But last night Ethan seemed like he hadn't slept a wink. When I'd gotten ready for work today I had walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth and realized that there were dark purple circles under his eyes. Like, big ones. I knew something was definitely up when I walked past Ethan in the living room. I could tell by the way that he avoided my gaze and the way that he pulled out the couch cushions and put them on the floor. I didn't push him though. I guess he had his reasons for doing whatever he was doing. Ge could tell me if he wants to tell me something. I've been nothing but patient with him. If he doesn't want to talk about what's bothering him then there's no point in talking about it. That's what I told myself.As soon as I finished my shower I rushed out of the bathroom and immediately made my way down the stairs. My parents were both seated at the table eating breakfast. They raised their eyebrows as I entered the kitchen and gave me an inquisitive stare. I ignored them
Ethan stared at me for a minute before leaning forward and pressing his forehead gently against mine. His breath fanned across my face causing goosebumps to appear across my arm. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes. I could feel his soft exhales against my skin. I could feel his hot breaths on my face. I could feel every inch of his body pressed against mine. Everything in my stomach clenched and my heart pounded faster. I could feel my whole body trembling and I was suddenly aware of how close we were. How easily it would be to close the gap between us. My brain screamed at me to pull away, to push him away and run home. It was a battle I wasn't sure I was winning. My breathing grew heavier and my palms began to sweat. This isn't real. This isn't real. This is just another one of his sick games. Just another one of his lies. Please god let him be lying.He suddenly shifted and I felt his arms wrap around my waist. I jumped slightly at the touch but didn't move. I don't know what h
"Morning love," I muttered softly, placing a kiss to the back of his neck and wrapping my arms around his waist tightly. He chuckled lightly. "Good morning darling." He replied, tightening his hold on me. I buried my face into his shoulder and inhaled sharply as I heard the faint sound of a bell ringing somewhere nearby. He pulled away slightly and frowned slightly. "Are you expecting someone?" He questioned. I nodded my head quickly and squeezed my eyes shut before letting out a deep sigh. He frowned slightly before running his fingers through my hair softly. I leaned further into his touch and let my eyes flutter open and I smiled at him.He smiled back and leant down to plant a tender kiss on my lips. I hummed happily against his lips, tilting my head to deepen the kiss. His lips tasted faintly of mint toothpaste and I pulled him impossibly closer to my chest. His hands traveled down my back and under my shirt, caressing my bare skin soothingly as he ran his tongue lazily acro
"They're beautiful. Thank you, Dad. What kind of flower is this?" I asked. He grinned proudly."Roses are traditionally associated with love but these roses will bring great happiness." He explained. I gasped and stared at him in shock. How could he have known that these were going to bring me great happiness? How could he possibly know? "Why would you do this for me? Do you realize what these cost?" I asked incredulously. My dad smiled sheepishly at me."I made these myself. Your mother used to grow these all the time so I thought I might as well give you some of her prized possessions." He explained. I smiled at him gratefully. "Please keep them safe, Claire. I promise you, no harm shall ever come to them. You'll see." He reassured me. I nodded and hugged him tightly."Thank you! Now I need to go shower, because if I don't, I won't be able to sleep properly tonight." I said apologetically. My father chuckled loudly."Of course! Go take your time dear. I'll call you once I'm finish
"Thanks, Dad." I said quietly before walking towards my bedroom. I entered the door and slid it closed before falling onto the bed. I let out a sigh and placed my head into my pillow, closing my eyes as tears began to gather in my eyes again.I couldn't believe everything that was happening. My parents had given birth to our daughter only a month ago and things were still progressing. The doctor hadn't told us much, only saying that we were having twins. As far as I knew, they were healthy babies and that was all we needed to know. I heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming closer to my bedroom door and I instinctively curled up in a ball, hoping to hide away from whoever was outside my bedroom door. I felt my breathing become ragged as my eyes began to fill with tears again, knowing full well who it was."I'm sorry, Jake, but I can't do this anymore. The stress is too much."They're standing outside a wedding dress shop at the mall in the city, waiting to go inside so that they can
There were some very nice dresses that he would love to try on. He wondered if Claire would let him pick something out for her. The last time she wore something that expensive was when they were in college. He sighed to himself, knowing that this was probably the most expensive dress she owned.After the sales associate handed her the bag, she paid and thanked them before making her way back outside. They had gone to the same high school, so they were practically attached at the hip. She hadn't dated anyone since, though. After graduation she decided to focus on her degree and Jake stayed single until recently. He was happy for her. For the past four years, Jake had been a proud father of three children. One of whom he had named after Claire's mother, Rose, who was murdered by the man she called a father."What are you thinking about?" Claire questioned, noticing that he was deep in thought.Jake snapped back to reality and grinned. "Nothing. Just wondering where to take you for dinn
"Come on," he said, patting the space beside him. "Let's go get cleaned up."After changing into a pair of yoga pants, a tank top, and flip flops, Claire walked out of the bathroom. She jumped when she saw Jake sitting there. He put his magazine down and looked at her confusedly."You're taking too long."She shrugged. "Sorry.""It's fine. Go ahead and brush your teeth so we can head out."Claire did as told and brushed her teeth quickly before walking into the closet to pull out her outfit. Once dressed she went back into the bathroom to find Jake sitting on the bed, tapping his foot impatiently."How's it look?" she asked.He glanced up at her, his eyebrows knitting together. "Wow... you look great."Claire grinned. "Thanks."She walked over to Jake, placing her hands on either side of his hips. She pressed her lips against his, her tongue slipping inside his mouth to explore. He kissed her back hungrily, sliding one of his hands under her shirt and running his fingers over her bare
"Are you hungry?" he asked. "Want me to make us breakfast?"Her eyes shot open at his question and she gave him a quick nod before pulling away slightly to sit up, propping herself up on her elbows."I think I should cook something," he added. "You should also take a shower and maybe try to get some more sleep."She groaned softly. "What kind of a guest am I? Don't you think I should be helping you with anything? I mean... I don't exactly live here.""You live here just fine, Claire," he said, placing a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. "It doesn't matter where you live or who takes care of you. That's what you're my wife now. No matter what happens, you'll always have a place in my heart.""Then... I guess cooking breakfast is the least I could do.""Sounds like a plan," he said with a smile. He reached down and removed one of her legs, moving it to the side of the bed. He sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. "Come on," he said as he stretched out his hand to help he