Page 64 of Absolution

“I think I need to sit down now.”

“I’ve got you.” He whipped around the edge of the counter in seconds, wrapping an arm around her and guiding her to a chair. He eased her into the seat and crouched down in front of her. “Is that better?”

“I think so.” She pulled in a deep breath. “I don’t feel great.”

“I can tell.” He squeezed her knee. “You’re as pale as a ghost, little girl.”

“If this is pregnancy, I wouldn’t recommend it.” She chuckled, finding the amusement helped abate her dizziness a little.

“Are you sure you’re pregnant?” There was no disapproval in his voice, only concern, but still, the question niggled at her.

“Why? Don’t you want me to be?” Her brow furrowed. “Don’t you want our baby, sir?”

“Ella.” He nudged between her legs and knelt forward to kiss her forehead. “If you’re pregnant, then you’ve given me one more miracle than I could ever have hoped to have. I love you, sweetheart, and I’ll love this baby.”

“Thank you.” She smiled, aware of the tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m just emotional.” She wiped her eyes with the heel of her hand.

“Understandable.” He nodded. “Nothing’s going to change the way I feel about you, and that’s the truth.”

“I love you.” She could hardly believe how much she adored him. Before she’d met Tucker, she’d doubted love like this truly existed. “I took two expensive tests, and both say I’m around seven weeks pregnant.”

“Seven weeks.” His lips twitched. “Yes, I think I remember what we were doing then, little girl.”

“Me, too.” Her smile grew at the mischievous glint in his gaze. “And I guess this little guy is the product.” Her hand shifted to her tummy. “We could have used condoms, but we didn’t.”

“You’re right.” His hand moved to cover hers. “We made our choices.”

They both glanced at her stomach, imagining who their child would be.

“So, you’re not sorry?” She couldn’t help the anxiety in her voice. Somehow, the idea that he didn’t want the baby was her worst nightmare. She and Tucker had found heaven in the weeks they’d shared together, and she couldn’t bear the thought of popping their bubble of bliss.

“No.” His tone was emphatic. “Only surprised. I’ve never really thought much about being a father. I think at my age, I’d all but given up on the idea completely.”

He’s not sorry!

It was all she could think as he drew her hand from her belly and kissed her fingertips.

“I want this baby, little girl.”

Her tears fell harder as his words resonated.

“Just like I want you. I promise I’ll do my best to look after you both.”

“Thank you, sir.” She reached around his neck and hugged him. “I’m so happy!”

“Good.” His warm breath tickled the side of her face as he eased her gently to her feet. “Let’s get you to the lounge and put your feet up. You need to rest.”

“Put my feet up?” Her head cleared as he helped her cross the kitchen. “Does that mean I won’t be your footrest anymore, sir?” She was only teasing, but in truth, the idea of not being dehumanized by her lover anymore saddened her. She’d learned to love his objectification.

“You don’t have to worry about that, little girl.” His dark laughter reverberated straight to her clitoris. “I’ll always find ways to make you mine.”

“I hope so.” She hesitated, turning to face him in the doorway. “Because I always want to be.”

“Don’t worry.” He rested his head gently against hers. “You always will be.”

The End

Epilogue

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