The End Where I Begin (Book Four of the Glen Power Series)

Chapter 16

I wake up wrapped up in Glen's arms. After yet another attack last night, I'm surprised I've woken up feeling without wanting any more from him. But I don't think my body can cope with it. There's only so much we can take.

So instead, I lie here and watch him sleep. Relish the feeling of his arms around me. He isn't particularly muscular, but the strength in his arms is unbelievable. I've always felt safe in them. Always known that I could fall into them in my weakest moments and that he would be able to carry me through them. I run my fingers along them softly whilst I wonder just how long these arms will stay with me.

I feel his breath on my shoulder and tilt my head to look at him. He always looks so peaceful when he sleeps. No matter how bad of a day he's had, once he's drifted into the world of his dreams, nothing worries him. I haven't been able to look at him like this for a good few weeks. But today, on the day that he leaves me...today I can see him properly.

Why is that?

His hum doesn't give me a chance to think about it. His eyes flicker gently open, looking at me in a sleepy daze. He smiles absently and huddles back into me, pulling me closer to him. I chuckle to myself, knowing that he's not really awake just yet. I wonder how long it will take him to work it out...

“Hey baby,” I breathe into his hair. His hum of a reply vibrates on my neck. “You okay?”

“Mmhmm.”

“You awake?”

“Mmhmm.”

“I love you. You know that?”

“Mmhmm.”

I kiss his forehead before settling back down. I feel his fingers entwine with my own and smile again. He'll work it out soon. I know it...

Sure enough, I feel his head lift from my neck.

“Wait...” I open my eyes to look at him, trying not to smirk at his confused expression. “Why aren't you...”

“I don't know.”

He blinks at me, still recovering from his sudden pull from sleep. I can't help but grin at him as I lean in and kiss his lips. But the confusion stops any reaction from him.

“Is there nothing there?” he asks. I shake my head. “Nothing at all?”

“Nothing at all.”

His grin pushes against me as he kisses me back. But he doesn't stay too long. I understand why, but I can't help but feel disappointed. He huddles back up to my neck, resting his hand on my bump. I remember when he used to do this all those years ago. Back when my bump didn't even show yet. But it's definitely prominent now. Eighteen weeks in and I'm fatter than ever...

“You're so beautiful...” he breathes against me, almost as if he read my mind. I groan as he lifts the covers up to look at my stomach. “You really suit pregnancy.”

“You mean being fat?” I tease, earning a mischievous grin from him.

“No. Pregnant. With my babies. You're practically glowing.”

“Glowing? What are you? A middle aged woman? I'm fat. Just leave me to wallow in my fatness.”

“Shut up. You're stunning. Deal with it.” He rubs my stomach lovingly. “When's the next scan due?”

“Any day.”

“You'll wait until I come home, won't you?”

“Of course I will. What would make you think that I wouldn't?”