Chapter 21

Finn's POV

I hold Lottie's limp hand in my own.

Tears fall down my face.

Lottie had woken up half an hour, and had screamed evil things at me.

I kept reminding myself that she was on medicine, that's why she'd say things like that to me.

But it hurt.

Mr. Mellark had had an attack, so Mrs. Mellark had taken him out.

They still hadn't come back yet.

Mother left too, muttering something about Dad.

So now it was just me.

Lottie.

And the baby.

The miracle that Lottie carried.

I'm surprised she could hold it in her for as long as she had.

I stare at Lottie's face, calm in her sleep.

I lift a shaking hand to her face and lightly trace the outlines of her lips.

So soft.

Her eyelids.

Her nose.

And finally down her neck.

I don't go any farther than that.

I'd only go down farther if she'd give permission.

I lay my head down on the bed and close my eyes.


"Finn." Lottie gasps, her lips wet from our kisses.

I moan into her neck as I place kisses down her body, not missing an inch.

She grabs my head so that I look at her.

Her eyes are bright as she presses her lips against mine.

I moan again and trace my tongue over her lips.

She opens up her lips and I slip my tongue into her mouth, tasting her sweetness.

She pulls away and whispers into my ear, "I'm ready."


"Finn..." Lottie whispers.

I gasp, sitting upright quickly.

Lottie's watching me.

I notice that it's nighttime.

"Finn..." Lottie whispers again.

I lean towards her, and brush a piece of hair off of her face.

She stiffens under my touch and I freeze, watching her closely.

Then she leans against my touch, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Where's Nick?" She whispers, her voice hoarse from screaming.

"He ran away after you screamed at him." I wince at my confession.

Lottie's eyes widen, and tears fall down her cheeks.

"Sshh, Lottie." I whisper, kissing dry her cheeks.

"Oh Finn, it's all my fault." Lottie whispers.

"Lottie?" I breath deeply.

"Hmm?" She moans through her tears.

"Marry me."