Page 103 of Only Ever Yours

My mom was right there by my side, though. Jaydon made sure of that. He paid for her to fly home so she could be there with me, and I’ll be forever grateful.

I still haven't forgiven my sister. Maybe I will eventually, but I don’t feel like I have to forgive her just yet. She caused Jaydon and me—mostly me—a lot of pain, and I just can't move past that and let her back into my life. I wish her well; I even told her that, but I also let her know she needed to work on herself.

Maybe one day, when I feel good and ready, I will invite her to come visit. Jaydon fully supports me, as always, in whatever decision I make.

Now that the sun has set, the sound of crickets chirping rings out in the distance, and the warm glow from the fire pit sets the mood. Ryleigh Grace squeals, running around the patio, throwing and kicking her pink ball that I bought for her when she comes to visit.

Jaydon's fingers tap the side of my leg, drawing my attention. I glance at him, and I already know what he's up to. My heart skips a beat in excitement.

He clears his throat, “Thanks for coming over for dinner tonight,” his normal cocky voice is now laced withexcitement, and even a hint of nerves. “But there's a reason we invited you over tonight. Ellie and I have something we want to tell you.”

I slide off his lap, bracing myself for impact as his words hang in the air.

Haleigh’s eyes go wide, her mouth dropping open, as she slowly pieces his words together. Then she jumps from her seat, “Oh my god, I’m about to scream.” I giggle, biting my lip, trying to hold in my excitement because I want to scream with her. “Jaydon, you better spit it out!”

“Come on, man, she's gonna blow,” Ryan calls out from his chair.

Jaydon teases a smirk, keeping them waiting even longer before he finally meets my gaze when he says, “Ellie's pregnant!”

Haleigh shrieks, launching herself at me in a second, and I feel tears of happiness slide down my cheeks. “AHHH, I knew it, I freaking knew it!” She bursts into tears, swiping them away. “I’m so happy for you.” I can't believe I’m finally going to be an aunt!” Then her head whips towards her brother. “Jay! I can't believe you're gonna be a dad! You’re having a baby!”

Ryan stands grinning as he pulls Jaydon—who has the biggest smile on his face—into a firm hug, slapping him on the back. “Congrats, man. Welcome to the dad club. It’s about damn time!”

Laughter and love swirl around us, my vision going blurry with unshed tears. This is the life I always wanted—needed.

Then Haleigh is right behind Ryan, pulling her brother into a hug. “I’m so excited! Have you told Mom and Dad yet?”

“No, we wanted to tell you guys first. We plan on telling them tomorrow at Sunday dinner,” he says, pulling me closer into his side. His arm wraps securely around me, his touch grounding me in this moment.

Sunday dinners are something that started shortly after Jaydon and I started dating. His parents were so excited when we announced our engagement. They invited us all over for dinner that Sunday. Now, like a tradition, we go every Sunday—one big happy family—and I love the memories we are making together. And now, in just six short months, we’ll get to include our little one in the mix as well.

Ryleigh runs over, patting her mom's stomach, mumbling, “Baby, baby.”

Jaydon chuckles, scooping her up into his lap as he sits down. “No, sweet girl.” He bounces her on his knee, kissing her forehead, and my heart melts. “Auntie Ellie has a baby in her belly. You're gonna have a little cousin to play with.” I sit down beside them, and he reaches over and places his hand on my stomach. His gentle touch grounds me in the moment, making this all so real.

I cut my eyes back to Haleigh, but she now has the biggest grin on her face, biting her lip, like she’s about to burst. “Actually, Jay…” She glances at Jaydon, then her eyes meet mine.

A squeal slips past my lips as I jump up, “Shut the fu—Shit, I mean shoot… Dammit!” I blurt, because I know what she’s about to say.

Ryan throws his head back laughing, “Little ears.” He yells, but I can’t help it. I’m too excited to fully process his words.

Then Haleigh finishes, nodding, “We’re pregnant again.”

The second the words leave her mouth, we both burst into tears, launching ourselves at each other, overjoyed with happiness.

My bestie and me.

Pregnant together.

We've been through so much together, from heartbreak to healing, and now we get to enjoy this new journey together. She’s been there with me through it all, and I love that we get to do this life with the best men by our sides.

“Damn, Ryan, you would think by the way they are acting, that we had nothing to do with this.” Jaydon jokes, and our tearful embrace quickly turns into laughter because he’s right; we totally left them out on that one.

Ryan chuckles, “Alright, come on, ladies, it's about time we head home. I’m beat from today.” He reaches down, picking up Ryleigh, and sits her on his hip.

Jaydon and I stand on the deck stairs, waving goodbye as we watch Haleigh and Ryan disappear across the dark field. Only their headlights and the full moon shine in the night. As soon as their taillights dip beyond view, down the hill, Jaydon’s hand runs down over my ass, squeezing possessively, before trailing even further down to the hem of my dress.

My entire body shivers as I glance up at him, catching the wicked smirk tugging at his lips.

---