Light Me Up Again

chapter 17

Arlo

It's been a month since arriving in Australia and we haven't gotten a break, Luci's had us packing and sorting out the house, while she was on the phone to her agent to get the house on the market and sold. I love that my lady is organised, but I can tell she is doing this all in a panic. We sell some furniture and organise the rest to be shipped to the beach house.

The doctor's clear Victoria for her flight back to America, and we are on the next flight back home. Once we arrived, Christian and Viv picked us up and drove back to the house. We unpack the car and set up the medical equipment in Victoria's room. "Arlo, I would like you to work from home when Victoria isn't in the cancer ward." Robert instructs, and I nod.

Luci walks past as she walks her way up to her bedroom. She notices us in the formal room and walks back to join us. "Hey, dad," she says as she wraps her arms around him. He holds her hand to seat her on the sofa. "Luci, I am so sorry that you had to find out this way, there was many times I wanted to tell you, but your health and happiness were more important. I'm sorry I left you guys when you were young. It was a mistake, and instead of being a supportive husband and father, I was a coward. But I put my ego behind me and mended my relationship with your mother, and I swore from that day that no matter what, I was your father and I worked hard to raise you into the beautiful kind hearted woman you are today. Even though you are old enough to look after yourself, I will continue to guide you because you are my daughter, and I love you so much. "

Luci is crying uncontrollably and to the point of a break down, Now that we have settled it has all hit her again, I can see in her eyes that she is trying to be strong in this situation but it was breaking me to see her so heartbroken and helpless.

"Shhh, it's ok, kiddo. I promise I will look after her, " he says as he strokes her hair back, I get up and grab luci, gently walking her up to her room as she cries over my shoulder. Once again, I feel helpless, and I can't find the words to say without it making worse. "I love you, Luci. I promise you that I will work tirelessly with your father to look after your mother and you."

She nods on my shoulder and then tucks her head into my neck. I guide her into the bathroom and run the bath for her, I fill the bath with lavender bath salts, light a candle, and play some relaxing meditation music to help calm her. I undress her as she holds onto me, not letting go. I lift her into the bath. You have to let go now". I whisper.

I can see she is starting to rela,  and her muscle cal,  releasing the tension in her neck. I get up and leave the bathroom to give her some space, but I'm pulled back down. "Don't leave me please," she says softly, and I nod. I sit beside the bath as she holds my hand, and we sit quietly listening to the music. "Come in," a voice says over the music, I look over to luci, and she is looking up to me, "undress and join me," she says once again.

I slide my black t-shirt over my head and slip down my jeans, I shuffle luci forward and sit behind her. She leans her back against my chest, and I hold her tight. These are the moments I cherish the most, having her in my arms, knowing I can protect her and keep her safe. I am so overwhelmed with emotion that I blurt out my thoughts unintentionally. "I can't wait to marry you." She looks up to me and smiles, my face goes red, and I try to hide it.

"I can't wait to be your wife." we lock lips and finish our bath.