No Repeats

by Emily Hudson

  ‘Problem?’ I asked.

  ‘We’ll see, let’s get you inside and then I’ll come back for the bags.’ Darting around to my side, he was ready to help me out, even though I didn’t need the assistance, I knew the time would come, plus secretly I enjoyed his efforts of chivalry.

  ‘Dare I ask, is this yours too?’ Having seen his villa in Sardinia, it wouldn’t have surprised me.

  ‘My parents’ lucrative rental, it’s just been renovated and is ours for the time being, well until next month when paying guests return.’

  Walking towards the front of the house the lawn stretched down to the river and ducks waddled around. ‘This really is a little bit of heaven.’ I said aloud, admiring the picturesque setting.

  ‘Hold that thought.’ Marcus said cryptically.

  When we reached the front door, it was clear it was slightly ajar. Marcus tensed as he opened it.

  ‘You made good time.’ Came the familiar voice from inside.

  ‘Father.’ Was Marcus’ stilted acknowledgement as his father got up from his seated position. ‘My dear, we meet again.’ He said, ignoring his son. It was none other than Henry, the kind gentleman on the train. Looking slightly perplexed, ‘Father, this is Lucy, Lucy Crawford. Lucy my father, Henry Davenport.’ Marcus attempted an introduction. ‘It's a pleasure to meet you again. I trust you are feeling better?’ He said stepping towards me to kiss my hand. I could see where Marcus got his charm and looks from, as the same ice blue eyes twinkled back at me. Marcus looked somewhat alarmed by our interaction.

  ‘Much better, thank you Henry and thanks again for the other day.’ Shifting to retrieve his coat from the back of sofa he waved his hand. ‘Not at all my dear.’

  Marcus’ eyes looked as though they would pop out of his head. ‘Err, do you two fancy enlightening me.’

  Tucking his coat over his arm, Marcus’ father looked between us both. ‘I’ll let Lucy fill you in, while you settle in.’ Head tilted, brow furrowed, Marcus’ obviously anticipated my explanation immediately. Mouthing one minute I followed Henry to the door. ‘Your mother and I would love to see you both at lunch on Sunday if that fits with your plans?’ His father announced, clearly addressing his son. Marcus looked far from happy about the suggestion, the seconds ticked on and he still hadn’t given a response, this was getting beyond awkward as I stood holding the door. ‘That will be lovely, thank you.’ I offered ‘I’m not entirely sure what our plans are as yet, Marcus kidnapped me and drove me here.’ I whispered, hoping to lighten the increasingly tense situation. Success as Mr Davenport erupted into a deep booming laugh.

  ‘Well if you need legal counsel, my dear, I’d be happy to help. Lunch will be served at 13:00, until then.’ He was still chuckling to himself as he made his way down the path.

  Marcus watched his father saunter off the property, looking on with bewilderment. ‘Firstly, I want to know how you made my father laugh? I don’t think I’ve seen that since, well ever. Secondly, I want all the details, exactly how did you two meet? Finally, what on earth possessed you to agree to lunch?’

  ‘Whether you like it or not, your parents will be grandparents to the twins, besides…’ I thought carefully how to word the next bit, so sod it, there was no way of breaking it to him gently. ‘Your father sort of knows I’m pregnant.’ Marcus remained silent, either processing his thoughts, counting to ten or silently uttering every expletive he knew under his breath. As he still hadn’t uttered a word, I continued explaining my journey home from Wales. ‘So you see, your father couldn’t have been kinder to me. He did however, see my symptoms and put two and two together. He doesn’t know that it’s twins though.’ I added nervously, trying to appease and shift the focus away from the fact that his father knew before he did. ‘You have painted my father in a light that until this day, I have never seen. Unbelievable, what is your secret Miss Crawford?’ He said taking me into his arms.

  ‘You’re not mad? Not even about lunch? I couldn’t leave him just standing there.’ Kissing the top of my head, he gently pulled me back. ‘I’m not mad, I’m glad he was there for you. The lunch however, that’s completely on you. For the record, it’s either going to go one of two ways, a complete disaster resulting in all out warfare. Or going by this afternoon’s strange events, freakishly pleasant that will make me wonder who these imposters are and what they have done with my real parents?’ Grinning a broad grin he shook his head, obviously still in disbelief.

  ‘Anyway,’ I said changing the subject, ‘now you have me here, exactly what do you intend to do?’

  Suggestively he raised his eyebrows. I knew exactly the thought going through his head and to be honest I wasn’t beyond exploring it but Marcus remained the perfect gentleman. ‘How about you relax, put those feet up, I’ll go get the bags and put the kettle on; sound good?’

  Not one to ever do as I’m told, the moment he left the house, I was rifling through some cupboards and drawers to find everything we needed. Thank goodness I was only making a drink. The kitchen was a little intimidating to say the least. I wouldn’t know where to start cooking with the Aga that dominated the room; whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, I thought I’d inspect it. Lifting the hotplate lid I was still none the wiser in working out how it worked. Suddenly two arms came around my waist. Jumping out of my skin I relaxed as Marcus tightened his hold.

  ‘No need to even look at it, you are not lifting a finger, now what did I say about relaxing?’

  Conceding, ‘Okay, okay,’ I said, ‘but can we sit outside, it’s still warm and it’s so beautiful.’ Loading up a tray Marcus followed me outside, setting the drinks down on a cast iron table near the river bank. The rustle of the paper bag with remnants of mini muffins from the service station sent every duck within a half mile radius to our feet. The goodies were soon gone and we were left to ourselves, the gentle flow and sound of the river mesmerising; it felt somewhat therapeutic. Taking a deep breath of the fresh ozone, ‘Believe it or not, I think this was just what I needed.’ I settled back into my chair.

  ‘You and me both but I didn’t need to be here, I just need you.’

  Looking up at this handsome man, he had the same intense stare but I could see that his face had relaxed, probably for the first time since he’d discovered the news, who knows it could have been since I left him on the island. ‘So I’ll ask my question again, now that you have me here, exactly what do you intend to do with me?’

  Placing his cup back on the table, ‘Oh God, don’t tempt me woman, a man only has so much resolve. I’ve booked a table at our local pub, it’s nothing special but the natives are welcoming and the food is great.’

  Marcus wasn’t wrong, we’d settled down for an early dinner. Contentedly stuffed we enjoyed a stroll around the village to wear off the deep fried cheese I’d demolished, not to mention the jam roly-poly I’d obliterated; completely unheard of.

  ‘Somehow I feel like I’m going to regret this come the morning.’ I confessed.

  ‘How so?’ Marcus naively asked. Thinking it was best to prepare him, I shared all the delights of morning sickness and its inability to be just prone to the morning. By the time I’d finished there was real concern etched on his face. ‘Is there anything else I should be aware of?’

  ‘Well there have been the tiredness, nosebleeds, fainting, migraines…’ I took his hand. ‘I’ll be fine, we know the babies are okay, you heard the sonographer, my body is just adjusting that’s all.’

  ‘You are amazing, you know that? You don’t have to worry about a thing, I am with you one hundred percent, every step of the way.’ I tucked my head into the crook of his shoulder as he placed it around mine. ‘Come on, let’s get you home, there’s a nip in the air.’

  Shedding our coats, the tension racked up a few notches as Marcus flustered about. ‘Did I want a drink?’ No. ‘Did I want to watch TV?’ Not particularly.

  ‘Maybe we could watch the news for a bit, see if my kidnapping has been alerted to the authorities or not.’
I teased. It appeared neither of us wanted to broach the elephant in the room, the sleeping arrangements. As Marcus locked up the house I considered whether or not it was it appropriate that I wanted to jump straight back into bed with him? For too long now I’d being trying live by some moral compass whether or not it had been misguided, I’d deprived myself of him for too long. Firstly under the guise of being professional and then through a ridiculous misunderstanding that I can only blame on my own stupidity.

  Removing the keys from his hand I placed them on the sideboard, taking his hand, I lead him to the staircase; someone had to make the first move. I may have been taking all the initiative but inside I was shaking. ‘You sure?’ He questioned. Reaching up on my tiptoes I placed the first kiss in months on his lips as I stepped back down, butterflies performed somersaults inside as he tightened his grasp and guided me behind him. I’d not been this nervous since I’d been a teenager.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  ‘How don’t you hate me?’ I said handing her a warm damp cloth after her second bout of sickness since waking. The tablets she had taken to alleviate the symptoms, were yet to work. It felt a lifetime ago she was nuzzled into me, enveloped in my arms. Seeing her doubled over was sheer agony.

  ‘Give it time, I’m sure there’s a possibility that could change by the time it comes to the birth. Plus, I can’t blame you entirely, takes two to tango!’ She said with a smile, wiping her face.

  ‘You’ll probably hate me, raging hormones, all of this…’ Indicating around her.

  ‘Not possible!’ I said reaching out to tuck a stray hair behind her ear.

  Looking at her reflection in the mirror, I still couldn’t quite believe my luck. I was brimming with pride. I had her back, Lucy was mine. She’d knocked me off my feet last night. Of course it was what I’d wanted. But the last thing I wanted to be was presumptuous. I’d wanted everything to be on her terms. She’d later said she had been nervous, I’d never have guessed it. Everything about last night had been perfect, reacquainting ourselves with each other, lying with her trembling in my arms. Besides the passion there had been a deeper connection, something I desperately wanted to put a four letter name to but didn’t think she was ready for that.

  ‘You’re so beautiful.’ Her face turned to one of disgust.

  ‘Seriously Marcus, you say that after everything you’ve just witnessed.’ Reaching for her toothbrush she started brushing vigorously as if to reiterate her point.

  ‘Yes’ I said simply, whispering into her ear as she slowed her brushing down to hear me.

  Waiting for her to finish, I took the opportunity to rearrange the bed and plump her pillows. ‘Right you, back into bed. It’s still early, you can get a couple of hours more sleep.’ She settled down without an argument. As I reached for my robe, ‘Aren’t you going to join me?’ She asked.

  ‘No I want you to rest and we both know that’s not going to happen if I’m there. Besides I need to do some hunter gatherer things so I can bring you the breakfast in bed you deserve.’

  ‘Hunter gatherer things, in a white robe?’ She questioned.

  ‘Okay maybe more like take items out of the packaging and make you believe a considerable amount of thought and effort has gone into it as I present it perfectly on a tray.’ I divulged.

  ‘Is that so?’ She said reaching to undo my belt.

  ‘Uh-uh’ Shaking her head, ‘You’re not going anywhere.’ She said pulling me towards her.

  ‘You need to rest.’ I reiterated.

  ‘Then just hold me.’ She reluctantly sighed.

  Giving in to her demands, eventually her breathing shallowed, her exhaustion all too evident as she sunk deeper into sleep.

  ‘Rest now beautiful.’ I said kissing her forehead before slipping carefully out of bed.

  My task complete, it appears that sleeping beauty’s need for sleep means that breakfast has turned into brunch, no scrap that, lunch. By eleven-thirty, I’d cancelled our lunch arrangements and re-jigged my plans for this afternoon that I hope she’s feeling up to and it will knock her socks off. The anticipation too much, I gently try to wake her, not before indulging in watching her beautifully relaxed features.

  ‘Hey, gorgeous.'

  She stirs the moment she hears my voice, coming too, she gives a gentle groan, ‘Mmmm.’ The very sound makes my spine tingle, I want to tell her I can’t wait to wake her up everyday of my life like this, but fearing her reaction I keep those thoughts to myself. Springing to life a little slowly with a cat like stretch.

  ‘Good sleep?’ I enquired for which she gave me a beautiful grin back.

  ‘The best ever.’

  Not a morsel was left, not even a flake of croissant as we devoured breakfast/lunch. ‘You were hungry.’ I observed as Lucy brought her cutlery together.

  ‘That was absolutely delicious Marcus, thank you,’ she said, collecting her glass to take the last gulp of a revolting looking smoothie down, her favourite according to Alicia, despite its off-putting green shade. Removing the tray from her lap I placed it over with mine on the dressing table.

  ‘So now you’ve fed me, what have you planned for the rest of the day.’ Provocatively she let the sheet slip down her beautiful body, she knew what she’d done as she focused intently on my reaction. This was another thing I loved about Luce, her complete body confidence.

  Trying not to bite, I kept my tongue in my cheek, ‘Well I hope you’re well rested because we’ve got a lot planned and now we have to squeeze it all into this afternoon. So come on, up up.’ I herded.

  Now laughing at me and my so called restraint, she did her best to torture me some more, unabashedly removing the sheet, standing stark naked in-front of me.

  ‘Well, if I can’t tempt you, you’re going to have to give me some idea of what we’re up to, so I can dress appropriately. That’s if Licia has packed anything deemed suitable for venturing out in.’ She said, having made her way over to her suitcase and fished out a black babydoll and G string. Holding the lacy number between her fingertips. ‘I swear, I’ve never seen this before in my life.’

  Now it was my turn to laugh at her somewhat prudish tone.

  ‘Well you don’t see me complaining, but you may need something warmer on.’ I jested.

  ‘So funny.’ I heard her mutter as she continued to ransack her case.

  ‘There is more underwear in here than I would use in a month. Seriously how long are you keeping me.’

  Unable to keep my hands to myself any longer, I stopped rearranging the trays and moved to stand behind her. Gently I smoothed the backs of my hands down her arms, til I could see the goosebumps forming. ‘Until forever.’ I whispered. I watched as she swallowed hard, turning around now in my arms she stared into my eyes as if she were seeking whether to believe me or not. I knew when it came to us, all the doubt and uncertainty from her past relationships clouded her judgement and to be fair, my reputation probably didn’t help either. The thought of someone else having the privilege of lying beside her, sent waves of jealousy through me. Finally she spoke, ‘Forever is a long time, you might get bored.’

  Hunching down a little I placed my forehead on hers. Shaking my head from side to side, I rubbed her nose with mine. Only stopping to look into her eyes and utter the word, 'Never!’ I hoped my sincerity rang through. As much as I wanted to, I wasn’t about to further cloud her thoughts with sex, I didn’t need to. I had forever to do that. Placing a chaste kiss on her lips I drew away to pull a simple cami top and jeans combination I’d spotted in the pile of clothes she’d left in her wake. I thought I’d done well until I saw her frown. Lucy wasn’t one for wearing skirts, but I’d remembered her wearing this in Sardinia, she looked beautiful then and she’d look beautiful in it now.

  ‘I just hope they still fit.’ She said putting my mind at ease that I hadn’t made a fashion faux pas as she smoothed her hand over her slightly rounding stomach. Placing my hand over hers the significance weighed heavy, here she was carrying our chil
dren and there was absolutely nothing I could do to help her with that but be there for her. ‘Shopping does feature on the itinerary so if there’s something you need? I want you to be comfortable, particularly at lunch tomorrow!’ I added for which I got a smile.

  ‘It won’t be that bad.’ She naively stated.

  A sardonic laugh came from me. ‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’ I turned to let her get dressed and carried the now piled trays downstairs to load the dishwasher. Wiping down the work surface, a vision came into sight. ‘You look gorgeous.’ Wrinkling her nose she lifted her cami to reveal her jeans undone at the top. Dumping the cloth in the sink, I strode towards her grabbing her hand.

  ‘Still gorgeous but new pair of jeans, I think is the first port of call.’