I hear music playing, Lonestar Amazed – My man is such a softie!
Tristan surprises me by lifting me up into his arms and swinging me around, then dancing me around the room – singing the words of the song to me, making me swoon up at him – I still can’t quite believe he is mine, that I’m married to such a wonderful man.
When the song ends he leans down and kisses me softly, smiling against my lips.
“Hot chocolate?” He questions again, his eyebrows pulling together, but his eyes are crinkling sweetly.
“Yes,” I whisper, kissing him back. I can't help chuckling as he winks at me then heads in to the kitchen – The man’s definitely still got it!
I turn around and see the fire is blasting and the Christmas tree is twinkling sweetly. Dillon and Edith are in the kitchen, cooking something up for tea tonight. When Dillon saved us from near death, I promised myself I would do everything within my power to help him recover from his injuries. So he came here, and Edith helped me nurse him and Tristan back to full health.
In that time that we spent together, I found out he’d run away from home when he was only thirteen years old, lived on the streets for a while, then found a shelter and eventually got a job, but he was so fucked up with everything that happened to him, that he turned to drink and drugs. Which led to stealing cars to get money for the drugs, which led to a police record and time in prison.
When we met him, he’s been clean for five years, but was struggling with work, but as he reminded me, not many people want to employ ex-convicts. So, after talking to Tristan, we gave him Stuarts job – Sound silly, I know, but I really would trust him with my life, and Tristan’s. And he’s done so well, and he’s so happy, he really feels like part of our family now.
Tristan finds me hanging the coins on the tree.
“Chocolate coins?” He asks, grinning from ear to ear.
“Yes, but you are not allowed to eat them all tonight, ok!” I tease.
Tristan pouts at me, then hands me my hot chocolate. “I have a present for you,” I say.
“You do?” He quizzes.
“Well, it’s not so much as a present, more like...” I shake my head. What the hell am I on about? I place my cup down onto the coffee table, take both his hands and pull him in front of the fire, away from Edith and Dillon, where we are alone and no-one can see us.
“I love you Tristan Freeman. Merry Christmas baby.” I look down, lift up my top and place his right hand on my belly, then I slowly look up at him through my lashes.
It takes a moment, but then his eyes widen as the penny drops. “Coral!” He gasps. I start laughing at his awed expression. “You’re sure?” He whispers.
“Yes.” I whisper, a few happy tears rolling down my cheeks.
“Oh baby...” Tristan sinks to his knees, pulls up my top further up and plants his lips there, right on my belly. He keeps his hands firmly planted on my hips as he kisses me there several times, then he pulls back and starts talking to Junior – to my belly.
“Now listen here young man...or young lady. We’ll have no bad behaviour, no sleepless nights, and no puking on me or mommy, or there will be trouble!” He kisses me there again, then looks up at me in that way of his, total admiration – then he looks at my belly and continues talking to junior.
“You are going to be so loved. You’re going to have the best mommy in the world, you’ll see when you meet her, she’s amazing. She’s kind and sweet, and funny and strong, and she’ll protect you and love you unconditionally, forever, and so will I.”
I blink back more tears, I feel like I’m in a dream again. I think I may have to pinch myself...
Six Years Later...
I CAN'T HELP MYSELF. I know I shouldn’t, but I love listening when Coral talks to Ethan, our amazing little man. It fills me with such a powerful loving feeling, that I just want to do it again and again. I creep along the hallway, and stop outside his bedroom door. Ethan was five today, I know this is a monumental day to Coral, so much happened to her at that age, and she’s done so well to protect Ethan from any kind of pain, especially in these young, impressionable years.
It was my turn to put Ethan to bed tonight, but Coral insisted she wanted to do it, so I relented, then again I always relent with Coral, whatever she wants, she will always have.
“Mommy, why do you kiss Daddy?”
“Because I love him baby, just like I love you.”
“But you kiss Daddy differently.”
“Yeah, I know, but that’s because we’re grown-ups, and when you grow up you’ll understand that.”
“Lily said she kissed a boy like that and it was all wet and slimy.” I hear Coral snigger, which makes me want to laugh aloud. He’s really going through an inquisitive stage.
“Well, it probably does feel like that when you’re little, but it feels very different when you grow up.”
“Mommy?”
“Yes...”
“Why do mommy’s have boobies and daddies have willies?”
Another snigger. “Well because we’re supposed to be different baby.”
“Why?”
“Ethan!”
“Yes mommy?”
“I love you very much.”
“I love you too.”
“Did you have a nice birthday?”
“Yes.”
“What did you like the most?”
“My chocolate cake.” Typical, loved Coral’s cake, not what I bought him. Makes me smile.
“You didn’t like your electric car that Daddy bought you?”
“Daddy showed me how to drive it, but I want a big car like Daddy’s.”
“Can't have one of those yet baby.”
“I have to be big like Daddy?”
“Yes.”
“Mommy?”
“Yes...”
“Can I have a puppy instead.”
“You want a puppy instead of your car?”
“No mommy, I want to take the puppy in the car.”
“Oh...I see, well, I’ll talk to Daddy ok?”
“Mommy?” I have to go in, she’ll be here all night otherwise.
“What’s all this noise I hear?” I say, walking into his room, Coral looks up at me trying to hide her smile.
“Daddy!” Ethan squeals, reaching up to me. Coral gives me a stern look, I know, I know, I’m waking him back up. I rush over to him and pull him up into my arms, then tickle him.
“What are you still doing up young man?” I say, trying not to laugh.
“Daddy...don’t..” He laughs, wriggling about in his bed.
“You should be asleep.” I scold, but lightly.
“Mommy said I can have a puppy!” He says, his eyes wide with delight. Nice try kid!
“I don't think Mommy said yes.” I say, I feel Coral run her fingers through the back of my hair, it never fails to move me. Just her presence alone moves me. I reach up, take her hand in mine, pull it to my lips and kiss it.
“Daddy?”
“Oh no you don't!” I wag my finger at him. “No more questions from you tonight, you need to sleep now.” I stroke his forehead, and his hair. He’s such a mix of us both. Medium brown hair, green eyes, cheeks that flush, but the best part, is that he has his mother’s smile.
“Shall we read a story?” I ask.
“No, it’s ok Daddy.” He yawns widely. “I’m tired now.”
“Alright, well snuggle up.” I pull the quilt closer to him, and tuck him in either side. Coral is watching us both, I can tell. I reach down and kiss his warm cheek. “Night kiddo, I love you.”
“Love you too Daddy.” He says, his eyes closed as he yawns widely again.
I glance across at Coral, she smiles her shy smile that I utterly adore, and slightly shakes her head.
I watch her lean down and kiss Ethan’s cheek. “Night baby boy. Sweet dreams.”
He yawns again. “Night Mommy...”
We both sit there, watching him fall asleep. When we know he’s drifted
off, I take Coral’s hand and we head out of his room. I pull the door closed behind me, but leave a tiny gap. Ethan is like his mother when he wakes in the night and needs the bathroom – zombie – so he doesn’t do too well with door handles.
Then taking Coral by surprise, I push her up against the wall and press my body against hers. I reach up, and take her face in my hands, it never fails to amaze me that she is mine.
She smiles that shy smile again – It takes my breath away, she’s takes my breath away, in everything that she does.
I lean down, acting as though I’m going to kiss her, but I stop just as our lips are about to touch. Coral arches a brow at me, it makes me smile widely, she smiles back, flashing her perfect teeth.
“I want to tell you something,” I whisper – Don't want to wake the kid up!
“Do you now,” she whispers back, teasing me.
I smile wryly at her. “I think you are the most wonderful mother, wife...lover.” I gently press my lips to hers, because they are just too kissable, I pull back and lean my forehead against hers.
“No man has ever loved a woman as much as I love you.” I tell her, stroking her cheek, gazing at her perfect, fragile features.
Coral reaches up and places her hands on my cheeks. “And no woman has ever loved a man as much as I love you.” She reaches up onto her tip-toes and kisses me, hard.
I lift her up, she wraps her legs around me and we continue into our perfect, blissful little piece of heaven...
THE END...
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for reading...
Forever
With Him
Darkest Fears Trilogy Book Three
I really hoped you enjoyed Coral and Tristan’s love story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Forever With Him - Copyright © 2016 Clair Delaney
The moral rights of the author have been asserted. All characters and events in this e-book other than those clearly in the public domain are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidence - All right reserved. This e-book is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the author, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text, maybe a direct infringement of the authors rights, and those responsible maybe liable in law accordingly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clair Delaney is a former P.A who currently lives in rural Wales. During her early childhood Clair’s favourite author was Roald Dahl, and was (and still is) a huge Disney fan. From a very young age, Clair would always be found drawing pictures and writing an exciting story to go with those picture books. At five years of age she told her mother she wanted to work for Disney, that dream didn’t pan out, but eventually, she found the courage to put pen to paper and write her first romance novel Fallen For Him. She is also the author of Freed By Him and Forever With Him.
When she is not writing Clair loves to read, listen to music, keep fit and take long walks with her dogs. Clair also loves cooking, still loves art, is a keen photographer and enjoys the occasional movie.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to a say big thank you to every reader who took a chance and read Fallen For Him, Freed By Him & Forever With Him. Writing this trilogy has been one of the best experiences of my life, I will sadly miss Coral and Tristan.
Secondly, to my sister awesome big sister; Sarah.
Your devotion and support will be remembered, always – You rock babes, Love ya!
And last, but by no means least, to my wonderful parents.
Mom, thanks for letting me live with you.
Thank you for your editing help, your love, your patience when I’m sure I was driving you crazy, and your unwavering support.
Steve, my guru and step-father.
Thank you for all your marketing help and advice, for designing the book covers I wanted (you are a genius) and for your patience, love and support.
Words cannot express how much I love you and appreciate you all.
I could not have travelled down this road, or undertaken this tremendous journey without you all.
I love you guys so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
If you would like to contact Clair, do so at the email address below. Clair would love to answer your questions, or simply read your feedback and comments.
Email me at [email protected]
Facebook.com – Author Clair Delaney
Twitter - @CDelaney_Author
Website – On it’s way!
One Last Thing...
When you turn this page you’ll be greeted with a request from Amazon to rate this book and post your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter, which I would truly appreciate. Your friends get to know what you’re reading and I, for one, will be forever grateful to you.
Thank you,
Clair Delaney.
Once again, thank you to every reader...
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 145