H E R...

Chapter 24: 𝒫𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒪𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒫𝓁𝒶𝓃

"So what is it MJ." I said being a tad bit spiteful. I knew he would hate being called that but I didn't care.

He blew his breath before speaking.

"Listen these last few days have been really hard for me. I know you left the house really upset and what I told you was a hard pill to swallow. I get that. But there was so many times I wanted to tell you. I was just afraid."

"Afraid? You know nothing about being afraid. You already got a pass for being scared. That means nothing to me." I snapped back.

He put his head down in defeat. I know he knew what I meant. He was here telling me about being scared. No, you had your turn being scared in court when you let that monster get away with what he did to me.

"Then you watched me all these years. All these years Michael waited till I was vulnerable and took advantage of me." I added.

"No baby please no, it's not like that I promise. I didn't think we would get to this point. I honestly thought I would continue to look after you without you ever knowing."

"But when your mom died....." he trailed off.

"When your mom died, I felt as though I had no other option. You needed someone, and no I was not taking advantage of your vulnerability, I just know you felt at your lowest. It killed me seeing you that way. There were plenty of times where I wanted to come to your apartment just to hold you. There were nights I wouldn't sleep because I knew you couldn't. Paisley I love you. Please you have to understand this was not part of the plan. I knew you hated me so I always stayed away. But I love you enough to risk losing you forever if it meant I got to help you and you were happy again."

His words touched me in every way I needed right now. Regardless of how mad I was at him. I knew he meant well and he meant every word he spoke. I don't know if it's my emotions or what but every part of me wanted to jump in his lap and hold on to him while I cried. This man has become my person. He's just the last person on earth I thought it'll be. Ironic right?

He grabbed my hands.

"Paisley please come back home. We could start over. You could sleep in your own room I'll keep my distance. It'll be all up to you on how we move forward. Just please don't walk away. I know you love me. Even if you never said it. I can tell in how you look at me. The way your face brightens up when I come home. The way your body reacts when I talk to you or touch you. Baby I know. Please don't leave me Pai. I've never wanted another woman in my life. I only wanted you. It's only you, it always has been. I promise I'll never lie to you again or keep anything from you..... I'm yours."

I don't know what it was about that last statement but I couldn't hold it in anymore. I loved him and yes I was hurt. But I was carrying his child and he didn't even know. I've ran from love for so many years because I was holding on to so much of my past. But with Michael, I've faced those demons and allowed myself to love and be loved. Yes it's unfortunate that it had to be under these circumstances but I couldn't deny what was in front of me.

"I love you too...." I said almost a whisper. I can tell out the corner of my eye that he smiled.

"But I need time. This is not an easy thing to take in. Part of me wants to just run and leave you behind. But a bigger part of me wants to do what's best for us." I said holding my belly unknowingly.