Page 90 of Saving You Losing Me

Sophia smiles. “He’s a very nice man.”

“He bought us the slide and the trampoline.” Maria adds, as if that makes him the nicest man on earth.

“He did, and he wants to make you happy and today is the beginning of that.”

“Will we live here?” Sophia asks, ever the practical one, and I smile.

“Do you want to stay here?”

They nod their heads vigorously.

“We love Candy and Diesel.” Sophia says with enthusiasm, and Maria grins.

“And Atom. We love him too.”

I laugh out loud at the fickleness of youth. Buy them a toy and they’re yours forever.

“He’s a good, kind man and will make a fantastic daddy.” My heart curls with pleasure at the thought of all my dreams coming true at once.

“Can we be your bridesmaids?” Sophia asks happily.

“Of course. Go and pick out your prettiest dresses because it’s happening today.”

“But what about the slide and the trampoline?” Maria’s face falls and I stand. “Let’s have breakfast, wash and change and we can spend some time in the yard first.”

They clap their hands and jump in the air, and my heart is overflowing with happiness. This is the life I want for them. It’s a little unorthodox, but it’s the only place I want to be. Finally, everything makes sense and I can’t wait to marry the man I love in a few hours’ time.

“Oh my God!”Candy is speechless as she joins us in the yard and I fill her in on what’s happening.

“I can’t believe it.”

She shakes her head as the girls bounce inside the trampoline enclosure, squealing with delight as they hold hands as they jump.

“You’re marrying Atom. Well knock me stupid, I never saw that one coming.”

She shakes her head. “Are you sure? I mean, he’s a surly asshole most of the time.”

I laugh out loud. “Is he? I never noticed.”

Candy shakes her head, apparently stunned by my news.

Then she recovers and says practically, “Then why are we here gassing? You must indulge yourself and prepare for the best day of your life.”

She jerks her head toward the girls.

“I’ll see to them. Go and make yourself into a princess. I’ll entertain them and find them some pretty dresses. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

“Really?” I hug her hard. “Thank you.”

She blushes and a soft smile graces her lips.

“I’m so happy for you, Clara. For all of you and more than anything, I’m happy that you’re staying.”

“Me too.” We share a smile and after I explain to the girls, I head off with the hugest grin on my face.

This is the happiest day of my life and is the start of many more.

CHAPTER 50

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