Clay took a deep breath before pushing forward. "It means that I can now offer you, what I knew you wanted more than anything, when we were together. A husband who comes home at night and is there when you need him, a home of your own, that we can share with this child, and any others the God sees fit to give us."
This is what Sarah had been waiting all her life to hear and she wasn't sure how to react for fear that she would wake up and find that it was all a dream. She pulled back from Clay, and turned away from him. Did she deserve this after her obvious betrayal of Clay? Here she lay with another man's child growing inside of her.
"I don't deserve any of those things, Clay. Look at me," she said as she turned her tear stained face to him. "What's the first thing I did? I ran to another man, and am now carrying Gareth's child, a child, by the way, that he doesn't even want. How can you even stand to be in the same room with me?" she cried hysterically.
Clay was taken aback, but reached out and drew her into his arms. "It's okay, Sarah. We both have made mistakes and we'll work through them together. I promise you I will never judge you, and I do want this baby, because it is a part of you, and I want you. I love you…unconditionally." Clay watched as tears flowed down her face. He could see that she was struggling with herself to believe him. "I do love you, Sarah. I always will, and if you'll have me, I want to marry you. I want to be your husband and a father to this child. What do you say? Give me another chance?"
Sarah stared into Clay's eyes; she wanted so much to believe him and knew his eyes would answer her questions. Clay had the most beautiful green eyes, and at this moment, they were looking at her, with love shining in them. Sarah took a deep breath, she had her answer…he did love her and all that he had said was true. "Yes, Clay, I'll marry you."
Clay's mouth came down upon hers, and within moments he had her body under his. "Is this okay? I don't want to hurt you or the baby." Clay was once again putting her before himself. Even in the throes of passion he was more concerned about her.
Sarah raised her hands to his face and held it tenderly in her grasp. "You would never hurt me or this baby, Clay. Just be gentle and we'll figure the rest out as we go along."
Clay returned his mouth to hers, as he wondered what he had ever done to deserve this woman, and her love. But he knew one thing for sure; he was never again, going to put anything before her, or this child, in his life. After forty-two years, Clayton Webb had finally realized that his dedication to his country was not everything and he had been given another chance at happiness.
Later in the evening Clay quietly walked out of her bedroom and removed his cell phone from his jacket pocket. He once again dialed a number he knew by heart.
"Chegwidden."
"AJ, I have a question for you."
"What is that Webb?"
"Will you stand up for me?"
"Stand up for you for what?"
"When Sarah and I get married Saturday in Vegas."
"What?"
Clay smiled, as he had to hold the phone out away from his ear to keep from being deafened. "You heard me, AJ. Sarah's agreed to marry me. Well, will you?"
"I would be proud to, Clay, but how am I going to get to Vegas?"
"Let me handle that. You just be ready to go when I call you back later. And AJ? Don't say anything to anyone. Sarah and I want it to be a surprise."
"Whatever you say. See you Saturday."
Clay hung up the phone feeling as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. One that he was not even aware he had been carrying around. He dialed another number and waited patiently for someone to answer. "Webb residence."
"Harrison, this is Clayton. Is my mother there?"
"Yes, Sir, just a moment." Clay heard Harrison lay the phone down on the table and go in search of his mother.
"Clayton, darling?"
"Hello, mother. How are you?"
"I'm the same as I was yesterday when you saw me, Clayton."
Clay took a deep breath, before continuing on, "Mother, what are you doing this weekend?"
To be continued…