Corban wraps me securely in his arms, not saying anything because words are not what I need at the moment. I need him to be here with me, just him.

We lay here in silence, his hands lightly gliding over my body, sending shivers down my spine.

“Let’s forget about everything but us at the moment. Let’s think about what’s going on in here.” He gently places his hand over my lower abdomen, giving it a soft rub which brings a smile to my lips. “Now there’s the bright smile I know and love.”

“It’s crazy to think we’re going to be parents.” I grin.

“I just hope they aren’t girls, because seriously, girls are trouble,” he laughs, placing a warm kiss on my lips. His kisses make my emotions swell because he fills my heart with so much genuine joy.

“So when are we going to tell your parents? We need to tell them before Rachel gets to them first.”

Corban laughs, he knows his sister well. “I’ll ring Mom tomorrow and we can go over together after work.”

“Sounds good.” I smile.

His lips connect with my mine and the heat of the kiss is liquefying. I wrap my arms around his neck, as awkward as it is with a heavy cast wrapped around my arm. I still can’t believe I was that stupid and fell. In a way, it’s kind of a blessing in disguise since we found out that we are expecting, so it all worked out. Now I’ve just got to put up with the silly cast for the next few weeks, although I don’t think it’s going to deter Corban from getting what he wants.

As his hands explore my body, I revel in his touch which ignites my inner fire. With our lips connecting and our bodies tangling with each other’s, I am in the place I would never want to leave, Corban’s arms. He’s my security, my rock, and I never want to be apart from him.

After a busy day at the office, we’re on our way to Corban’s parents’ place to give them our exciting news. Corban came to me today in between meetings and informed me that it seems Rachel may have already gotten to his parents. When I asked her, she innocently declined. She said nothing, but the little smile she had was one that spoke a thousand words. After a lot more pushing from my side, and a threat that she won’t be allowed to come to the next scan, she caved, finally admitting that she didn’t tell them everything and that she only said we had some special news for them.

At least she didn’t give away our little secret. Otherwise, she would’ve had Corban and me angry with her. So now her parents have turned this whole thing into something it doesn’t need to be. Corban told me that Athena is bringing her new boyfriend tonight. I’m looking forward to meeting him since she’s kept him to herself lately and wouldn’t even give us his name. She’s a very secretive woman, and I can’t say that she’s a close friend of mine, but I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and start to put a little trust in her since she will be an auntie to our babies. My only hope is she snaps out of her immature bitchiness. And, of course, Rachel and Axel will be there as well.

I know I should be more understanding, but I don’t know how Abby could shut me out of her life for three years. Then when Blake decides it’s time for her to come out of hiding, she comes and in turn puts myself, Corban, and my children in danger. Not that I knew about the babies, but now I do. I’m apprehensive about what Jacob could be up to.

I didn’t get flowers today, which really surprised me since I’ve been getting them daily, but Blake informed me that there was a bunch sent to my apartment addressed to Abby. It was a bunch of red and black roses, I don’t know what that means, but I think he’s just twisting her head and trying to make her feel uneasy. I’d hate for anything to happen to her or Katie, especially since I’ve only just got them back into my life. Blake is moving them tonight into the apartment that Corban offered. I hope that they make it there okay and that it’s a safe place for them right now.

“You look deep in thought,” Corban says bringing me back to the present.

“Yeah, I’ve got a lot going on.” I release a sigh. “I hope Abby and Katie are safe.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. I doubt Blake would let anything happen to either of them especially now that he knows Katie is his.”

“It feels like I’ve only just got Abby back, and now I can’t even relish in that moment because it’s tainted by the same man who forced her away from me in the first place. I can’t believe she actually got away with that whole set up. But now that I think about it, she had Blake on the inside and he most likely oversaw everything.” I’m beginning to feel annoyed at Blake because now knowing what I do, he actually lied to me. “How do I begin to trust him or even her ever again?”

Corban reaches out taking my hand in his, trying to soothe my annoyance.

“Do you think that they would do it all again?”

“I hope not. I don’t think they’d be silly enough to do it again especially since Jacob would most likely know. All I can do is hope not. I don’t even know how my parents are going to react to the news. My Dad is going to hit the roof, and who knows, Mum might pass out or something. This is all so messed up, and now I’ve dragged you and your family along with my friends into it. I feel terrible about this.”

“Hey now, don’t go thinking like that. You and I are a team and it’s not just us we need to think about.” He reaches out placing his hand on my tummy. “I’ll look after us and I’m sure Rach and Flick will be just fine with Axel and Liam. We will all look out for each other because that’s what family does.”

I give him a nod because I don’t trust myself to speak since the lump that’s formed in my throat is clogging my air supply and I just might cry. How did I become so lucky? Going from a random kiss in a nightclub to expecting babies together, it’s all so quick and I’m sure people think I’m the stupidest woman, but when I look at what I have right in front of me, everything is perfect. I’m waiting for that perfect bubble to pop, and the honeymoon period with Corban to be over, which I hope like heck it never is.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Melodi

As we pull up, the nerves kick into overdrive. I know I shouldn’t be nervous, but I don’t want them to think that I planned to fall pregnant to trap their son. I’m sure they wouldn’t think that, but Athena might. I notice her car is here, along with Rachel’s. I already know Rachel is over the moon and excited about becoming an aunt, but I’m not sure how the rest will react.

“Don’t worry, beautiful, they will be thrilled with our news. Trust me, I know Mom is going to be ecstatic,” Corban voices my thoughts. Once again, my emotions must be readable like an open book as he doesn’t miss anything.

“I know, but with something like this I can’t help but worry. Especially about what Athena might think. We have only just sort of connected and I don’t want to ruin that.”

“I’m here for you every step of the way. No matter what anyone says, I love you and these little ones of ours.” He leans over, kissing me lovingly on my lips and lingering for a short time.

Making our way inside, aromas of what’s cooking fills my senses and it smells wonderful. All my senses have become heightened. I’m still waiting for it to take a turn for the worse, but maybe it’s a little early, so I’ll enjoy the good while I still have it.

I hear voices and laughing coming from the kitchen. We make our way there and see Rachel, Athena, and Catherine working together to prepare dinner. I’m really surprised at the one-eighty that Athena has made, and Rachel isn’t even biting at her.

Have I stepped into another world?

“Hey, everyone,” Corban announces.

They turn and all their eyes light up, especially Catherine’s. Yep, she knows.