Becky burst into tears. This was so hard. She just wanted him to hold her. Being hateful sapped a person of so much energy. "No you don't," she whispered. "I'm ugly."

"Ah... Becky." Rob drew in a lungful of air, time to take charge and be damned. He stepped fully into the room causing her to move backwards, and then he shut the door.

"What are you doing? I didn't say you could come in."

"Yeah. I know. But I'm not doing this anymore. Sit down."

"Don't you tell me what to..."

"Sit. Down. Becky."

He hadn't raised his voice but the strength in his tone had Becky sit immediately in the armchair grasping for something to say. She watched him disappear into the bathroom and come back out with the wet washer and a glass of water. Without saying a word he handed them to her and once she'd taken them he sat on the end of the bed, with his elbows on his knees, leaning forward facing her.

"I fucked up, Becky. I fucked up big time. Not a day has gone by that I don't regret lying to you. I realise if I'd told you the truth my life wouldn't be what it is today. And though I misread everything, made shit up in my head to suit myself; to make me the wrong done by so all the bad things I did could be justified, I absolutely know it was me who fucked up." He paused and took a breath before continuing.

"The thing is, Becky, I'm glad it happened. Not all the hurt but because of the way my life has changed. I'm a better man for it and I know, though I hurt you, that you're a better woman for it. You're strong, you always have been but I see a new strength in you. I see a woman who knows what she wants, a woman who never wanted to be saved or looked upon as being helpless. I see a woman who knows how to save herself." He smiled and added, "One day you're going to make one hell of a mother."

Rob reached out and held her chin in his fingers. "You asked me what I want, Becky. I love you. I always have. I want you to forgive me. I want to be the father of your children. I want you to know how beautiful you are to me, in every way, inside and out. I want you."

Becky struggled to breathe. Pain burnt the back of her nostrils as tears streamed down her face and mucus seeped from her nose. She gasped in air. Short, quick breaths as she stared at him through blurry vison. He was smiling. Becky felt his thumbs wipe away her tears and his finger run under her nose.

He said, "I even think you're beautiful with a big fat snotty nose."

Rob chuckled as she spluttered a laugh. More tears streamed down her cheeks. He picked up the damp washer and wiped her nose before kneeling before her. Cupping her face in his hands, Rob whispered, "Please forgive me, Becky. Please give me a second chance." He waited, hoping his honesty had been enough, hoping she still had some feeling for him. Hoping she would answer him.

But Becky didn't answer him. Instead she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, buried her face in his neck and cried some more.

Rob held her tight. He waited two minutes, then carried her to the bed and lay facing her, caressing her cheek with his fingers. They stared at each other, neither one wanting to break the connection that had always been there.

Putting her hand to the side of his face, Becky smiled and said, "Rob."

"Yes." Fear rippled through him. If she rejected him he didn't know how he was going to live the rest of his life without her.

"If you ever tell anyone that I had snot running out of my nose I will never forgive you."

Rob grinned and tried not to laugh. "I promise I will never tell anyone you had snot everywhere."

"Then I forgive you," Becky whispered. She moved closer and snuggled against his chest.

He was almost afraid to breathe. Did she just say she forgave him? Rob tentatively put his arm over her, afraid that he'd break the spell that he felt was surrounding them.

"Rob."

"Becky?"

"I love you. I always have."

Rob burst into tears. He slid down the bed and buried his face in her neck. "Becky... oh... Becky. I've always loved you too."

THE END.

Maybe... ;-)

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