The Ghosts Of Her Past (A Completed, Steamy Romantic Mystery)

Part Seventy Three

I found Blaine in the study on his phone.  I swear, the moment I see this man, my heart just swells, but when he smiles at me, I feel like a teenage girl at my favorite boy band concert. 

"I appreciate your attention to this matter, please call me as soon as you know something." He said into his phone after he waved me in and smiled.

"Thank you, goodbye." He didn't take his eyes off me as I walked over to him, then he pulled me down on his lap. 

"How are you feeling?" He rubbed his thumb on my cheek.

"Numb before I saw you." I gave him a small smile.

"So, does that mean you're okay?" He asked.

I nodded.  "I feel better around you," I said.

"Are you feeling well enough to discuss Will and his future?" He asked.

"Of course, we need to get that settled," I said.

"I just called my attorney and asked about the steps toward adoption.  He said guardianship for the time being, then six months of custody, and then the adoption.  What I need to know is if you want your name on any of it, or if I will do this alone?" He asked.

I smiled.  "I want my name on it, he's a part of our family, right?"

He smiled and nodded.  "Yeah, but this a lot of changes." He said.

"Changes I look forward to making with you." I leaned down and pecked his lips.

When I lifted my head, he looked up at me.  "You are by far the most amazing human being I have ever met." He placed his hand on my belly. "A maker of miracles."

I placed my hand over his and looked down at our hands.  "Do you think I will be a good mother, Blaine?" I asked.

He nodded with a soft look in his eyes.  "You already are, Cora."

I smiled.  "Thank you, and thank you for being a father to both of these children.  Soon after this baby is born, I want another one.  Eli and I are close in age, and I want that for this baby." I said.

His eyes lit up.  "I can't wait to make more babies with you."

He pulled my head down to kiss me, and once his lips hit mine, I suddenly knew everything will be okay.  How is it possible to love someone this much and not need much time at all. Then I felt his hand move just a little over my belly.  It's even possible to love someone you haven't even met yet.

When our kiss broke, I looked down and saw Izzy sitting at Blaine's feet.

"She likes you," I said.

He shrugged. 

"You don't like dogs do you?" I asked.

"Not if their messy, bark too much, slobber, or shed." He said, and I laughed.

"That's all dogs."

He shrugged again.  "She's alright I guess."

"You haven't known many dogs have you?" I asked, and he shook his head.

"Never owned one." He said.

"Are you going to let me bring her to New York?" I asked.

"Well, she's a part of the package, right?" He looked like he had a glimmer of hope I'd say no.

"Of course," I answered.

"She needs a yard." He said.

"I can just walk her, she's more of an indoor dog," I said.

"Will and I talked, and I think we should look for a house when we get to New York.  Kids..." He paused and looked down at Izzy.  "..and dogs need a place to run and play.  What do you think about looking as soon as we get back?" He asked.

"That's fine, but I think I need to sell my house.  I'm not sure how I feel about ever stepping foot into it again." I said.

"I can call a realtor if you like." He said.

"I'd appreciate that, thank you."

Izzy's head popped up and she perked her ears just before she started barking, then I heard the front door open.

"I bet that's my dad or Will," I said.

I gave him one last kiss before I stood, and Blaine followed me out of the study.

"Cora!" My father set his bags down, then swooped me up into his arms. 

"Thank God you're okay." He kissed my head and squeezed me tighter. 

"Where's your brother?" He asked when he sat me down.

"In the living room, but Dad, this is Blaine Lowell, Blaine, this is my father Kevin Ashley." I introduced them.

They shook hands.  "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Blaine said.

"Likewise, Wilma filled me in. Welcome to our home," Dad said before he looked at me.

"You said your brother is in the living room?" He asked.

"Yeah," I answered.

"Excuse me, I have another child that also needs to know how thankful I am today.  It's nice meeting you, Mr. Lowell." Dad said.

"Please, call me Blaine." He said.

"Thanks, and do please call me Kevin," Dad said, then gave me a nod before he went looking for Eli.

"You're parents are very welcoming." He said.

"Yeah, they're great, and so is Eli," I said.

We walked back into the study and he called his P.A., giving her a list of instructions, including calling a real estate agent to sell my house.   It wasn't long before Mom returned, and I helped put away the groceries she bought.  Blaine stayed busy on his phone, while Dad made a few calls of his own.  He called Gray's parents, to not only see if they were holding up, but to get some answers from them. 

I was relieved when he said arrangements for Gray had been made.  They are just going to have a private graveside funeral and said they understood if I didn't feel up to attending.  I guess they don't really want me there, and I can't blame them.  They also said they want to meet and discuss the baby.  Dad told them they would have to wait, we have plenty of time, and to give me a few months or however long I need to recover.