Page 87 of Chase

“Get in the room Mr. Jackson!” I demand.

Chase grins, picks me up into his arms, and heads for the room.

Chapter Thirty Five

I stare in the mirror and rub my belly. I am huge. If another person says to me ‘You must be due any day now,’ I think I am going to scream. I am eight months pregnant, another whole month to go. We left the sex of the baby a surprise. Chase is sure it’s a little girl, but I think it’s a boy. I walk into the nursery. Chase painted it a soft yellow, and it has a white cot, chest of drawers, and a rocking chair in the corner. There is a feature wall; Chase paid an artist to design it. It’s a jungle theme, the wall covered in trees, a lake and various animals. It is stunning. My favorite part of it is the huge sunset. Chase walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my belly. He buries his face in my hair, breathing in my scent.

“Not long now, for little Ariana,” he whispers.

I scoff, “More like Nate.” That was my name for the week. I’ve changed it a million times.

“What happened to Aiden,” he asks, smiling.

“I changed my mind,” I say simply.

Chase nuzzles my neck, “Come to bed, angel.” I’m huge and he still can’t get enough of me. If that’s not true love, I don’t know what is. We make love slowly, gently. Chase is always so gentle with me, so tender. I know he is anxious about the baby; I keep assuring him it will all be okay.

I can’t wait to give him his son. For us to be a family.

One month later

Chase

She screams again, and digs her nails into my palm. I’m trying to remain outwardly calm, but inside I’m freaking the fuck out. I hate seeing her like this, in so much pain, and I can’t do anything but watch.

I can’t take this pain away for her, I can’t carry this burden.

This is all her. She is strong as hell, my Layla.

“Push, angel. You can do it, you are doing so well,” I tell her, encouraging her. She pushes again, then grabs onto the gas like it is her lifeline, sucking in a huge mouthful. After a few moments her body calms, contraction over.

“We are never having sex again, Chase Jackson!” She yells at me for the fifth time, her voice hoarse.

Three hours later, Layla makes her final push. I am in awe. A little bundle is put into my hands.

A head full of black hair, big brown eyes, pouty lips which are now opened in the shape of an O.

A son. I have a son. And he is perfect.

He starts to cry, and I look over at Layla, overwhelmed. She looks exhausted, but so, so beautiful. She is staring at me and our son with such a tender look. I feel tears in my eyes, which I try to blink away.

“Thank you for my son, angel,” I whisper, “I will spend the rest of my life loving you both.”

Tears run down her face now. “What is his name?” I ask her.

“Cole,” she whispers.

“Cole,” I echo. I love it.

I love them.

Epilogue

I come home from my shift at work. Chase didn’t want me working, still doesn’t. But after I finally got my nursing degree, I decided I would work part time, just two days a week. I love it. I open the door and walk into the hallway, staring at my wedding photos as I walk by. Chase and I had a huge wedding, when Cole was four months old. Nikki, Sasha and Tenielle were my bridesmaids; Kade, James and Ryder were Chase’s best men. It was magical.

I walk into the living area and watch as their faces light up as they all rush over to greet me.

Chase, Cole, Nate and baby Jacob all welcome me with varying greetings.

---