The Love Triangle(74)

She walked slower, more tired than she realized. She found his door and moved inside. He was laying there asleep. His side was bandaged up and she felt the rush of love for him come to the surface. She touched his hair and his face and leaned down to kiss him on the forehead.



“Is that the kind of kiss you give to a man who takes a bullet trying to save you?” He opened his eyes slowly and she smiled at him.



“I’m so sorry, Derek, I’m so sorry for all of this.” She felt his hand move up to hold hers.



“I’m not sorry, Ciara, you and I, we have been through a lot, more than more people ever have to deal with in their lifetime. It’s made us stronger, better. I can’t promise it will be easy for either of us, but I don’t want to hide behind nightmares or exes. I love you, Ciara, and I want to spend my life with you and Antoine. When I thought I’d lost you two…” He choked up and she watched him fight back tears.



“You didn’t lose us, we are right here. As a matter of fact, there is something you should know.”



“Well first let me say something. I want you to marry me, Ciara, I know I’m supposed to ask but… well I guess this is just another demand I’m making of you. I want you to marry me and we can go find us a house someplace where Antoine can grow up and have a good life.”



“Okay.”



“Okay, what does that mean, is that a yes?”



“Well you didn’t really ask me anything so I assumed you didn’t want an answer.” She smiled at him.



He growled as she leaned over and kissed him.



“Yes, Derek, I think we’ve both fought our demons long enough, yes, we will marry you.”



“We? Antoine may want to answer for himself you know.”

She picked up his hand off the bed and placed it on her stomach. “When I said we, I didn’t mean me and Antoine.”



He looked up at her and his eyes widened. “Really?” When she nodded to him he pulled her into the bed with him grimacing as he did it.



“I love you, Ciara, I told you it would all be alright, didn’t I?” He gave her a hard look.



“Just kiss me.” He did so happily, and they both knew they would be together forever.



The End