Page 145 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“He, she, is moving around heaps more when you speak to my tummy.”

“That’s cool.” Frozen in place, I’m in total awe as this precious life grows inside the woman I love. The day when I can hold them in my arms will be beyond special.I’d better live up to Liv’s expectations.

“Forget everything Penny said and remember we’re in the same boat. We can try to prepare ourselves, but until the baby arrives, we’re in the dark. It’s exciting and terrifying, like the best kind of rollercoaster. But above all the worries of what might be, I have hope in us, Jerry.”

I sweep the hair from her forehead and run my finger over her left eyebrow, mirroring how she does it to me. “I couldn’t love you anymore if I tried.”

Liv kisses me softly and leans into my chest. For a while we hold each other. I daydream of what lies ahead, the literal pitter patter of tiny feet, Pirate watching over them, potentially licking them half to death.

Liv’s soft voice breaks the silence. “I was serious when I told Penny you should be able to own your truth. Being adopted.” Her words are a hit of reality.

My chest tightens knowing how much Liv cares. How she sees the pain I try to hide and fights to ease it.What I’d do to live a life without lies. All the fuckin’ lies.

“I know you were. And I appreciate the thought, but some things are better left buried.” Literally and figuratively.Wherever his bones are buried on Banridge Station, they can damn well stay there.

I sigh against her sweet mouth and kiss her tenderly.

“All I need to focus on is the three of us. Nothin’ else.”

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