THE TIES THAT BIND-Book 3 In The Sexy As Series

Chapter 88

"Kaia," he nodded at her.   "No one is home," he said and tried to close the door but wasn't fast enough as she inserted her foot and prevented him from closing it properly.  "Pretend you never saw me and go back to your husband," he said with a roll of his eyes.

She pushed the door open and set Karim down and threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. She couldn't help the tears that filled her eyes.

Louis was taken aback by her actions and hugged her back.  "Kaia, are you alright? I can count the number of times you have hugged me on one hand. What's wrong?" He asked not even noticing the small bundle she had placed on the ground.

She pulled back but didn't let go of him. "You're alive," she said and then kissed his cheek. "I...I can't believe you're here," she said her voice catching.

"Yes, I'm alive and I know it's been a while. I just got into town, was away longer than I expected but finding inner peace isn't as easy as one would think." He said.  "So how are you? Liam mentioned we should talk, he didn't send you over here did he?" He couldn't help but wonder.

She shook her head and then stepped away. She didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. She wiped her tears. "No," she said. "I...I haven't talked to him in days. I...I had no idea you were even here or...or coming back." He looked rested. He had gained some weight. He looked healthier. "You look good," she said. "Does...does she know you're home?" She asked nervously.

 "No and I don't want her to know. It will only overcomplicate her life and cause her pain which is something I don't want. She is better off without me. Just like you always said," he said.  "Did you want to come in? Do you want anything to drink?"

She picked up Karim and shut the door behind her, following him to the living room. "Um, sure I'll have some water," she said. She was stunned, she couldn't believe he was here. That he was home. She truly felt horrible at his last words. She glanced down at Karim who was awake and smiling at her. She smiled back at him.

Louis made his way into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water for Kaia and his coffee.  Time to face the music and Kaia.  "So...." He said handing her the water.

 "Thanks," She said taking the bottle from him. "How...how are you?" She asked.

 Louis nodded to the baby carrier and the realization of how long he had truly been gone hit him.  "I'm much better, I went to William's grave yesterday and I just wanted to thank you for putting the snowflake on the gravestone. Liam told me it was your idea."

She gave him a small smile. "It...it was...I...I know how much you love her and William and..." she stammered slightly. "I thought it was appropriate." Karim began to fuss and she bent down and pulled him out of his carrier.

"She will always be my beautiful snowflake and I will always love her and my son until my dying breath" He confessed blinking back his tears. "Looks like you expanded your crew," he said with a wink.

Kaia turned Karim to face him and she smiled. "This is your newest nephew," she said. "Karim. Karim William Malik."

"Will..."He stammered. "As in my son Will?" He then asked. "He is gorgeous, the spitting image of Zayn. Can I....can I hold him?" He asked. He hadn't held a child since his son died, but he felt compelled by this little boy in front of him.

Kaia nodded. "Yes, we named him after William," she said. "He's...he's almost three months old." She kissed Karim's cheek and then handed him to Louis. "Karim, this is your uncle Louis," she said as fresh tears formed in her eyes.  "He's Zayn's son through and through," she added softly.  "The twins are I think equal halves of each of us, but Karim, there is no denying who his father is."