Chapter 106-Third Time's A Charm

I let out a small sigh of content as I ran my fingers through Marcus’ hair while his head rested on my belly. From the moment I told him I was pregnant he’d barely let me do anything. I was lucky if I could walk to the bathroom on my own since he tried to carry me most places. I knew he was nervous because of the miscarriages Florence had, and I had my own history of high risk pregnancies, so I tried not to complain too much. Plus I liked being pampered; it had been a long time since anyone had taken care of me. The kids took the news of the new arrival just fine. They really were happy to have their father in their lives. Marcus wasn’t her dad, but he didn’t treat Finley any differently, in fact they had a really close relationship.

“What’d you say?” Marcus asked breaking the silence. I looked down at him with a frown.

“I didn’t say anything babe.”

“Shh, I wasn’t talking to you. I’m talking to my son.”

“Oh ok.” I replied laughing “and son?”

“Yes son, looking at my track record I’m pretty sure this will be another boy. Now if you don’t mind I need to get back to my conversation.”

“Oh well…” I said shoving his head to the side “excuse me for interrupting. Just pretend I’m not here.” I finished turning on my side so that my back was to him.

Marcus moved up pulling me into his arms. “I could never do that.” He said kissing my neck softly. “Besides our conversation was about you.”

“So not only am I not allowed in on this conversation, you two are talking about me.” I replied with a playful pout.

“Yep.” Marcus replied before kissing the tip of my nose. He got off the bed and before I could even ask what he was doing, he was back beside me. “What’s the saying? Third time’s a charm.”

I looked at him confused then he sat the blue velvet box down on my stomach. I stared at the box too afraid to touch it. The smile that was on his face started to fade the longer I didn’t respond in the manner he was expecting.

“Marcus. I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Yes would be appropriate.” He replied sitting up.

Marcus now looked at me with a worried expression on his face and I just turned to my side and started crying.

“Somehow I don’t think these are tears of happiness.” He said quietly as he curled up behind me.

I turned and buried my face in his chest. Marcus held me, softly stroking my hair, patiently waiting on me to calm down.

“Baby tell me what’s wrong.”

“I…I can’t.” I said between sniffles.

“Yes you can. You can tell me anything.”

“No, I…I can’t marry you.”

Marcus pulled away from me then. I started crying again when I saw the hurt expression on his face.

“And why can’t you marry me? I thought this is what you wanted. Me back, us back and now you’re saying no.” I could hear the hurt and confusion in his tone.

“I do and it is what I want, but…”

“But what?”

“Something bad has happened. Each time and I don’t want any more bad with us.”

Marcus turned to look at me still looking confused, but not as upset as he was. “Baby you aren’t making any sense.”

“The first time we were married I nearly lost you because of my own stupidity and your cancer. The second time I did lose you. So…”

My explanation was cut off by Marcus kissing me. “So that’s why they say third time’s a charm.” He finished for me with a smile. “I want you as my wife, again, Amari. Things are different now, I’m different now. And I’m home to stay.”

Marcus looked at me intently making sure I understood him. I wished I could be as confident as he was about us, but with all the bad I’ve had to endure, I couldn’t help but to have doubts. Marisol was out there still with the sole purpose of making my life miserable, and I still worried about Mulo. He hadn’t been around but I found that fact to be less comforting than when he was poking around. At least then I knew what he was up to.  But then I looked at Marcus, through it all somehow we managed to end up together again, that had to mean something as well. He, along with my children, were the good things in my life and I needed to embrace that, not be fearful of it.

“So.” I said wiping the tears from my face. 'third time’s a charm?' That’s the proposal you came up with?” I asked rolling my eyes.

“Yep.” He replied with a smile.

“Well put it on.” I replied sticking my hand out.

“Put it on? That’s the best answer you can give?” Marcus said smiling as he slid the ring on my finger.

“Yep.”

***A/N***

Ok yes I know it's short, so sorry! I promise to make it up to you in the next chapter. (possibly) Consider this a bit of an intermission as I work to plan out the final chapters. But it's a happy intermission so hopefully that will take the sting off the shortness. :D

Also thank you Mypalsim for the opening shot pose. It worked out perfectly and I just love it!