Chapter 32

Blake’s chest tightened at the dreamy smile lighting up Liya’s beautiful face. Sophia’s simple confession had also touched him and unearthed a myriad of questions. Sophia had changed his life. Blake had never experienced beauty the way he’d seen it through Sophia’s eyes. She’d also introduced him to Liya. He looked away. Liya affected his heart in a way no other woman had. He was terrified of losing her. She threatened his heart and consumed his mind. His dreams were all of her and he actually looked forward to coming home each day. She’d changed something inside him with her gentle manner and the caring way she’d won over his daughter. He shook his head. He didn’t like where his thoughts were headed. It seemed like he’d have to make a decision soon.

Blake was quiet during dinner. He watched Liya cut Sophia’s lamb portions into even smaller pieces. Sophia had sensed Liya’s true worth before he’d even caught a glimpse of the real Liya Ahuja. Liya had a heart of gold. He hadn’t made a mistake proposing to her. Nobody could be a better mother to his child. His heart missed a beat forcing him to acknowledge what he’d known along—he couldn’t have chosen a better wife for himself. He nearly choked on his food at that last thought.

It was the truth. Now wasn’t it time he admitted the truth to himself? And finally told Liya how he felt about her? How exactly did a man tell a woman he loved her? he was used to wining, dining, and seducing women. This experience and revelation that he’d fallen in love was entirely new to him.

Blake was quiet after dinner. He watched Liya play with Sophia before bathing her and tucking her into bed. His heart raced. He’d wasted too much time fighting his emotions, and denying the truth. He’d been in love with Liya all along. He’d just been too stubborn to admit it. His mind snapped to reality when Liya opened the front door with a bag in her hand. She was leaving? She’d finally had enough. He sprinted across the short distance between them and grabbed her.

“Don’t go,” he shouted, “Liya, please don’t go.”

“What?” her eyes widened, shocked at his words.

His expression softened when he noticed the panic eyes. He realized how crazy he sounded. “Don’t go.” Dammit, why couldn’t he articulate his feelings?

“Um…Okay.”

He couldn’t blame his beautiful fiancée for being confused. He wasn’t making any sense at all.

“I’m sorry, Liya.” What if she didn’t accept his apology?

“Why?”

“Liya.” He paused.

“Yes, Blake?”

This wasn’t going as he’d hoped it would. He sighed. He was hopeless with words when it came to admitting he’d fallen in love. He cupped her face gently and lowered his mouth to hers. His body reacted spontaneously when his sexy fiancée responded to his hungry kisses. He pulled away for a few seconds to catch his breath and pulled her closer to him when she hesitated.

“I love you, Liya.”

Her panic transformed to joy within moments. “But—”

He silenced her with a gentle kiss. “The charade ended a long time ago. It must’ve lasted all of five minutes.”

“You mean —you really wanted to marry me?”

Blake nodded. “With all my heart. I wanted to ensure you never left me, so I had to marry you.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Her face lit up like the sun peeping through the clouds on a cold day.

He shivered with emotion when she threw her arms around him. “Do you love me?”

“Of course I do. I love you with all my heart, Blake.”

“Please don’t leave me.” He held her close to him, afraid to let go.

“I wasn’t leaving you.” She gestured at the stuffed plastic bag. “The kitchen door jammed. I had no choice but to take the trash out the front door.”

“Oh.” He pulled her back into his arms. “In that case, promise me you will never take out the trash again as long as I am around.”

Her smile warmed his heart.

“I promise.”

***

“Liya…I mean, Mom, may I please hold Kylie?” Sophia plonked herself beside Liya and studied her newborn sister. “How long will she take to grow, Mom?”

Liya smiled at Sophia. “I will help you hold Kylie in a few days. She’s still way too wriggly for you to manage on your own. And Kylie will take a while to grow.”

Sophia regarded the baby thoughtfully. “She’s so tiny, Mom.”

“You were also tiny when you were born, love.”

Blake watched the scene silently before taking a few photos of the three most important women in his life. His heart swelled with love, pride and affection. Kylie had made her welcome appearance eight months after their wedding.

“Smile,” Blake whispered as Liya looked his way.

Liya glanced tenderly at her husband. He’d made her the happiest woman on Earth.

“I love you,” he whispered. He kissed her lips quickly before the baby woke up.

“I love you, too.” Liya said while nursing Kylie.

Their lives had finally come full circle.

The End.