Page 53 of Hearts Etched in Glass
Everlasting Light,Black Keys
The sun shines through the trees leaving a breathtaking view on the blooming lilies, hydrangeas and peonies as I walk down the small cobblestone path. After the wedding, Marcus and Bobby loaded me up into the vehicle to show me a surprise. Marcus whispered in my ear that Bobby had hidden this gem from me, having not set foot in it since the day I was captured.
It is absolutely astounding. The grounds are remarkable, but the thought of Bobby standing here the day I was captured, receiving that harrowing news, makes my heart drop.
Marcus gives my arm a reassuring squeeze. My men stand tall in their tuxedos as they assess my expressions, while I admire the house.
“I don’t want it,” I state as Bobby and Marcus look at me with furrowed brows. “Let it make beautiful memories for others. I want to turn it into a shelter for women and children. A place they may feel safe.”
A slow smile etches across Bobby’s face, “That’s a wonderful idea, darling.” He kisses the top of my forehead.
“Where do you want to live then, love? The town house isn’t big enough for us all,” Marcus says as he places a gentle hand on my lower abdomen. The swell of life slowly peeking through my white, flowing wedding dress.
I grab both of their strong, calloused hands and lace my fingers through theirs. “I’d like to be closer to town so the kids may have walking distance to the shops and also be able to ride their bicycles to Baba’s.” The thought brings a small smile to my lips as I imagine the children laughing and playing in the street, with children that look like Brielle and Everett.
“Did you just saykids,love?” Marcus asks sheepishly.
I nod as we continue walking down the garden’s graveled pathway, trimmed bushes aligning the sides as tiny flowers peek through the greenery.
“Well I want a kid that looks like you and a kid that looks like Bobby, and I quite possibly want a boy and a girl, and if they both come out boys, then we will have to try for a girl or at least keep going until we have an array of children.” I bring up each of their fists to my mouth and give a small kiss to the back of their hands.
Marcus starts clutching his chest. “Jesus Tilly, you want a fucking football team or something?”
Before I may retort Bobby lets go of my hand and swings me around, picking me up like his cherished bride and running towards the house. “Challenge fucking accepted, darling.”
“Oi! Be careful with her, she’s pregnant you handsome idiot!” Marcus shouts after us and I can hear his footsteps pounding from behind, gaining on Bobby and me.
“You know I can’t get pregnant again when I’m already pregnant, right?” I ask him as he jogs us back into the expansive, beautiful manor.
“Well maybe I can knock you up with two babes then. Have a set of twins, got one in there. Can add another, right?” Bobby innocently asks.
“Oh my God put me down!” I erupt with laughter, as my body shakes from hysteria at his statement.
“What?” Marcus catches up to us and I clutch onto his upper arm. “You just. He just! Bobby thinks he can knock me up with twins.” I laugh in between my sentences.
Marcus raises an eyebrow at Bobby. “You got twins in your family, Til?”
“No!” I cackle, now bent over as Marcus rubs small circles onto my back and Bobby stands arms crossed.
“I said challenge accepted so I figured we get started here and now, then maybe knock her up with another. We would have twins,” Bobby says with a matter-of-fact expression.
Marcus places a hand over his mouth, stifling a chuckle. “You’re such a dense motherfucker. That is NOT how twins are made Bobby, love.”
I feel loved, I feel safe and I feel cherished.
The End
