Page 64 of Enemy Ex's Secret Baby

“I know you’re not.”

“I’m a mom now.”

I smile, thinking of Stella. As if I haven’t considered her as part of the whole thing. “I know that, Gillian.”

“So, it’d be crazy to think that we could have anything like we had back then because–”

“I’m not asking for what we had back then. I was a selfish and immature brat who didn’t know how to talk about his emotions, so I ended up hurting the only girl I ever–” I choke back the word “loved”. Too soon. Not sure if I’m ready for that word to slip out of my mouth. “…ever cared about.”

Gillian doesn’t say anything, but she doesn’t have to. Her expression says everything. Sweet smile, eyes only for me.

“I’ve watched you grow up. It’s my fault it was from afar. But I want to be a part of your life from now on, the way I’ve always wanted to be.”

Though her smile grows, more tears stream down her cheeks.

“Is that crazy?”

Gillian grabs my face and kisses me. Her lips are planted to mine, ready to take root. I slide my hands around her waist. That’s where she’s always been meant to be, in my arms like this. After a long kiss, she pulls away. “Yes, it’s crazy.”

I laugh. “Oh, damn.”

She kisses me again and leans her forehead against mine. “And I feel the same way.”

Even though she’s just kissed me, I can barely believe she’s said it. That she’s willing to go there with me after everything I’ve done to her. Gillian Solace is an amazing woman, willing to give up the tension of seven years, anger, frustration, betrayal, and give me a chance. “Really?”

Gillian nods. “Yes, really.”

I run my fingers through her dirty blonde hair. I can hardly believe I’m standing with her here in the dark having just poured my soul out to her. After all these years, it feels like the greatest weight has been lifted off my back.

From her place in my arms, Gillian takes the glass of water and sips. “I really need this now.”

“Me too.”

She places it against my lips and tips it back. I drink from it, relishing her giggle. A little water dribbles out on my chin. “Careful,” I gurgle.

Gillian wipes off my chin with her finger, so tenderly I feel faint. “Don’t change your mind on me now, okay?”

“No way. Now that you’re right here…never letting you go, Gill.”

She kisses my cheek and then burrows her head in my neck. We stand like this for a long time. The reality is setting in that we are…I guess we’re together now. It’s the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had. My only regret is I waited this long to let it happen.

“We’ll have to tell Stella eventually,” she says. “And what she thinks and wants is most important to me, so–”

“Something tells me I’m not going to have to worry about Stella liking having me around,” I say. “It’s my sister I’m worried about.”

Gillian groans into my neck. “Why are you bringing Lola up at a time like this?”

“Because she’s part of the reason it’s taken us this long to do this in the first place?”

Gillian smiles sneakily. “Do what?”

“You know.”

“Say it.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop smiling. “Get together…”

Then she squeals. “Yes! Oh, that sounds so good. I love when you say it.” She peppers my face with kisses. “Axel and Gillian sitting in a tree…”

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