Page 50 of Craving You

That’s when Jade rejoined them. “Sometimes family get-togethers are eerily similar to a night at home with my boys. I’m chasing after someone or telling someone to calm down and being the voice of reason.” She picked up a glass of wine. “Thankfully, my drink doesn’t have to be a virgin one. And I deserve this because I have a feeling today is going to be exhausting!”

Ashlynn was sitting across from her on the bed looking thoughtful for a moment. “For what it’s worth, Hales, I get it too. Relationships—romantic ones, I mean—can be seriously complicated no matter what. I was the one who always bailed in a relationship. I wanted to be the one to leave instead of being the one who was left behind. It took a long time before I realized I was doing it because of the abandonment issues I had from my dad leaving. We all have issues, but with the right person, it’s worth taking the risk.”

“Silas’s dad broke up with me as soon as I told him I was pregnant,” Jade commented. “We had dated for a while and even though it wasn’t a great relationship, I thought he’d stick around for our baby.” Shaking her head, she reached for some chips. “He left skid marks and wanted nothing to do with me or Silas. The fact that Max is not only not running away, but he wants to marry you, feels like he’s all in with you.”

“Okay, but that’s all right now. What about a year from now? Or two years? Or five?”

“No one can guarantee that,” Ashlynn replied. “Some marriages work, and some don’t. You can’t control that. Even strong marriages have their ups and downs. They take work.”

“And compromise and communication,” Jade added. “Your relationship may have started out based on…you know…lust, but the more time you spend with him, do you like him? As a person?”

She didn’t have to think about it. “I do. I really, really do. I’ve never met anyone like him before. When we met at the rehearsal dinner, there was definitely an attraction, but I genuinely enjoyed just talking with him.”

“I was friends with Levi before things got romantic,” Jade went on. “And it wasn’t long at all—like maybe a month? I wasn’t looking for anything serious; I was just starting Books & Beans, and he wasn’t planning on staying in town, so a friendship was really what worked best. Until we realized there was something more there.” She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter if you know someone a day, a week, a month, or a year. Sometimes you just know. Don’t get hung up on how long you’ve known each other.”

“I agree,” Chloe said with a nod. “Tanner and I kissed after only knowing each other for a few days. We took things slow, but…”

“Ugh…we’re beating a dead horse here!” Ash yelled with amusement. “Basically, Hales, we all get it and we’re all here if you need to talk. I’m sure you’re going to miss your friends and Sloane when you move, but you’re not alone here. You’ve got us!”

“But I’m coming to visit as much as I can!” Sloane chimed in.

Now the tears were back in her eyes as she nodded. “I know, and it’s wonderful. I haven’t even let myself think about that aspect of it. Everything’s happening so fast and not at all like I thought it would. It feels like every time I turn around, there’s something else I need to deal with. I guess I’m still just processing.”

“Have you seen an OB-GYN yet?” Jade asked.

Nodding, she said, “I did. She was the one who confirmed the pregnancy. I have another appointment scheduled for next month, but I’ll probably need to change that depending on when I move. Billie gave me the number for the one she goes to, but I haven’t called yet. I feel fine except for the occasional queasiness, but that’s normal, right?”

After that, they talked about pregnancies, doctors, and planning nurseries.

“Wait until you get to the really horny part of pregnancy,” Ash said with a dramatic wink. “Reid was living his best life when that hit!”

“Tanner too!” Chloe said with a giggle. “Oh my goodness, some days I wanted to drag him into our arts and crafts closet at school and just let him do whatever he wanted to me!”

“Wow, TMI, Chlo,” Jade murmured but then laughed. “It was like that with Levi too. He was so happy when it started and then wildly disappointed when that stage ended.”

“Ugh…such a bummer when it ends,” Ash mumbled. “It’s not like we never do it, but…it’s getting a little more awkward and I don’t feel the least bit sexy.”

“You’re beautiful, stop it,” her twin told her.

“I know that. I’m just saying I don’t feel sexy. Being on my feet all day at the salon has my feet and ankles swelling and I’m not loving it.”

“The joys of working a job where you’re on your feet all day,” Jade said. “Have you started looking for jobs here?”

“Actually, no. I figured I’d start this week.” Pausing, she looked over at Sloane. “Any idea how long you and Mom and Dad are staying?”

“We head home Wednesday, and I think they were hoping you’d fly home with us. But I’m sure they’ll understand if you don’t.” Glancing around, she asked, “Are there any yoga studios in town?”

“Sadly, no,” Jade replied. “I don’t even know where the nearest one is. Do you, Ash?”

“Not a clue.”

“I never gave it much thought that there wouldn’t be a yoga studio close by,” Hailey said miserably. “In a perfect world, one would be right here in downtown and desperately in need of an instructor and nutritionist.”

“Talk to Billie about that,” Ashlynn suggested. “Our sister has a knack for the business needs of the town. I can practically guarantee that Billie will invest in opening one for you to manage.”

“What? Seriously? Why would she do that?”

They all started talking at once, but ultimately, it was Jade who explained.

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