belly, strapped into the brace around her waist keeping her shoulder in place. He walked to the side of the bed at her back and saw the bruises on her shoulder the dress didn’t cover. He hung his head, eyes on the floor, mind locked on the past, wondering how he could be such a fool.
Sensing his presence, she tried to turn to him, but whimpered in her sleep when she hit her bruised shoulder on the bed. She turned her back again and made a sound of displeasure. He stepped around the bed and sat beside her. They’d both been through too many sleepless nights over the last week. Pale skin, dark circles beneath her eyes, she needed her rest, but he needed to talk to her and make things right. This mess had gone on far too long. His fault completely. His to make right.
He traced his finger along the curve of her cheek and over her ear, tucking her hair back from her beautiful face. With a soft touch, he swept his fingertips along her hurt shoulder and down her arm. He rested his palm on her hip and squeezed gently.
He’d missed her. Everything inside him ached to hold her and kiss her and promise her . . . everything and anything.
First he owed her an apology. Then he’d beg, because no matter what, he wasn’t letting her leave this bed without agreeing to put him out of his misery and marry him.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open and stared up at him. He looked down into her soft green eyes, far too serious and weary for his liking.
“Did you get that woman out of my house?”
“Yes, sweetheart. I did. I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened over the last two months.”
“You should be.”
“I am. God, Marti, I’m so damn sorry.” He squeezed her hip and made her gasp. “You’re in pain. Do you need something? How can I help you?”
“Stop. I’m fine. My back goes into spasm. The muscles are sore. The doctor said it’ll get better.”
“What about the baby?” He moved his hand down to her belly and covered his child.
She placed her hand over his. “Our baby is just fine. There’s no more spotting.”
“You were bleeding,” he said, frightened. She’d been through so much without him. He kissed her forehead. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry I didn’t come to you in the hospital and take care of you. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you when you were on the stairs. I’m sorry for everything. I’m so damn sorry.”
“I don’t want to do this.”
The finality in her voice and blank face scared him even more.
Please God, don’t let her want to leave me. I can’t bear to lose her now and live without her.
“Do you love me?” Her soft voice sounded unusually shy.
Marti didn’t like the scared and worried look on his face. She didn’t want to listen to him tell her he was sorry. She knew he was. Most of what happened was because of his guilt over Caroline’s death and his need to be a good father. Who could blame him for that? She had a lot more compassion for him because she knew what it was like to wish for a mother and father. He wanted the best for his baby. Knowing that, she forgave the rest. She loved him and wanted him and was ready to move on to being happy with him.
“I love you so much. More than anything. I want to spend my life with you and raise Emma and our baby and as many more babies as you’ll give me,” he said. “I want to wake up with you every morning and have your face be the last thing I see at night. I want to learn everything about you. I’m pretty sure it’s going to take the rest of our lives, because you’re an amazing woman, and every day I learn something new about you. I want to marry you and have you adopt Emma as your own. I want her to have the mother she’s always wanted. And that’s you, Marti.” He slipped off the bed and knelt on one knee beside her. “Martina Fairchild, please marry me, because I can’t live without you.” He slid the rings onto her finger and kissed them in place. “Please say yes.”
Her eyes filled with tears, and her gaze locked on the three rings.