Free Love Rekindled (Candle Light Book 2) by Christina Ow

father’s death. It was clear in the little things he did for Declan. I was the same way with Kristy when our mother died. I didn’t want her to miss having a mother so I tried to fill that gap as much as I could.
    Everything about tonight was great. I’d pulled off a great party that everyone was enjoying. Well everyone except me.
    I stared at the empty seat next to me, reserved for Ron. I had hoped he would show up. he and Morris were close, like brothers and despite their recent confrontation courtesy of the baby bump I carried, I was sure he wouldn’t miss Morris’ big day for the world. How wrong I was. I should have known better after the runner he pulled yesterday.
    “May I have this dance?”
    I looked at his extended hand then up at his face. “Ron, you’re here!”
    He gave me his lopsided smile, even with the large bruise at the corner of his lips still turned my insides to jelly.
    “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
    I tool his hand and he led me to the dance floor. We slow danced to Beyonce’s song Ave Maria and all I could think about was how his hands on me made me want to hyperventilate. He was here, but for how long? I didn’t look up at his face because I was sure I would see the signs of being trapped and the need to run in his eyes. I just wanted to enjoy the moment, enjoy being in his arms while I was still he because I was sure he would push me away soon, like always.
    “Sandra, I’m sorry.”
    I chewed on my lower lip hesitantly before I asked, “Sorry for what?”
    “For pushing you away and how I push you away.”
    I snorted at that. “You mean dangling another woman in my face? Yeah, that’s your own brand of cruel.”
    His fingers dug into my back when he pulled me closer. Well as close as my big belly would allow it. The twins were very settled this evening, very unlike them. I wonder how Ron would react if they kicked right this moment. He’d probably run so fast he’d leave behind a whoosh of air.
    “I love you Sandra.”
    My heart skipped then picked up to a quick pace. I’m sure that’s not healthy for the other two people sharing my body. I have a crazy imagination but I’m sure I couldn’t have imagined his lips moving and those words coming out of his mouth. I took a deep breath and exhaled.
    “Ron…” yeah, that’s all my scrambled mind could come up with after that bomb dropped.
    “I’m done running Sandra, of being afraid. I’ve been so scared of dying young buried under family responsibilities and my father’s company and assets like he did. I thought I was living life to the fullest but I was just running from the most important part of it.”
    Dear Lord, why was he saying all these things to me while looking at me like I was the best thing since sliced bread?
    “Ron, is this because I’m pregnant? You know I wouldn’t keep you away from the twins. They deserve to have their father and you… Ron how do you feel about the twins? Never once have I asked you about it and please don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. If this change of heart is some sort of misplaced code of eighteenth century English honor we are seriously going to have a problem you and me.”
    He chuckled, this eyes crinkling and the bruise on his left side actually looked cute. I was overloaded on hormones if an ugly bruise looked cute just because it was next to a sexy brown eye.
    He raised his hand to my cheek and I leaned into the caress. “Ever since we were first introduced I’ve wanted you. When we went on that date, I knew if I made love to you that night I would never let you go. That scared me so when the opportunity to dodge that particular cupid came, I took it.”
    “Ron…”
    “Sandra, I’m not running anymore and these babies were just the kick in the ass I needed to realize my life is with you. I can’t let the fear of death keep me from living, from loving you. If you will have me Sandra, I would like to spend the rest of the time I have on this earth