Page 89 of Saving You Losing Me

She smiles and I note the happiness burning brightly in her eyes.

“I’ve always been a believer, darlin’ even when the devil came to town, but God has a habit of biding his time and throwingin the odd miracle along the way. You, Sophia and Maria are my miracle and–“ I splay my hand on her belly and say huskily, “And one day we will grow another member of our family. This is forever, baby, and it’s up to me to make you wanna stay because I’m taking nothing for granted. Not anymore.”

“I love you.” She says softly as she gazes adoringly into my eyes and as we share the sweetest kiss, I can’t wait to marry her later today.

CHAPTER 49

CLARA

When Atom leaves, there’s a void that only two people can fill and so I quickly shower and head into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

I’m nervous about today and even more nervous about telling my daughters they are getting a new daddy. The man they’ve only met once will soon become the most important man in our lives.

As I draw the drapes, I stare in amazement at the shiny new slide and trampoline that crowds beside the tire in the yard. Tears fill my eyes when I note the huge pink bows tied around them, and I really believe I have never been so happy.

“Mommy.”

Two small arms cling to my leg and I gaze down at my youngest daughter and smile.

“Good morning, honey. Run and get Sophia. I have a surprise for you both.”

She runs off shrieking, “Sophia!” at the top of her lungs and I laugh as I watch her go.

I am so happy. I haven’t felt this way since I first met Atom and I never want to hear anything but laughter in my home fromnow on. It’s as if I escaped a dark prison and only good things can happen now.

The girls rush inside the room and I point to the window.

“Look what Atom had delivered.”

They crowd against the windowpane and squeal with delight.

“Can we go and play, mommy? Please!” Maria asks, and I shake my head.

“After breakfast and you would be better dressed in something more suitable than your pajamas.”

I ruffle their hair and bending to my knees, I stare into their shining eyes.

“I have something to tell you that is, well–” I shrug but smile happily. “Mommy is getting married, um, today.”

Their eyes widen in shock.

“But you’re married to daddy.”

Sophia’s word are like knives in my heart and I take both their hands and whisper, “I am no longer married to daddy because he is in heaven and we are not.”

“So you must marry somebody else because he left us?” Sophia asks, her head cocked to one side.

I take a deep breath.

“Not really, but I want to.”

“Who?” Maria doesn’t really understand and I don’t believe Sophia knows much more and I pull them into my arms and say carefully, “Sometimes things happen in life that don’t come in the right order. You see, many years ago, before I met your daddy, I met Atom.”

Their eyes widen. “Atom.” They say in unison and Maria’s face breaks into a grin. “I like Atom.”

“Me too.” Sophia adds, and I nod. “So do I and he loves us all and wants to be a husband to me and a daddy to you.”

“That’s nice of him.” Sophia says solemnly, and I suppress my laughter at her words.

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