Page 97 of Mile High Baby

I nodded, relieved that he understood.

"I wanted a life of adventure and no strings, but then I met this smart, feisty, kickass, sexy woman on an airplane, and she's turned my world upside down. She's brave too, because she told me she loved me and was having my child knowing that I would reject her. That guy is such a fucking asshole."

I let out a laugh and could feel tears coming again, but this time they were happy ones.

"Both Dax and Henry said things to me that helped me realize what I really want." He shook his head. "That's not true. I knew what I wanted. I wanted you. I just was afraid to ask for it. Afraid for me, but also not wanting to fuck up things for you and Henry. I don't know, maybe they're all just excuses. I know I'm not worthy of you. I’ll be honest, Victoria, I don’t know if I can make you happy or the baby happy, but I want to try. For me, not Henry. If you still love me and will forgive me.”

I sniffled, giving up on controlling the happy tears. "You’re a big galoot sometimes. Did you know that?"

His lips twitched up. "Galoot. Does that mean charming and sexy?"

“Not usually, but in your case, yes.” I squeezed his hand. “I love you, Alex, and I forgive you. Do you forgive me? All this pain you’re in, it’s all my fault."

“We stopped him, though. You and your dad are safe. I’d die to make that happen, so this little bit of excruciating pain, I can deal with.”

His words didn’t alleviate my guilt. I vowed I’d take care of him, help him be as strong as before.

“You’re my hero.”

He snorted.

I leaned closer to him, wanting to kiss him senseless but not wanting to hurt him. "Can we kiss and make up?"

He nodded. "It will hurt, but it will be worth it."

As gently as I could, I brushed my lips over his. He let out a long exhale, and I could feel his body relax. I settled in next to him, careful not to bump his injuries.

We sat in silence for long moments, so long that I wondered if he'd fallen asleep. But then he said, "Do you think our kid will like to hike?"

The dream I'd had earlier came back to me. "I'm sure he will."

For the first few days,I cared for Alex twenty-four, seven. He joked that it was preparation for when he was old and infirm. He continuously reminded me that when I was his age, he’d be seventy.

“And you’ll still be a charming, sexy galoot.”

For the most part, we were in our bubble again. Alex would rest and I’d work. Then I’d make dinner, and we’d watch a movie or a show about exotic places on Earth. While he received a few calls, no one came to visit. I talked to my father and invited him over, but he declined. He said he was happy if I was but that he still wasn’t ready to see me as Alex’s partner. I was grateful that he was coming around. I hoped that by the time I told him about the baby, he’d be ready to give us his blessing.

I'd arranged for some in-home healthcare that came and checked on Alex’s progress and gave him exercises and a routine to help him get back on his feet. Three weeks later, he seemed almost his usual self. His ribs were still sore and his hand wasn't fully healed, but he was moving about normally, mostly without pain.

He finally made his way to the office, saying he needed to talk to his colleagues and his boss about going back to work. When he was gone, I wondered what would happen. His work was in London and mine was here, although it could be there. Would he want me to come?

Yes. Everything he’d said since he showed up on my doorstep suggested he would. But we didn’t talk about the future. We talked about our days. We talked about the baby in vague, futuristic terms. But we didn’t plan a future.

Instead of worrying about it, I buried myself in my own work, catching up on tasks I’d fallen behind on during the whole Pitney ordeal.

He returned midafternoon, poking his head in my office. “Got time for a break?”

“For you, absolutely.”

He took my hand and led me to the bedroom. He put his arms around me, and I immediately felt his hard length. It was the first time I’d felt it since before I’d returned to my father’s when I thought we were done.

“Hmm... are you sure you’re up for this?”

“Don’t I feel up?” He buried his face in my neck, kissing me, sending delicious chills along my skin.

“Yes.”

“I do want to talk to you. I have an opportunity to stay in New York. To run the office here, and Elliott will go to London.”