Page 26 of Desire

“You keep saying all those sweet things and I’m gonna have to do you again, Sebastian,” she teases. As if I’ll complain about the fact that her libido has increased substantially since we found out she was pregnant. She’s found a doctor, thanks to Jacey, and we know she’s almost three months along at this point. My guess is that she got pregnant the first time we reconnected after her surgery.

“Can’t right now, Jussie. We’re due to meet up with everyone for a final listen on the new album before it gets released, remember?” I’m so proud of them; this album took them back to their roots and every song is destined to hit the charts as far as I’m concerned.

“Dammit, they’re slowing my roll,” she mumbles. “Okay, yes, let’s book that venue and give them Jacey’s information since she’s handling everything. Are you sure you don’t want anyone else invited?” I shake my head; I lost my family years ago and the friends I have are in the industry with the exception of the Wilde family. They’ve become family by choice over the years.

“Slowing your roll?” I ask as we head out to the truck. “Sweetheart, I’m not complaining, trust me when I say this, but most people don’t have sex as often as we do.”

“I think pregnant women do,” she retorts, kissing me before climbing into the passenger seat.

I wait until she’s fully inside and close the door, shaking my head as I head to the driver’s side. I have figured out through a series of trial and error that a pregnant woman’s logic is illogical. Last week, I came home to find her sitting in the family room, Fred and Barney on either side of her, while she cried over some movie she was watching. As I get into the driver’s seat, I hit the remote to open the garage door. Buckling up, I start the truck and back out. “We need to start decorating, don’t we?” I ask.

“I think so, especially since we have so many trees to put up.”

I glance at her and carefully, cautiously ask, “How many are you talking about, Jussie?”

“Well, one in the family room, of course. Then, we need a fancy one in the formal living room, a small one for the bay window in the kitchen, and I’d kind of like one in our sitting area.”

Four trees. Four Christmas trees. In one house. Taking a deep breath, I reply, “If that’s what you want, pretty girl, that’s what we’ll do.” She beams at me and I realize that regardless of all the work, I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy. Even put up four fucking trees in a house that only has two people living in it this year.

Justine

“I think it sounds great,”Rayne says once the playback of our latest album finishes. “Y’all agree?”

We all nod then watch as he sends the data to the label so they can do whatever it is they do so the music hits the airwaves and the fans. That’s above my paygrade; I simply play keyboards. “Are we going to take a break?” Sibley asks.

“Yeah, let’s get Justine married and through the holidays then we’ll see what we want to do. Jacey and Sebastian have reached out to the venues and hopefully, they’ll get confirmation on that soon so we can start planning our shows. Are you guys okay with how we’re doing these moving forward?”

“I like that we’re slowing down a bit but still putting on a few shows during the year to keep our fans happy. Touring so much was hard, Rayne,” I admit. Now that Sebastian and I are together and about to be married, I find I’m content to stay in one place. Especially once the baby arrives.

“I agree,” Sibley says. “We’ve been doing this for a while now and it gets harder to bounce back.”

“Well, partying all night will do that,” I tease.

“Whatever,” she replies, sticking her tongue out.

“Is everything pretty much set for the wedding?” Rayne questions. “I know that Dash has been over and Hadley’s over the moon about the dress he’s designing for her.”

“We just sent Jacey the info on the venue before we left,” I state. “Everything else has been set up and she’ll confirm it all for us. I’ve got another fitting too.” Because my boobs have decided to grow exponentially despite the fact that I am not showing. Not that Sebastian is complaining because the sensitivity is off the chain these days.

“Do you need me to keep the dogs when y’all go on your honeymoon?” Sibley asks.

“If you don’t mind,” I reply.

“Not at all. They’re really good dogs,” she says.

“They’re a lot of fun,” Sebastian replies. “Not sure how they’re going to handle the Christmas trees we’re putting up, but they should be okay.”

“How many trees are you talking about?” Rayne inquires, a look of horror on his face.

I start giggling because whether he knows it or not, I saw the same on Sebastian’s earlier. “Four.” So far. I may still want another one or two, but they won’t all be huge; some will be smaller.

“Four fucking trees?” Rayne shouts. “What in the hell?”

“Listen, brother of mine, I love Christmas. I want my house to reflect that.”

“You’re a bit crazy, Justine,” he retorts. “Four trees. Jesus fucking Christ, Sebastian. I think I need to apologize for what you’re getting into marrying her.”

Before I can say anything, Sebastian speaks up. “If she wants fifteen trees, that’s what she’ll have. Whatever is in my power to give her, I’ll do and since you’re the same when it comes to your woman, I’m not sure why you’re surprised.”

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