Chapter 79

Three and a bit weeks later, Zac was finally able to meet up with Kelsey, who had, at long last, come out of hospital. She was still sore, but at least -

"I don't have to put up with that disgusting hospital food any more."

Zac laughed.

"Yep. I'm glad I've never had to taste it, considering all the bad reports I hear."

"They're exaggerating. It's worse."

Zac grinned.

"So, what exactly was it have you been wanting to talk to me about any way?"

Zac paused and took a deep breath.

"I... I'm glad we broke up."

"Say what?"

"Well, yes, I glad we broke up, because it's only because I started dating other people that I realised... that I realised..."

"That you realised what?"

"That I realised..." Zac took her hand. "Just how much I love you."

Kelsey stared at him for a moment. Then she looked down.

"Kel, Kel when I heard you were in that accident, I just... I couldn't bear to lose you. You're the only woman I ever truly loved after Cassie died and I... I can't stand the thought of losing you - or Hope."

Zac stroked her face and she looked up at him.

"You know, a year ago I would never have admitted this, but I know that Hope thinks of you as the mother she never had - even if she isn't around you a lot."

"I'm hardly ever around her." Kelsey replied. "And what of Babsie and Rita?"

Zac waved a hand at her.

"Maybe to begin with, but they will always be Aunts to her. She's practically told me that herself."

Kelsey was quiet for a moment.

"So what are you saying? That you want us to get back together? Is that it?"

Zac kissed her softly.

"That's exactly it."

She stared at him for a moment. Then she leaned over and kissed him passionately.

"So, umm" Zac asked, after she pulled away, "I take it that's a yes?"

Chapter 80