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➪ 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 ➪𝟏/𝟐𝟔/𝟔𝟎𝟑𝟕 ➪ 𝟏𝟎:57 𝐚𝐦
I felt a blush rise as I stepped back, the door creaking open wider. "You're here?" I said my voice barely above a whisper. I could hardly believe, that he was standing on my porch, looking at me with those intense eyes.
Reaching out, he gently caressed my face, and I felt as if my legs were going to give out. His touch sparked a warmth within me, a flutter in my chest.
"You're just as beautiful as the day I first met you," he said, his voice low and rough. His words made my blush deepen, but I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.
Takumi stepped across the threshold, his gaze scanning the cozy confines of my cottage.
I took the opportunity to take in his appearance. He was well put together, his outfit fitting him perfectly, and his sword at his side seemed a natural extension of him. His face was more defined than I remembered, his features sharper, and his body...his body looked more powerful, more muscular. He had an air of confidence about him, a sense of authority that was hard to ignore.
I felt a flutter in my chest as I took him in, my mind whirling with questions. What was he doing here? Why now, after all this time? But as I looked into his eyes, I saw a sincerity there, a genuine interest.
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My observation was cut short when I heard a whine from the living room, causing me to turn away to attend to Evan. I disregarded the sound of the front door closing and the heavy steps behind me. As I picked up Evan, his fidgeting settled as I cradled him, and gave him soft pats.
"So this is why you've been gone. Why I couldn't find you," I heard from behind me, turning to see him take in the whole situation. His gaze landed on Evan, and his expression changed, a flicker of shock in his eyes.
"I can't believe you married with a child, seems I was too late," he let out a sigh, running his hands through his hair. His words were laced with a bitter disappointment that made my heart ache.
Feeling taken aback by his statement, I found myself saying, "I'm- I'm not married," my voice low, causing his eyes to widen in surprise.
Before he could speak again, Evan decided he wanted to be part of the conversation. "Momma," he said, rubbing his eyes. I propped him up, and his sleepy face became more visible.
As I settled him in my arms, a sharp gasp filled the room. Takumi's gaze landed on Evan, taking in his appearance, and his entire body seemed to tense. "Is that...?" he trailed off, his gaze flicking back to mine, a question in his eyes.
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. "His name is Evander," I whispered, my heart pounding in my ears. I could feel a shift in the air, a weight settling over us.
Takumi's gaze returned to Evan, his eyes softening. "He's...he's so small," he said, his voice filled with a quiet awe. He reached out a hand, and gently brushed a strand of hair from Evan's forehead.
I nodded, my throat clogged with emotion. "He's a big personality, even if he is small," I said, a small smile spreading across my face. "We should sit down and talk."
Takumi's gaze returned to mine, his eyes burning with intensity. "Yeah," he said, his voice firm. He followed me to the couch, his movements quiet, as if he didn't want to startle Evan.
As we sat across from each other, I found myself saying, "I know this is weird but, I never caught your name that night we met." I fidgeted with Evan's blanket, my heart pounding in my chest.
Takumi paused for a moment, before saying firmly, "Takumi, Takumi Hashimoto ダーリング." His voice was strong and confident, and something about the way he said his name made me feel a shiver run down my spine.
I stared at him, surprise flickering in my chest. I used to hear that name when I was in town, but never really thought much of it. The name carried weight and power, and I felt a pang of realization.
"Um... my name is Elvira Lennox," I said softly, as I caressed Evan's back. He seemed to be in a staring contest with Takumi, his big eyes locked on the man across from us.
The air was thick with unspoken words, with questions, and a tension that hummed between us. But as I looked at Takumi, at the way he was looking at Evan, I felt a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could find a way to make this work.
