Page 69 of Maxwell

Hilda nodded shyly. "My therapist encourages me to do so and I’m quite enjoying it." She poured lemonade into the glasses. "Maxwell tells me you’re pregnant."

"We are." She slid him a smile as she reached for her glass. "Going on two months, and fingers crossed, I’m hoping that the worst is behind us. I was hospitalized for a week due to a very bad bout of nausea."

"I’ll take that." Maxwell picked up the bowl filled with all types of fruit and started to pile some on a plate for Alessia. "She’s off grapes and strawberries." He explained.

"You’re so little." Hilda blurted out.

"Hilda-"

"Darling, it's fine." She touched his arm briefly. "Maxwell is still sensitive because I lost so much weight in such a short space of time. He’s trying to fix that by plying me with enough food to sink a ship."

"I’m just looking out for you." He muttered as he reached for a tiny sandwich. "We also have some more good news. We’re getting married in August. The date has already been set and we’d like you to come. The information will be sent to you and a car will be made available to you for that day."

The woman's face flowed with pleasure and there was a suspicious hint of tears in her eyes. "I’m honored to be invited."

"Of course you’re invited." Reaching across the table, Alessia squeezed her hand in understanding. "You’re family."

"My nephew has found a very good woman in you."

"And I have found the best man in him."

*****

"She loves you." Alessia told him as they made their way back to her house.

"What?" He made the turn before glancing at her, noticing how relaxed she was.

"Your aunt. She loves you."

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"It's plain to see. She stares at you when she thinks you’re not looking and she’s proud of you. Why do you call her Hilda?"

"Because that's her name." He gave her an amused look.

"You know what I meant. You don’t call her aunt."

"I hardly know her."

"Maxwell!"

He gave an irritated shrug. "I don’t get close to people. Except you."

"Because of your past." His muscles flexed when she laid a hand on his thigh. "I feel privileged knowing how much you love me."

"I do love you."

"Your aunt loves you a lot. Perhaps, in time, you’ll return her love?"

He looked at her. "Why do I get the feeling you’re going to hound me until I do?"

"Because you know and love me so well." She told him with an impish smile.

Chapter 15

"Why is this happening to her again?"

"I explained to you that there’s a chance she might end up here again. It isn’t as bad as it was before, so we’re just taking precautions. Her blood pressure is high because of the nausea. This stay won’t be as long as last time. We’re just taking precautions." He repeated.

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