Chapters (45)
- Cover
- Dedication
- Prologue
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- Chapter Eighteen
- Chapter Nineteen
- Chapter Twenty
- Chapter Twenty-One
- Chapter Twenty-Two
- Chapter Twenty-Three
- Chapter Twenty-Four
- Chapter Twenty-Five
- Chapter Twenty-Six
- Chapter Twenty-Seven
- Chapter Twenty-Eight
- Chapter Twenty-Nine
- Chapter Thirty
- Chapter Thirty-One
- Chapter Thirty-Two
- Chapter Thirty-Three
- Chapter Thirty-Four
- Chapter Thirty-Five
- Chapter Thirty-Six
- Chapter Thirty-Seven
- Chapter Thirty-Eight
- Chapter Thirty-Nine
- Epilogue
- Acknowledgements
- About the Author
The weather outside might be dark but Liam makes me feel so light that it balances perfectly. I don’t know how Liam did it, but with his care and time, I’m becoming less scared of what lies ahead of us. Ever since I found out I was pregnant with Jack there has been an undercurrent of fear in my life. Scared of the pain. Scared of being a single mum. Scared of failing.
Liam makes me feel so secure that the fear doesn’t take over every part of my life any more. Being a single mum was the best thing I’ve ever done and I think I raised the most amazing kid on my own. More than that, Liam has helped me see that failing doesn’t mean you are unworthy. I might fail from time to time, but I have him in my corner either way. He’s been here this whole time, always by choice – I just didn’t want to believe it was possible for me.
I love that Jack feels safe with him, too. When Liam first came into my life I told him that me and Jack were a package deal but I never thought he would take it as seriously as he has. Liam loves Jack like his own and Jack loves him back.
I’m pretty sure Jack would follow Liam anywhere and I would be right there with them. Six years ago, when I was this close to labour I was riddled with panic attacks and nightmares, yet this time around I feel ready. Half because I’ve done it before, but also because Liam won’t let anything happen to me.
Not if he can help it. This time is so different. I am so different. I feel stronger and more confident both as a mother and as a girlfriend. The rational part of me always knew I was worthy of love, I just didn’t know how strong being loved would make me feel.
Green goo has never felt as good as it does seeping into my pores. The cool paste smells like mint and grass and it’s like I can feel the toxins being sucked out. Or the moisture flowing in. Maybe both, I don’t know exactly what it does – I didn’t ask – but I’m enjoying it either way.
Being wrapped in the world’s fluffiest robe is another plus. Lyndsey opted for a lavender mask and she lies next to me humming along to the spa music. The first thing we did after checking in was a full body massage for Lyndsey and a pregnancy specialised massage for me, and now my skin feels glossy and warm.