“Okay, okay, okay. Tyler, you can do this.” I took a deep breath and came home in the evening.
My hands were freezing in apprehension, my heart was pounding out of my chest, my throat dried with the inability to speak but I have to tell her.
“Candice?”
When I entered, the hall was dim, the candles were the only source of brightness as a dinner table was set and the aroma of food spread in the air.
The sight was aesthetically romantic and before I could asked a voice called me,
“Tyler!”
Candice’s melodious voice reached my ears and my breath hitched. Come on, do it.
I opened my mouth to say something but Candice hugged me before I could do or say anything and hugged me.
“Are you alright? I was worried sick about you.” She said, tightening her grip around me.
“Yeah. I am okay, you?” I asked softly.
I swallowed hard and wrapped my arms around her, hugging her back as I nuzzled to her neck.
A shiver went down my spine in satisfaction when my heartbeats intertwined with her.
“Mhm.” She nodded.
My grip around her became firm. I shut my eyes, not wanting to let her go in fear I might not lose her warmth.
“Tyler?” I hummed on her neck, not letting her go. Inhaling her addictive scent deeply.
“Your hands are so cold, are you alright?” She worriedly asked, pulling away a little.
“Are you alright?” I asked, cupping her cheeks, staring intensely at her.
“Yeah, I am fine.”
“Do you trust me Candice?” I asked in a low, depressed tone.
“Of course. With my life.” Candice replied without wavering a bit, showing me the smile I died for.
I cursed myself as a needle pricked in my heart, crumbled by the weight of her words.
“Do you love me?” My voice faded in between, she pressed her palm at my chest, not removing her azure gaze from mine.
“More than anything.” She whispered.
I pressed my forehead against hers, breaking by her demeanor as her words were increasing my vexation more.
“Candice… I love you.” Not letting me think about the outcome of my action, affright dwell in my soul.
“Can you forgive me?” I asked desperately, looking at her. Candice looked down and grabbed my shirt, biting her bottom lip.
“Tyler… you didn’t trust me. Mocked my love… I cannot forgive you for it.” She said, pulling away from me.
I was about to beg for her forgiveness but she spoke up, “I didn’t do it for you.”
I raised a brow to hear this, “What do you mean?”
Candice hugged her sides and took a deep breath,
“I am pregnant.”
It took me two second to register her words, my heart stopped at that peculiar moment.
My whole body stopped functioning and I cannot fathom the depth of her simple words which are too much for me to swallow,
“What?” I asked, not believing her words, losing my breath, barely controlling my exhilaration.
“Yes. nine weeks.” I broke into a laugh, covering my mouth with my hand, overwhelmed by the elation.
I never thought a day where I would start a family would come.
My heart thumped against my face, the flow of blood increased in incomprehensible happiness as a tear sting in my eyes,
“Really!? I can’t believe it. O-Our child?” I asked, smiling widely.
My blithe flowed out of me, lost in inexplicable joy.
“I am so happy, Candice. I-I cannot believe it. It’s like a dream.” I giggled.
Candice watched my reaction without any emotion, closing her arms and her chest while I was lost in the deepest tunnels of rapture.
“I love you so much.” I sniffed, I almost cried from delight, tears blurred my vision.
“I am so happy, thank you very much.” I whispered, wiping my tears and hugging Candice.
“Me too.” She replied coldly, pulling away.
“What happened, Candice?” I asked.
“Our talk hasn’t ended.” Candice said and my smile faded, I held her hand, brushing my thumb over her knuckles lovingly,
“Candice, I am apologizing for my words and actions. I will give you as much time as you need.” I began to say.
“I know I was wrong, I shouldn't have said that. I won’t ask you anything, please let me redeem my mistake. I am sorry.” Candice yanked her away and snapped.
“What apology ,Tyler? You doubted me, said heartbreaking things to me. I cannot forgive you for it.”
“Candice, I will do anything for your forgiveness.” I said desperately.
Candice scoffed, “You have already done a lot on your own.” She mocked.
“Candice please, don’t be like this today.” I said softly, taking a step closer.
“Okay, I won’t say anything today but about the other day where another uncertainty arose in your heart and you’ll hurt me with your words? Who knows you might even ask about the legitimacy of this chi-”
Her words broke my posture, how can she even think about something this ridiculous?
“Candice. Enough. I understand it’s my fault but don’t say such things.” I said in a warning tone.
“Where was this thought when you considered me a playgirl? You are the one who started it!” She growled, raising her voice.
I sighed and passed her a gentle smile.
“Candice.” I called her, looking at her affectionately. I guess I should do what Christian said, be a slave of her happiness.
I bend on my knees in front of her and lowered my head in shame, making her gasp,
“Candice, your very existence is a solace to my ravage and I know I shouldn’t have done this. I should have given you time and not humiliated your love for me.”
“It was repugnant of me to even think like this and I am repentant, Would you please forgive me? I won’t serve as a wall between us anymore, please forgive me.” I whispered sincerely.
Not raising my gaze, still smiling waiting for her to give me the judgment I deserve but instead she engulfed me in a hug, crying in my embrace.
“I am sorry Tyler for lying to you as well. I spoke too much… I .. I just couldn’t bear you drifting away from me. You… didn’t place any conviction on me and I was scared…”
I instantly hugged her back.
“Please, I am sorry. I love you so much, Tyler. Please don’t suspect me like this again..” My grip on her became tight, snuggling close to her.
“I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry.” I repeated my sentence in a whisper in a croaked voice.
She ran her hands in my hair and whispered, “It’s okay…”
I smiled in her embrace where I found my sunshine which shone the darkness of my night.
Blinded me in the allure for her which pulled me close to her the moment I laid my eyes on her.
“I am so glad to have you in my life.” I said sincerely, smiling at her while kissing her hands.