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  Time to party. We managed to get Connor a present, a nice silver chain that matches his watch with some other little things that he had stated he wanted. I found a nice float black top to go over some leggings. Mark has gone for dark jeans and a white top with a black jacket over it. He looks very sexy in it. I love his eyes. They are so perfect. He has those sexy come to bed eyes.

  Mark states as always, that he is driving, so we do not argue or have to choose which car we are taking. Mark kindly takes all the cupcakes, brownies, and everything else Jenny asked me to bring down to the car. This gives me time to make sure my hair is okay and lip-gloss is on. Perfect.

  “Megan, you look amazing. Hi, Mark.” Jenny bounces at the door, wearing yet another stunning dress, a red one, low cut as always, a very Jenny dress.

  “Hi, Jenny, you look stunning. Where would you like these cupcakes?” Mark questions.

  “On the kitchen side would be great,” Jenny answers.

  “Come in, Megan. Come join the fun. Well, there are only Rich, Luke and Alison here. We are waiting on three more.”

  I follow Jenny, while watching Mark in the kitchen with Rich; they get along so well now. They chat all the time. It is nice to see them both happy.

  “Alison is just telling us about her new business idea,” Jenny states as I take a seat in the lounge.

  “Oh, really,” pretending to be interested. Alison works with Jenny. She thinks she is a know-it-all.

  “Yes, Megan, I am going to start designing garden waterfalls,” she says.

  I sit there, listening to her tell me all about her big plans of taking over the world. Luke kindly tells her about Mark. Alison soon makes an excuse to leave us to talk to Mark. That is somewhat evil of Luke, but I should have known.

  “Hey, how are you doing, sexy?” Luke enquires.

  “I am fine, Luke,” I reply.

  “You are looking amazing. Not long now.”

  “Two weeks, but who knows, it could be four weeks,” I reply.

  “Megan, you and I need to have some time chatting, getting to know each other. How about we meet up some time and have a lazy day?” Luke suggests.

  “Okay, let’s do it.”

  “I’ll text you when I am free,” Luke smiles.

  Jenny is playing the right little hostess by bringing food around and topping off everyone’s drinks. She looks so happy. This is what Jenny likes to do. She likes hosting. She likes to be the centre of attention. I think tonight is the first time in months I have seen her smile a real smile. I think she must be relieved that she and Rich are back together. Her dream house is now finished. They bought a little cottage and made it their own. It has taken months, but it looks good.

  We sit there, playing all different party games, most of which I have not played in years. Some I have to sit out thanks to “Bump”, but I am happy to avoid them. I have lost count of how many photos I have taken. We have laughed all night long. A few more friends arrive, but do not seem to stay as long as they all have work tomorrow.

  “Jenny, I am going to have to say goodnight. I’m so tired, and Mark goes back tomorrow. He needs sleep,” I say to Jenny as we stand in her kitchen.

  “I understand, Megan. Go home. Thank you so much,” Jenny says giving me a hug.

  ******

  Last night was a blast as always. We played party games and ate cupcakes all night. What else do you need to have a great party? The only bad side is Mark is going home now. I do not want him to go. Mondays suck. I want him around me all the time. I want him to touch me and tell me how he feels. I don’t want to make the first move just in case it’s one-way.

  “Right, baby, that’s me all ready to go now. I will let you know when I get to work. Be good and relax,” he always says that through sparkling eyes.

  “I am always good. Drive safely.”

  Mark walks over, giving me a hug. Please do not let go of me, please. However, as always, he does. I stand at the door, watching him drive away. I feel my eyes well up.

  Chapter 23

  Ouch. Seriously “Bump” needs to stop kicking because it really hurts, much more than normal. Mercifully, it passes and I get a glass of water. I sit on the sofa, finishing the book I started the night before. I have read it before, but the next installment in the series is out next week. Nothing better than a re-read of a fantastic book.

  OUCH! Could this be labour? Really, these are painful. I sit there, trying to carry on reading, but the pains are not subsiding. Grabbing my phone, I time the pains. Six minutes. Maybe I should go to the hospital.

  Standing up slowly, I take my phone and book and drop them into my bag that I packed after my last visit to the hospital. Grabbing the house phone, I ring for a taxi. Ten minutes to wait, I carry the bag on my shoulder and open the door. I head outside, grabbing the baby seat from my car and lock the door behind me before heading for the street corner.

  I want Jenny, but she is at work all day. I want Mark, but he has gone home and my mum does not get back until tomorrow. I do not want to do this on my own. Why, oh why, am I alone? I am so happy when I see the taxi.

  “Hospital, please,” I say as I get into the taxi.

  “Okay, love,” the taxi driver replies in a gruff, yet friendly voice.

  I sit in the back of the taxi and take several deep, calming breaths as I grab my phone and text Jenny.

  Hi, can you leave work early today? Xx

  Hi Hun, sorry I can’t. We’re short staffed. Why? Xx

  I’m in labour, well 99% sure I am Xx

  I’ll try and get free. Ring Mark. Xx

  Can’t. He has important meetings all day. X x

  I know if I ring Mark, he will turn around and come be with me, but he has been busy sorting the details out for this meeting for weeks. I know it is a huge deal to him.

  Finally, the taxi arrives at the hospital, and the driver surprises me by fetching a wheelchair for me. He actually pushes through the main doors and into the neo-natal unit. Despite my pain, I am taken aback by this act of kindness from a total stranger.

  “I’m Megan Madden,” I manage to say through clenched teeth. The pain is like nothing I have ever experienced.

  “Megan, I’m Kath, and I’ll be your midwife for today. Let’s get you into a room.”

  “Thank you,” I reply before grunting as another bolt of pain lances through me.

  “Are you alone?”

  “Looks like it.”

  After arriving into a private room, I slowly change into a nightie. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I feel the pains coming regularly now. The midwife has just left me to change while she reads my birth plan. As far as I am concerned, all Kath needs to know about my birth plan is the following: if I scream in pain, administer those drugs. I would like to say that I want a natural, painkiller-free birth, but who am I kidding? If this pain gets any worse, I’ll be crying out for any drug available.

  “Megan, I just need to examine you to check how far along you are,” Kath tells me as she comes back into my room; she then proceeds to give me clear instructions as she examines me.

  “You’re seven centimetres dilated already.”

  “Seven already?” I question in shock.

  Kath nods “Right, would you like anything? Pain relief?”

  “No, I’m okay for now I think,” I reply as I concentrate on my breathing exercises. Jenny came to a couple of birthing classes with me. She sent Mark to one once with me, too. It was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever done. He was great at it though.

  Kath leaves me alone, but not before showing me the call-button should I need anything before she returns. Kath also places the gas mask near my left hand and shows me how to self-administer. I just keep thinking of my breathing. Knowing it will all be over soon, and I will have “Bump” here. Lying there, I give in and have a little oxygen, which actually makes me feel a little nauseous. I knew it could do that to you.

  Kath returns sooner than I had expected, and she is smiling. “There’s a Mark Ree
d outside, says he is here to see you.”

  “What? Mark’s here,” I say between breaths.

  “Yes.”

  “Show him in,” I reply once another contraction subsides.

  “Baby, why didn’t you call me?” Mark asks as he comes walking toward me.

  “You…have…meetings….today,” I say through yet another contraction.

  “You’re more important to me than any meeting.”

  “Thanks,” I smile a little between the pains.

  “Megan, seriously, you know how I feel.”

  I don’t say anything, concentrating on my breathing and anticipating the pain.

  “Megan, I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” I reply as I start to tear up.

  “I have loved you since the first time I saw you.”

  Kath reappears. “Let’s see how you’re getting along.”

  Mark takes hold of my hand while Kath examines me again. I look up at Mark, and he smiles reassuringly at me. Having him here with me is such a comfort.

  “You’re at ten centimeters, Megan. That’s fully dilated. The time to push has arrived,” she tells me with a smile on her face.

  I look at Mark and smile, knowing what is to come. This might not be any fun at all for him.

  “You don’t have to stay, Mark.”

  “I’m staying. I’m never leaving you or ‘Bump.’”

  Okay, let’s do this. Push, push, push. I can do this. A little gas and air this time doesn’t make me feel sick. Mark keeps a tight hold of my hand, and he strokes my back reassuringly through the now sweat-soaked nightie. I am dripping in sweat as I follow Kath’s instructions and concentrate on pushing when told to. Mark brushes my wet hair from my face with his fingers and despite the pain, I manage to offer up a smile to the man I love. He places a damp facecloth onto my forehead.

  “ARGHHHHH!” I scream.

  With each push, I can feel “Bump” progress, and then I am stunned when the pain, as horrendous as it had been, suddenly goes away.

  “She’s here,” Kath says as she does all the necessary checks before offering me my baby, my little girl. I hold her against my breasts as she begins to cry, and it is the sweetest sound I have ever heard. She is here. She is no longer a “Bump,” but a baby. She is real, and she is mine. Floods of tears stream down my face. I don’t even register Mark’s kiss as he pecks me on top of my head. All I can focus on right at this moment is the miracle in my arms.

  “I’m so proud of you, Megan. Welcome to the world, little one,” Mark whispers.

  “Would you like to cut the cord, Mark?” Kath asks.

  Mark looks at me, and I nod my head, letting him cut the cord. It is so surreal. All the pain has gone, and I don’t care that I look a mess. I have my beautiful baby and Mark, and that is all I need.

  “You’re incredible, Megan,” Mark tells me.

  “Thank you, thank you for coming and staying,” I say while looking deep into his eyes.

  “I love you. Here,” Mark passes me a little black velvet box. I slowly open it to see another charm. This one is a heart. Etched into it are the words “I Love You”.

  “Thank you,” I say, wiping a tear from my eye.

  “It’s traditional to give the Mum of a newborn a present.”

  “Again, thank you, it’s a lovely sentiment,” I say, smiling at him. This is the moment I want to remember forever. My beautiful baby and my amazing man. Both with me. No question about it. I finally have my Prince Charming.

  “Have you thought of any names?” Kath enquires.

  “Lucy.”

  “A beautiful name for such a beautiful baby,” Kath says.

  “Lucy Paige Madden,” I declare with a huge smile on my tear-streaked face.

  “Perfect. I love it,” Mark says. “She is as perfect as her mum.” Mark leans down, placing a butterfly kiss onto my head.

  Kath comes back later on, but I couldn’t say how long it has been. I have not noticed anything. I have been in my own world, my special world. Kath takes Lucy from me to weigh and measure her, which I have been expecting. I want to know how much she weighs. I change into fresh bed clothes. Mark pops out at the same time to ring Connor.

  Soon I am back in bed with my freshly cleaned and clothed baby, and I mouth her name silently as I look down at her face. Everything is perfect.

  Mark’s POV

  I cannot believe what I have just witnessed, the woman I love giving birth to the most amazing baby ever. She is so cute. Her hair is so fine. You can see little strands of brown hair and bright blue eyes. She is so perfect. I never knew a baby would make me feel like this. She has tiny little hands and tiny toes.

  Kath says she weighs 6 lbs. 3 ozs. and is 26 in. long. I just cannot stop looking at her. She is perfect. I can’t believe Megan let me cut her cord. I feel so honoured.

  Megan was so wonderful and determined. I love that woman with all my heart.

  Walking back into the room, I see Megan sitting on the bed with Lucy swaddled in a baby-grow and blanket in her arms. Both mother and child look perfect.

  “Are you okay, Mark?” she asks me.

  “Yes, just looking at how amazing you are.”

  Megan does that cute thing again, where she looks away as I talk to her.

  “Do you want to hold her?” Megan questions me.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” Megan smiles at me in a reassuring manner.

  Megan passes Lucy to me. I sit down in the chair next to the bed and just look at her. Although I know she is too young to know what she is doing and that it is just instinctive, Lucy’s left hand closes on one of my fingers for the briefest of moments. I realise right then that this is what I want most. I want Megan and Lucy. I want this for a life, the two of them...forever.

  Acknowledgements

  Mum-Thank you for everything, you mean the world to me, you have always been there for me no matter what. I hope I can make you proud of me. Love you!

  Paige - I can’t thank you enough for all your help, you have been the best editor a girl could wish for. You are an amazing friend, I am so lucky to have found you. Can’t wait to work on future books with you. Love you.

  JB - Thank you so much for doing Trust’s first book cover.

  Sarah– Thank you so much for doing Trust’s new cover. I love it.

  Angel – Thank you so much for taking the time to format for me. You have done an amazing job.

  Alison- Thank you for supporting me and making my amazing book trailer. You are one amazing lady. You made feel so special when you asked for my autograph, and for this, you will always hold a special place in my heart.

  Neeny, Anna-Marie, Buffy, Jennifer D and Jamie - Thank you so much for beta reading for me and letting me share series secrets. I promise I will not leave you waiting too long.

  Terri, Mandy and Chaude - My crazy girlies, Thank you for your support, keeping me going, making me laugh, and shouting at me for suggesting things... You will have to wait and see if I listened.

  Jennifer- Thank you for everything, I am so happy our paths crossed through you being a P.I.T.A. You are always there for me supporting me, and keeping me going. Thank you for introducing me to some amazing ladies, Chelle, Carey, Melissa, Saoching, Ana, Michele, Suzanne, Antoinette, Megan, Julie and EK,what an amazing team of talented ladies. Such a great support network.

  Kristy-Thank you for doing my amazing timeline cover and been such a huge support.

  Crystal, Nicole, Katie, and Nathan- Thank you for your support, I have taken everything you said to heart and will cherish your friendships forever.

  And lastly, I cannot forget all my amazing fans. Thank you for your support.

  I heart my cheerleaders.

  Veiled – L. Chapman

  Believe Series book 2

  Image Copyright Alena Ozerova, 2013

  Used under license from Depositphoto.com

  Cover designed by MGbookcovers

  Edited by - Paige Maroney Smi
th

  Proofread by - Kendra Gaither

  Formatted by Brenda Wright

  This book is a written act of fiction. The names characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to a person, living or dead, actual events locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including internet usage, without written permission of the author.

  Copyright L Chapman 2013

  Dedication

  Mum – You have always believed in me and pushed me to do everything you know I can do. I owe everything to you.

  I love you.

  You will lead a rich and successful life.

  Prologue

  I can’t believe it is only a month away from my big day. I score a line through today’s date on the personalised calendar I received from my friend Megan. She designed the keepsake in my wedding colour scheme of white, black and pink and personalized it with pictures of Rich and me. It is a ‘me’ gift that Megan knew I would love. It is something only she would buy since she loves giving people personalised keepsakes. She knows me so well. The calendar is used solely for the wedding, and it has all my appointments written on it.

  I only have fifteen days off from my full-time job as a nurse before the wedding. Due to the fact I’m organised, every one of those days has plans. I just can’t wait. I’m finally going to have the fairytale wedding I have always wanted. I have dreamed of this special day since I was a child. When I was little, I received a book for my dream wedding, and I used to cut out little pictures of items that I wanted and wished for. We are getting married in a church, a big old-fashioned church followed by a reception in a castle. A real castle. A big do, like what I have always imagined. It’s supposed to be our day and I want us to be the centre of attention. I think Rich would be happy just getting married in a registry office with two strangers as witnesses. He is only going along with the big wedding for my sake. As soon as I began working as a paper girl at thirteen, I started saving for my dream day. Even though it is considered tradition, I didn’t want to rely on my parents to pay for everything. I want it to be perfect with my own personal touch since I plan to marry only one time.