He turned around, and the moment he saw me, he jumped up.
I couldn’t think of what to say to let him know I wouldn’t abandon him. Then, it hit me.
He just needs to hear six simple words. “I love you and forgive you. ” I broke down and started crying.
He shook his head, and I saw the tears falling from his eyes. When he reached out, I slammed myself into him and hugged him. He pulled away and grabbed my face with his hands. Taking my lips with his, he kissed me as if it were our first kiss, and I let out a moan.
As our lips parted, I said, “I’ve missed you so much. ”
“I love you, Amanda. I love you so, so much, and I’m so sorry…” He trailed off as he began crying.
I took his hand and placed it on my stomach, and the moment he touched me, the baby gave a big kick.
Brad cried harder as he fell to his knees. He put his face right up to my stomach. “I’m so sorry. Oh god, I’m so sorry. ”
I ran my hands through his hair as he calmed himself down and started talking to our baby. My heart was beating so fast, and I couldn’t believe how much she was moving around. She knew it, too…
Your daddy is finally back, baby girl.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I walked into my apartment and looked around. Almost everything was packed up and ready to be moved. I glanced to the counter and saw a picture of Heather and me. I went over, picked it up, and smiled. In the photo, Heather was sitting on my lap, and we were both laughing. It looked like we were out in the country—maybe at Gunner’s or Jeff’s place.
I sucked in a deep breath, tucked the picture under my arm, and sent Heather a text message, letting her know I was at the apartment. I wanted to hurry, so I could get back to her.
When I heard a knock on the door, I let out a small laugh, thinking it was Heather. She must be feeling the same way I am. I hadn’t wanted to leave her this morning.
I started to open the door as I laughed. “You couldn’t stay away either, could…uh…Victoria?”
Victoria was standing in front of me. I eyed her up and down. She looked terrible.
“Is everything okay?” I noticed the black eye she had from Ari knocking the shit out of her.
She was holding a giant bottle of water.
“You thirsty?” I asked.
She glanced down at the water and smiled. “Something like that. Do you mind if I come in? I’ve been waiting for you to get here. ” She pushed past me and walked into the apartment.
What the hell does she mean she’s been waiting for me? “Um…listen, Victoria, I don’t think it’s such a great idea for you to be here. I mean, with everything that has happened, it’s probably best if you just leave. ”
She spun around. “What’s wrong, Josh? Scared by a little temptation?”
I rolled my eyes as I walked by her. “No. I’m just saying…I don’t think we really have anything left to talk about, do you?”
She opened the water bottle and lifted it to take a drink. As I turned around to set the picture down on the counter, I heard Tori yell.
“Son of a bitch, look at this!”
I spun around and her light blue shirt was drenched in water. “What the fuck happened?”
“I’m such a klutz. I went to get a drink, and it all poured out on me. Shit! I have to meet my mother in thirty minutes for lunch. Can I borrow a T-shirt and put this in the dryer?”
“Yeah, sure, but I’m not really sure where all my shirts are. ”
She smiled and tilted her head. “Thanks! I really appreciate it. Damn, I can’t believe that happened. Be right back. ”
I started to move some of the boxes. Then, I pulled out my phone and called my dad.