Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Welcome back, dear readers, to the start of Part Four! The biggest surprise for me because I thought the story was done. But it just kept coming... so enjoy! ❤❤❤

Warning: This chapter contains sexually explicit adult content.

Sebastian's Perspective

"Well, this is it." She said as she sat her bucket of gardening tools down next to the door and tossed her hat and gloves on top of it. She always kept a protective hand on her stomach, I noticed.

I could hardly look around her home, I was enamored with the sight of her. She was achingly beautiful! And carrying my children! My mind was still reeling from the information.

"So, what do you think?" She asked, her bright emerald eyes staring at me nervously.

"I think... you're gorgeous." It was the only thing I could comprehend at the moment and it just slipped out. Her face blushed a magnificent peachy pink at my words.

"Seb. I meant the cottage." She admonished me.

"I know. But I can't even take it in. You're so beautiful. I can't believe.... I mean, you're.... I'm just..." I couldn't even form coherent sentences. She was so amazing, standing there with one hand on her stomach, running soft circles and the other on the counter for balance. Her bright eyes and long braided mahogany hair. I wanted to grab her! I had this insatiable urge to hold her and touch her and never let her go!

I moved to close the small gap between us and enclosed my arms around her rounded waist. Her bump pressed into my stomach and I could feel the nudging against me. Those were my children in there!

I looked down at her belly pressed against mine. In awe.

She giggled. "I think they know you already."

"Merlin, I've missed that sound." I smiled warmly at her and her cheeks pinked again.

"Seb." Her eyes grew sad as she wrapped her small hands around the back of my neck, pulling my face close to hers and then resting her forehead against mine.

"Yes, darling..." I answered her softly.

"Are you... ok...? With all of this? I mean... I kept this from you because I didn't want to burden you and then after Will... I just... I couldn't deal. I needed to get away. From everyone. And everything. Are you... really here? I mean, for good?" She sounded so vulnerable. And so sad. I couldn't imagine everything she's been through emotionally. And I honestly didn't know what I would have done in the same situation. If I had had to kill Anne....

I sighed deeply. "I'm shocked, yes. And a little mad at you for not telling me. I could have shared the burden." She let out a frustrated huff of air. "But Rach." I pulled my forehead away from hers and grasped her chin to pull her eyes back to mine. I could get lost in those stunningly gorgeous green eyes... they were... scared? She was full of fear for my reaction to everything.

I took a deep breath and told her my truth. "I've only ever known one thing. Since the beginning of fifth year when a shy yet strong, intelligent, gorgeous girl introduced herself to me. My life began at that moment. You are my whole world. I have nothing, I AM nothing, without you. I'm not going anywhere." I said it all firmly but softly.

Her eyes lit up and a smile spread across her soft lips. "I love you, Sebastian. I loved you that day and every day since."

Now it was my turn to smile. "I love you, Rachel. I've always loved you. And now..." I looked down and put my hands on her protruding belly. "I have more to love."

She slapped my hands gently. "I know! I'm fat!" She squealed.

"That's not what I meant. I meant the babies." I chastised her and pulled her close again. Her hands rested on my chest and I wrapped my arms around her, still able to envelop her small body, despite the belly.