Chapter 32
6:00 a.m., SUNDAY MORNING, CHLOE’S BEDROOM
Philip comes back to bed after feeding and changing Parker. He tries not to disturb Chloe who is sound asleep. She was up late with the baby last night and has earned her rest. As he watches her sleeping so peacefully, he’s overcome with emotion. He thinks about how every relationship he’s ever had has failed, and if this one fails too, he may as well give up. “Don’t blow this, Kiriakis,” he says to himself. He is well aware that this is the most important relationship of his life, not only because he and Chloe have a child together, but also because he’s loved her forever. He never thought he’d get another chance with her, but he has, and he needs to make sure it’s for keeps this time. He thinks about Lucas’ comment and shakes his head. Lucas was wrong. Philip’s other relationships weren’t anywhere close to what he and Chloe have. But Lucas struck a nerve with something else he said to Philip, and Philip needs to find a way to bring up the subject without hurting Chloe’s feelings. He rests his chin on his hand and looks at her lying next to him. It takes most of his strength to keep from taking her in his arms and making love to her. He gently strokes her hair. Chloe stirs, opens her eyes and smiles warmly as she meets Philip’s gaze.
Philip: I’m sorry. I was trying not to wake you.
Chloe: If you kiss me, I might forgive you.
Philip gladly obliges.
Philip: Good morning beautiful. Do you want me to let you go back to sleep?
Chloe: Maybe. But first I have to tell you about a really great dream I was having.
She sits up in bed.
Philip: That must mean I was in it.
Chloe: Well of course you were. You’re the man of my dreams. But this time, your parents were in my dream too.
Philip: That sounds more like a nightmare.
Chloe: No, it was nice. Your mother and I were cooking Thanksgiving dinner together.
Philip: Minus the brownies, I hope.
Chloe: No brownies, just pumpkin pie. And your father was introducing me to everyone as his daughter-in-law. Like he was proud.
Philip: Dream on.
Chloe: Don’t worry, I’m not holding my breath.
Philip: Um, sweetie, can we talk about a serious subject?
Chloe: Sure. What is it?
Philip: Lucas went back to Hong Kong.
Chloe: So?
Philip: The last thing he said to me ... He said you’d better not cheat on me or you’ll have to answer to him.
Chloe: That wasn’t very nice.
Philip: Maybe not, but there’s some truth to it, you know? There’s historical data.
Chloe: Are you seriously saying you’re worried that I might cheat on you?
To be continued ...