The boat left the dock, and the wind flowed through her hair, cold and sharp. She was scared. For the first time in six years, she would be seeing Edward, the man who, throughout these couple of years, lived only in her mind. This could go badly in more ways than one.
This was for her daughter. For the rent she couldn't pay. For her sick mom.
She glanced down to see that her daughter had woken up from her rather short nap, muttering.
"Mummy, are we there yet?"
Smiling sweetly at her little girl, "No, my love, we only just set sail."
Gabrielle tucked her daughter's hair behind her ear as she handed her the cake she had packed for the trip.
Her mind was still very much on Edward— the man she was dreading meeting in a couple of hours.
How intense love can fade— die just like that.
Well— she sighed. She hadn't come back for love. She was here because she was out of options.
She stared out towards the sea, letting the waves calm her. There is no point in worrying now; she will deal with Edward when she lands. Right now, this was a damn good view. When last did she and her daughter taste such comfort? Their home was a poorly furnished one-room, shared with four other struggling factory workers, who came back covered in coal. She just couldn't imagine how her life had come to that.
As her brooding continued, the boat was nearing its destination. The dock in view, "I guess I should call Edward and let him know we've arrived," she muttered mostly to herself.
" Mummy, mummy, see we are there…see" Emilia bounced around, cheeks red from excitement.
" It seems so," Gabrielle answered as she dialed Edward's number.
"fuck… fuck I am doing this," she clenched her fingers tightly around the phone.
"Okay, okay…. hiii Edward, we are currently at the dock. Just arrived…Mm-hmm, Mm-hmm, yeah. See you soon." Hanging up with shaking hands, she pulls Emilia closer. More for herself than her daughter's.
"Mummy?" She could see the question in her daughter's eyes.
Damn, she was scaring her. She needs to get a grip on herself. She was the adult here; a cigarette right about now would be nice. What a good parent she was.
" Where is Edward?" She uttered quietly.
As if summoned by her very words, there he was, in all his glory. Edward Harrington, a hefty six-foot man, with rich dark hair and intense green eyes staring back at her.
Her pulse racing, it all came back to her then, her in a tangled mess on the hood of his car. His breath on her neck, his mouth worshiping her like she was his god. Her breath quickened, heart pounding.
Even after all these years, he still had this effect on her.
Then she felt little hands clinging to her skirts as Edward approached them. She looked down and met wide eyes staring back at her. She brushed her daughter's chin with her fingers and whispered.
"Everything is going to be fine, love."
Edward cleared his throat, announcing his presence.
Both Gabrielle and Emilia turned, staring back at him. Gabrielle just stood speechless, with Emilia now behind her, hiding. His gaze went from mother to daughter - his daughter, who was peeking from her mother's back.
He gave the little girl a soft smile.
She was the spitting image of her mother.
He slowly looked up at Gabrielle. His gaze lingered longer than it should on her lips. Her presence, her scent… dazed him. God, those lips. He'd tasted them, known their softness. Then he noticed her shiver, realization hit, she was scared… of him?
He abruptly took her hand in his, placing a soft kiss where her pulse throbbed. Gabrielle jerked back, stunned.
"Hey," his voice was low and sharp.
Her heart leapt.
"Hey," she whispered, caught completely off guard.
His eyes slid from her to the little girl." How was the boat trip?" his voice cracked.
Cheeks warm, Gabrielle said, "Umm, not bad." Then she remembered the reason for all this. " Oh, meet Emilia," she smiled, as she lightly tugged Emilia from her back.
Hands knotting her cute little top, she whispered,
" Good day, sir," eyes darting from the tall, imposing man to the ground.
Edward looked at his girl, fingers clenched to keep from hugging her. "Hi there, little cutie. Is that chocolate I see on your face?" he commented softly.
"Why, I love chocolate too. Any left for me?"
Her hands rolling a lock of her hair, "I am sorry, I will get you a whole pack next time," she said, chin slightly tilted, chuckling.
His eyes darted to Gabrielle.
He exhaled softly." There are things we need to be clear on… about Emilia," he paused. Letting her digest what he just said.
"That's why I am here," she responded calmly.
His eyes narrowed at her words. But he continued."We will have this discussion after you both get settled in."
Nodding in agreement, she nibbled on her lower lip, clearly worried, or was she nervous? He couldn't tell. He wanted to kiss away that frown she currently wore, trace his fingers across those lips. He wanted her down on her hands and knees, lips on his- okay, he has to stop. His daughter is right in front of him, and this is why he is here.
Not for her treacherous mother.