CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) by Clair Delaney Read Free Book Online Page B

known each other very long, but I already
feel like...well, like, he’s the father figure I never had. When I came over
last week and Malcolm came down to the taxi with me, I felt so sad that you
were leaving...both of you. And at the barbeque, I watched him with Erin and Ellie,
he’s so thoughtful and caring towards them both, I just...” I shake my head
feeling embarrassed.
    “Go on darling.” Gladys prompts.
    “I know I’ve met Tristan who I love...so much, but the love
that you get from a father is very different, and well, I never thought I’d
ever have that. I always thought you were happy on your own, but having Malcolm
be like that with me feels...” I stop for a moment and try to think of the
right words to say.
    “It feels like the hole that’s always been there is being
filled, I guess. I have a wonderful mother and sister, but meeting Tristan and
then Malcolm...it’s like everything’s come together at the right time and I
knew if I let them both in, I’d feel fulfilled. I’d be one of the lucky girls
that have a real family, a mom, a dad and sister, and the bonus of a loving
husband.” I take a deep breath and look up at Gladys, she has silent tears
streaming down her cheeks – Mom, stop crying!
    “Mom!” I scold. “Stop it! You’re going to start me off again!”
    “Oh, I just never knew you felt like that darling.” She
squeaks.
    “Everything happens for a reason.” I quote her words back to
her.
    “Yes darling.” She says patting my hand again, she looks
bone tired.
    “Mom, please go home, get some rest. Rob’s staying with me
until Tristan gets back, all I’m going to do is eat, then sleep,” I say feeling
exhausted.
    “Are you sure darling?”
    “Absolutely positive,” I say brightly. Malcolm knocks on the
door. I wave him inside. Rob follows and plonks himself in the chair again.
    “Come on Malcolm, take me home. My daughter needs her rest,”
she says looking so much brighter than before, she leans down and kisses me one
last time. “Night darling, sleep well,” she adds, hugging me to her.
    “Night Mom, please get some rest.”
    “I will,” she sniffs.
    “And please, don't worry. Give me your word that you won't worry?”
I look up her, my eyes pleading.
    “No more worrying,” she says as she sombrely nods her head.
“But I couldn’t help it at the time darling! I feel better now I’ve seen you
awake though,” she adds, softly stroking my cheek.
    Malcolm leans down and gives me a kiss goodbye. “Take care
of yourself Coral,” he whispers, then smiles and winks at me.
    “Don't let her worry Malcolm,” I whisper back.
    “I won’t,” he says smiling broadly at me. They both say
farewell to Rob, and I wave at them as they walk out the door. “Hey, have you
eaten Rob?”
    “Yes, actually Carlos and I were just at George’s for tea.” Holy
crap! George and Will, they don't know!
    “Where’s my mobile?” I squeak in panic.
    “Tristan has it, why?” Rob answers.
    “I need to call George and Will, apologise to them both’ –
“Coral,” Rob chuckles. “They’ve both been here to see you. The moment Tristan
called me I let everyone know.”
    “Everyone?” I question.
    “Yes, Gladys, Joyce, George, actually George was out, so I
told Phil and then I left a message for Will.”
    I sigh in relief. “Thanks Rob, you’re the best!”
    “I know,” he answers smugly.
    “Yeah, I kind of love you,” I say smirking at him.
    “Love you too sunshine, now about this dress...” The door swings
open, we both look up again and see Tristan walk through the door.
    I stop breathing. My gorgeous man – he still looks so
tired!
    Then I'm hit with his fresh shower smell...Hmm Tristan,
shower gel, and aftershave all mixed into one. Delicious! Then I see he’s
changed into jeans and a t-shirt, but his beard is still there.
    Rob sighs. “Another time,” he says getting up from his seat
and shrugging into his jacket. “Behave,” he whispers as he kisses my