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CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

I should protest as he carries me into the room he’s been staying in, after wrapping my body in a plush towel. But why would I, when I’m exactly where I want to be?

Besides, I can’t stop thinking about what he said:

"Didn’t you hear me when I said I never left that house, or that weekend, Alexis?

There’s no other woman I want. It’s only you. It’ll always be you."

LJ could have any woman he wants. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t think having a child out of marriage is the end of the world—and still, he keeps repeating how much he wants both of us: me and Sedric.

Maybe, to most people, that wouldn’t mean much.

But I’m not most people.

I’m a woman who, despite being terrified of getting hurt again, desperately wants the chance to build a family with the man I know will always own my heart.

"I want you to meet my parents," he says, after stripping without shame in front of me, his cock still semi-hard, and pulling on a clean pair of boxer briefs before lying down beside me.

The idea of meeting his family doesn’t sit well with me, and I can’t hide the grimace that crosses my face. But then I remember what he told me—that his father had a heart attack when he found out about Jodie’s death, and about the unborn grandson he lost.

"Do they know about Sedric?" I ask in a low voice.

"No. Only Seth knows about our son."

Our son.

God, I’m so screwed.

Just hearing the proud way he says it is enough to warm my heart.

"Why didn’t you tell them?"

"They know you exist. When Jodie died, I explained that my relationship with her had ended for good—and that I’d met someone else. When you came back into my life a couple of months ago, I told them we were together again."

"But we weren’t . . ."

"We always were, Alexis."

I don’t protest. It’s childish and pointless. If I want to give us a real second chance, then titles and labels don’t matter.

"But you didn’t mention Sedric."

"No. I wouldn’t do that behind your back. They’d want to meet him immediately."

"I’m not ready to face them yet. Can you give me a little more time?"

"How much time?"

"Until I’m officially cleared by my doctors. I don’t want to meet them while I’m still feeling fragile—I want to face them on an equal footing."

"My parents aren’t monsters, Alexis. Our family has a toxic streak"—he pauses—"a very toxic streak, to be honest, and flaws like any human. But still, we’re a family—for better or worse."

"I don’t doubt that, and I’m not judging them, LJ, but either way, I need to be prepared. I’d also have to face your sister—and that thought really doesn’t thrill me."

"I haven’t spoken to Lois yet because I don’t want to do it over the phone. Since I kicked her out of the hospital?—"

"You did that?"

"I did. As I was saying, ever since I threw her out, she ran off to Europe on an extended vacation and is avoiding facing me."

"Very mature."

"Yeah. But she can’t run forever. Eventually, she’ll be in front of me, and I’ll tell her exactly what I think."

"I don’t think I’ll ever be able to like her, LJ. I’m not someone who forgives easily."

"You forgave me."

"I did. But I fought a full-blown war inside myself first."

"And how did I win?"

"Because even though I’m the most terrified woman you’ve ever met, I’m also the biggest dreamer. I want you. I want the three of us."

He leans over me, and a shiver runs down my spine at the intensity in his eyes. "I’m never letting you go."

"Once, I asked you not to make a promise. You did—and you broke it."

"This isn’t a promise. It’s a bond—a commitment. You’re mine forever, Alexis."

A few days later

"He’s the most beautiful child in the world," says my brother-in-law’s girlfriend— Brother-in-law? Yeah, Seth is practically my brother-in-law —while my son does his usual show, delighted to be the center of attention.

Even so, just like I predicted, he wouldn’t go to either Seth or his girlfriend. Instead, he threw his chubby arms around his father’s neck and buried his face in LJ’s chest.

I wish I’d taken a photo of LJ’s face in that moment—the undeniable joy when his son sought comfort in him.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the wave of emotion I feel watching the love between them. Maybe it hits me so hard because I never got the chance to meet my own father.

"Yes, he is," I reply, fully embracing my mom-pride—and I hear both Seth and my boyfriend laugh.

"Brother, can I talk to you for a second?" Seth asks, and LJ hesitates, unsure about leaving me and the baby.

The feminist in me should be yelling that we’re perfectly capable of being alone—but the woman in love feels her heart beat faster, and I nod, telling him it’s fine.

Lazarus

"What’s wrong?" I ask as soon as we reach the balcony of his apartment.

"How do you know something’s wrong?"

"Because I’m your older brother—and I know you."

"It’s about Jodie," he starts, his face tightening with distaste. "But before I bring her up, let me just say how happy I am to see you and the mother of your child working things out."

I place both hands on the railing and stare out ahead. "There’s still a lot we have to sort through. I hurt her deeply, and Alexis still doesn’t trust me."

"And do you trust her? She kept Sedric from us."

"You know me, Seth. My first reaction was pure fury. But then . . . I put myself in her shoes."

"I never thought you were capable of empathy."

"Me neither. But this isn’t just anyone we’re talking about—it’s the love of my life."

I see his eyes widen—and even I’m taken aback by the weight of that declaration. But in the very next second, I realize it’s simply the truth.

Alexis is the love of my life.

People might call what I feel love—because there’s no stronger word—but I’m not sure it fits. I don’t think there’s a single emotion in existence that fully captures what she makes me feel.

Ever since she moved into my room a few nights ago, I’ve spent most of each night watching her sleep—as if she might vanish at any second. Nothing compares to the way I feel when she wakes up smiling in my arms.

"You love her," he says.

"I don’t care about labels. She’s mine, and I’m hers. There’s no greater certainty than that."

"Then now more than ever, I need to tell you what I found out."

"What is it?"

"I ran into Sheila Walton at a party last week."

"The woman who hates me."

"Yes. Jodie’s sister. And like any Walton, she pretty much hates the whole world. What I’m trying to tell you is—she seemed uncomfortable. I didn’t go up to her. I haven’t forgiven her for what she said to you at the hospital."

"How’d you know?"

"Mom was arriving and overheard. Our families don’t talk anymore."

"I didn’t know."

"How could you? You cut everyone off. Anyway, Sheila came over and said she found one of Jodie’s journals."

"What?"

"She read it—and found out you weren’t the father of the baby her sister was carrying."

I hear a sound behind me and turn.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop," Alexis says as she approaches.

She looks embarrassed—so I offer her my hand and pull her into my arms. "You heard what my brother said?"

"Yes. And I’m still in shock. So . . . your ex wanted you to raise another man’s child."

"That’s right," Seth answers. "The journal didn’t mention the real father’s name—but she wrote that her life would be ruined if LJ didn’t marry her."

"Because of her reputation? My God—single mothers raise their kids just fine."

"You’re an innocent angel, Alexis," my brother says. "Our world is filled with cruel, vindictive people."

"Still . . . from everything I’ve heard, her actions were extreme," Alexis says.

"Anyway, Sheila would like to talk to you," Seth adds, looking at me.

"There’s nothing to talk about. That day at the hospital, she let it all out when she blamed me for their deaths. I took it—I accepted what she said. I don’t want her apologies. All I want is to stay far away from that family."