I lie listening to Lilly’s breathing as she sleeps in my arms. I probably shouldn’t have let her sleep; it sounded like she hit her head pretty hard and she might have mild concussion. She was exhausted though, so I figured that as long as I keep an eye on her, she’ll be fine.

I run through all the events of the last few weeks over and over in my head. Even if Lilly forgives me for what I did, I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to forgive myself. It may have only been eight weeks, but I feel like I’ve missed so much. When I get to what happened tonight, I feel the anger I felt when I see Lilly pinned up against the wall wash through me. After everything I’ve been through in my life, I think that image is going to be the one that haunts me. I was too close to losing everything in that moment.

When I hear Lilly’s phone vibrating on the sideboard, I slide out from under her before grabbing it. When I see it’s exactly who I suspected it would be, I silently sneak out into the living room so I can answer it.

“Lilly, what’s wrong?”

“She’s fine,” I reply to his panicked tone. “I thought you’d put an end to Lilly’s ex last year?”

“Who’s this?” Dec asks, but I’m fairly sure he knows.

“Lucas. The guy who just stopped that psycho from ploughing another knife into your sister.”

“FUCK,” he bellows down the phone. “I thought we had.”

“Well, you didn’t do a good enough job. I need a favour from you.”

“Why would I do anything for you? After what you’ve done to Lilly, I owe you nothing,” he asks, clearly pissed off.

“Well, aside from the fact I just saved her life, I’m the father to her babies and I think I…love her,” I admit quietly. Those are three words I never thought I’d hear myself say, and I’m surprised by how at ease I feel doing so.

“Well, shit me,” Dec says with a laugh. “It’s about time you did the right thing by her.” From what Lilly has told me about Dec and his way with women, this comment makes him sound like a total hypocrite, but I don’t mention it.

“So…the favour.”

“Go on.”

I explain everything to Dec about what I’ve been up to and what I want him to do. He’s pretty shocked, but I can tell he’s on board with my plan for Lilly.

Once he hangs up, I grab my phone and make the call that’s going to put things in motion to end that motherfucker Jake.

I feel a little calmer when I slide back into bed beside Lilly, knowing I have things in place.

“Lucas,” Lilly mutters in her sleep as she puts her arm around me. I kiss the top of her head before wrapping myself around her. What I said to Dec is true. Over the last few weeks away from Lilly, my feelings have become very obvious. All I need to do now is to get her to forgive me and show her how serious I am.

* * *

“Are you awake?” Lilly asks when the sun is starting to stream through the curtains.

“Yes, I’ve been keeping an eye on you.”

“I told you, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? No pain or anything? Are the babies moving okay?”

“Yes, we’re all fine.”

“Good. You need to pack some stuff.”

“Why?”

“We’re going to my house.”

“Lucas,” she warns. “Just because I’ve had a knock to the head, it doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten what happened.”

“I know that, but I’m not having you here just in case he comes back for you. I need the three of you safe.”

“Oh,” she says, a small smile twitching the corners of her lips.

“I will not have you in any danger, Lilly. You’re too important to me.”

“Is that right?”

I have no idea if I’m allowed, but I lean forward and place my lips on to hers. I don’t push for any more, and thankfully she doesn’t push me away.

When we break apart, she looks up through her lashes at me. “It’s like we’re starting again, Lucas. It’s going to take time. You can’t just pick up where you left off.”

“I know. I’m going to show you how much I want this.”

“You already are.”

As soon as Lilly has got up, I demand to know where her suitcase is so she can start packing. I won’t have her here a minute longer, and I certainly don’t want her here alone while I know that piece of shit is still walking the streets.

We spend the weekend hibernating inside my house. The only time we leave is to go to a supermarket because Lilly wants a certain brand of tea. I haven’t been here since I left, and I’m glad I didn’t come back, because it would be nothing without her here. It’s bad enough now that she’s demanding to sleep in the spare bedroom. How am I meant to sleep at night, knowing her sexy body is down the hall alone?

Dec did exactly as I asked and not long after we got to my place, her phone rang. I watched her arse sway as she walked off towards the living room so she could have some privacy.

“Are you okay? I can’t believe that dick had the balls to show his face again.”

“I’m fine. Wait, how do you know about that?”

“Did you think I wouldn’t know?”

“I guess,” I admit, because he always knows when something is wrong with me. Just like I do him. Thankfully for me though, his life isn’t quite as dramatic, and I don’t get the feeling very often.

“Lucas answered when I rang you last night. He told me what happened. Why the fuck did you answer the door, Lilly?”

“I presumed it was Taylor coming back to visit, because no one buzzed, so I thought he’s used his key.”

“I can’t believe you’d be so stupid.”

“Yeah, thanks. I don’t really need to hear that, Dec.”

“Sorry,” he mutters.

“Lucas demanded I came to his house, so I should be safe. You don’t have to worry.”

“Actually, that’s kind of why I’m ringing. Do you fancy a few days by the sea next weekend? You can chill out on the beach and get some sun. I’ll cook for you. You can totally relax.” Dec is a great cook, although it’s not common knowledge. I’m pretty sure he keeps it that way so that the women he hooks up with don’t find out and try to dig their claws in any deeper. He’ll be the perfect husband for someone one day.

“That sounds perfect. Shame my cocktails will have to be virgin.”

“Awesome. How about I come and pick you up Thursday night?”

“Don’t be silly. I can drive myself.”

“You are not driving yourself and my niece and nephew in that rust bucket you call a car. No way. And I know for a fact Lucas will say the same thing.”

“Okay, but I can’t get on the back of your bike. You haven’t seen me for a few weeks now, Dec. I’ve grown.”

“I wouldn’t even try to fit you on, Lills. I’ll come in the van. Plenty of space for your fat belly then.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, trying to sound annoyed, but Dec knows it’s hard for him to really irritate me.

“I’ll see you Thursday. Send me the postcode for Lucas’ house and I’ll pick you up there.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“You too, bye.” His response makes me smile. It’s the only clue I get that he isn’t currently alone. Dec is more than happy to tell me he loves me behind closed doors; as soon as he has company though, he locks it down. It’s probably one of the reasons no woman has managed to get close to him. He’s like a concrete wall until you really get to know him.

I find Lucas in the kitchen once I’m off the phone, as I expected. What I don’t expect is to find him cooking. After his last failed attempt, I didn’t think he’d try again.

I stand in the doorway and look around at the cluttered counter tops and steaming saucepans.

“What happened?”

“I know I made a mess,” he says, looking around him.

“I didn’t mean the mess; I meant you’re cooking and nothing is burning.”

“I’m learning to cook.”

“You’re learning to cook?” I repeat, because I can’t quite believe it.

“Yes. I’m going to be a father soon, and I want to be able to help out.” His words make me swoon.

“Lucas,” I say softly as I walk over to him.

“I just thought that you’re going to get so big you’re probably not going to be able to move, so someone needs to keep you fed!”

“And to think I thought it was sweet,” I say with a laugh as I playfully slap him on the shoulder.

I am pleasantly surprised by Lucas’ first attempt at spaghetti bolognese. I think he may have a talent he didn’t realise, and I’m more than happy for him to explore it.

* * *

The week is almost over before I know it. I was worried that spending too much time with him would mean we’d fall back into our old routine. I really want to still be annoyed at him for leaving me, but he’s put so much effort into everything these last few days that I’m already starting to forget about it. I never thought it would happen so fast, but he’s showing me every chance he gets that this is what he wants.

I still refuse to sleep in his bed, though. I’m standing by my decision to keep things slow. He may have found his way back in to my heart, although I’m not sure he ever really left. But he’s going to have to wait a little until I let him have my body again. Although he isn’t pleased with my decision, he is respecting it.

At 6pm Thursday night. I’m sat in the kitchen with my bags packed, ready to head to Devon for a long weekend. I may have been there plenty of times before, but I’m so excited to go and chill out with Dec and have a walk on the beach. I also think it will do Lucas and I some good to have a few days apart again. Other than him going to the hotel, we’ve been in each other’s pockets since he rescued me on Friday night.

“Here’s some food to keep you going on the journey,” Lucas says, walking over to me with a bag in his hands.

“I thought you were making yourself dinner?”

“I was, but I did this for you, too.” Lucas is really taking this cooking thing seriously. I love it!

“Thank you. Oh, he’s here,” I say, as a black van with ‘Dec’s Surf’ in multicolour pulls into the driveway. “Are you ready to meet my brother?” It’s very rare that Lucas looks unsure of himself, but this is definitely one of those times. He knows how close Dec and I are, and he’s aware how important it is for them to get along. “You’ll be fine.” Dec was unsure about Lucas before, but since finding out he saved my life on Friday, he’s warmed to him a little.

I swing the front door open and run as much as I can towards Dec as he steps out of his van.

“Oh my God, Lilly. Look at you,” he says with his eyes fixed on my belly. I ignore his comment and wrap my arms around his neck. I breathe in his scent and I suddenly feel calm. I hadn’t realised it, but I think Friday night may have been playing on my mind. Being with Dec releases it. I feel a little bad that Lucas wasn’t the one to do that for me, but the connection Dec and I have is irreplaceable. Lucas is going to need to accept that he’s a part of me.

When I step back, I see Dec’s eyes lock onto something—or someone—behind me.

“Declan,” Lucas states formally.

“It’s Dec. Nice to meet you at least,” Dec says, sticking his hand out for Lucas to shake.

“You too.”

“Are you ready to get going, Lills?”

“Do you want a drink or anything before heading back?” I ask, because I’m aware of how many hours he’s going to be driving today.

“I’m good. Could do with a leak, though.”

“First door on the right as you go in,” Lucas instructs and we watch as Dec walks off.

“He doesn’t like me,” Lucas whispers when Dec is out of earshot.

“Are you surprised, Luc? You left me without so much as a warning. He was the one to pick up the pieces.”

I look up at Lucas as he swallows and thinks about what I’ve just said. “Lilly, I’m—”

“It’s okay. We’re moving on,” I say, interrupting another apology.

He nods before lowering his lips to mine.

“Break it up, kids,” Dec shouts over when he reappears. He goes about putting my mountain of stuff into the back of the van while he mutters about the fact I’m only staying a few days, not a month, while Lucas and I say goodbye.

It’s stupid, I know, but as Dec pulls out of Lucas’ driveway, I burst into tears.

“Shit, Lills. What’s wrong?”

“N…nothing,” I stutter out between sobs. “Just pregnancy stuff.”

“Hmmm, maybe I should have thought twice about inviting a hormonal pregnant woman to stay for the weekend.”

“Shut up. I’ll be fine. Have you warned the others?”

“Of course. They said they’d keep themselves scarce for the weekend.”

Dec lives in a huge house he bought a few months ago. It was a bargain, and also a complete dump. He allows his mates to stay rent-free as long as they help out with the renovation. It’s worked pretty well for him, because the photos he’s sent me of the place look stunning.

* * *

“Lilly, we’re here.” My eyes pop open and it takes a couple of seconds to realise who the house belongs to that I’m staring at, and that it’s Dec shaking me awake.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“You lasted about twenty minutes.”

“Whoops. Sorry.”

“S’alright.”

“I’m starving,” I admit. Dec better get used to hearing that, because I seem to say it every few hours these days.

“We’ll order something. Let’s get you settled.”

Dec helps me from the van and grabs my stuff before leading the way. I get a whistle stop tour of the ground floor on the way up to the spare bedroom.

“This place is amazing.” The last time I was here, Dec was still living in a student flat and this place wasn’t much more than a pile of bricks.

“It’s not bad for a few novices, is it?” Dec asks, referring to himself, Liam and Ben—or BJ, as they call him—who’ve done almost all the work. I’m yet to use Ben’s nickname. I really hope they call him it because of his initials, but I’m not convinced and I’m too scared to ask.

“Can I have the WiFi password please?” I ask Dec when I reappear after a long shower. God knows how my numb arse and stiff back didn’t wake me on the journey but the power shower in the guest bathroom helped ease it.

“Sure,” he says, walking over to the router and handing me a piece of plastic with the password on. I punch it in before opening Facebook Messenger.

I’m waiting for a message, although I’m scared it may never come. When Lucas left for work on Monday I started searching for his brother. He’d been much more open about talking about his past since his initial confession on Friday, so when I asked for his old surname he offered it up immediately.

There were quite a few profiles for Marcus Knightly, but I eventually narrowed it down to a couple and sent them a private message in the hope the right one would get in touch.

I wait for the app to load and a buzz of excitement goes through me when I see a new message. I’d turned the notifications off in fear of Lucas getting to my phone first. I stare down at Marcus’ name on my screen and take a breath before opening it.

My breath catches in my throat. Not only have I found him but he hasn’t told me where to go.

“Are you okay?” Dec asks when he hears my reaction.

“Yeah, fine.” I’m not ready to tell anyone about this yet. I want to see if Marcus is willing to get in contact with Lucas, and the rest of their stories aren’t mine to tell.

I quickly type a message back, giving him a little information about me in the hope it will help him to open up to me.

Dec orders us a curry and we spend the night catching up with each other. Liam and Ben don’t appear so I can only presume he’s banished them for the night. It’s great to spend some quality time together. It doesn’t happen often these days. It’s usually a phone call or a Sunday at our parents’ when I have to share him with everyone else.

* * *

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” Dec asks when I appear the next morning.

“Yes, that bed is incredible and huge!”

“Good. I’ve got a surprise for you today.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yep. Here, have breakfast; then, we’re going out.”

“Don’t you have to work?”

“No, Liam’s got it covered, so we’re good.”

“Where are we going?” I ask when Dec gets me in the van.

“Can’t tell you. Actually, it’s probably best you wear these.”

“Are you serious?” I ask, looking at the blindfold he’s holding out for me.

“Deadly.”

I reluctantly do as I’m told. I’m not very good with secrets, which Dec knows, so I figure the quicker I do, the sooner I’ll find out what’s going on.

The journey seems to take forever when I can’t see where I’m going. Both babies are asleep so I can’t even distract myself with their movements.

Eventually, the van starts to slow down as we drive onto what feels like gravel.

“Okay, we’re here. I’m coming around to get you.”

“Can’t I take them off now we’re here?”

“No,” he states before jumping out and slamming the door.

I’m directed to God knows where by Dec, who is stood behind me with his hands on my hips.

“Okay, stop here.”

“Where the hell are we?” I’m totally lost. We walked across the gravel we drove on before walking up some stairs, and now I’m stood on what I think is tiles.

“Here,” Dec announces before pulling my blindfold off.

“What the…?” I ask as I spin around and take in my surroundings. “But this is…Oh my God. He has, hasn’t he?” I ask, but Dec doesn’t say anything. Instead, he grabs my hand and pulls me towards a bank of elevators.

I walk alongside him as my mind spins. While we wait for the doors to open, I look back at a hotel entrance hall I’m very familiar with. It’s perfect and exactly as I designed.

Dec hits the button for the top floor and butterflies erupt in my stomach because when I’m usually heading to the top floor of a hotel, there is one person up there—or at least his room.

“Shit,” I whisper as I wipe my sweating palms on the fabric of my skirt.

“Are you okay?” Dec asks. It’s not very often he hears me swear.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “It depends on what I’m about to find.” He winks at me but says nothing.

When we are stood outside of what I presume is the penthouse, I let out a huge breath to try to steady myself. I could be wrong about what’s inside, but I’m pretty sure I’m not.

“Lilly, you’re shaking. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Just open the door, Dec.”

He does as I say and the door flies open to reveal plush cream carpet, a gorgeous oak unit and a huge mirror inside the entryway to the suite. Dec once again grabs my hands to get me to move. He slowly pulls me through the entrance to a living area. Just like downstairs, it is exactly as I designed it. Every piece of furniture, every colour and fabric… it’s perfect.

My heart drops a little when I realise the living room is empty. That is, until Dec coughs loudly as if announcing our arrival and starts moving towards a closed door.

My eyes automatically shut as he reaches out for the handle. When I open them, I find exactly what I was expecting. Lucas is stood in the most stunning bedroom I think I’ve ever seen. My hands come up to cover my mouth as tears begin to stream down my cheeks.

In no time at all, Dec has left my side and I’m being wrapped in Lucas’ arms.

“It wasn’t meant to make you cry,” he whispers in my ear soothingly.

“Lucas, it’s…it’s incredible. How did you—?

“I took copies of your designs one night when you were asleep.”

“The hotel?”

“It’s what I was doing while I was away,” he admits. “Once I realised I’d made a catastrophic mistake I thought maybe I should do something to show you how serious I am about us.” He places a hand on my belly. “So I found this place for sale and worked my arse off to get it ready for you. I want everything perfect for our family, and that includes you being near your brother.”

“You want us to move here?”

“That’s what I was thinking. How amazing will it be for these two to grow up by the sea? We can have birthday parties on the beach, Dec can teach them to surf…” he continues to paint this amazing picture of our future and I can’t help but get carried away.

“That all sounds amazing-”

“But?” he adds for me.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not bringing two kids up in a hotel.” I look over his shoulder at the two cots that sit at one side of the bed.

“There’s more. Come on.” He takes my hand and once again I’m being pulled along behind him with no idea where we’re going. I’m almost disappointed that I don’t get a chance to check out the rest of my designs, but the anticipation of what’s next distracts me.

“This is for you,” Lucas announces as he pulls into a driveway. I look up to my left at the dilapidated house sat into the cliffside, with incredible sea views.

“What?”

“This house, it’s for you. Do whatever you wish to it to make it our home. We’ll move in here once it’s done.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope,” he says, holding the keys out for me.

“Oh my God,” I squeal as I take the keys from him.

I let myself in and run around the downstairs. I come to a grinding halt when I come across a bottle of champagne, a small carton of orange juice and a little black box sitting on the kitchen worktop.

“There’s one more thing,” Lucas says when he comes over and sees where my focus is.

“I don’t think I can cope with any more,” I admit, but it doesn’t stop him.

He walks over to the box and picks it up and turns to look at me.

“I want us to be a proper family, and that means we all have the same name. I love you, Lilly. Will you marry me?”

“Lucas, this is crazy. We’ve only just got back together. You’ve been gone for weeks. This—”

“I know all that, Lilly. But no amount of time will make me surer of what I want. I want you. I want these two,” he says, caressing my belly. “I want us forever.”

“I do, too,” I admit.

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes, it’s a yes.” Before I’ve finished talking I’m up in Lucas’ arms and spinning around the room. His lips descend on mind and I lose myself in him. I forgot how all-consuming one kiss from him is.

When he pulls back, I’m shamelessly panting, my pregnancy libido well and truly stoked.

“You’re going to be Mrs. Lilly Dalton,” Lucas says with a smile.

“Take me back to the hotel, Luc,” I say.

“I didn’t think you were ever going to ask.”

Lucas sweeps me up in his arms and carries me back out to the car, along with the bottle of champagne and carton of orange he swiped off the side on our way out.