Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Chapter 17

Harry takes me to a park. We sit on a bench together; his arm protectively around me.

"Lizzie, I know you are scared but you need to try to calm down a bit. The doctor said there is a chance, not for sure. It could just be a mix up with the test."

I sigh. "How can I tell Liam? And what if it is true? What if he doesn't want me then?"

Harry shakes his head. "Lizzie, any man would be insane not to want you, regardless."

"Will you go with me to tell Liam?"

"If that's what you want, Love."

I lean my head against Harry's shoulder. "I just don't want to disappoint Liam."

Harry kisses the top of my head as he rubs my arm.

We pull up in front of the house. I'm trying to be brave. Liam and I have always been able to tell each other everything. This is hard though. I'm afraid it will break his heart. I can't be responsible for hurting his big, beautiful heart.

Harry comes around and opens the door for me. He wipes the tears from my eyes. "Ready?" He asks while giving me a hug.

All I can manage is a nod.

We find Liam in the lounge. "There you are, Beautiful. I missed you. Hey, Harry."

He comes to give me a hug, pausing when he sees my eyes. "You've been crying. I can tell by how bright green your eyes are. What's wrong? Are you alright?"

I look up into Liam's sweet brown eyes, so full of concern. I just can't. "I'm sorry." I say as I run from the room.

I hear Liam yell. "Liz!" Followed by Harry saying. "Hold on a minute."

I lie on the bed crying till I can't possibly have any tears left. I hear the door open. I sit up, knowing it's Liam come to talk. He sits slowly on the bed, facing me. Quietly he asks. "Are you alright, Liz?"

I shrug my shoulders.

He takes my hand. "Liz, I want you to just breathe, and listen to me, ok?"

"Ok." I say softly.

Liam smiles. "I love you, Beautiful. No matter what. I'm not going anywhere. You can't get rid of me that easily." He winks and I smile for the first time in hours.

"We are going to deal with this together." He squeezes my hand. "Always together. First off we are going to try not to panic until we know anything for sure. Alright?"

"You're right, Liam. I just freaked out."

"Of course you freaked out, you were in shock."

I take a deep breath. Feeling somewhat normal for the first time since my appointment. I lay my hand alongside Liam's face. "Thank you, for always being my voice of reason. I love you, Handsome."

"I love you more." He moves in for a gentle yet long kiss. Exactly what I needed. He lays down on the bed. I lay next to him, resting my head on his chest. His strong arms encircle me. Making me feel safe.

"You know, Love, you've forgotten something." Liam says.

I pop my head up to meet his eyes. "That I have the most amazing fiance in the world?" I ask him with a wink.

As he laughs, I feel his chest move beneath me.

"Besides that." He says, then kisses my forehead.

I lay my head back on his chest.

"You've forgotten about the last time we saw Lucia. Remember how she touched your stomach and said..."

"Pazienza!" I cut Liam off.

He smiles. "Yes, patience. What did you say to me at the time?"

I look in his eyes. "I told you that I wasn't sure what she meant, but that whatever it was, she made me feel it would all be fine."

Liam grins. "Exactly."

I snuggle into Liam, finally truly relaxing.

He puts his hand on my stomach while kissing the top of my head. He whispers in my ear. "Pazienza."