Page 16 of Consumed By Fire

“No, I had a miscarriage during the first few weeks. And I felt useless and guilty about not being able to protect that helpless little creature in my womb." I go to hug her from behind and she bursts into sobs.

“It took me days to recover from that shock, but actually that guilt still haunts me. Coming to Armstrong was a new beginning. No one but Lacey knows about my past. I don't talk with my parents, except for the holidays and they don't know about my miscarriage.”

"It wasn't your fault, baby,” I say, kissing the angel on her shoulder. Now I understand the meaning of her tattoo. She didn't do it for her grandfather, but for the baby she lost. I hold her to me, inhaling her perfume until she calms down.

“You’re a strong and wonderful woman, Charlotte. Thank you for sharing this with me. I am and will always be here, baby," I whisper to her. I don't care if it takes years to conquer you. You’re mine. You always have been. In India, they say that the soul has only one other soul to which it will always belong, and yours belongs to me.

She turns and looks at me, as if she has heard my thoughts. Her eyes are still red. Before walking away, she stands up on her toes and kisses me on the cheek. I turn to look at her in all her beauty and the smile she gives me before leaving the room, even though it’s sad, makes my heart beat madly.

I take a shower and get dressed, then go to the kitchen. She’s wearing leggings and a sweater. Whatever she wears, it makes her look even more beautiful and sexy.

"Do you want a coffee?" she asks, catching me staring at her.

"Yes, thank you, black, without sugar."

“I know,” she says as she puts my favorite mug in front of me.

"Did you steal my cup?"

"No, I brought it here, so you won't miss it,” she says, flipping scrambled eggs before placing them on the plate next to crispy bacon and toast. "I didn't know what you had for breakfast, so I went for the classic. I usually make pancakes only on Sundays,” she says while taking out some orange juice.

"You’re fantastic,” I say, walking up to her and then kissing her temple. "What are our plans for today?" I ask while tasting her breakfast. The spices she used in the eggs make them delicious.

"Our plans?” she asks, raising her eyebrow. I nod. "We should check if the paint has dried and put up the curtains. Your furniture will arrive tomorrow,” she says "And then I have to go shopping, Valentine's Day is approaching and Paradise reopens with a big party every year."

“Interesting. I'm sure the party will be great,” I tell her, thinking about what to give her for Valentine's Day.

9

CHARLOTTE

After breakfast, we go shopping. Between hearts and flowers, the car seems ready to explode.

"Hey, Marine!" I call him, throwing him the car keys. "You drive, and be careful, I don't want any scratches on my Quixie."

"I'm a perfect driver," he says, smiling as we get into the car.

Mom keeps calling. What the hell does she want now? She hasn't called in four years and I don't want to talk to her now, so I set down the phone.

"If you answer, she won't bother you anymore,” he suggests.

"It's just my mother, but I don't really want to talk to her."

"Maybe it's something important."

"Duh ... you're annoying when you're right."

"And that's why you adore me!" he teases.

"Yes, that’s true,” I say while the phone is still ringing. The good and bad thing about Bluetooth is that the call appears on the car's display, too. Before I can't put it down again, Dylan swipes the answer button and gets a killing look from me.

"Hi, Mom. What's up?"

"Finally, you answered. You're the same spoiled, stupid little girl,” says my mother.

"Hello to you too, Mom. What do you need?"

"Your father is in the hospital. He has had a heart attack and is in the operating room."

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