Your Forever Love (The Bennett Family 3)

“Yeah, we’re leaving now,” Summer says.

All I can do is nod, and the two of them leave.

***

Eric walks into the living room, and as I take in his appearance, my heart soars and dips at the same time. He looks pale. I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep last night.

“I wasn’t expecting you.” I don’t move away from the couch, feeling a chill creep in to my veins.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let you leave yesterday.” Sitting next to me, he reaches for my hands, but I keep them in my lap, shaking my head.

“You pushed me away.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. Being in the hospital and seeing my daughter in that bed brought back ugly memories.”

“Eric. Why are you here?” My throat tightens as I keep my eyes on my fingers, unable to meet his gaze.

“Not to say good-bye.”

A wave of tension bleeds away from my body, like a poison being sucked out. His words are like a balm.

“I wasn’t thinking straight yesterday. I kept replaying in my mind the night of Sarah and Julie’s accident. Just being in that waiting room knowing my daughter was hurt felt like a nightmare. I was scared. But that was no excuse for being an ass to you and to your mom. I snapped at her when I picked Julie up. I called her on my way here and apologized. Julie and I are here to stay, Pippa. I love you, and I don’t want to be somewhere you’re not.”

I hug him wordlessly. He wraps his arms around my waist, keeping them there.

Pulling my head back a notch, I look up at him. “But Julie’s school—”

“I talked to her, and she wants to go to the same school as your cousins’ daughters.” Cupping my cheek, he adds, “Let’s talk about us right now.”

“But your company, and—”

“Pippa, relax. I’m taking care of everything.”

“And you’ll be happy if you move?” I ask.

“I’ll be the happiest man alive having you by my side. Back at the hospital, I chose to let fear dictate my actions. I chose fear. I won’t do that again. I choose you.”

The air between us charges with the weight of his words. He laid himself bare for me. I decide to do the same.

“I have something to tell you. It might scare you,” I say, then choke up and am unable to utter any words. Unsure how to break the news to him, I take his hand and put it on my belly.

Eric’s eyes slowly widen with understanding and excitement. “You’re pregnant?”

I nod feverishly, and my heart seems to have grown twice in size. “Yes. I found out yesterday. My doctor called me after I left the hospital.”

Without notice, Eric pulls me onto his lap, kissing me senseless. Feeling his mouth on mine is like taking a much needed breath of fresh air.

“You should’ve told me the second I walked in,” he whispers, covering my cheek and my neck with kisses, his hand still on my belly.

“I was afraid you’d think I wanted to trap you,” I say in a small voice.

“Oh, you can trap me all you want, love, especially between your thighs.”

I attempt to chuckle, but it doesn’t come out right.

“I’d never think that. I love you, Pippa Bennett. Whatever happens, never forget that. I know you’ve been hurt and disappointed before, but that’s not going to happen again. Not because of me. In fact, I’m going to make sure no one else does either. Once you’re my wife, I’ll have an official license to make sure no one harms you again.”

“Was that supposed to be a marriage proposal?” My hands tighten on his shoulders, but my heart flips in my chest.