“I don’t know.”Her shoulders fell as she exhaled.“It just feels like I would be taking advantage of you, and I don’t want to do that.It would be different if we were—”
She stopped, not finishing the sentence we both knew was coming.It would be different if we were married or if I were the baby’s father.But I wasn’t.I was just the guy who had taken her in when she needed it and fallen in love with her.
“I know that things between us have moved rather fast,” I said quickly, not allowing myself time to reconsider what I was about to say.“But true love doesn’t come with requirements.My loving you after two weeks is no different than me loving you after two years.The only thing that matters is that I fell in love with you, and that love is enough to justify me doing whatever I need to make sure you have what you need.”
She smiled softly as she listened.
“It also means thatifsomething happened to you, I would take this baby and raise her as my own.I would make sure she knew everything she could about the incredible, brave woman her mother was who fought to bring her into this world.I would make sure she never wanted for anything in her life, Charlie.I would die fighting to protect her.So please, do not worry yourself over what would happen to her if you weren’t here.You have a family here in Nowhere, whether you want it or not, and that family would burn the world down for you and this sweet baby girl.”
Twenty-Two
Charlie
Hearing Axel talk abouthow much he loved me and this baby and what he was willing to sacrifice for us left me feeling things I never thought I would feel.When Jason and I got married, I thought I had found true love.Little did I know that my love story would truly begin with a man I had no right to want who was hellbent on protecting me from my husband.
He seemed reluctant to leave my side after the nightmare I had last night, so I took a quick shower, put on my comfiest outfit, and went downstairs with him while he made breakfast.I sat up front at my favorite table, watching TV when Ashley and Lainy showed up for their shift.The blinds were all open, letting the sunlight in, which was a welcome treat given this was the first day since I’d been in Nowhere where it hadn’t been snowing.
I had been feeling more restless than normal lately and couldn’t put my finger on why.It was possible that it was because of how far I was in my pregnancy, andeverythingmade me uncomfortable and restless right now.Or it could be because I had left a big city and was stuck in a small town where there hadn’t been a single ray of sunshine in the weeks I had been there.
I got up and walked over to the window, looking outside as I felt the warmth of the sun against my face through the glass.Maybe if it got warm enough today, I could go outside and get some fresh air.I knew there was still plenty of ice buried under the fresh layer of snow, but I didn’t care.I needed some sunshine and to feel like I wasn’t stuck in a bottle with no way out.
Soft music floated through the doors of the kitchen as Axel came out, carrying two plates of food with him.I turned and headed to the table as I felt his eyes on me.
“It looks like it’s going to be a nice day out,” I said as I sat down and took a deep breath, inhaling the delicious smell of the biscuits and gravy in front of me.“I was thinking about spending some time outside and enjoying some sunshine.”
“The forecast said it should be clear skies today,” Axel replied as he cut a piece of sausage with his fork.“If you’d like, we can head into town and do some shopping.I’m sure there are things you’d like to have for the baby that I missed.”
“Town?”I questioned as I took a bite.
“Timber Falls.It’s the next town over and much bigger than ours.It also has a nice hospital we can check out if you want to, just to see what it’s like.”
I pulled my head back in surprise and stared at him.Not only had he listened when I told him what was worrying me, but he was also ready to take action and eliminate as many of those fears as he could.
“I would really love that.Thank you.”
My heart swelled at the realization that this man truly would do anything for me.