Page 52 of The Dark Elf's Secret Baby
Just as I reach the end of the pier I spot someone leaping off the boat, running towards Jasper as well.
31
Kerym
My son runs at me full tilt and I grab him, scooping him up into my arms. “Daddy!” he shrieks, burying his face in my neck. “Daddy here!”
“Yes, I’m here,” I tell him, tears in my eyes as I rub my face against his. “Daddy’s here.”
“You’re here!” Layla rushes up to us, panting and red-faced from running after our wayward son. “You’re really here, what are you doing here?” She collides into me, hugging the both of us tightly, tears in her own brown eyes.
“I had to come back,” I tell her, laughing at how happy I am. “I came back for you.”
“I’m sorry,” she says, holding me tightly. “I’m so sorry. I was stupid, I was so stupid to push you away. I shouldn’t have said no, I didn’t mean it.”
“Layla,” I tell her, interrupting her. “I love you.” She stares at me, mouth agape, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“And I love you too,” I tell Jasper, who’s patting my cheek to get my attention and holding onto me like he’s never going to let me go again. I can’t blame him.
We stand there for a long moment, the three of us hugging and shedding a few tears. Jasper wriggles out of my grasp though and I set him down. He pushes Layla’s legs, trying to push her towards me.
We both laugh and I grab Layla and obey my son’s wishes, kissing her deeply, almost knocking the two of us off the pier in my excitement.
“I love you,” I tell her again. “I came here because I love you and I needed you to know that. I don’t want to be in the service if I have to be away from you. I’ll stop if I have to. I’ll quit. I’ll give up my status as a miou for you, I’ll give it all up if you’ll just say I can be with you and Jasper. We can live here on Zerva if you want.”
“Oh, Kerym!” she throws her arms around my shoulders and pulls me back in for another passionate embrace. Jasper hugs me around the ankles and I feel so happy. “I love you too,” she says, cupping my cheeks. “I love you so much. I was stupid to push you away. But we’re not staying on Zerva.”
“What? Why not?”
She glances over at Jasper. “I packed everything up this morning, first thing. Sold some stuff and bought two tickets. Jasper and I were going to come find you in Vhoig. I even gave all my stuff away. I couldn’t live here another minute if it meant living without you. I’ve already paid for our tickets and I’m willing to go anywhere if it means I get to be with you,” she says.
I can only stare at her in awe. She really is so incredible. I can’t believe this amazing, intelligent, stubborn, beautiful woman wants to be with me. “I can’t let you give up the job you worked so hard for,” she adds. “Your job is everything. I can live anywhere in the world as long as it’s with you.”
“But what about Jasper?” I ask, glancing down at my son who is still sitting between us. “Aren’t you worried about his safety in such a big city?”
“Yes, of course I am,” Layla says, shrugging. “I’d be foolish not to worry. But at the end of the day, if we’re there with you, I know things will be okay. You’ll protect us. I know you will. You won’t let any harm come to us. I trust you.”
“Gods, you...you’re incredible,” I say, throat tight with unshed tears. “I will protect you, I’ll protect you both with my life.”
“I know you will,” Layla says, her own brown eyes shining as she gazes at me.
I wanted this moment to be special, romantic and perfect but I can’t hold back a second longer. I have to get it out right now, or I’ll go crazy.
“Layla,” I tell her. “I know this isn’t the grand, fancy gesture that you deserve but I can’t wait another minute to ask you this question. I’ve wanted to ask you this since the day you left for Zerva. I actually came to see you that day, to ask you but you were gone. I’ve waited a long time to ask you now.”
“Ask me what?” she says, tilting her head as she regards me with curiosity.
“Layla Whitlock,” I get down on one knee, not caring that we’re in the middle of the pier where everyone can see. “Will you accept to be my mate?”
“Yes!” Layla says, throwing herself at me, hugging me and kissing me all over my face. “Yes, I’ll be your mate. It feels like everything is complete now.”
“Mama,” Jasper says, tugging on her dress. “We ride in boat now?”
The ship immediately lets out a warning signal that they are going to be departing soon. I look down at Layla.
She shrugs. “I mean, we’re already packed.” I smile and grab my son, hefting him up into my arms. Layla grabs the bags and we head back for the ship.
The captain looks absolutely irked as all get out to see me again but I pay him even more gold for his trouble and promise I’ll stay out of the way for the duration of the journey.