Chapter 16: Laura

This second chance with Percy was much different than the first time. We dated like he was trying to show my heart that he was here for me and he wasn’t going anywhere.

Our date at the lake ended with us together in bed. We kissed, and one kiss wasn’t enough. Kissing turned into a heavy petting session, and that, of course, led to sex. I let him initiate it. Physical intimacy was the last thing on my mind after losing my baby. I was afraid penetration might hurt in more ways than one. Would it evoke flashbacks of what I had gone through?

The first time felt strange. Maybe because Percy wore a condom. But most likely, because it felt like something I simply had to live through to move on. For the first time in my life, orgasming was off the table.

It had never been a problem for me before. I used to enjoy playful, uninhibited, sex. My miscarriage had taken that from me.

Of course, Percy noticed it.

“What’s wrong?” he asked me.

I shrugged, “Nothing. I’m probably tired from our date.”

“Don’t do that, Laura.”

“Do what?”

Percy held me closer, kissed the tip of my nose, giving me no choice but to look at him.

“Don’t hide from me. We’re together in this. Talk to me.”

So I told him, I told him how I felt. I told him I was afraid of getting pregnant again. I told him I felt my body had failed me.

“Everything will be okay, Laura. We will get through this. Things will be different next time. I’m not leaving you, Laura. I’m taking this seriously.”

“Thank you,” I kissed his lips softly, lovingly. It meant the world to me having him here with me.

“Just so you know, I’ll be sleeping in your bed from now on.”

“This is not exactly a queen-size bed,” I said.

“Good. That means you won’t be able to get away from me in the middle of the night. I like holding you in my arms.” He said. That made me smile.

“I do like it when you hold me,” I admitted.

“Come here,” Percy opened his arms.

We cuddled, and he held me in his strong arms. I rested my head on his chest and I felt safe, secured in his love for me. His breath was warm and calming. I just wanted to stay like this forever.

I felt his lips press against my forehead just as I was drifting off.

When I woke up the next morning, Percy wasn’t next to me. Suddenly, the bed felt empty. I missed the warmth of his body next to mine. I went to the bathroom to freshen up, and when I went out, a divine smell guided me down to the kitchen. There he was wearing one of Auntie’s aprons, talking with her, cooking while humming a song.

I smiled leaning on the door frame looking at him. I wolf-whistled at him.

“You look sexy in that apron.”

Percy looked at me, smiling. “Good morning, Sunshine. I wanted to wear just the apron, THAT would have been sexy.”

“Of course, I objected,” Aunt Molly added. “I have a reputation to keep.”