“Only the best for my queen.” She leaned back against him, feeling safe, feeling loved. For the first time in months, everything felt right. Thank you for this, for us. Anything for you, Allison. His voice was soft in her ear. Anything. That evening, they had dinner on the deck as the sun began to set.
Malcolm had arranged for the resort to prepare all of Allison’s favorite foods. Panciered salmon, roasted vegetables, wild rice, and a virgin mojito for her since she couldn’t drink wine. They ate slowly, talking and laughing, and Allison felt like she was falling in love with her husband all over again. “Remember our first date?” she asked, smiling at the memory.
You took me to that terrible sushi place in little five points. Malcolm laughed, actually laughed, and the sound made Allison’s heart sore. Hey, I thought it was supposed to be good. How was I supposed to know they’d give us food poisoning? We spent the whole next day texting each other from our respective bathrooms. Allison giggled.
Most romantic first date ever. But you still agreed to a second date. I did. She reached across the table and took his hand. Because even sick as a dog, I couldn’t stop thinking about you, about that smile, those eyes, the way you made me laugh. Malcolm’s expression grew serious. He squeezed her hand. Allison, there’s something I need to tell you.
Her heart stuttered. What is it? He was quiet for a long moment, staring at their joined hands. When he looked up, his eyes were glistening. I just want you to know that everything I’ve done, everything I’m going to do, it’s all for a reason. for us, for our future. Malcolm, you’re scaring me again. Don’t be scared.
” He stood up and came around to her side of the table, kneeling beside her chair, just like he had 2 days ago. “I just need you to know that I love you. No matter what happens, no matter what you might hear or think, remember that I loved you. Why are you talking like this?” Allison’s voice trembled like you’re saying goodbye. “I’m not. I promise.
” He kissed her forehead, then her lips. Come on, let’s go for a walk. The sunset’s about to get even better, and there’s a trail that goes right along the cliff edge. The resort manager said it’s the best view in all of North Carolina. Allison hesitated. Something felt off about his tone about the way he was looking at her.
But then the baby kicked hard, as if urging her forward, and she pushed her doubts aside. This was supposed to be their reconnection weekend. She was probably just overthinking everything. Okay, she said, letting him help her up, but you’ll have to go slow. Your daughter is sitting right on my bladder. Daughter. Malcolm’s eyebrows rose.
You think it’s a girl? I know it is. A mother knows these things. They walked hand in hand down a narrow path that led from their cabin along the cliff edge. The trail was beautiful, but isolated, winding through trees whose leaves crunched beneath their feet. To their left, the cliff dropped away into nothing, and Allison could hear the distant rush of water far below.
To their right, the forest grew thick and dark. The sun was setting now, painting the sky in impossible shades of purple and gold. Allison stopped to take it all in. One hand on her belly, the other shading her eyes. This is perfect, Malcolm. Absolutely perfect. Malcolm stood a few feet behind her, his hands in his pockets. His phone bust.
He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. A text from Vanessa. Are you ready? Everything set on my end. Just finish it. He stared at the message for a long moment, then looked at Allison. She was glowing in the sunset, her profile soft and beautiful, one hand lovingly cradling their unborn child. For just a second, doubt flickered through him.
