The Affair

Chapter 30

*THIS CHAPTER MAY CONTAIN TRIGGERING SEQUENCES*

It's been two weeks since my proposal and it hit the tabloids hard and quick. Nearly all of the stories are unfavorable, filled with details about their marriage, and what little they know of her relationship with me. There has been speculation of an affair between us, but no proof aside from one or two pictures taken years ago. Every time we've left my apartment we have been bombarded with cameras and questions and neither of us have spoken a word to them.

We closed on our house only a week ago and have spent the time since picking out furniture, shopping, and deciding what is going to go where. She's taken charge on most of that, because I've never been one for decorating, while she thoroughly enjoys doing it. I've told her what colors I favor, darks and grays, and that I'll love whatever she wants to do to the place. Most of the new furniture we've decided on has already been delivered to the house.

Today, a small crew is moving boxes out of the apartment, as well as the furniture we've decided to take. Everything else will be left here for Kiera.

Theodora is dressed very casually, in jeans and a light, long sleeve shirt. Her hair is put back into pigtails with a black bandana covering it. And she's got on an old pair of tennis shoes. I think she looks beautiful in this get up and have told her that more than once.

When I look at her now, I see her differently. She's carrying my baby, our baby, it's been confirmed by her gynecologist. She isn't very far along, only four weeks, so we haven't told anyone. She's quite fearful that she'll have another miscarriage and I've tried to reassure her that everything will be alright. But I'm fearful of that possibility, too. I just can't show it in front of her.

As I'm packing up what little is left in my office up again, she's sitting in my desk chair, and rereading the new pages I wrote last night. Kiera arrives as I'm taping a box up.

"Uncle Ben," she says with a smile. "Hi."

"Hi, sweetheart."

I hug her, kiss her hair, and she hugs Theodora as well. As they gush over her engagement ring and talk, I continue to pack. Sophie is tied up at work in London, so she's coming tomorrow, and they're going shopping for furniture.

"All of my friends are so jealous that I'm going to have this apartment."

I smile and so does Theodora.

"I'm happy I could lend a hand in making them jealous."

She grins and rolls her eyes. How many eighteen year olds get to live in a penthouse rent free? I certainly didn't when I was her age. I'm happy I can make that happen for her.

"I don't know how to thank you for gifting me an apartment, but... thank you."

That makes me laugh.

"You don't have to thank me, Kiera. I'm glad to do it. Be better than living on campus, surely. And we'll only be an hour away if you need us."

"I just can't believe you're getting married. Mum can't either. She cried."

"Of course she did," I say and laugh again. "She'll cry at the wedding, too."

"Oh, god, and it'll be ugly crying."

We laugh together and then she offers to help me pack the next box. I let her, while thinking of the fact that I can't believe she's eighteen now. I remember holding her when she was first born, she was so tiny in my arms, and is still just as beautiful. I don't think she holds any ill will toward me over my absence these last few years, but I think this apartment should more than make up for it.