Page 162 of A Second Dawn
“When you were gone, it felt like a part of my soul was ripped out. Every day without you seemed bleak. I was scared… really scared for the first time in my life.
“My father had a decade with my mother. If I felt like this after only a few weeks, how much would it tear me apart after years together, should I ever lose you?”
I shift so that I can look into my angel’s eyes. They brim with love.
“But still, Ella. I want to be with you… every single day of my life. A life without you is unimaginable.”
My eyes bounce between hers. I want her to understand how much she means to me, that my love for her is true and deep… that I was made just for her.
Her breath feathers my skin as I trace my lips along her jaw. My heart beats at a wild rhythm when I reach her mouth and claim it as mine. Tongues stroking, I drown in her, never wanting to come up for air.
She kisses me back with the same hunger, a whimper escaping her throat and going straight to my cock. It grows to hard wood in my jeans. Arching her back, she presses closer.
My need for her escalates. I want her naked and beneath me… but not here. And not until we know that Ella and the baby are okay.
With monumental effort, I pull away from her, breathing hard. Ella rests her forehead against my chin as she pants for air too.
“I’m so sorry I’ve hurt you,” she whispers. “That was never my intention. It tore me apart seeing you at the train station looking so forlorn.”
It was one of the darkest days of my life, and I want to forget about it for all of eternity.
“We’re together now. That’s all that matters. Unlike my father after my mom’s passing, I had hope.
“Hope to find you again. Hope to fix whatever made you run. Hope that we’d be together once more. That kept me going.”
She snuggles deeper into me and my arms tighten around her.
As imperfect as this setting is, this right here is perfection.
Ella lies on the examination table, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she clutches my hand tightly. Her fingers are cold, and I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“The baby’s gonna be fine. I can sense it,” I murmur, hoping my voice brings her some comfort and praying my gut instinct is right and the fall didn’t harm the precious life growing inside her.
Ella’s pulse is racing beneath my fingertips, and I rub her arm soothingly with my free hand.
We’re in the dimly lit obstetrician’s office. Anticipation and nerves course through me like an electric current.
We’re going to see our child for the first time. The thought sets off a strange sensation in my stomach.
This right here seemed impossible only a few days ago when Ella was still missing. Knowing she was pregnant with my child, but beyond my reach, drove me crazy. And now everything is falling into place.
I have her back, she’s giving us another chance, and, God willing, we still have our first baby on the way. I can’t wait to meet him.
An unfamiliar happiness spreads to every fibre of my being. This sounds strange, especially coming from me, but I feel like I’m glowing with it.
And it’s all because of her—my angel.
I bring Ella’s hands to my lips and press a gentle kiss to each fingertip. I smile at her as the ultrasound machine comes to life, the soft hum filling the room.
Dr. Barns, the obstetrician, preps the equipment. I steal a glance at Ella, her face a mix of apprehension and hope. Her vulnerability tugs at my heart, and I wish I could ease every single one of her worries.
“Alright, Ella,” Dr. Barns’ voice breaks the silence. “We’re ready to begin.”
She applies gel to Ella’s abdomen, and I watch with bated breath as the doctor maneuvers the ultrasound probe. The screen comes to life, displaying a blurry image that gradually sharpens.
And there it is—the tiny, flickering heartbeat of our baby.
This small, rhythmic beat is testament to our love made tangible.