Page 122 of Love Me Again

“We’re going to church?”I hear Shayla ask sceptically from inside her dressing room.

“Yes, we are,” I answer, pulling on a pair of boxer shorts. Shayla pokes her head out and gives me a bemused look.

“Since when do you want to go to church? You don’t even believe in God.” I walk over to her dressing room and lean against the door, watching her stand there, her back to me while she looks through her selection of dresses in a matching pair of sexy black lace bra and panties.

“I do now.” I declare, and she looks back at me over her shoulder.

“You do?”

I nod and stride over to her. Shayla turns and faces me while I place my hands on her waist and pull her against me. “The one and only time I have ever been to church was after you got kidnapped,” I explain, gazing into her eyes. Shay’s face falls at the mention of the incident. I lick my lips, brushing my fingers through her long dark hair. “They found a body that matched your description, and I had to go and...” I hesitate, shaking my head when I get flashes of that girl lying dead on that table.

Shayla notices the glum look on my face, and her brows fuse together. She reaches up and brushes her fingers over my face soothingly. “I was so thankful that it wasn’t you. That was one of the worse moments of my entire life. On our way back home, I saw this church, and I ran out of the car. I felt helpless and desperate, so I walked in there, and I prayed for God to help me find you and bring you back home to us. I made a promise that I would go to church if you came back safe and sound. And I found you. God brought you back to me.” I explain, and Shayla closes her eyes and presses her forehead to mine.

“You prayed for me?” She questions softly, and I could hear the pain laced in her tone, which made me ache.

“I never stopped praying for you, Shayla. Even before I knew you existed, I must have unknowingly prayed so hard for you that you had no choice but to find me.” I whisper, kissing her softly. “You not only taught me to love truly, but you also gave me faith. You taught me to believe.” Shayla smiles, biting her lip a little.

“I love you, Cole,” She sighs, trailing her fingers down my throat, her lips brushing mine as she speaks softly, sensually. “I love you so damn much.”

I smile, dragging my bottom lip over her lips. “I love you,” I murmur against her mouth as I gently part her lips. “I’m infatuated with you. Absolutely and completely besotted.” Shayla moans when my tongue finds hers. We spend a good ten minutes kissing passionately, almost forgetting that we had to attend church until Shayla pulls away breathless.

“Stop riling me up. We’re going to church.” She scolds me teasingly, and I chuckle, dropping a kiss on the base of her neck. “I refuse to walk into church with damp panties.” She utters with a sigh and tries to pull away, and I tug her back.

“How about no panties?” I suggest impishly, and she gapes at me apprehensively, her eyes go wide, her cheeks rosy.

“Tristan Cole Hoult, are you trying to get me sent straight to hell? I am not attending church commando.” She hits my shoulder when I laugh. “You walk into church with lewd thoughts like that, and you may just spontaneously combust. You little devil.”

“There's nothing little about this devil, baby.” I drawl lasciviously, I spank her shapely bum, and she gasps. I press her hand against my crotch. “See.”

“Behave.” Shayla berates me trying to be all serious, but I see the glint in her eyes before she pulls away. “We’re going to be late. Get ready.”

Sunday morning service was quite lovely. I’m new to the whole religion thing, but it was very enlightening. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I sneak looks at Shayla, who looked like she was listening to the pastor intently with Alaia in her lap. Although she seemed lost in thought, her eyes glossed over. I still can’t believe she’s pregnant again. I’m over the moon. I missed out on so much of Shay’s pregnancy with Alaia, and I’m determined to enjoy every second this time around.

After church, I took my girls out for brunch. We went to that cafe in Islington that Shayla took me to. Sunday was our day to spend together as a family. The weather was beautiful, bright, and not a cloud in the blue sky. It was the beginning of spring, so it was nice and warm out. We ordered the same as last time and ate our waffle in delight. Shayla even fed Alaia some, and she loved it, reaching out toward the plate in her highchair, opening and closing her little hand.

“Cole, don’t give her too much,” Shayla tells me off when I push a tiny piece into her mouth, and she smiles, chewing. “It’s full of sugar, and she’ll get all hyper.”

“How can you say no to that face? Look at her. She looks just like you do when you eat something you love.” I coo lovingly, reaching out to feed her more, and Shayla slaps my hand.

Shayla looks at Alaia and grins, “Of course, you don’t eat your vegetables, but this you love, cheeky little madam.”

“Do you think she recognises the taste from when you had it while you were pregnant with her?” I ask, scooping up some melted chocolate on my finger and holding it to her lips. Shayla sucks the chocolate off my finger with a moan.

“I don’t think that’s how it works, honey. The baby only gets the nutrients from what you eat. They can’t actually taste what you eat.” She explains, licking her luscious lips, “She’s just like her mummy, hopelessly drawn to things that are bad for her.” She gives me a pointed look, and I grin, taking her hand into mine.

“Oh, but I'm bad for you in all the right ways, sweetheart. Just like you’re good for me in every possible way. I think we balance each other out quite well.” I reply, leaning closer while my fingers play with hers.

Shayla leans forward, her eyes on mine. “I’m inclined to agree.”

“That’s a shame. I was hoping I’d have to convince you.” I retort, taking her chin between my thumb and forefinger and brushing a kiss on her soft lips.

“Lucky for you, I’m easily pleased.” She smiles, pulling away before I could deepen the kiss. I open my eyes and glare at her mockingly.

“Oh, okay, you’re just going to leave me hanging like that?” I complain, and she laughs at my put-out look. “Kiss me, woman.”

“No. You have to earn the pleasure.” I groan, sinking back into my chair and look at Alaia chewing on her teething toy.

“Oh, here we go,” I mutter with a groan. “What am I going to do with this mother of yours, hm? Tell me, princess.” I ask her, and she squeals at me, and I nod. “Will you kiss Dada? Give Dada kiss Laia.” I pucker up, and she leans forward, her mouth open, and kisses me on the lips. “Sweetest kiss ever.” I coo, squishing her cheeks gently, and she hits my hands.

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