Eric's POV

I couldn't believe that I had waited this long to announce Lizzy to Dauntless. I was proud to have her on my arm. She was beautiful and fierce. I was loving the spotlight on the two of us and our announcement but there was a shadow looming in the background. Things were going to change tonight. Our whole way of life was going to be different. I looked at Lizzy and the smile on her face and couldn't help but feel better. No matter what happened I would always have her. She was my light in the darkness. The girl that Lizzy worked with, who's name I really should learn, came up to offer her congratulations to Lizzy. While they were talking Max leaned over.

"Does she know?" He asked.

"No, and I want it to stay that way. I don't want her involved in any of it. No serum, no simulation. Lizzy is going to stay home." I said firmly.

Max nodded.

"Okay I can respect that. Do I need to worry about her killing you when she finds out what happened?" He asked.

I looked over at Lizzy. She was so good and kind at heart. I knew she would not condone the killing of an entire faction. I knew she loved me but did she love me enough to forgive my part in what was about to happen. I tried my best to put on a cocky smile for Max.

"Of course not. She will be fine." I said trying to convince not only Max but myself.

Lizzy touched my arm and I turned to look at her.

"Eric, I want you to officially meet Marley. I work with her at the shop so I'm sure you have seen each other before." She said.

Marley held out her hand and I shook it.

"Nice to meet you Marley." I said.

"You as well." She leaned in closer. "And congratulations on the baby too. Don't worry I can keep a secret." She said.

I looked at Lizzy and she just shrugged her shoulders.

"What? I was going insane on my own. Don't worry she really won't tell anyone."

I looked at Marley, trying to assess whether I did trust her or not. She made an x motion over her heart as to say that she promised not to tell. I suppose if Lizzy trusted her then I should trust her too. I nodded and Marley walked away. Lizzy yawned and tried to cover it up but I noticed.

"You tired love?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Yeah a bit. I'm okay to stay longer though if you want." She said.

I took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

"No that's okay. We can go." I said.

I nodded at Max and he nodded back. I walked with Lizzy back to our place. I would only have a few hours with her before I had to get up again. She yawned almost all the way there.

"I think you are more than just a bit tired." I said.

"Yeah I think you might be right." She said.

I opened the door and let her go in first. She immediately kicked off her boots and almost tripped over them.

"Okay mama let's get you to bed." I said grabbing her and lifting her up into my arms.

She sighed and leaned her head against my chest. I never tired of holding Lizzy in my arms and I doubted that I ever would. She fit perfectly against me. I set her down on the bed and gave her a nightgown from her dresser. She quickly changed into it and laid down. I took off my shirt and changed into sleeping pants. I thought maybe she had already fallen asleep but when I laid down she scooted up next to me. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close. I put my hand on her flat stomach and gently stroked where my child slept.

"Goodnight Lizzy, goodnight little one." I said.

Lizzy opened her eyes to look into mine. She put her hand on my cheek then gently kissed me. Her thumb stroked my cheek.

"I love you Eric, no matter what." She said and then closed her eyes again. With that affirmation I closed my eyes. I only hoped what she said was true. If she couldn't forgive me for what I was about to do then I would lose not only the love of my life but my child. I held her closer to me. I breathed in the smell of her and felt the silkiness of her hair. I wanted to remember every single detail just in case. I drifted to sleep with my face buried in scarlet.

...

Liz's POV

I felt the bed shift and opened my eyes. Eric was getting up. I looked at the clock and it was really early.

"What are you doing?" I asked sleepily.

Eric turned around.

"Sorry love I didn't mean to wake you. Max needs me for something. I will be back later tonight though." He said.

I saw that he was putting on full gear. There was something he wasn't telling me. I wanted him to share his secrets with me and tell me everything. I knew that right now wasn't the time. I just nodded.

"Okay. See you tonight." I said.

He came around and kissed me. It was a longer kiss than our morning goodbye kisses usually were.

"I love you Lizzy. I will always love you." Eric said.

That made me even more curious about what he was doing.

"I love you too." I replied.

"See you tonight." He said.

I heard the front door close and I laid back down. My mind was awake now. What was Eric hiding?