Page 55 of Lost In Someone

“If that’s how their marriage starts, it’s doomed for failure. The loss of a child, even voluntarily, will never be forgotten.”

“It’s her loss, love. Milo is here with you, and he can only thrive with the love you give him.”

“He’s here with you too. I can’t do this without you.” Ivan goes quiet, looking thoughtful as he mulls something over. “You know, this wedding event thing?”

“I…do.” Where is he going with this?

“It’s a great idea, but I have one condition.” His eyes sparkle.

“Okay, what’s the condition.”

“We’re the first couple to be married in it.” Ivan’s lips quirk up in a broad smile. Then the words sink in. Wait. What?

My throat is as dry as the Sahara Desert, and my words come out cracked. “Are…are you, um, asking me to marry you?” This is so unexpected. Has he thought it through? I don’t want him to rush because he’s hurting over Stacey’s revelation.

“I am. I’ve wanted to ask you for weeks, months, really. What do you say?” He’s blushing, actually blushing. Does he doubt my answer?

“I say yes. God, yes. A million times yes.” I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him.

“Y’know, I think we should pick up Milo in another hour or two.” Ivan grins.

“I think you’re right.”

I look around the large room. The massive chandeliers on the vaulted oak ceiling cast a warm golden glow over the beautifully dressed people—our friends and family—chatting and laughing. The meal and speeches are all over. Drew gave us a hysterical tale of Ivan’s life until me, bypassing the trauma Kate brought but mentioning how amazing he is as a father. Now suited waiters bring crystal glasses of champagne on silver trays around the room as we wait for the evening entertainment to start. Ivan is holding Milo on his hip. He’s now eighteen months old and resembles his father more each day. Ivan scans the room. Is he looking for me?

Yes.

He smiles at me, and the warm feeling in my stomach sets off the butterflies as they unfurl their wings and take flight. After nearly two years, the sight of him still has me captivated. Time stands still as I lose myself in the love shining in his eyes. I’ve never seen him so happy. He gestures with his head to go to him. How can I resist him? I snake through the people, saying hi as they congratulate me not just on my wedding but on the amazing barn and how good it looks. They’re right; it does.

We had the bulk of the work done at the same time as the gym, getting all the messy building completed and out of the way, but we left the interior until the gym was finished and functioning. That was another huge achievement. The memberships are increasing as word spreads. The classes are full, and I have hired two full-time qualified instructors to work with me.

When I reach them, Milo opens his arms for me to take him. Ivan hands him over. “Happy?” he asks, even though he knows the answer.

“More than I ever thought possible.” I kiss him, pressing my lips firmly on his. I want to take it further, but I hold back. We have plenty of time for that on our honeymoon.

God, he’s so beautiful. The dark navy blue suit fits his long, lithe body like a second skin. The trousers accentuate his firm thighs and tight, round arse, while the jacket and crisp white tailored shirt show off his broad shoulders and tight pecs. My mouth waters. “Have I told you how hot you look?”

“You think? Should I smarten up more often?” He gives me a roguish grin and waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

Maybe he should, seeing as he spends most of his time at the garden centre and nursery he and Merlin now own and run. His daily attire consists of jeans, heavy work boots, and T-shirts, all of which come home covered in mud and dirt every day. Not that I’m any different, as I’m constantly in gym kit.

“It may be worth your while,” I whisper against his lips. God, I wish it was time for us to leave. “Okay, you two, knock it off.” Sarah smiles at us. I know how proud she is of Ivan, and I adore her for it. Not only has she been a godsend for looking after Milo when we’re working, but she also stepped in as my surrogate mother when my family never contacted me again. I hoped the wedding invitation would cause some kind of interaction, but nothing. Not even a simple ‘fuck off’.

“We’re allowed to. It’s our wedding day. Kissing is expected.” Ivan proves his point by pressing his lips to mine.

“I’ll let you off this one time. I’ll take this sweet boy home. It’s past his bedtime.” She takes Milo from me. “Kiss your daddies goodnight.”

After cuddles from our son—and he’s officially ours after I adopted him on his birthday in April—Sarah carries him back to her house for the night.

The music starts, and the dance floor fills up. I wind my arms around Ivan’s neck and press up close. The music is louder and faster than the dance we’re enjoying. While everyone is letting their hair down, I’m lost in Ivan’s gaze. It’s as if we’re back in the club. His piercing blue eyes flash as the coloured lights catch his face.

He pulls me tighter against his firm body, snaking his hands around my hips and down to my arse. When our lips touch, there’s no holding back. I swirl my tongue into his warm, wet mouth and stroke it languidly with his. I want to close my eyes and let the emotions wash over me, but I can’t tear my eyes away from his. The feeling of total rightness from that first night is back, as I lose myself in someone so wonderful.

Ivan – Eighteen years later

“Happy birthday, Milo!” a chorus of voices calls out as he enters the pub.

Someone, probably Drew, shouts, “The first pint is on you.” Everyone claps and cheers.

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