Forbidden Embrace

A Deceptive Proposal

Lynn watched as Clint packed his bag, the tension in the air thickening. It had been months since she'd discovered she was pregnant, and now the time for her baby's arrival was drawing near.

"Lynn," Clint said, glancing at her with his usual harshness, "I'll be gone for three days. You're to stay inside. Don't make me come back to find you've broken my rules."

"I won't," she replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart. She couldn't let him know how much she was counting down the moments until he left.

As soon as he walked out the door, a wave of relief washed over her. She quickly made her way to the forest, where she had arranged to meet Caelan.

"Lynn!" Caelan called, his face lighting up as she approached. "You're here! I was worried."

"I couldn't wait to see you," she said, her heart swelling at the sight of him. "Clint just left. We have some time."

He took her hands in his, his expression shifting to seriousness. "I have something important to discuss with you."

"What is it?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Caelan pulled out a small folder from his bag. "I've been thinking about us. About our future together."

Lynn's heart raced. "You mean...?"

"I want to marry you," he said, his eyes searching hers. "But with everything going on, I thought it might be best to do it quietly. I've prepared the paperwork. It's just a formality, really."

She felt a rush of emotion. "You really want to marry me?"

"Absolutely," he replied, his voice earnest. "I want to protect you and our child. This is the best way."

Lynn nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "Yes! I want that too."

Caelan opened the folder and showed her the marriage certificate, pointing to the lines where she needed to sign. "Just your name here, and then we'll be officially married."

Without a second thought, she signed her name, feeling a thrill of happiness and excitement. She didn't notice the name written beside hers, nor did she think to ask about it.

"Perfect," Caelan said, his smile widening as he took the signed document. "Now we're bound together. No one can tear us apart."

Later that evening, Lynn sat in the cabin, a mix of anxiety and anticipation filling her. She placed a hand on her belly, feeling a flutter inside. The reality of her impending motherhood sank in, and she felt a renewed sense of determination.

Caelan had promised her a future, and now they were married, even if she didn't know the full details. She smiled to herself, imagining the life they would build together.

But in the shadows of her mind, the looming presence of Clint remained. She knew she had to be cautious, to keep her secret safe until the day she could finally break free.

Lynn lay on the bed, the pain of contractions washing over her, each wave stronger than the last. The air was thick with anticipation, and she was filled with a mix of excitement and fear. She had been waiting for this moment, but now that it was here, doubt crept in.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Caelan rushed in, concern etched across his face. "Lynn!" he exclaimed, quickly moving to her side. "I'm here. You can do this."

Relief flooded through her at his presence. "Thank you for coming. I didn't know if I could do this alone."

He held her hand tightly, his touch grounding her. As the hours passed, Caelan remained by her side, offering support and encouragement. Finally, with a powerful surge, Lynn brought their twin boys into the world. The moment was overwhelming—joy mixed with exhaustion as she cradled them in her arms.