“I’m sure Goerge will give you nothing but his support. He loves you,” she says.“And I love him, too,” I say.“And I love you both,” Bekah l says, causing me to giggle.“Now, that’s more like it. Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” she says. Her words feel like a soothing balm to my aching heart. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this after all “What doyou mean you want to leave Sausalito?” Aunt Maryann asks as she looks at me with concern. After three days of thinking about what to do with my life, I feel leaving is the best option.“Natalia , dear, you look troubled. Is something bothering you?” Aunt Mary Ann’s voice is gentle, the lines of worry etched on her face.I take a deep breath, struggling to find the words to express my inner turmoil.“Leaving? But, why, my dear?”Aunt Mary Ann’s distress is evident in her eyes.Tears well up in my own eyes as I try to gather my thoughts.“Please, talk to me. I’ve noticed your recent struggles. Your Uncle mentioned how you’ve been isolating
“Take it easy, dear. Don’t worry, everything will be fine. And if what you said about your love is true, then he’ll come back. Love like that doesn’t fade,” she says, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. Despite wanting to believe her words, deep down, I know it won’t happen. Nathan has sealed his fate with another woman.Nathan Istand before the canvas, my thoughts consumed by Natalia ’s words, my world shattered at that moment. I thought finishing the job quickly would make her, but her surprising reaction left me confused. Uncertain what to think now, I hold the paintbrush over the canvas while conflicting emotions consume me. love for remains in my heart, whether I admit it or not. The possibility that she may not feel the same way breaks heart break. It’s been unbearable since my return to Sausalito. I should have run when I had the chance but now my heart refuses to heal.I dip the brush into the paint and stroke it across the canvas, each stroke reflecting the turmoi
“And you are?” the doctor asks.“He is family. Please, tell me what’s happening with my niece,” Mary Ann says. The doctor’s expression turns somber as he takes a moment before responding.“She’s in critical condition. The surgery went well, but she’s still at risk.”The words hit me with a forceful impact. The room spins around me, and I struggle to stay upright. The reality of the situation crashes over me like a tidal wave. A lump forms in my throat as I grapple with the weight of the doctor’s words.As of the world isn’t already spinning, the doctor’s next words send me reeling.“We were able to save the baby too.”My mind struggles to process this unexpected news.“Baby?” I whisper in disbelief.“Yes, she is pregnant. A few weeks along,” the doctor explains. Natalia ... pregnant? The pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit together, a mix of shock, disbelief, and a glimmer of hope washes over me. But before I can fully comprehend it, the young man speaks, confusion evident in his voice.
I can’t bring myself to leave her side, afraid that I might miss any sign of her awakening. My gaze remains fixed on her face, observing the slow rise and fall of her chest. Each shallow breath she takes feels like a lifeline. I can’t help but hold onto hope for a second chance, an opportunity to make things right and become the man she truly deserves. I’m ready to fight for her love if need be. “Hi, Nathan . Why don’t you go home and change, or at least grab something to eat?” Goerge suggests, his voice surprisingly steady. “I’m okay staying here,” I tell him. “My mom’s a fighter. She’ll make it through. You’ll see,” he says with a small smile, his words carrying a quiet confidence. I glance back at Natalia before looking back at Goerge. “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be back soon,” he says, and I nod. I watch him leave quietly. He’s only gone for a few minutes when Mary Ann breaks the silence. "Nathan Natalia spoke to me before the accident," Mary Ann says with a bitterswee
He surprises me with his response."Is it about the fact that you're my dad? I know about everything now. About me and you."I'm taken aback by his revelation."I had no idea you existed, Goerge , I swear."He looks at me, his eyes earnest."I believe you, Nathan . I also didn’t know you were my father either. Mom must have had a good reason for keeping it a secret,” he says, shrugging casually."Oh," I whisper."Yes. And to be honest, I'm somewhat relieved that Jason isn't my father. He treated mom horribly. She tried to protect me from it, but I still knew. She went through a lot with him. ""I wish I could get a hold of that bastard and make him pay for what she went through. Natalia didn't deserve any of that. She is the sweetest woman I know," I tell him."Yes, she is," Goerge says."What do you want to do when Mom wakes up?" He asks, his voice curious yet composed.I meet his gaze, my emotions swirling within me."I want to be there for her, Goerge . I want to be the man she des
"Miss Ford , can you hear me?" a gentle voice asks. As the fog clears, I glance to my side and see a man wearing blue overalls."My name is Dr. Taylor," he introduces himself. The next few minutes are filled with a series of questions, but I am unsure of when sleep overtakes me once again.When I awaken once more, my heart skips a beat as I spot a familiar figure by my bedside – it’s Nathan . I question if he is merely a figment of my imagination."Nathan , is it really you?" I ask and he smiles."Yes, it’s me, my love." Memories come flooding back, including the realization of my pregnancy."Oh, my baby. Please, tell me she is okay," I implore, my hands instinctively moving to protectively cradle my belly."Yes, the baby is safe, Natalia ," Nathan assures me. Then, it strikes me that he knows about our baby. Memories come rushing back – the news of his engagement, the accident, the pain, and the fear. Panic must be evident on my face because Nathan 's eyes meet mine, and he speaks wi
"Why did you send me back home?" I finally ask, voicing the question that has been nagging at me since I left Miami."I overheard you telling Mildred that what we had was only work. I got scared because I love you, Natalia . The hard truth is I never stopped loving you," he says as he gently places a hand on my arm."You mean it?" I ask, hope blossoming inside me."Yes, my love. I fought hard these past few weeks, thinking you didn't love me," he says."Funny, because I also cried every day, believing you didn't love me, either." I reveal, a tear escaping my own eye.Nathan smiles and a tear slips from his eyes."I promise you; you won't have to shed a tear anymore. I'm here for you, for Goerge , and for our baby," he reassures me, and I gasp, realizing I haven’t told him everything. I glance at the two men beside me."I have to tell you everything. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Goerge ," I say, my voice shaky but determined. His gaze never wavers from mine."You don't have to exp
My heart swells as I stare at him. There is no other response to give the love of my life because I can't imagine life without him either."Yes, Nathan . I'll marry you," I say, a smile spreading across my face. He slips the ring onto my finger and leans down to kiss me passionately. In this beautiful moment, I’m barely aware of Aunt Mary Ann's excitement or our son grinning at me. Everything else blurs as I bask in the joy of this perfect moment.EPILOGUENatalia As I stand at the altar, arm linked with Goerge 's, rush of emotions overwhelms me. My fingers tremble, clutching my bouquet tightly, as my gaze remains fixed on the man who holds my heart, Nathan .Bekah 'swarm smile from the front row brings me comfort, and I exchange a reassuring glance with Aunt Mary Ann. Standing beside Goerge is my uncle, both of them wearing smiles that radiates happiness for Nathan and me. This is the day I've long awaited, and it’s surreal to see my dreams becoming a reality.I can’t forget Matilda