AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I stroke the back of my neck. “Will it be a problem?”
“No, but what if it’s a girl?”
“Her name will be Jayden.”
The hugest grin spreads across her face and she kisses my cheek. “Okay, you can pick the first name but I get to choose the second name.”
“If it’s a girl, what do you want her middle name to be?” I ask as I tap my fingers onto the steering wheel.
She swallows and sinks deeper into the leather seat. “Harper. Her middle name is Harper.”
It’s my turn to return the smile, and I grab her hand, bringing it to my mouth. “I would like that.”
She strokes my back and shakes her head. “I did everything in my power to protect her or him, Jasper. I love our little peanut.”
“Me too.” I place my hand on her belly. “I love you and our baby.”
There isn’t anything more I want in this world than my little family, and I will prove to Poppy every day if I have to.
Poppy
When I wake up, I’m in the bedroom I shared with Jasper before I moved out. I look to my right but he’s not in bed. I roll over onto my side, clutch the pillow as tight as I can, and exhale.
I feel safe and secure, protected. Thanks to Jasper.
Memories of yesterday come crashing at once. Link kidnapping me and trying to force me to be with him; Jasper coming to rescue me, and how he was worried about me and our child. How he loves me and our child. I believe him, I really do. Any doubt of him not wanting his family has gone out the window, but I’m not ready to jump into his arms just yet. I still want time to think about our relationship.
I look down at the oversized t-shirt I’m wearing. Jasper must have removed my clothes and put me in his shirt.
I toss the blanket off me. I need to speak to Jasper about our relationship.
Once I make it to the living room, I smell fresh paint and it makes me want to vomit. I used to love the smell of paint, but my body has changed a lot since I’ve been pregnant. The smell of eggs makes me want to vomit, but I crave dry ice and jalapenos on a Whopper from Burger King.
Jasper comes into the living room, light green paint on his clothes. “Why are you painting? It stinks.”
He chuckles. “I’ve been painting two rooms.”
We need to talk about our relationship and if we’re going to make it work. I’m scared he’s going to shut me out like he always does or get scared and leave me high and dry.
We reach a room, and I glance around, tears gathering as I take in the beige crib, matching dresser set, and bags of baby clothes.
“You went all out.”
He nods and goes to a box that says ‘Harper’s stuff’ and he opens it, pulling out a pink blanket. “This used to be hers, and she would carry it everywhere. She would want her younger sibling to have it. I’ve been holding on to this guilt of what happened to her, taking it out on the people I love most. I have been unkind to you, but I know I deserve you, Poppy. I deserve a happy life with love in it. I’ve realized…” He exhales. “You are the light in the darkness, which explains why I was drawn to you in the very beginning when I first met you over a year ago in the restaurant.”
Tears pour down my cheeks, and I stand on my tippy-toes and kiss him.
“I promise to protect you and our baby, always.” He pulls out a small box and opens it. A wedding band that has diamonds wrapped around it. I smile from ear to ear. “I was going to give you this at the restaurant before Link took you away. This ring represents a new life, our love. You can wear it when you’re ready. I’m ready to prove to you for the rest of my life that I love you and I will never take you for granted again.”
“I’m sorry too, for not telling you I didn’t take my pills. I should have told you, but I wasn’t trying to trap you, I swear.”
“I know, Angel. I know. You spent most of your time putting your needs on the back burner for mine, and I was the selfish bastard who kept taking from you. I’m sorry. You deserve to be happy. I want to make your dreams come true. I shouldn’t have asked you to put your dreams on hold for me.”
I notice a speck of paint on his cheek. “Why are you painting?”
He grabs my hand and pulls me into the next room. “Our kid’s playroom, and one day, it will be our second child’s bedroom.”
I smile through my tears. “Slow down, this will be my first child, and I’m not sure if I want another one.”
