Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 436

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Hanley pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

In the heavy silence, Violet understood exactly where he stood.

“Violet, this just isn’t the right time. It’s not that I want to let you or the child down,” Hanley said, meeting her gaze, his expression troubled.

Violet looked back at him, her eyes lingering on the lines that had crept across his once handsome face. Instinctively, she placed a protective hand over her stomach.

For a long moment, neither spoke. Then Violet, her voice barely above a whisper and drained of all strength, lowered her head. “I know.”

Hanley started to reply, but Violet continued, “But we’re not getting any younger, are we? I won’t pretend I’m not nervous, but I’m happy, too. If we end the pregnancy, I don’t know if we’ll ever get another chance.”

She lifted her eyes, now shimmering with unshed tears.

Hanley, who had seemed resolute just moments ago, faltered as he looked at the beautiful woman before him, tears trickling down her cheeks. His heart clenched.

He hurried forward, pulling Violet into his arms. “We can talk about the baby. Don’t cry, please. You’re expecting—big emotions aren’t good for you or the little one.”

“Dad, Mom, all the online chatter is in our favor right now. If anyone needs to tread carefully, it’s Ruby. Mom, you shouldn’t be going out anyway, so it’s the perfect time to rest and take care of yourself. Why even think about not having the baby?” Gennifer interjected, trying to soothe the tension.

Hanley’s resolve wavered.

Violet’s grip on his arm tightened, her anxiety written all over her face.

“Hanley, you’ve always wanted another child. And Ulysses wants a little brother or sister, too.”

Hanley listened as the voices around him urged him on, and he found himself hesitating. They’d never planned on having Gennifer to begin with—by Stormhaven tradition, a family wasn’t truly complete without two children. He just hadn’t expected the second child to come at such a complicated time.

“Dad, I want a little brother or sister too!” Ulysses, catching Violet’s encouraging look, bounced over and tugged at Hanley’s hand, pouting playfully.

With his youngest—his pride and joy—joining the plea, Hanley could only sigh in resignation. “If that’s what you all want, then we’ll keep the baby.”

At that, the dullness vanished from Violet’s face, replaced by a radiant joy.

“Hanley, I knew you’d understand me best!” she said, beaming as she nestled into his arms, guiding his hand to rest gently over her stomach. “I never expected this to happen so suddenly. Maybe it’s a sign from above.”

Hanley’s interest was piqued, and he stroked her still-flat belly. “What do you mean?”

Violet’s laughter was bright as she winked at him. “It must mean our plans are finally falling into place, and this child is meant to be with us—maybe even to travel abroad and enjoy life together.”