“Thanks,” she said, putting it over her. He went into the kitchen and poured some soup in a bowl. He texted Liam to come and check her over. He was getting worried about her health. She needed him and he was going to be there for her. She could try to push him away, but he was not going to budge. He had avoided feeling anything for so many years. Now that he opened up his heart, it was like a flood had washed over him. He felt sorrow, regret, love, and hope. Hope that he hadn’t messed up so much that Faith would never forgive him. He loved her and he wished he could go back to that first date. He would do it right this time. He would shower her with attention.
He went back into the living room and she was staring into the fire looking so lost and alone.
How was he going to convince her he meant it when he said he loved her? He had already gone to the cemetery to say his final good-bye to Josie. He was ready to let go of the past and move forward with his life. He had to find a way to convince Faith. He got the feeling it was going to be a long road.
Chapter 14
Faith sat still while Adam’s brother listened to her breathing.
“You have a fever, Faith, but your lungs are clear,” he pronounced, putting his equipment back in the bag. “Your blood pressure is up, but after what happened tonight that is understandable.”
“The soup helped. Mostly I’m just tired,” she told him. “It’s been a rough week. Scratch that, it’s been a rough month.”
Liam gave her a gentle look filled with kindness. He had just gotten home from work. “I know. Call your doctor in the morning and see what he says. In the meantime, all you need is a good night’s rest.”
She nodded and he got up, leaving her alone with his brother. The silence was filled with awkwardness, and Faith wasn’t sure what to say to Adam. She felt awkward being in his house. The living room was cozy. A big-screen TV was the centerpiece of the room. The couch was a soft brown filled with many pillows.
Faith looked at Adam, who was just sitting next to her, watching her quietly. “Thank you for rescuing me. You shouldn’t have told Nina you were the father. She loves to spread gossip. It’s going to be all over town by morning.”
He moved a strand of hair and put it behind her ear. She felt her cheeks warm up, but hopefully he would put it down to the fever.
“I don’t give a flip who Nina tells. I will not hide the fact that this baby is mine.”
Faith tried to smile but it felt wobbly. She was so emotional these days and she didn’t like it. She wasn’t sure how to respond to his statement, so she stayed silent. At least he wanted the baby.
“Let’s relax and watch a movie together,” he suggested, fixing the blanket over her. “You are staying here. Noah’s room is empty and it is silly to stay in your cold office. Tomorrow you call your doctor. Hopefully it is a simple cold that will run its course.”
“I didn’t want to make you the object of gossip if people find out I am staying here with you. This is a small town,” she explained. “We’re barely even friends. What will people say?”
“Whatever they want. That means nothing to me.” He scooted closer until there was no space between them. He kissed the top of her head and pulled her close to him. It felt good to lean on him even for a moment. “It’s my fault we are not friends. I owe you so many apologies that I don’t know where to start. I want us to be friends.”
“For the baby’s sake,” she said sadly, accepting that. “I guess we should.”
“I know that is all you will accept for now.” He sounded tired. “I should have done everything differently, so I know the blame lies on my shoulders for the way we are. I fought my feelings for you, Faith, and I hurt you in the process. I was an ass.”
“Yes you were,” she said simply. He was or he had been? At least he was trying to be nice to her now. She couldn’t wish for more. Well she could, but it would be pointless. She didn’t want to come second to a ghost.
He chuckled and she felt his body vibrate with laughter. “God I love your bluntness, Faith. It is so refreshing.”
If only he could love her. She sighed loudly. “I found a few houses to look at. I won’t be in your hair long, Adam.”
“I will enjoy having you here. I want us to talk and get to know each other,” he insisted.
She gave him a curious look. “Why? Won’t that mess up your game with your lady friends?”
“I don’t have any lady friends. There has been no one but you in months,” he said honestly, and she could hear his sincerity. “I have been in love with you for a long time. Making love with you only cemented it, but I was too scared to admit it to myself or to you. I will always regret that and the way I acted when you told me the news about the baby. I ruined what should have been a happy memory.”
He didn’t love her, he just had a scare. It would pass, she was sure of it. “At least you want the baby now. She is innocent in this mess we made. I want her to feel loved, Adam. I don’t want her to always look in the mirror trying to figure out why she is unlovable.”
“Oh, sweetheart. You are so loveable. You are bright and so beautiful my heart aches just looking at you.” His voice broke with emotion. “You have a great sense of humor and a big heart.”
“I was talking about the baby,” she cried, wiping the tears from her eyes. If she was so loveable, why didn’t he love her?
“I’m tired. Maybe you should show me to Noah’s room.” She didn’t want to watch a movie with him. She didn’t want to pretend everything was okay.
He stood up and pulled her with him. He led her down a hallway and opened a door. The room was dark, so he turned the light on. A huge bed was placed against the wall. A dresser with a TV was against the opposite wall. Otherwise it was blank.