His Unwanted Bride ~Editing~

Chapter Twenty Eight: Alex

     "Hey," I said softly as I walked back into the room.
    "Hey," she mumbled back. "Sorry I got caught up talking to Dr. Hanson, she finished everything for the tests, we just have to wait."
    "That's okay," I said softly, moving back to the side of her bed. I stood next to her and took her hand in mine gently.
     "You can sit if you want," she patted the bed beside her.
     I smiled and sat down next to her, leaning back against the elevated head of the bed so I could see her face, inches from mine. "I was so worried you wouldn't wake up. I was even more worried that if or when you did, you would be alone," I whispered, staring into her eyes. "I was so torn, I was stuck between doing what was right for Clarissa, and doing right by you. Thankfully she wanted to stay with us here. If she had wanted to be home, it would have killed me, but I would have done that for her."
     I snaked my arm around her shoulders and began stroking her hair. "How would that have killed you?" She asked. "You hate me, right now we are bound by a traumatic experience, that is all. Once life goes back to normal, I'll have to give you a child that I'll have to leave behind in three years except for the few short times I'll get to see them," she spoke softly and I could hear the tears forming in her eyes.
     "Hey," I spoke, turning her tear stained face toward me. "You met my mother right?" She nodded sadly. "You see the smile she puts on my face, on Clarissa's right?"
     "Y-yes," she nodded.
     "You know how she makes you feel right?"
     "Warm, and cared for, the only way a mother could," she mumbled, mite tears spilling from her eyes.
      "Then why would I want to deprive my own child from a feeling so amazing? I have no plans of divorcing in three years, but if I did, you would still live in the manor with Clarissa and our child. I wouldn't throw you out simply because our end of the deal was done. Even if I didn't love you, that was always part of the offer," I explained kissing her forehead.
     She looked at me unsure of what to say, her expression blank. "I don't know what to say to that, or how to react," she mumbled.
     "If you don't believe me, here, look," I walked over to my work bag and pulled out a file folder. It had various documents in it, one of which was the contract between us. I skimmed the contract, and found the clause about the future. "Here, look."
     "At the end of the three year period, it can be discussed whether this relationship should end or continue, with the consent of both parties. Should the marriage end in divorce, Tabitha and Clarissa (he had written in her name among the typed letters) may continue to live at the manor along with any child that may come from their union. Should they feel more comfortable leaving, suitable housing will be provided for them," she read tearfully. "I am so sorry, it seems I have made a few assumptions as well."
     "Hey, I didn't show you this to make you upset," I spoke leaning forward and rubbing her back in soft circles. "Listen, my mother told me something very wise," I said shoving the contract back in my bag and sitting beside her again.
      "I'm sure your mother has told you many wise things," she laughed. "She's a smart lady."
      "I agree," I laughed. "But this was the wisest thing I had ever heard from her. She told me that sometimes we don't marry who we love, we grow to love who we marry. I know that you are not accustomed to love or affection, but please, give me the chance to show you what that would be like. I can honestly say that my feelings are growing for you, and would love nothing more than the chance to love you and earn your affections," I mumbled into her hair as I pulled her close.
    I never opened up to anyone like this before. I never felt like this before. What has she done to me?