Once You've Tasted Love

Chapter 41

Gary's POV

I woke up to an empty bed beside me. I panicked a bit and sat up but regretted it immediately, feeling the headache I obviously had, I fell back into the pillow. Fuck... I can't remember the last time I had such a hangover. Must be the combination of alcohol and sex. Good sex. The best sex I'd ever had. But where was Clara? I groaned again at my headache and closed my eyes.

Suddenly I heard the door open "Morning sleepyhead." 

I opened my eyes and looked at the goddess in front of me. She was so beautiful. Long legs, naturally golden tanned skin, her body slim and fit, her hair naturally blonde and shoulder-length, brown eyes and her face, god that face. She was perfect, like an angel, her voice was like an angel’s voice too. I seriously had no clue what I had done to deserve her. 

"How are you?" 

I could only groan. 

Clara sat down beside me "That bad? Poor thing you are. But it's no wonder. You were pissed last night. Oh and thanks for those marks on my bum. I'm still red." 

I smirked to myself at the thoughts of last night. 

"Gary sit up. I got you some coffee, but first you need this glass of water and the paracetamol. If you want to I can make us some breakfast. I already had a shower." 

I smiled and kissed her "Thank you. Yes, breakfast would be nice. Can I have pancakes please?" 

She laughed warmly "Considering the award you won yesterday... Yes." 

"YES!" I loved her pancakes, they were so fucking delicious. 

"Suppose I'll get going. You need anything else Gary?" 

I tried to smile "No. I'll take a shower and then come downstairs. Love you." 

"I love you too." And with that the door closed behind her. 

I let myself fall back into the pillows one more time and closed my eyes, thinking of her. It was the moment I realised it for the final time. She was the one.

Clara's POV

I went through to the kitchen and prepared the pancakes. My phone rang. MUM. "Hi mum" I smiled.

"Hi love. I just wanted to tell you how wonderful you looked last night, I saw you all on telly. Oh and please give Gary our congratulations. They were magnificent. Didn't know he could sing like that." 

I blushed "Thank you mum, that's very sweet of you. Everything fine at home?" 

"Yes. Well. That was it really. I should get going." 

"Okay mum. Bye. Give dad a kiss." 

"I will. Bye."

After that my phone beeped. Anna. "Hi hun. Was awesome to watch yesterday. Congrats to Gary and the boys. Loved your looks. You are so slim...I'm getting fatter by the day :-( Love, Anna." 

I had to smile slightly. 

"What you smiling at?" I looked up to see Gary standing in the door, dressed in his grey sweatpants and a black t-shirt.

"Oh, just at the text from Anna. Here are your pancakes. I'll quickly text her back and then join you." 

He shrugged and sat down "Okay."

"Hiya. Thanks. No you are NOT fat. You're pregnant and beautiful. Love, Clara" I placed my phone on the counter and sat down myself. "Congratulations from mum, dad, Anna and Jack by the way." 

"Thanks. I did mention that I love your pancakes, didn't I?" 

I giggled "You did. More than once." 

"Good." 

"What's on the agenda today Gary?" 

"Nothing really. Wanna have a cuddly afternoon watching a film?" 

"Oh that would be lovely."
-----

We were laying on the sofa, my head resting on Gary’s chest, his arms around me, his face buried in my hair. We stayed like this, even after the film had ended.

Suddenly I remembered my conversation with Anna about kids. My pulse quickened, I really was in love with Gary and I knew that I had to talk with him about this. 
I swallowed "Gary?" 

"Mhm?" 

"I need to talk with you. And I want you to be honest." 

Suddenly Gary sat right up and I was no longer in the comfortable, warm embrace. I went cold instantly and pulled the blanket tighter around me. I looked at Gary who looked at me, a serious expression on his face. "What is it?" 

I cleared my throat "Uhm... Do you want...you know...to have kids?" 

Gary’s expression went to even more serious, if that was even possible and I felt my stomach sink when I saw how pale he went. Fuck. He didn't want them, did he? 

"Do you Clara?" 

I couldn't look at him, so I looked at the floor and shyly nodded. 

"That's good." 

My head snapped back up "What?" 

Gary smiled at me "Of course I want kids. Well not yet, but I would love to have a family with you one day." 

I couldn't believe his words "Are you serious Gary?" 

"I am! I always dreamed of having kids. Well with the right person of course." 

I couldn't help myself but smile and fall forwards, back onto Gary’s chest and back into the embrace we had before. 

He kissed my head again and whispered "I love you. So much." 

I smiled “I love you too." I looked up and we shared one of the softest, sweetest and most tender kisses we ever shared.