August ended. In a still stifling heat, the young woman had taken the road to the hotel which had come to address two days earlier. It had spent three weeks before she had a sign from William, three weeks when she wondered if he was going to contact or if he had simply left her life. Well then, a mail had arrived that morning, with a small white envelope. There was an address in Hamilton, one day, one hour. She had not hesitated to leave Olivia to her nurse and she took the road. Scared to know she was going to face him again.
She parked in front of the big brick building, she turned off the engine and inhaled deeply before leaving the car. Her gloved hands were sweaty, her breath jearky, her heart pounding in her chest. She walked into the building and went in to stand in front of receptionist.
-Julia Ogden I need to see Mr. Murdoch.
-He gave me this for you, simply replied the young man, handing her another envelope.
She took it and she quickly opened to read the message writing from the hand of William.
Get out of the hotel, do thirty meters on your right, takes the small driveway and turn the corner of the park. I'm waiting you.
She closed the paper and performed all that were noted. When she arrived in the waterlogged park sunset light, pleasant warmth spread through her entire body. He was there. He stood back but she had recognized him. Still, William watched the sun disappear over the horizon, hands in his trouser pockets, brown hat that never left ensconced on his head. Julia remained a few seconds looking at him in silence before he turned slowly toward her, as if he knew she was there, close to him. She froze. She loved more than anything to see his dark and gentle eyes delving into her own, and these weeks of separation had only made it grow her love for him. Now she was facing him, she had only one desire, to throw herself into his arms, savoring the hug and tell him how much she had missed him. But instead, Julia stood there motionless anchored her eyes in his. He clenched his fists he kept in his pocket. The sunset light perfectly traced the lines of her face, the curves of her body. She was beautiful, as always, and maybe even more than before as if he fell a little more in love with her every day. He struggled not contact her sooner, but he wanted to be sure she really wanted, she gave him the space he needed to take stock. And she kept her promise, she had expected, and she came.
As pushed by an invisible force they advanced towards each other at the same time. And they remained there, face to face to a few centimeters from each other.
-Good evening William, Julia whispered voice trembling.
-Good evening Julia, he answered in the same way, you ... you seem to go well.
-Yes, I'm fine, and ... you too.
-I'm fine, said William, smiling shyly before looking at his shoes.
-Why giving me an appointmet here? Threw the young woman looking around.
-We are not in Toronto, and we are in public. I discovered this park there some time, I feel good here. It will be quiet to talk.
-I understand you, it is wonderful, Julia replied smiling.
-You wanted to talk to me I guess, said William who wanted to go straight to the point, I am here to listen.
She inhaled deeply and she pursed her lips looking at the ground.
-What if we walk a little?
He met her eyes and he just nodded. They then set off slowly, in silence, without looking. Here we go, thought Julia, I must talk, this is the time.
-William I ... I wanted all of accesses to apologize. For hurt you the way I did. I did not realize that my actions could hurt you so. I was selfish. I knew your faith was very important to you and asked you to deny it. I never had to do that.
-You did not ask me Julia, I did it for a reason. I had wanted, I did not fight to repel you. That's just I lost control, we lost both.
He met her gaze for a second before she flees again to look ahead.
-You doubted my feelings because of this. But do not think for one second that I feel nothing for you. This is not a sex story William, Julia threw almost angry, I have never seen you like this. You are much more important to me than any man, more than just a good lover I want in my bed. Our history is stronger but ... I can not tell you what you want to hear.
-Why? Murmured while he stopped walking. What it cost you so much to tell me what you feel for me, if your feelings are sincere?
She did not answer, closing her eyes a few seconds. He saw a tear slip and he tenderly took her hand.
-Julia, talk to me, I beg you. I do not understand.
-There are only three people tho whom I said "I love you," she said, looking at him again, there was my mother, Peter and Olivia. I lost my mother a few days after, I lost Peter also and I was devastated. I do not want to lose you William. When you're not with me I feel like dying slowly, I got wrong decision, I know I am acting badly, but I did it because I was a lot too afraid of losing you forever.
-Julia this is why you almost do.
-I understand now, sighed Julia, and I thought I would die every day spent away from you.
He did not answer and he tenderly pulled her into his arms. He felt her stick her face in his neck and her fingers stroking his neck.
-You do not lose me, William whispered in her ear, I promise. I would take time it will take for you to understand it and to you no longer doubts.
-There is something I have to tell you, Julia whispered.
He did not answer and she took a deep breath before speaking again without releasing her grip.
-I'm pregnant William, Julia threw in a breath, I'm carrying your child.
She felt him stiffen for a moment and he departed for her to meet her gaze.
-I do not ask you anything if you do not want, Julia went on, but I had to tell you. I know we have little chance of having a future together, but I do not want to give up this child. I shall support his needs and if you do not wish to be part of his life I can understand that. I shall tell him about his father without knowing who you are and I ...
William cut her off, placing his index finger on her lips. She saw his eyes moisten and she felt his hands rest on her flat stomach. He stroked a few seconds looking at it tenderly.
-A Baby, you ... you're pregnant and this is my child, William muttered.
He looked her again and a huge smile born on his lips before he gently caresses the cheek of Julia. She did not move, feeling the young man draw against him again, feeling his lips touch hers for a long, lingering kiss. She then clung with all her strength to his neck, feeling revived under his caresses and his kiss. They separated then breathlessly, placing their foreheads against each other.
-I want to be part of his life Julia, William whispered on her lips, as well as yours and that of Olivia. So I do not know how long it will take, how we will do, but I want to be here with you three.
She smiled at him and they embraced once again, sealing the promise made half-word, one that assured them that they would never be separated again.
-I love you, William whispered in her ear, and even if I have to wait hundreds of years for you to tell me in return, it does not matter to me, I'll repeat every day that God made . I love you Julia, William repeated in her neck before placing a tender kiss.
Julia smiled in relief, she closed her eyes and savored the moment, relieved, happy and reassured. I love you too William.
to be continued..