Centre of His World

Chapter 9

Everything seemed to be better between her and Luke, but she couldn't help but think that Luke wanted to just be friends. Caroline knew Luke needed time, but it's been two months since he said he had to figure it out. Luke didn't want her. She knew that. So, why bother? She was on her way to see Luke and Kelly at his house. She was gonna tell him that she couldn't wait any longer. She knew it was time. Luke will never be ready, and Caroline can't stay single forever. She can't wait for him. She wanted love. She wanted to fall in live with a gorgeous boy. She may have wih Luke, but it wasn't gonna work.

Caroline took in a deep breath as she stepped onto Luke's front porch and proceeded to knock on the door. Luke opened it with a smile and pulled Caroline in for a hug, shocking her. "Caroline, I've missed you so much."

She pulled away, looking down. "I can't do this."

"Can't do what? Caroline, what's wrong?" Luke voice was cracking and all it did was put Caroline in even more pain. She knew what she was doing, and knew that Luke could sense it.

"I can't wait for you. I can't keep doing this," Caroline said, still not looking at him. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm going to find another man. One who actually loves me back."

Luke grabbed Caroline's face gently and turned her head so that she was looking at him. He pulled her close, leaning in to kiss her soft lips. Caroline was surprised, but then closed her eyes, getting lost. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to him. Luke rested his hands on her hips. Sparks were flying as they kissed each other. No jerking away. No mean words being said. Just them and their lips on each others.

Luke finally pulled away and gave off a sly smile. "I do love you,  Caroline. I love you with all my heart. I will never truly be over May. A part of me will still love her. But, you're my future now. I love you, maybe even more than I loved her."

"I'm sorry, Luke. I didn't know that you were going to..."

"Honestly, Carol, I didn't know either. Look, I can finally admit it. I'm in love with you. I will forever be in love with you. And you treat Kelly like she's your own daughter. I'm hoping that you can be the mother she needs. But don't leave. Please. I need you more than you'll ever know."

Caroline just smiled and kissed him again. "Luke, I love you too."

A huge smile spread across Luke's face, but then he frowned. "The fans, my family. They're gonna think I'm moving on too quick."

Caroline rubbed his back and hugged him tightly. "Nobody has to know. Or everyone can know. Whatever you want."

Luke chuckled. "Come on, it's gonna rain. Go on in."

Caroline walked past Luke and into his home. She saw Kelly sleeping soundly in her play pen. She slowly walked over to Kelly. Caroline tickled her little tummy. Luke and May had made a beautiful baby. She could hope that someday, in the future, she would have her own child. Whether it is Luke's or not.

Luke was leaning against the door, a small smile etched on his lips. He shook his head. She was perfect. All he had to do was make her his. He watched as she lifted Kelly out of her play pen and cradled her into her arms. It was the first time Caroline had ever held his daughter. Luke pushed himself off of the door and made his way over to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder.

"She's beautiful, Luke," Caroline whispered, as she leaned her head against his. "You have a perfect daughter."

Luke smiled. "Thank you."

"How do you do it?" Caroline asked him, causing Luke to make a confuse expression.

"Do what?"

Caroline giggled and turned back to look at Kelly. "How do you raise your daughter on your own? I could never do it without my baby's father. I'm scared to think what would happen if I had to."

"I don't raise her on my own. I raise her with you. Sure, there are times when I wish May was here, or times where I think I can't do it. But I'm not alone. You have treated her like your own daughter from the very beginning. That's why I can't for you to be a mother. Besides, you won't be without the father, because I am right here. If things go well, I'll be the father of your kids."

Caroline just laughed. "Well, I'm sure they will go well. I love you and Kelly way too much to lose you both. Besides, you would be a perfect father to my kids, whether they're yours or not. I don't care."

Luke shook his head and pulled away from Caroline, taking Kelly. "I suppose I should put her to bed. You want to come or stay down here?"

"I'll stay, I want to explore a bit," Caroline answered.

Luke shrugged, leaned over to kiss her forehead, and then headed upstairs to put his daughter down for the night. Caroline walked around the first floor. She saw pictures of May and Luke. They had looked like a perfect couple. But one image caught her eye. A picture with him, May, and Kelly.

Caroline picked it up off the mantle. May was faded a bit. Like how an angel would be, she was looking down at Kelly in Luke's arms. Caroline could barely even tell that two pictures had been merged together to form this almost supernatural photo of his family. It was adorable. Caroline looked around the house some more. He was definitely a hunter, and there seemed to be thousands of old country magazines. She saw one where Luke was on the cover of People's Magazine. She chuckled when she noticed that he was voted Country's Sexiest Man. Cute.

Luke then cleared his throat, causing Caroline to turn around, seeing him. "I see you found my stash of magazines. Want some coffee?"

"Coffee? At nine?" Caroline laughed. "Don't you think it's a little late for that."

"I suppose beer is better?" Luke smiled. "Sure, come on, I want to get to know who I'm falling for a little better."

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A/N: Yeah, it's a short update. But I wanted this talk to be in the next chapter instead. So, are you glad that they finally told each other their feelings? How did you feel about that kiss? Now, they're not official, but I guess Luke's working on it. Any predictions?  I would've updated last night, but my dad told me to log off. Oh, well. You got it today. My little sister is pretty sick too, so it's making it a bit harder to do stuff. My mom is also sick. I'm the oldest in the house, other then my older sister and dad, so it's been hard keeping up. Anyways, what did you think of the update? Let me know! ~Kelsea