Page 75 of Ghost Of You

"But why would it say the number was disconnected?" I ask, still puzzled.

She shrugs nonchalantly. "I don't know. I'll call the phone company in the morning and see what's going on," she says, her tone dismissive.

The way she answers my questions so quickly and without hesitation eases my worry. The phone issue is strange, but her calmness reassures me. I let out a sigh of relief and give her a weak smile. "As long as you're okay, that’s all I care about. I was worried something had happened to you," I say, my voice softening as I add, "Both of you."

I rest my hand gently on her small bump, feeling a wave of warmth and love wash over me. My smile grows as I look down,unable to contain the excitement of becoming a dad. Not only am I engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world, but she's also giving me the greatest gift of all—a child that’s part of both of us.

She smiles back at me, her eyes soft. "It's just your imagination talking."

She’s probably right. I have a tendency to over-worry, letting my imagination run wild with worst-case scenarios when, in reality, everything is perfectly fine. My mind might have been playing tricks on me tonight, but now that she’s here, safe and sound, that’s all that matters.

In the end, all the fear, the doubt, and the worry fade away, leaving just the comfort of knowing she’s home, right where she belongs.

"Hey," she says, her voice gentle and filled with affection, "how about we take a walk tomorrow? I think it would be wonderful to breathe in some fresh air and spend a little time together, just the two of us. What do you think?"

Her eyes meet mine with a tender gaze, and I can see the warmth in her smile. The thought of us strolling hand in hand, away from the everyday noise, feels like an intimate escape, a moment just for us to cherish and enjoy.

I look up at her, a smile spreading across my face. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. A walk together would be a perfect way to unwind and enjoy some quiet time."

She nods, her eyes softening with relief and affection. "Yes, I think it’s just what we need. We’ve been so busy lately, and it would be lovely to get outside and stretch our legs. Plus, walking always seems to clear the mind and soothe the soul."

I gently squeeze her hand, feeling a surge of warmth. "I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be nice to escape the daily hustle and spend some time just enjoying each other’s company. Sometimes, the simplest moments are the most precious."

She smiles, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. "And it’ll be such a refreshing change from being inside all the time. I’ve been thinking how nice it would be to slow down and savour a peaceful walk together. We can take it slow, maybe bring a thermos of coffee or tea, and just relish the tranquillity."

I pull her a little closer, my heart swelling with love. "That sounds perfect. I love the idea of us finding a new favourite spot together, somewhere we can create special memories. It’s moments like these that make everything feel so right."

She leans in, resting her head against my shoulder, her voice a soft whisper. "I can’t wait to share this time with you. It’s such a beautiful way to reconnect and remind ourselves of how much we cherish each other. Just being together, enjoying the simple pleasure of a walk, will be such a gift."

I wrap my arms around her, holding her close and feeling incredibly grateful. "I’m so glad we have this to look forward to. It’s these quiet, loving moments that truly matter, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything."

We linger in this embrace, savouring the warmth of our connection. The thought of tomorrow’s walk becomes a sweet promise, a gentle reminder of the love and joy we find in each other’s presence.

Chapter forty-one

With her hand warmly enclosed in mine, our fingers naturally intertwined, I find myself lost in her beauty as we walk along the cobblestone path. Her hair flows like a dark river down her back, swaying gently with every step. The black summer dress she wears, dotted with bright yellow lemons, flutters gracefully around her ankles, and the smile on her face widens as she absorbs the lively atmosphere around us.

The sun hangs high in a cloudless sky, its golden rays bathing the park in a radiant glow. It's the kind of day that draws everyone out. The park is alive with the energy of people savouring the moment: children chase after footballs on the nearby field, dogs leap playfully in and out of the fountain, spraying water everywhere as their owners laugh, and groups of friends and families relax on picnic blankets, indulging in food and sunshine.

It's days like this that make me eager for the future. I can already see our child toddling along these cobbled paths, their tiny feet exploring the open fields, learning to ride a bike or kick a football, their laughter filling the air as a kite soars above them.I imagine us all sitting here, sharing ice cream and watching our lives unfold in this very park. This place will hold a lifetime of memories, and soon, those memories will begin to take shape.

"What are you thinking about?" Laelia's voice breaks through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.

I turn to her, my smile widening. "Just our future," I say, and I watch as a soft blush colours her cheeks.

"What about our future?" she asks, her free hand lightly resting on my arm as she steps closer.

We pause, and I let my gaze drift over the park. I point to a small hill in the distance. "I can see us sledding down that hill in winter, the snow thick and soft. Our child would be in front, one of us holding them close, steering the sledge as we all laugh on the way down." I gesture towards the field where kids are playing football. "I can see us teaching them to play, cheering wildly when they score their first goal." My eyes shift to the swaying flowers nearby. "I see them running through those flowers, their laughter ringing out as we chase after them." I nod towards the picnic blankets scattered on the grass. "I see us having picnics here regularly, watching our children run and play, and feeling nothing but gratitude for the life we've created."

I turn back to Laelia, my voice softening. "I see our life, how beautiful it is, and it makes me love you and our child even more. This life is ours, Laelia, and it's filled with endless possibilities."

Gently, I lift my free hand to cup her cheek, and she leans into my touch, her smile deepening as tears well in the corners of her eyes.

"God, I love you," she whispers, her voice filled with emotion.

"And I love you," I reply, my voice just as tender.

I lean in to kiss her, our lips meeting in a soft, lingering embrace before I pull back just a little, enough to see the joy lighting up her face. Her smile stretches even wider, and I kissher again, my hand sliding from her cheek to the curve of her neck.

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