Broken Heart

36. Get ready

David's POV

The first thing I noticed when I woke was the absence of Kevin's warmth beside me. A soft sigh escaped my lips, a mixture of contentment and a lingering sense of… something I couldn't quite name. The memory of last night, the gentle way he had comforted me, the quiet strength of his presence, flooded back, and a blush warmed my cheeks.

I remembered his words, his reassurance, and the way he had made me feel safe and cherished.

I stretched, the soft sheets rustling around me, and realized he must be in the shower. The sound of the running water was a comforting, domestic sound, a reminder that I was here, in his home, our home now. A strange sense of belonging settled over me, a feeling that was both unfamiliar and incredibly welcome.

But as my eyes scanned the room, a shadow of unease flickered within me. This was his room. The room where I had… seen them. The image of Kevin and Rose, their lips meeting in a moment of intimacy, flashed in my mind, sharp and vivid despite my attempts to push it away. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me – a pang of hurt, a flicker of jealousy, and a deep-seated insecurity that I had tried so hard to suppress.

I remembered the cold certainty that had gripped me in that moment, the feeling that Kevin's heart belonged elsewhere. It was the reason I had made the decision I did, the reason I had agreed to this arrangement. A bitter taste lingered in my mouth, a reminder of the pain and uncertainty that had led me here.

Yet, as I looked around the room, I also saw evidence of his presence. His clothes neatly laid out, a book on the bedside table, a framed photo of his family on the dresser. These were the details of his life, the tangible proof of his existence, and they were now intertwined with mine.

And then there was the memory of Kevin himself, his tenderness last night, the genuine concern in his eyes, the way he had held me close and offered me comfort without demanding an explanation. That was real. That was present. That was something I couldn't deny.

A complex mix of emotions warred within me. The past, with its lingering doubts and unanswered questions, clashed with the present, with its undeniable affection and growing connection. It was a delicate balancing act, a constant struggle to reconcile what I had seen with what I was experiencing.

I knew that I couldn't let the past consume me. I couldn't allow the shadow of that kiss to overshadow the present reality of Kevin's care and affection. I had to choose to value what was in front of me, to trust in the man he was showing me he was, to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could work.

It wasn't easy. The insecurity was still there, a fragile undercurrent that threatened to pull me under. But I will learning to navigate it, to acknowledge it without letting it control me. I will learning to appreciate the small moments, the quiet gestures, the unspoken language of care and concern that Kevin offered so freely.

The bathroom door opened, and Kevin emerged, a towel draped around his neck, his hair still damp. He was dressed in a tailored suit, the epitome of power and sophistication. My heart skipped a beat. He looked… breathtaking. I found myself staring, completely mesmerized, lost in the sight of him.

He caught my gaze, a playful smile curving his lips. "Good morning, David," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Sleep well?"

I blinked, startled, and realized I hadn't even registered his words. My cheeks flushed crimson, and I stammered, "M-morning, Kevin. Yes, thank you." I hoped he hadn't noticed my blatant staring.

He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You seem a little… flustered," he teased gently. I averted my gaze, trying to regain my composure. "I'm fine," I mumbled, though my heated face betrayed my lie.

He stepped closer, his smile softening. "How are you feeling this morning?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Any discomfort? Anything at all?"

I finally managed to meet his gaze, my heart pounding a little faster. "I'm good." I replied, my voice a little steadier now. "Really." He studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then, he nodded. "Good," he said. "That's good."

We made our way downstairs for breakfast, joining his family in the grand dining room. The atmosphere was… different from my first encounter. There was a sense of ease, a relaxed camaraderie that I hadn't noticed before. The tension that had been palpable was gone, replaced by a warmth that made me feel… welcomed.

Even Kevin's younger sister, who had seemed reserved and somewhat wary during our first meeting, was more open and engaging. She made an effort to talk to Kevin, teasing him about his attentiveness towards me, and I found myself smiling at their easy banter.

Mrs. Walton, Kevin's mother, turned to me, her eyes filled with a genuine affection. "David," she said, her voice warm and inviting, "I hope you'll feel comfortable here. Please, call us Mom and Dad, as Kevin suggested." Mr. Walton, his expression softening, nodded in agreement. "You're family now, David. We're happy to have you."

I felt a surge of emotion, a wave of gratitude and belonging washing over me. "Thank you," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Mom. Dad."
The meal continued, filled with light conversation and laughter. I found myself relaxing, the initial awkwardness fading away. I was surrounded by people who cared about Kevin, who cared about me, and who seemed genuinely happy to have me as part of their family.

As breakfast drew to a close, Mr. Walton rose from the table. "Kevin," he said, his tone businesslike, "could I have a word with you in my study?"
Kevin nodded, his expression turning serious. Before he followed his father, he turned to me, his eyes filled with a soft light. "Get ready," he said, his voice low and intimate. "I want to take you somewhere."

My heart skipped a beat. "Okay," I replied, a mixture of curiosity and excitement bubbling within me. He smiled, a genuine, heart-melting smile that sent a shiver down my spine.

Then, he turned and followed his father, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I made my way back to our room, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Where was he taking me? What did he want to show me? The anticipation was almost unbearable.

A short time later, Kevin returned. He explained that he had spoken to his father, requesting a leave of absence to care for me and our child. He wanted to be there for me, to support me, especially during my first pregnancy. He wanted to be an active and perfect partner in this journey.

His words touched me deeply. It was more than just a gesture; it was a commitment. A commitment to me, to our child, to our future together. It was a reassurance that I wasn't alone, that I had a partner who would stand by my side, no matter what.

"I spoke to Dad," he said, his voice soft but firm. "I've asked him to oversee the business for a while. I want to be here for you, David. For us. This is your first pregnancy, and I want to be there every step of the way."

My eyes filled with tears, a mixture of gratitude and overwhelming love. "Kevin," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you. That means… everything."

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. "You and our child are my priority, David," he said, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Nothing else matters more."

And then, we left.