When Dan return I was dressed and placing the prescription Cynthia gave me into my purse. There was something different about him and I stare at him inquiringly as I ask.

"Are you ok?"

He smiles but it was a mere reflection of the smile that I had come to know and appreciated. I expect him to shrug the issue that had him so forlorn out of the way and left me in the dark but he pulls me into his arms in a hug that I realize was more for his benefit than mine.

I nestle his body to mine and allow him all that he sought from my embrace. My worries that earlier plagued me of another woman having a place in his life when I solely wanted it to be me held no presidency as I stood there in the sweet embrace I could not deny I too wanted.

He took a deep breath a sign that he was trying to compose himself. I wait for him to say something but being that I was through seeing Cynthia I took his hand and head for the reception. With my mind running on what could be the cause of Dan's sombre mood I proceed to pay when the receptionist informs me that it was already taken care of.

I look at Dan who nods at me and I return the cash to my bag and we continue through the door and to my car. We went through the motions of unlocking the car and taking our respective seats. I place my bag on the back seat and turn to him.

"Dan is what?" I ask.

Silence filled the car and for a minute I thought he would not reply.

"This morning I got the news that my adoptive father's health has rapidly deteriorated," he looks out the window as if he could find solace from the misery that the words he spoke brought to him. "It seems he needs to see me but I honestly don't know how to face him like that."

I reach for his hand and held it in mine. I never knew my father, nor ever had I had to watch someone I love being ravished by sickness. Life had just one day decided it was going to wipe out mine in one go and leave me to face life with a young sibling that had nightmares that I had to nightly help him fight as I struggled with the pain, hurt, fear, and anxiety the sudden death of our mother and siblings had instilled in me.

What should I say to him? How could I empty the well of pain and fill it with solace?

I open my mouth to speak asking God to give me the right words. "I believe it's best to handle this as realistically as possible. You staying away isn't going to stop him from dying and if he should pass before you do make up your mind to visit I know you would never forgive yourself."

He turns to look at me and the pain in his eyes fills my heart with despair. Whatever had plagued me earlier about our affair took second place and all I wanted was to find that place where I could take Dan and ease his fear and pain.

He looks down at our clasp hand as if in this joint gesture was the answer we both sought when he found my eyes I swallow the words of love that were about to rush from my lips.

Gyal control yuhsef, my inner voice warned.

"I know your right Les, but he is the only real thing I ever had to a father and now he's leaving me. I got over Charles walking out on us but I doubt I will ever be able to get over death taking Trevor," his words drip with despair.

"It's clear you love Trevor but that love has to have over the years gave you something deeper to hold on to. Something that can fill the void that death will leave behind. Let the memories and the lessons he has thought you into becoming the man you are carry on his legacy." I inform him hoping to lead him away from his despair.

He smiles at me and this time it was a near-replica of the ones that stole my breath and fill my stomach with butterflies. I smile back feeling the tension slowly dissipate.

"That call earlier was from Myra his wife. They will be having a few close friends over so that they have a few moments with him before it's too late. I want you to come with me."

There was no doubt in my mind that the words spoken were no figment of my imagination. I knew his request awaits my reply yet I just sat there gawking at him like a dumbfounded fool.

"Les?"

"Maybe....." I start to formulate a denial but something in the way he looks at me sent it back and instead, I replied, "Sure."

The look of complete relief and appreciation that alight his face was worth my putting aside all the what-ifs? and suppose? that swirled in my mind and more so when he leans over and kissed me with a vigour that left me breathless and equally wanting.

"Thanks, babes," he said pulling away slightly from me.

I stare at him wondering who was going to save me from the love that I had revolving around my senses and turning me into a lovesick fool.

"Want anything before we head on home?" he asks and I shook my head and quickly fasten my seatbelt.

When I drove out of the parking lot I was dreading what awaits me a few hours from now. Myra and Trevor Rivers were a different kettle of fish and meeting them would be a far cry from our wedding reception. Unlike Mama, they might not take to me or appreciate the reason why Daniel and I got married. I was consumed with a thousand thoughts of dismay.

When we reach my house and I hand my keys to Daniel who would be coming back to pick me up at six to head on over to his adoptive parents I was not aware of the outright look of love he wore on his face or that he held my hand a little longer than necessary because him informing me they lived not far away only escalate my fears. 

I was wishing they were on the other side of the Island when Daniel's strong hand still my progress as I made to slip out of the car. I stop and look at him questioningly.

He tugs me closer and looks into my eyes before they trail to my lips then back up to my eyes. I lick my lips my mind now on a different path, my eyes fluttered shut without my realizing as he claims my lips. When he pulled away I almost beg him not to but I held myself together and look at him.

"I could spend a few minutes with you if you want," he said and I fumble with the seatbelt not sure what to do until my phone rang in my bag bringing our attention to the back seat.

We both reach for my bag causing my head to bump his chest as he rose to reach it. He pretends to be hurting from the mishap, rubbing his chest he groaned, "Yuh head tuff ee."

I laugh saying, "Speak for yuhself. With yuh Iron Man chest mi brain just shift."

I retreat and let him get the bag as he laughs at my rubbing my head and pouting as if hurt.

As I unzip it after he places it on my lap and took out the phone he pushes my bang that had long ago released itself from the holding spray I had sprayed on it this morning and kisses a spot on my forehead tenderly.

I fumble to unlock the phone as I made it to see who was calling. It was Ian and it showed that I had a few WhatsApp messages from him too.

"Is that better?" he asks.

"It would be if it was the right spot", I reply laughing.

He did a silly thing by kissing me all over my forehead causing me to erupt in little giggles as I push him away playfully. I was still laughing as I finally release the seatbelt and got my things from the back seat. I was about to leave when he places a hand on my stomach and rub the spot gently.

I look down at his big hand with its lean fingers neatly trimmed and knew there and then that there was nothing I could deny this man.

"Do you still want to come in?" I heard myself asking.

******************************************

Am so happy to see you're still here 😁

Leslie cares for her man. I would from the get-go be down his throat wanting to know who was that in his background calling him baby...but not our Les.

Vote and comment..🤗