Today is Aria’s baby shower, and I’m excited to see my sister. I haven’t seen her in a few weeks, and it’ll be great to see her. I know things have been different since Stephanie and I got together, so I’m going to suggest they both get together for a girls’ night next weekend. I think Stephanie and Aria could do with it.
I flip over an egg as a pair of arms wrap around my body and lips place gentle kisses down my shoulder.
“A girl could get used to this,” Stephanie says as she rests her head upon my shoulder.
I spin around and wrap her completely in my arms, kissing the top of her head. “How did you sleep?”
“Great. I slept with a really handsome man.”
I arch an eyebrow at her as a grin crosses my lips. “Oh yeah?”
She grins at me before placing a soft kiss on my lips. “Shall I make some coffee?”
“Please, I could do with a coffee,” Sasha announces as she walks into the room. She’s followed by Toby who’s not quite awake, and his hair is a wild mess.
He sits down at the dining room table next to Sasha.
“Want a coffee, Toby?” Stephanie asks as she moves out of my arms and around the kitchen.
“Thanks, Steph.”
She makes everyone a coffee while I plate up breakfast. Serving it on the table, I take a seat next to Stephanie, and we dig in. It’s a quiet affair as everyone enjoys the food.
“So what have you guys got for Aria and Simon?” Toby asks.
Fuck, I forgot that I needed to go shopping for that.
“We got a few items of clothes for the baby, a gift voucher that she can spend on anything she wants. We also got her a spa voucher to get her nails done before the baby comes; a little something for her. I also got something for Charlotte too, so she doesn’t feel left out,” Stephanie answers. She looks at me with a smile.
She thinks of everything.
“What about you guys?” I ask.
“We were thinking of waiting to see what she got today and then ask her what she really wants.”
“That’s a good idea.” I stand and begin to stack up the plates. I carry them to the kitchen and place them onto the bench, then turn around.
“You cooked breakfast so Sash and I will do the dishes,” Toby says carrying the cups in behind me.
“Thanks, bro. I gotta go have a shower and get ready for the party.” I race away up the stairs only to find Stephanie is already in the room making the bed. Sliding my hands onto her hips, I spin her around and crash my lips onto hers. I gently pull her towards me and slide my hands down her body. She groans into my mouth, making my cock hard.
She pushes away from me. “I’m not complaining about these kisses, but you need a shower, and I have a few rental properties to look at. Knowing my luck, they’ll already be taken. And when that’s done, I still have the gift to organise. Go take your shower.”
“Rental properties? Why are you looking at those?” I ask.
“Because this arrangement was only supposed to be temporary. I don’t want Toby and Sasha to think I’m taking advantage of them.”
“They won’t think that,” I growl.
“Jake, please, I need to do this for me. I need the space for my business; to display my dresses so brides can come and view them. I–”
I cut her off by holding up my hand. “How about this? We talk to Toby and Sasha about you staying a little bit longer. We can talk to them about converting the other spare room downstairs into a display room. I know Sasha already did Toby’s old room up so you can make dresses in there.”
She looks at me and tears well within her eyes. “Jake, I…I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll agree to us talking to Toby and Sasha about this later tonight. We’ll come up with a plan and solution because I’m not about to ask the mother of my child to move out when we are making so much progress together as a couple. I’m hoping that soon you and I will be at a place where I can move home.”
She nods. “Yes. We’ll talk to Toby and Sasha, but I want you to keep an open mind that they may say no.”
They won’t.
I wrap my arms around her, hugging her one last time. “Alright, I’m going to have a shower, then I’ll help you organise Aria’s gift.”
I walk away from her and throw her a grin as I close the bathroom door. She rolls her eyes, but I can see the temptation to join me crossing her face. I will not lose my family because of this living arrangement. I want Stephanie here, living with me. I need my family to stay together.
I want a future with her as more than just the mother of my child.
Stephanie
We arrive at Aria’s place for the baby shower, taking the family car that Jake had bought us. Toby and Sasha grab a ride with us, and I opted to be the designated driver for the trip home; they’ll all have a few drinks between them.
I park the car outside Aria’s place, shut off the engine, and we all get out. Jake gets our gift from the back of the car and then slides his hand in mine.
“So it’s official then? You two are a couple?” Toby asks, throwing Jake a grin.
“Sure are, got a problem with that?” Jake replies.
I look up at him with a huge smile, and he’s smiling back at me.
“I love you.” It’s barely a whisper, and I’m not sure Toby and Sasha would approve of my telling Jake this so soon.
“I know.” He presses his lips onto mine in a quick kiss.
We follow Toby and Sasha inside Aria and Simon’s place. So far, the only people here are family: Mel, Simon’s sister, and her partner Lara, James, Riley and Simon. Aria is sitting on the couch.
“Hey,” Toby calls.
Jake closes the door behind us, and we step down into the room. Aria hugs each of us in turn but stops when she gets to Jake and me.
“Are you two officially a couple?” she asks, eyeing up our linked hands.
I smile at her widely, and she hugs me excitedly. “See, I told you it would happen.”
“We went on a date last night.”
“Tell me everything,” she says. We sit down on the couch together, and Jake leans down.
“Do you want a drink?” he asks.
“Yes, can I have sparkling grape juice?” I ask.
He places a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll get it for you.”
I watch as he walks away and Aria turns towards me. “Start talking.”
“Well, he met my parents three weeks ago and then took me out on a proper date a week later. Thanks for your help by the way. Since then, things have just come naturally after spending time together when he’s home and not on base. I’m just letting things happen. We’ve both made mistakes and hurt one another, so we’re taking things slow.”
“But you’ve already slept together,” Aria says, giving me a sly look. My face flushes with heat, and I can’t hide my emotions. “Hon, I’m so happy for you both. You two deserve to be happy, and I always knew you’d make a great couple.”
“Now, I just need to get my business back on track, and things will be fabulous.”
“You will hon, I know it. You’re a fabulous designer.”