A Twist in Fate

Chapter eleven

Abbigail

Beth has been distant since Melanie told us Shawn was shot on the return to base. I can't say I blame her, I would be distant too if it were Melanie. Since we arrived back in America she's been sleeping in Shawn's room. On my way to say goodnight to her before joining Melanie in the guest house, I'd pause outside the door and listen to her beg God to give Shawn back.

I let myself in and climb in the bed to face her. Her eyes were wet, a deep sadness in them I wish I could wipe away. She was clutching onto Shawn's hoodie, a wet spot visible from where her face had been buried into it while crying. Melanie slips in the bed behind her and she shutters a calming breath. I wipe her eyes and watch as they close with her letting out a sleepy sigh.

I kiss my cousin's forehead and hold hands with her as she falls asleep, like we always do when one of us is hurting. I look behind her at Melanie and could see she felt something for Beth. I don't say anything about it because I'd be a hypocrite. I don't say anything about her feelings towards Beth when I have feelings towards Shawn and she knows it.

Over the last few weeks since my sight was restored, I've been falling in love with her all over again. Being able to look in her icy blues again has been a God send. I'm glad I was able to have a moment with Shawn before they left, because I was able to cherish that moment with closed eyes when Melanie told us what happened. That night I dreamed of her touch, reliving our intimate moment the night before. I love Melanie's rough side, but Shawn is so gentle and each caress was filled with love and compassion.

Each stroke left a fire in it's wake, spreading until I felt like I'd combust from the inside. Each kiss felt like I was being cast under her spell, leaving me wanting more, but she isn't mine to take more than what's offered. I love Melanie in more ways I can explain, but a piece of me will always love Shawn and crave her next caress. I know Melanie feels the same for Beth, just by how she's holding her, broken while her wife lays in a deep slumber.

I try to go in by Beth the following night, but the door is locked. Tears fill my eyes, but understand she wants space. I walk back downstairs and out the door ignoring everyone as they call out to me. I wanted Beth to feel the baby kick in hopes it would put a smile on her face. A hand grabs mine from behind as I reach the guest house. I turn to see Melanie's parents and go in their arms as uncontrolled sobs spill from my lips.

The baby starts kicking at Jenny's stomach and she pulls back enough to hold my face in her hands. "Abby, you need to calm down, your baby can sense you're upset and is telling you to calm down," she says in a soothing whisper, sweeping her thumbs at my rapidly falling tears. She takes a deep breath and I mimic her. She lets out a relieved breath and says, "Good girl. Come inside and we'll help you calm the baby."

I meet her eyes and it's almost as if I'm looking in Melanie's and let out a calming breath. I let them lead me to the living room and they sit on either side of me. Jenny strokes my hair as I lay my head on her shoulder and Max rubs at my stomach. I let out a content sigh and watch as Melanie walks in the front door with concern in her eyes.

She smiles lightly when she sees I've calmed down between her parents and comes to kneel in front of me. She takes my feet in her lap and gingerly removes my shoes before massaging them. I groan at the relief of her magical touch and close my eyes. "Do you want to visit Shawn tomorrow," Melanie asks in a soothing whisper and I look down at her. "I know you miss her Abby, I do too. It's been a few days and I can see it eating away at you."

"I feel dirty having feelings towards someone who isn't my wife and that someone happens to be my cousin's wife," I choke quietly and pull my feet from her, ashamed of the feelings I have and admitting it to her.

"I have feelings for them too," she admits in a choked whisper and tears roll down her cheeks. "I'm not jealous Abby, I know you love me and that I love you. I've watched you develop feelings for her since we started swapping wives. I don't want you to hide your feelings when I'm finding it hard to hide mine.