Chapter 49

Krista couldn't bear to let him leave like that! "Don't go, Albert! I do love you!"

"Oh, Krista, my Krista," he rushed back to take her in his arms and smother her with kisses. "How I love you, my Darlin'! I beg you, with all that's in me, please give us more time. Talk to Krystal. I can't bear to live without you, now that I've finally found you."

"But you don't understand the risks, she could die doing this and it only has a 50/50 chance of success! How can I put her through that?" It was heaven to be in his arms, but she wished they had met long ago.

"I'm sure the risks are small for Krystal and 50% is better than none at all, my love. Please, try it and live. I promise to love you with all my heart and we could see our babies grow to be strong, healthy adults. Just ask Krystal - and give her a choice, give her the risks, and give her a chance to refuse you if she wants to." Kissing her, he thought that of all the women in his life, she was the one he was meant to spend the rest his life with. So much time wasted, so much love lost.

"I will think about it, Albert, I promise you that." She snuggled into his arms hoping he wouldn't see her wince in pain.

"My love, please take a bath if it will ease the pain," he begged, worried that she would suffer if he stayed, yet not wanting to leave. "I promise I'll wait right here for you until you get out. Will that make you feel better, sweetheart?"

"Will you join me?" she asked shyly.

"If you're sure, Krista, then I'd be honored," he gently smiled holding out his hand.

"I want you, Albert, I just don't want you to be turned off by my body in the shape it is in right now," she said running her hands over her tummy where the babies grew.

"Why would I be turned off by your body, Krista? You're carrying my children and I think you look beautiful. I don't think I've ever met a woman that looked any more desirable in my eyes than you do right this minute!" He took her into his arms and kissed her until she was breathless. With a smile at him, she took his hand and led him into her bathroom.

"Krista, I love your tub, it's big enough for three," he laughed leaning over and turning the water on. "Nice whirlpool too. I may just move in and lay in this with you, Darlin'."

"I love my tub too, I had the bathroom remodeled right after I found out I was pregnant. Let me put some oils in the water. They help the pain and smell wonderful," she said moving AJ aside and putting a few drops into the tub. The amazing scent filled her bathroom. Both quickly undressed and AJ helped her into the tub, so she wouldn't slip. Then he climbed in behind her, pulling her back against him so she could rest her back against his chest. Krista reached over to turn on the whirlpool on, stirring up the wonderful smell of her oils again. Picking up a sponge he started to gently rub her body hoping he was helping to ease her pain. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, the pain is going away, once again. Thank you, Albert."

"Anything else I can do for you, Krista?" he asked knowing she could feel his erection pressing against her back. It made him feel like a heel with her in pain. He couldn't control his desire for this woman.

"Would you mind laying down and holding me, Albert? I need to feel your strong arms wrapped around me tonight," she turned and stared in his wonderful chocolate brown eyes, pleading.

"It doesn't just have to be one night, Krista. I know we've fought about your health. It's your choice to keep Krystal in the dark. But she is the key to giving you hope for a long and healthy life."

"Can we not talk about it please, Albert. Tonight, can we just pretend I'm healthy and everything's normal?" she pleaded for him to accept this dream.

To be continued…