Divine Affinity

57

Eiry was sitting on the edge of the bed, the bedside table lamp casting a warm glow around the room. Her back rested against the sturdy headboard as she watched Eddie sleeping peacefully beside her. He lay on his side, one arm tucked under his pillow, the other thrown casually over her body, sheets ruffled and tangled around his legs. A soft smile played on Eiry's lips as she brushed the tip of her fingers over his curls. She admired the peaceful expression on his face, the rise and fall of his chest as he slept soundly. Leaning close, she marveled at the bond they shared, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her. It felt like they were back to the same point where they had left off eight years ago. Her gaze shifted to her still flat belly, where a new life was slowly taking form. Mixed emotions swirled within her - the overwhelming joy of new beginnings mingled with the fear of past disappointments. The memory of their failed marriage after a failed pregnancy lingered in the back of her mind, casting a shadow over her tentative happiness.

Knowing she would not be able to sleep so soon, she quietly slipped out of bed. Eiry padded across the room, her steps light as she made her way to the balcony overlooking the city. The view was beautiful - a tapestry of lights stretched out before her, the distant sound of the night enveloping her in a sense of peace. As she dialed her father's number, her heart raced in anticipation. The phone rang, once, twice, and then his familiar voice filled her ears.

"Eiry?" Her father said her name and she smiled instantly. It was like his voice alone could wash away all the fears.

"Hi." She greeted him, wrapping her cardigan tightly around her body since the night air was rather crispy. "I'm sorry I'm only calling you now, dad..." Eiry whispered. "I've been busy... it was a rough morning for Ed..."

"Laila told me all about it." Tim seated on the rocking chair on the porch. "But I was rather anxious to hear it from you." Eiry sensed a questioning tone in his voice. Maybe he wanted explanations, and she did not have any except, she loved him.

"I love him, dad." Eiry gasped, taking a step back to sit on one of the chairs, crossing her legs and pulling her silk nightgown over her knee.

"I was hoping you'd tell me something new." Eiry smiled as she sensed her father's smile on his words. "Are you sure about this?" He then asked on a more serious tone. Eiry started nodding her head before speaking.

"It might sound insane, but I am." She paused as her eyes blurred with tears and she sniffed low.

"Hey..." Tim whispered tenderly. "I don't want you to cry."

"It's that I'm so emotional..." Eiry cried. Her lips trembled and she started laughing at the same time as she did not have any reason to cry.

"You know I don't hate him, right?" Her father asked as he felt she was apprehensive. "I might have been tough with him in the past but at the time I was right, but I also know him, and I know his past and I knew where he was coming from. I told him to get his shit together and if it's now..." His wisdom was a balm to her troubled soul.

"I think he's better now." She nodded as she cleaned her eyes. "He grew up, I guess." They both giggled. "He's going through a rough time right now..."

"I know..." Tim nodded. "I am so sorry for them. Tell him I am sorry and when he gets some courage to talk to me, I'll tell him myself."

"He's a little scared of you." Eiry smiled as she played with the ending of her cardigan. Her feet now pulled up on the chair. "He's afraid of what you'll think."

"I don't think anything." Her father shrugged. "If you are sure this is what you both want, then who am I to say otherwise. I just want you to be happy, Eiry. And to be honest my girl, I don't think you've been happy in the past eight years. I mean... truly happy. You accomplished a lot, but I felt like there was always something missing and I guess I've always known it was him." Eiry took a deep breath.