bodies wrapped in the duvet.

It felt so good waking up next to him. I was reminded of our time together at his house. Despite the circumstances, that was the best week in my adult life. He probably felt the change in my breathing because he knew I was awake. I wonder if he slept at all.

“Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?” He asked.

“Hi” I shuffled up and kissed his cheek. “The best sleep I’ve had in days without getting drunk. Did you sleep?” I asked because he had to endure the discomfort of my body on him all night. Kevin always complained that my body heat was too much for him to bare whenever I tried to snuggle with him.

“No, I was content just watching you sleep, feeling your body next to mine and knowing you’re safe.” He kissed my forehead. He did the sweetest things that melted my heart, they were new to me but I loved it.

“I’m sorry...”

“I’m not. I’m happy I’m here. I’m happy I have you in my arms where I can kiss and pamper you however I want. I want the fire back in your eyes. I’m sorry for the shit I did to hurt you Tia, I really am.”

“It’s not you.” I kissed his bare chest then rested my face on his heart. I still could not believe he was actually there with me. I’ve never needed anyone the way I needed him right now.

“Have you left this room since you came here?” He asked me. I guess he was noticing the room for the first time. The shopping bags still had the clothes and stuff I bought and there were wine bottles and glasses all over. I wore the robe all day everyday. “Have you even been eating?”

“I haven’t left this room. I came here so I didn’t have to face the world. I’ve not been eating much, but the wine has been good.” I responded trailing my fingers from his chest to his belly button, then lower, stopping at the button of his grey jeans that was already undone. I remember fumbling and opening his belt in a frenzy last night.

“I’m taking you out today even if I have to carry you over my shoulder. You are going to have a spa day. This hotel’s spa is absolutely awesome.” I heard his words, but I could also hear the change in his breathing as my fingers trailed upwards then downwards again and this time I slowly undid his zipper.

“T...” my name was a gasp as my hand found its way into his jeans and underpants grabbing the cock I knew oh so well.

“Hmm you were saying something about a spa?” I asked innocently as I tried to free him for my pleasure.

“Yea...it’s....” he was watching me below his lashes, his fists clenched at his side and his jaw tightly clenched. I got on my knees and started undoing the tie of my robe pretending to be very interested in what he was trying to say about the spa.

“Do they offer massages?” I asked. The tie came undone and I slowly began to open the robe one side at a time.

“Yea...you can get a...” the robe fell open and I began to shrug it off one shoulder at a time.

“I can get a???” I asked as the robe was fully off exposing every inch of my body to him.

He stared openly. His eyes drinking in every inch of me. “Yea...you can get...oh fuck it!” He could take no more. He grabbed my waist and in a millisecond I was under him, his mouth covering mine sucking at my lips. His hand roaming everywhere. Finally settling on one breast, cupping the mound and pulling at the nipples between his fingers he elicited a deep moan from me. I arched my back pushing my body deeper into his touch.

“I love that you smell like lavender, that shit almost drove me crazy last night.” He drew in a deep breath like a man coming up for air before going down my neck with his lips.

The sweetest love

I held his face between my hands so I could look in his soft brown eyes.

“I need you, Neil.” My eyes filled with tears just seeing the pure adoration in his eyes. I’ve never had anyone look at me like that before.

“You’re crying baby...”

I started smiling through my tears, “Because I’ve never had anyone look at me the way you do. You make me feel beautiful and deserving, like I’m the only woman in your world. I need you to love me with everything you’ve got.” Before he could respond I started kissing him again, my tears melting into his face. I was embarrassed and didn’t want to hear a response from him. He sighed and took control of the kiss responding without words, using his lips and tongue to worship my body. His lips moved down my body placing butterfly kisses all over. He hovered between my thighs making me wiggle. He kissed me in the most sensitive places. Would he kiss me there? I’ve never been kissed there before. I could feel his breath on my sensitive pussy and I tensed.

“Relax baby. I’ll love you with everything in me if you give me all of you.” His hot breath was so close, all I could do in response was nod. The first flick of his tongue and I was screaming incoherently, wanting to run away, but needing his touch at the same time. He was relentless against my extremely sensitive spots and in minutes I was gushing.

I was still reeling from the multiple orgasms when he slid into me, lodging his long, thick dick so far up I thought he was going to come through my throat. His strokes were long and too controlled I was begging him.

“Please baby...”

“What do you need baby? Talk to me.” I could feel him holding back as if he was afraid to break me.

“This is not your first time in this pussy! Neil fuck it and stop treat me like a fucking China doll!” I screamed at him.

“I don’t want to hurt you!” His breathing was uneven, ragged.

“Will you make me beg Neil?! Fucking please!” I think that was his undoing. He turned me on my hands and knees and started slamming into me. Now I knew for sure people could hear my screams. My orgasms were endless, even with the various other positions I was tossed in. The scratches on his back were testament to the tight rope I was walking with these orgasms. As if punishing me, he kept going and going running me like a downstream river. When he finally came it was powerful, my name on his sweet lips.

He held true to his word and forced me out of my site. After having breakfast, we made our way to the hotel spa. It was really nice. He pampered me. He decided that we should get a couples massage after he saw that there were men masseuses. He was adamant that he didn’t want another man’s hand on me; and I didn’t want those scantily clad women masseuses near him either. The staff had to switch their schedules to accommodate us after assuring us they were professionals and of course having a good laugh at our expense. They offered to do our massages in the same space at the same time. While massaging my hands the masseuse noticed the small swelling and she wrapped my fingers in a white bandage to help get the swelling down. I wasn’t even aware, I was too caught up in gawking at Neil as if I was seeing him for the first time. His body was beautiful and perfect.

After the massage Neil waited while I got a manicure and pedicure. I decided in the moment to cut my long curls and color them blond. I felt like making a complete change in my appearance. I never cut my hair because of course, my husband was against it. The short pixie cut framed my heart shaped face and the blond curls complemented my skin tone. When I walked out into the waiting area he was reading a magazine and when he looked up and saw me his mouth fell open. At first I thought he didn’t approve. I stopped self-consciously and touched the back of my hair that was way shorter than the top, thinking maybe I went too short and drastic, but the smile that lit his face spoke volumes. I stood and I ran to him and threw my arms around him reigning kisses all over his face.

“Woman why are you so god damn beautiful?!” He said against my neck. “I love it! I can see the light returning to your eyes.” He lifted me and spun me around in clear view of everyone and for the first time I didn’t care that people saw us. His open affection was refreshing.

“Come here, I want us to do something.” He said holding my hand. “How’s your hand?”

“It doesn’t hurt that bad. She said the bandage will keep the swelling down. It’s not broken or anything.” I said happily allowing him to lead me without question. We came to an area that said ‘Couples Yoga’. I looked at him questioningly.

“Exercise after the way you throw me body all over the place this morning Neil?”

“It’s not exercise like that. It’s a little more. It’s building trust as well as intimacy.” He said in my ear as we walked in. There was soft music playing. Couples sat on a yoga mat with their backs to each other while the instructor encouraged them to tell each other a truth that the other didn’t know. The instructor seemed to recognize Neil because he smiled widely in greeting and pumped his fist. I’m not surprised he’s known here. He motioned for us to take a seat on an empty mat. What was nice was the semi privacy in the dimly lit room, the mats were spread far from each other to give each couple a level of privacy while they spoke.

Neil was wearing shorts and a t-shirt he purchased earlier that day, since like me he traveled on a whim without luggage and I was wearing a short rose pink cotton alter summer dress. We sat with our backs to each other and immediately it all came back. I guess it was time to reveal what was happening.

“I’ll go first.” He announced.

“No, please let me...” I took a few calming breaths and started talking. “When I left your house, I walked in on Kevin and his lover, a man, talking about their ‘relationship’”. Neil’s body immediately tensed. I was happy to be able to talk without looking at him.

“I punched him a couple of times, hence the swelling of my hand. I was blindly angry at first, but I’ve realized that there was no love in our marriage for quite some time now and I had basically been trying to push a heavy wheelbarrow up a hill because I believed all the things he kept telling me. I thought I was obligated as his wife to be what he wanted me to be. He made me believe that I was the worse for wanting what my parents had. I believed that, Neil. After I met you...” I blew out a heavy breath.

“I realized what I had been missing and that I’m way more than I was made to believe.” It felt so good to get that off my chest. I drew the strength I needed from his body. I thought I would cry, but no tears came.

“Tia Anderson, I told you before and I will tell you again and again, I love you and right now in this moment, I realize there is nothing greater than that. I’m sorry for the part I played in hurting you. Kevin came to me and said he knew that you came to my party and he wanted to hire me as a professional to give you the release your body needed. I could have made you cum in so many ways because despite my knowledge of how the body works, like I told you before, your body specifically was like a magnet drawing mine. I tried not to touch you, but I wanted to. In fact, I needed to, and the first time I did, I just couldn’t stop myself. Baby, you are beautiful, sexy, confident and strong. And I believe that although it may take you a minute you will get pass this. I followed you here because I can’t be without you. The more I know you, the more I want to know you, Tia.” He turned his front to my back and drew my back against him, wrapping his arms around me and burying his face in my neck. I closed my eyes and reveled in the beautiful moment.

The instructor encouraged the couples to face each other, wrapping our legs around each other, or bodies molding together. He held my chin with his two fingers staring into my eyes in the dimly lit room until his lips claimed mine. I kissed him back without reservation, my mind was free and I gave myself to him forgetting the other people around us just drinking in his lips and basking in his love for me- the devil’s mistress. We spent about an hour in ‘Couples Yoga’ and all the lovemaking we had done could not compare to the intense intimacy that I felt between us in this session.

I grew a little quiet and brooding in the days that followed our revelation time in the yoga session. My doubts that were never far from my mind started resurfacing because I know we had to go back to reality and I had to face my mess of a life. He didn’t deserve to be a part of this mess and that’s why I never confessed my true feelings for him.

“Are you ok?” He asked me. I was curled in his lap in front of the tv watching an old black and white sitcom.

I sighed heavily, “We have to go back to reality. I have to face the mess I left and try to get my life together.” I took a deep breath before continuing. “You don’t deserve to be in the midst of this mess. I have to do this alone.” I felt the tensing of his muscles beneath my body and prepared myself for the battle.

“Ok,” he said, but the tension was still there.

“Are you sure you understand?” I turned my body so that I could look into his face.

“Yes. It’s fine.” He said a little abruptly. “Can we go back to watching the tv?” Ok that was my queue that something wasn’t right.

“Neil, please understand,” I continued but he kept staring at the tv not responding. I settled back in his arms and he held me without uttering another word but the tension was radiating from his body. I pretended not to notice focusing my attention on the tv but I fell asleep clutching his shirt.

“Baby. Tia Maria,” I could hear aunt Marcy’s voice but I knew even in my sleep fog that she could not possibly be in New York. My eyes fluttered open, though they felt a bit heavy. Why was I so tired? All I’ve been doing for the past two weeks is make love, eat and sleep. Aunt Marcy was sitting beside me when I opened my eyes and my brows immediately furrowed and I started searching for Neil. He was at the living room area talking to uncle Ian quietly. He was dressed and had the small traveling bag we bought when we went shopping across his broad shoulder.

“What time is it? What’s going on?” I was groggy like I had an altercation with Mr J. Wray and his Nephew the night before.

“Neil called us baby. We flew in last night. He doesn’t want you to be alone.” Aunt Marcy said kissing my creased brows. “It’s already pass noon, baby.” When did he call my parents? And more importantly, why?

“Neil?” I called so he could hear me. He was too engrossed in his conversation to realize I was awake. My heart broke when he turned to me. The sadness I saw was even more profound than that day at his house. He walked over to me and aunt Marcy moved away giving him the spot beside me.

“What’s going on? Where are you going?” I sat up looking at him my brows forming a perfect v.

“You said you needed time to sort things out. All I want is to be with you. I understand your position, so I think it’s best I leave before it gets harder. I called your parents because you shouldn’t be alone right now.” He was serious. He didn’t smile, he didn’t touch me, he didn’t kiss me. “Take all the time you need to heal, Tia.”

“No, I don’t need time. I need you!” I was getting frantic. I didn’t want him to go, yet I knew it wasn’t fair to him.

“You said it, Tia. And I know it’s true as much it hurts to acknowledge it.” He stood up. Looking down at me he ran his hand over his head in that way that was unique to him when he was frustrated. “I’ll see you around.” He said softly and he walked out. Just like that, he was gone out of my life; and I allowed him. I didn’t ask him to stay or tell him that I was in love with him.

My divorce was quick and easy thanks to the prenup uncle Ian had forced us to sign before we got married. I never saw Kevin, I asked my lawyer to make all arrangements with his lawyer. I gave him the house because I didn’t care to have those memories. I wanted it all behind me. His ministry that he fought so hard to keep afloat around his lie sank because his lover, Tyrone decided to go public. I never saw or spoke either of them since that day in my house.

My parents were happy to have me back in their house even for a short time. I started the process of buying another house. I couldn’t bare the thought of staying with them knowing they were so in love while I battled with a sadness that was indescribable. I was jealous of my parents. What a sad life. I tried contacting him a couple of months after my divorce was finalized, but I got an automated message that said he was currently traveling and would be unavailable for some time. I gave up trying to find him as my baby grew inside me; at least I still had a part of him with me. I blamed myself that his child would never know him and he would never know of his child because I didn’t fight for him to stay that day in New York.

“Tia, with the baby coming I really think you ought to stay here with us. You’re going to need all the help you can get.” Aunt Marcy said as we sat on the back porch having lunch one afternoon. “You should still close on the house but you need to be here.”

She made a good point. At least I’ll have my baby to keep my occupied. “Yea, ok. That makes sense.” I was stuffing my face with chocolate cake, one of my many cravings as I responded.

“Great Ian can get started on preparing the nursery!” They were super excited to be welcoming their first grandchild. We didn’t speak of Neil, at least the didn’t in my presence but he was never far from my mind.

“Yes, you guys can have something better fi do than disturb me sleep wid uuno lovemaking. Jeez! Do you know how disturbing it is?!” I said while chewing.

“Then is how you make the baby inna yu belly Virgin Mary?” She said trying to hold her laughter.

“Immaculate conception.” I said reaching for a glass of milk.

“Seriously though Tia, have you tried finding him again?” She asked for the first time since we found out I was carrying his child. I had absolutely no symptoms but lethargy, I was always tired and sleepy. She was the one who insisted I have a doctor check me to rule out stress with everything that was going on.

“No. We’re fine. I’m fine.” I said.

“Are you? The same way you can hear us making love, we can hear you crying when you think we sleeping.”

I stared at her in shock, my glass of milk halfway to my lips. I tried to muffle my sobs, I didn’t know they could hear me. “I’m sorry, Aunty Marce. I just miss him so much and I blame myself for not telling him what how I felt. And then I found out about the baby and now my baby will not know his father.” I placed one hand on my protruding stomach and rubbed gently and used the other too dash the tears away that immediately formed in my eyes.

“It’s ok baby, you know we’re here and always will be. I don’t want you crying to raise your blood pressure, T. You’re in your seventh month, I don’t want any complications, you’ve been doing well in spite of everything. I’m happy you decided to stay here.” She reached over and took my hand in hers squeezing reassuringly.

“She staying?” Uncle Ian’s loud voice interrupted our moment as his huge frame came through the back door. Aunty Marcy rolled her eyes at his loud tone. “Fi how long?” He asked smiling.

“Well until the baby…” Aunty Marcy started but a very familiar voice cut her off.

“Until the what?” Neil’s body came up behind uncle Ian, his eyes wide with shock.

“What?” I thought I was dreaming. I closed my eyes and opened them again to see if he would disappear, but when I opened my eyes his brown eyes and handsome face were still there boring into me. Aunty Marcy got up and hugged him before walking out with uncle Ian in tow.

“I tried contacting you.” That was all I could manage before the tears started again. Pregnancy hormones were no joke.

“We’re having a baby?!” His eyes lit up with complete joy as he rushed to kneel beside me. His eyes widened even more when he saw how big I was. His hands went around my waist and he rested his head on my belly.

“I guess this is what happens when you tell a man to shut his mouth and run you like a river,” I said trying to lighten the mood and keep the tears at bay. I laid my cheek on his head and kissed his head. It was all I could do. “You came back.” I whispered.

“Of course I came back. Tia, I told you I cant live without you. Maybe you thought I was joking. I went as far away as I could to give you the time you needed to heal.” He spoke against my tummy and the baby started moving. He spread his hands over my tummy in awe.

“All I needed was you. The moment I realized I was in love with you I was already healed and whole. I love you, Neil Gardner.”

“I love you more, Tia Maria…”