C4 Meeting Alex

I hesitated for a moment before rolling down the window. "Can I help you?" I asked, trying to hide the anxiety in my voice.

"Oh hello there miss, I couldn't help but notice your car," he said, gesturing towards the scratches. "Did someone do that to you?"

I nodded, still feeling a bit wary. But something about his friendly demeanor put me at ease. "Yeah, I just noticed it when I got here. It's really frustrating."

"I'm sorry that happened to you," he said sympathetically. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

I shook my head, feeling embarrassed. "No, I don't think so. But thank you for asking."

He smiled again, and I couldn't help but feel like I was in the presence of someone special. "Well, my name is Alex," he said, extending his hand. "I work at the office across the street but my friend is a mechanic and could sort you out with these scratches. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

I took his hand, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through my body. "I'm Cat," I said, smiling back at him. "It's nice to meet you and thanks for the offer but it’s fine.”

"Here's my card. Call me anytime," Alex said, his voice smooth as he handed me his business card. I took it, feeling the weight of the card in my hand, and placed it gently on my empty cup holder.

"Thanks, Alex. Anyway, I best be off as I have to collect my children," I explained, feeling a sense of urgency to leave.

“0f course. I'm sure we will meet again soon.” He nodded, smiling, and I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled in the sunlight and my tummy did some crazy somesaults. I hoped that I would see him again.

As I drove away, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just met someone who would change my life forever. There was something about him that made me feel a way I never had before - a sense of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness.

When I finally pulled up to Maria's, I could see the children waving at me from the conservatory window. Their smiling faces filled me with a warmth and happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time, and I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

I walked up to the conservatory, feeling grateful for the love and joy that my children brought into my life. As I opened the door, they rushed to hug me, their tiny arms wrapping tightly around my waist. I held them close, feeling their warmth and love, and knew that they were the reason I kept going every day.

“How was your day, Cat?” Maria grinned and I realised I had a smiled that I couldn't wipe off my face.

“I bumped into someone who I feel this strange connection to.” I shook my head at the sound of my own words because it sounded ridiculous but it was true.

“That sounds lovely my dear.” Maria squeezed my arm and went to the kitchen to make a drink. I sat on the floor with the twins listening to their excited chatter about their day with Maria.

After a short catch up with Maria, she helped me to get the children safely in the car. I thanked her again and gave her a hug. “Enjoy your evening and we will see you in the morning.”

“Goodnnight Cat, see you tomorrow twins.” Maria waved us off.

Finally we were home and once I had gotten the twins out and in the door, I closed and locked it.

After we settled in, I couldn't help but think about Alex and the way he made me feel. I wondered if he felt the same way or if it was all just in my head. The thought of seeing him again made my heart race, and I knew that I had to call him. However I was scared because I had only just met him. Would he be frightened off that I had twins? Perhaps someone like him already had a family of his own. The niggling feeling in my head kept saying to contact him but each time I would chicken out of doing so.

Days turned into weeks, and I found myself thinking about Alex more and more. I wondered if he felt the same way or if it was all just in my head. The thought of seeing him again made my heart race, and I knew that I had to call him.

A whole month had passed since first setting eyes on Alex and I decided to go for it. So finally, I mustered up the courage to dial his number. The phone rang a few times before he picked up, his voice smooth and calm.

“Hello?” he said and I felt my heart pounding in my chest.

“This is Cat. I hope you don't mind me calling but I wanted to talk about getting my car sorted. You suggested your friend.” I mumbled and could have kicked myself for sounding so silly.

“Of course. I was hoping you would call me.” his voice all husky.

We talked for another two hours, getting to know each other and sharing our hopes and dreams.

It was like we had known each other forever, and I knew that this was the beginning of something special.

As the days went by, Alex and I talked more and more. We discovered that we had so much in common and that our hopes and dreams were aligned. I felt like I was finally able to be myself around him, and I knew that he felt the same way.

Since another month had passed since we met, I thought it was right for him to meet the twins. Maria was excited for me and encouraging. I felt like a teenager when I was around him, all giddy and excited.

I couldn't tell him about Lochlan and my past though. I felt it would destroy our new found bond. It was still early days but I liked being around Alex and when the time came to introduce him to my twins, I knew that I did not want to let him go. He was going back home next week and I wanted to make the most of my time with him.

I need not have worried about anything since Nadia and Nathan were happy to meet Alex and got along so well. It was like a dream come true. This man had been in my life as lite as three months and I was feeling myself fall for him.

He adored Nathan and Nadia and they had this unbreakable bond that made me so happy to see growing. Even Maria approved of Alex. I was so happy that I often wondered how I got so lucky.

I had a good friend, Carla back in my life and a man who worshipped me like a queen. Better than Lochlan had ever treated me. Even my job was going well. I was happy with my life.

One morning I woke up and saw a message on my phone from Alex, he asked me to meet him for breakfast at a quaint little café in the heart of the city.

As I walked into the café, I saw Alex sitting at a table near the window. He looked up and smiled, his eyes lighting up when he saw me.

“Good morning beautiful Cat.” he stood up and pulled the chair out for me. What a gentlemen. “Morning, how are you?” I beamed at him as he pecked my cheeks and took his seat again.

“Cat, look i won't beat around the bush, there’s something important that I want to tell you.”

As Alex spoke those words, I felt a knot form in my stomach. I looked at him expectantly, trying to read his expression for any clues. He hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth, but then closed it again. I wondered what was on his mind and what he was trying to say. Despite my curiosity, I tried to maintain a calm demeanor and waited patiently for him to speak.

“What is it?” I asked trying to hide the shakiness in my voice but I was scared. What if he was about to end things with me? We had been getting on great, I was happy how well things were going between us. Maybe all this had been to good to be true and now it had to end.

After a few moments of silence, Alex finally spoke up. "Cat, I've been thinking a lot about our future together," he said, his voice soft and serious.

Here it is. He's going to dump me. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes waiting for the words to hit me like cold ice.

“And I just wanted to say that I love you and those adorable cheeky twins more than anything in this world. I can't imagine my life without you, and I want to spend the rest of my days making you happy." he took my hands in his and I opened my eyes in disbelief. Was he being serious or was this a silly joke?

As he spoke, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I had never felt so loved and cherished before. I reached out to take his hand, squeezing it tightly.

“I know it's still early for us but I can't deny my feelings for you are already so strong.” he said.

“I love you too, Alex," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. You make me feel so happy and it a long while since I felt this good.” I explained.

We sat there for a few moments, lost in our own thoughts and feelings. I knew that this was just the beginning of something beautiful, and I felt grateful to have Alex by my side.

But there was something niggling in the back of my mind and I could not place my finger on it.

“That’s not all.” He smiled.

“What is it?” I questioned seeing the glint of excitement in his eyes.

“I have to go back to Colorado and I want you and the twins to come with me.”

His words rang in my mind.

Colorado.

No.

This could not be happening.

Of all places, it had to be there.