Unexpected Love to a Lifetime of Happiness

My Appreciation

Sophia

A couple of weeks flew by and the company number increased tremendously after the press conference Eric and I had.

Now that I'm 15 weeks pregnant my belly is starting to show a little bit which made Eric so excited that he can rub my baby bump. However, I'm getting tired and frustrated much easier now.

Just thinking about all the responsibilities I have to deal with while I'm pregnant is exhausting in itself. That includes facing my abductors in court.

I was glad when I was informed that the court hearing was postponed because I wasn't ready to stand before the court. However, now we are going to trial which is much more stressful for me. Yes, I do want Karen and Rachel to pay for what they have done to me. It's just the thought of sending someone to prison; that's what bothers me the most.

I'm gonna be responsible for sending not one person but two to prison. I alone carry their lives in my hands,

It was heartwarming to know so many people were assisting me during this time when I needed it the most.

Eric was doing so much for me and I already knew he wasn't telling me every that he and his father were doing to assist the lawyer for my case but it was to protect me.

I'm very grateful for what Eric has been doing. I'm grateful for everything that everyone has been able to do even Luke and Liam who I don't know has been a huge help from what Eric had told me.

I know I've been feeling emotional because of the pregnancy but I would like to show my appreciation to everyone I'm just unsure how.

Since Eric and I are going over to his parent's house I can start by thanking everyone and then figure out later how I can show them how much I'm grateful.

When we arrived at my inlaw's home I didn't expect to see Luke and Liam but since they are here I can kill two birds with one stone. We were all seated in the family room until dinner was ready.

While the men gather to talk; I'm sure it's about my court case, and the ladies had our conversation. Tina was asking Ride about Luke and Liam.

"So what is going on with you and the Markson twins Rose? She looked like a deer in headlights as Tina asked her about the brothers.

"I've noticed them constantly staring at you from time to time and you blushing. Someone likes the Markson twins," I voiced out. "It's nothing going on ok. They just feel bad about how their stepsister treated me that's all," Rose had expressed.

"I wonder which of the brothers likes you? Anna asked. "It's very obvious that they both want her. Just look at the way they both check her out," Tina had replied.

"Even if they did like me I'm not interested in them. They had teased me for years and now out of the blue they wanted to stare me down, no thank you " Rose responded angrily.

"So you do admit that they like you. You shouldn't fight it, baby," Susan spoke out. "Mom they don't like me," Rose said to her mother.

We finally dropped the conversation about Rose and the Markson twins and I could tell Rose was relieved.

The conversation went directly towards me which I didn't mind. "How are you feeling these days sweetie? Susan asked me.

"Some days are better than others but over all I'm fine. Eric has been so helpful and supportive during this and I couldn't have a better partner," I expressed as tears began to trickle down my cheeks.

A smile spread across Susan, Anna, and Tina's faces. However, I didn't get a warm smile from Rose. Does she still dislike me after everything?

Now I was feeling awkward around Rose because I thought we squashed everything and started over but I guess I was wrong.

The conversation continued with Susan and Tina talking but then I heard Rose clear her throat. "Excuse me, can I have a word with you Sophia if you don't mind," Rose said in an apologetic voice.

"Sure I have no problem," I told Rose. We both set up for our seats and she led the way out of the family room so that we could have some privacy.

We took a short walk to the outdoor pool and then Rose faced me looking defeated. "I know I had apologized before but I feel like it wasn't enough."

I began to cut her off to let her know that she didn't have to go above and beyond to apologize to me when she already had. Rose still insisted on making things right.

"I had given you such a hard time in the beginning without getting the time to know you. These many years Karen convinced me that she was the one for my brother and any other woman would be a golddigger trying to take her rightful place," Rose confided in me.

Even though what Karen and Rose did was wrong I understand. Since Karen was her best friend at the time she would love the idea of her best friend becoming his sister by marrying her brother Eric.

"I thank you for taking the time to want to talk to me; I appreciate that. So what do you think about me now? I said wanting to know how Rose felt about me now.

"I can see now that you and my brother are meant to be together. I've never seen Eric so happy this much in my life," Rose said with so much love.

With all the emotions flowing throw me I couldn't help myself. I began to cry and got closer to Rose to give her a tight hug. To my surprise, Rose hugged me back as just as much effort.

After gaining our composure we took a deep breath and walked away from the tears that stained our cheeks.

Since Rose was being so open with me I figured I might just assist her with the Markson brothers.

Even though I knew Rose didn't want to think about it; I still had to ask. " What are you gonna do about Liam and Luke?

She looked at me puzzled but then softened her look. "Is it that obvious," she says. Rose didn't explain to me that Luke and Liam confess their feelings for her but she was optimistic about it.

Rose continues to say that she isn't sure if she can trust their feelings for her because of how they used to treat her in the past. S he also felt confused and unsure of her feelings.

She stated that sometimes they're hot and sometimes they're cold. She confessed to me how they were all over her 3 weeks ago but now she hasn't talked to them all these weeks and was unsure of their position.

I then give her advice on how to get their attention. Rose listened to every word like her life depended on it.

After a long chat, the butler found us in deep conversation and let us know that dinner was ready. We arrived in the dining room where everyone was already seated.

I took my place next to Eric and Rose found her seat between Luke and Liam. I couldn't help but smile at her situation.

Next, the butler arrived pushing the cart of food into the dining room. Placing plates on the table filled with food. Once everything was settled on the table by the butler; he then removed himself from the room.

Before anybody had a chance to start eating their food I cleared my throat and stood up to have everyone's undivided attention.

"Excuse me, everyone, I just have something I need to say to all of you. I very much appreciate all of you for working so hard to support me through this whole thing. I hoped that this would have been over a lot sooner but now that it is going to trial it worries me," I confessed.

At that moment Eric stood up beside me and held my hand in his squeezing lightly as he looked into my eyes warmly.

"There's no need to thank us beautiful. You are a part of this family. We will do any and everything to protect you regardless if it's a court hearing or trial we will stick beside you, Eric said with so much confidence.

"I'm the head of this family damnit and I will not rest until the people who harm anyone in this family get the punishment that they deserve, Eric's father, Charlie said with pride.

I began to cry again for the second time today. "Regardless, it means so much to me to have a family I can call my own who cares enough to be there for me," I expressed

All the ladies Susan, Anna, Tina, and even Rose stood up from the dining table to walk towards Eric and me to give me a group hug.

It was the sound of crying in the room until Tina voiced out. "Let's get this b***h and make sure she can't do anything like this ever again."