Chapter 33

Chapter Thirty-Three

Ava

T ime is flying. I can't believe my due date is around the corner. I can't wait to hold my son in my arms. Lately, I've found myself thinking of Viktor and wondering what he is going through.

Oliver told me Fiona gave birth shortly after I left and shared that there were some complications with Viktor's daughter. I wanted to run to Viktor, be with him, comfort him. But I had to remind myself it wasn't my place. His daughter has a mother, and Viktor can take care of himself and his daughter. As I stare out the window, I can't help the tears.

"What's wrong?" Max asks, holding out a cup of tea.

"Nothing, just thinking about my son."

He sits beside me.

"Everything will be fine. You'll see."

"I hope so." I look out the window.

"I thought you might want to take a walk. Distract yourself a little."

"That sounds like a great idea. I'll get my shoes and meet you at the door." A walk is exactly what I need to get out of my head. Thinking about Viktor isn't doing me any good.

The walk with Max is exactly what I needed. Something about a clear sky and beautiful sights makes everything better. Our conversation is light, which is nice. Before I know it we have been walking for almost thirty minutes.

"We probably should head back. You and hippo must hungry." I can't help but smile and shake my head.

"You might be right," I say as we make our way back to the cabin.

"That was a really nice walk. Thanks for the suggestion," I murmur as we climb the porch steps.

"My pleasure. Do you want to hear something funny?"

"What?" I ask, taking my shoes off.

"Earlier, when I went to get groceries, the owner asked how my wife was feeling since you weren't with me."

"Please tell me you corrected him." I stand in front of him.

"It was a harmless statement. Didn't see the point."

"I'm not your wife, Max. We don't need people thinking otherwise. I don't want them getting the wrong idea."

"You could be."

I shake my head.

"Not this again. Please stop. I'm grateful for all you've done for my son and me." I touch my belly. "But it wouldn't be fair to you. My heart belongs to Viktor."

There's hurt in his eyes, but I need him to understand I can't ever be with him. I can't ever be with another man.

"I'm sorry," he says, squeezing my hand. "I won't let it happen again. I promise."

"Thanks. I'm going to take a shower." I know he means well. But we are friends and nothing more.

"I'll start dinner," he says as I walk away.

I enter the bedroom, feeling bad that I hurt him. But I need to make sure he understands my life is my son. There's no room for romance. My son is the only person I want to focus on and think about. I turn my cell on since it's been off for several days. Part of my arrangement with Oliver is to check in. There are several texts.

Tina: Checking in. Don't you forget to call me when you go into labor. I'll go to whatever jungle you're in. Love you

Her text makes me laugh.

Oliver: Checking in. Turn on your cell on Thursday at five. I'll be calling

I'm lucky I've turned my cell on. I look at the time. It's a few minutes before five, and it's Thursday. I wouldn't put it past him to show up here if I don't speak to him. The third text stops me.

Viktor: I miss you. Oliver refuses to tell me where you are, telling me he doesn't know. He's lying, of course. I hope you and my son are well and safe. I wish you were here. My daughter is finally home. I love you

I let out a sigh. There is something comforting about his text. I guess Oliver gave him my number. Viktor doesn't say anything I don't feel myself. I've never needed someone as much as I need Viktor. I left his side trying to feel safe, away from his family drama, but he's my home. Whenever there's a storm coming, he's my shelter. I feel safer with him than away from him, which makes no sense. The ring of my cell startles me. The screen reads Oliver. The man is nothing but punctual. It makes me smile.

"Hi, Oliver."

"Hi, Ava. Wanted to check in."

"I'm happy to report I'm still fine."

"How's my nephew?"

"Getting bigger." I touch my belly.

"Did the doctor make it out to you?" He insisted I see my doctor. Apparently, he paid a lot of money to get her to travel to me.

"Yes. Everything is well underway. Thanks for that."

"You know thanks aren't necessary?—"

"I know, I know. I can't help myself." I laugh.

"I don't want to keep you. Call me if anything changes."

"Oliver—"

"What is it?" There's concern in his voice.

"Viktor texted me. Did you give him my number?"

"Yes."

"Oh," I say, surprised. "He said you won't tell him where I am. That you said you don't know. He knows you're lying."

"I know. We both do. But I won't tell him where you are. I gave him your number because I don't want him to feel like I'm keeping you from him to hurt him. I'm just trying to keep you and my nephew safe."

"I understand. I just don't want you two to fight because of me. I never meant to put you in that position."

"You didn't. It was my choice."

"How is he doing? His daughter?"

"He's well. Aisling is finally home."

"Aisling is a beautiful name. I'm happy for him."

"Ava," I hear Max call.

"Thanks for checking in on us." I touch my belly. "I'll text you in a few days."

"You're welcome," Oliver tells me.

"And Oliver?—"

"Yeah?"

"I hope you know how thankful I am. You've been like the brother I wish I had. We love you." A silent tear escapes me.

He chuckles. "I love you both. Now turn off your cell. We can't risk Viktor tracking it."

"I will. Talk with you soon."

"Bye." He ends the call.

I never imagined Oliver and I would grow so close. I might not have Viktor, but at least Oliver has been here for me. I don't feel so alone.

I change into my PJs and go to the living room, where Max has a fire going. It's become our nightly ritual. A great way to wind down. It's probably my favorite time of day. I sit, appreciating the wonderful smell of the burning logs. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

"I got tea."

"Always prepared." I smile.

"I try," he tells me, handing me the cup of tea.

We spend the next hour talking about life and dreams. He's such a wonderful man. In another lifetime and other circumstances, I would be happy with a man like him. He has so much to offer. Maybe if I hadn't met Viktor, we could be together and happy. Sitting beside him, looking at the beautiful night, makes me feel at peace.

"You're a wonderful man," I say dreamily.

He turns to face me and leans in to kiss me.

"What are you doing?" I move away from him. "Why would you try to kiss me?" I put the cup of tea down.

"I'm sorry. Just sitting here beside you, I can't help it. I love you."

"I've always been straight with you," I say, standing. "I don't love you like that. You tell me you're okay with just being friends but obviously, it's not true. I can't stay here anymore." I finish the sentence under my breath.

"I didn't have any bad intentions with the kiss. I swear. It was just a lapse in judgment. Nothing more."

"But it isn't, Max. I've been honest with you from the beginning. If I gave you any reason to think I've changed my mind, then I'm sorry. We will never be anything more than friends."

"You didn't. You have to understand. It's impossible not to love you and want to be with you. You're beautiful inside and out. You're an amazing woman. It's not hard to fall for you."

"I can't love you," I repeat.

"You think I don't know that? I know there's no hope for us. But it doesn't change how I feel about you. I swear being friends will be more than enough for me. Let me be your friend. Don't shut me out."

"It's not a good idea. I'm in love with Viktor and always will be. I care about you as my friend."

"I'll take it." He takes a step closer.

"I want to go home." I start walking to the bedroom. It's my fault this is happening. I should have never moved in with him. I wasn't trying to give him hope when I chose to stay at the cabin, but somehow, I did.

"It's late."

"I don't care."

"I'll take you in the morning. I swear Ava, I'm sorry. You need to believe me. I wasn't trying to upset you." I don't say anything.

I enter the bedroom and lock the door. I stayed here longer than I should have. I think of calling Oliver to come for me, but he would probably have Max's head if he knew what had just happened. I can tell Oliver doesn't really like Max, even if he doesn't say it.

Tomorrow I'll go home and wait to give birth to my son. Once he comes into this world, I'll pack my things and go far, far away from everything and everyone. I should have left the state the night I left the mansion and not looked back.