Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 51525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51525 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
“What’d he do?”
“He killed himself to be with her, and when he died, his Lyra was placed in the stars by Zeus.”
“Fuck,” I hiss, feeling my chest tighten. “You’re still in love with him.”
“What?” she asks, and I look down at her, seeing her brows draw together.
“You’re still in love with him.”
“In love with who?” she asks, sounding confused.
“Gabe.”
Her eyes soften and her face comes closer to mine. “I love him.” She moves her hand up, cupping my jaw. “I will always love him, but I’m not in love with him, Denver. He’s not here. He hasn’t been here for a long time and he’s not coming back.” She looks away for a moment. “I named her Lyra, because I thought the way Orpheus loved Eurydice was beautiful, and because from the moment I found out I was pregnant with her, I knew I would do everything within my power to keep her with me, to keep her safe, and to always protect her.” She rests her head on my shoulder once more. “You know my mom’s and my relationship isn’t good. I never want to be like her, and I never want Ly to feel like I feel to this day.”
“What do you mean?” I prompt. I know all about her mom. I know she’s hurt both of her kids by not being around, but Bre has never spoken to me about her relationship with her mother.
“I don’t know if my mom loves me. She’s never really shown me she does. I mean, I’m sure she does in her own way, but it’s not enough.”
“You’re nothing like your mom, baby.”
“I know, but I don’t want to be like her ever. One thing that worries me….” Her words taper off and her body fills with tension.
“One thing that worries you?” I question softly, looking down at her and seeing her eyes close. “Tell me.”
Her eyes open to meet mine. “One of the reasons I’ve been trying to stay away from you, is because I worry I’ll get so wrapped up in you that I’ll neglect Ly the way my mom has neglected me when she finds a man. And that scares me.”
“That would never happen.” I place my thumb over her lips when she starts to open her mouth. “And before you say I don’t know it won’t, I do. I’ve never seen a mom more devoted to a child than you are to her. Yes, I want all of you, every part of you, but with you comes Lyra. I want us to build on what we already have. I want to be a family. I want the three of us to be a family. Lyra is important to me. I love her like she’s my own. Since the first time I held her in my arms, I’ve wanted to take care of her and protect her. That isn’t going to change for me, and I know that will never change for you either.”
“You want us to be a family,” she whispers, and I pull her closer.
“I know it’s going to scare you, but I want it all, Bre. I want one day—not tomorrow or the next day—to make you my wife. I want to give Lyra a brother or sister. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making you happy.”
“I hate to say this again, but this is all kinda fast.”
I smile at that and smooth my fingers down her cheek. “We have time, but it’s not fast. Think about the last few years. Think about your feelings for me and my feelings for you. I’ve known what I’ve wanted for a long time. I’ve just been waiting for you to be ready for what I want.”
“And you’re sure about this?”
“Baby, I haven’t been with anyone, even attempted to be with anyone, since the night Gabe called me.”
“What? But I thought—”
“No one,” I cut her off. “My parents know. Your family knows. Hell, everyone in town probably knows it’s you and only you for me.”
“I think I’m going to cry.” Tears start to fill her eyes, so I tuck her face against my chest.
“There is nothing to cry about, but like I said, I’ve known it’s you for me. I know you think this is fast, but I’m telling you I don’t think it’s fast enough.” I kiss the top of her head and close my eyes, relishing the feeling of having her in my arms, right where she was meant to be.
Chapter 8
_______________
Aubrey
WITH A SENSE OF DÉJÀ VU I wake up to the smell of the ocean, the sound of waves lapping against the side of the boat, and the feel of the rise and fall of the chest under mine. Unlike the last time I woke up in this exact position, I feel nothing but contentment.