by Kate Stacy
“Fuck, baby. You’re killing me,” he rasps. “Not that kinda surprise, Mads. You gotta stop.”
Whimpering, I release him, falling back to the bed with a frustrated huff.
Stupid fucking bed rest. Stupid no sex rule.
How am I supposed to keep my hands off my sexy husband for three months?!
“I’m sorry, baby. You know I’d love nothing more than to sink deep inside you right now.”
“Not. Helping. Jaxson.” I grit out.
Chuckling, he hops off the bed, reaching for my hand to help me up. I shoot him a playful glare and take his hand.
“Now you gotta walk in front of me. Henny’s here and I don’t want to scare her with the fuckin’ wood I’m sporting because of you.”
He steps up behind me and I rub my ass against his hard dick.
Growling, he swats at my ass. “Move it.”
Using my hips, he guides me down the hall to the closed door of the nursery. Jaxson reaches around me and turns the knob, slowly opening the door.
Tears form instantly since my hormones have my emotions on overdrive.
“You did this?” I ask, stepping into the room.
“I had a little help,” he says, motioning behind us.
“Henley?”
“I hope you don’t mind. I did most of the work while you were napping during the first couple days home. Jax helped with the finishing touches today so we could surprise you.”
“Mind? It’s gorgeous, Henley”
I squeeze her in a tight hug, not wanting to let go.
“Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me.”
I look around the room. Everything is decorated in white, soft gray, and light green. There’s a forest painted on the walls in white, with darker gray woodland animals in various places. The entire room is set up and all the things are neatly put away. I would have never been able to finish this, not being on bed rest.
My breath catches in my throat when I see the quote painted on the wall.
Jaxson’s thumb brushes along my ribs where the same words are inked on my skin.
Reminding myself to breathe, I turn to face him and wrap my arms around the back of his neck. Stretching onto my tiptoes, I softly kiss his lips.
“Today has been incredible, Jaxson. Thank you for organizing everything.”
“Anything to make you happy baby. You deserve all this and so much more.”
He turns me back around, hands resting across the top of my round belly.
We stand in silence as I take in every little detail of the nursery.
“I think our baby is going to love it here.”
Baby chooses that moment to roll over, kicking out against Jaxson’s hand.
It’s not the first time he’s felt the baby kick, but this kick feels significant.
Chuckling, Jaxson looks down at me in awe. “I think you’re right, love. I think you’re right.”
(Three months later)
I became a father today.
Madalyn gave birth to our beautiful baby girl today and made me the happiest man walking this earth. My heart feels like it could burst.
I have a daughter and she’s absolutely perfect.
Ava Lynn Blackwood.
Six pounds, two ounces of beauty and sass. Baby girl came out screaming and ready to fight—just like her mama.
She’s a little small, but totally healthy.
Mads survived her confinement to bed. These last few months were difficult for both of us. We fussed, we fought, and we got on each other’s last nerve. But like everything else in our lives, we survived. The time we spent together brought us even closer, which isn’t something I thought possible.
My little princess is more than worth it.
I always wanted a little girl. A carbon copy of her mama to love and spoil.
Madalyn has given me everything I ever wanted.
Leaning down, I press a kiss to my wife’s forehead.
“You’re incredible, baby. Thank you for loving me.”
She smiles softly, exhausted from the birth. Reaching up toward Ava’s face, she gently slides the blanket to the side.
“She’s everything that’s good in this world, Jaxson.”
“She’s the perfect combination of me and you.”
Madalyn yawns, so I tell her to rest. Our daughter is safe in my arms and that’s where she’ll stay.
“But my family is waiting. They all want to meet her.”
“Rest, baby. They can wait a little longer. Right now, it’s about the three of us, no one else matters.”
Her eyes drift closed, her breath evening out. She needs to rest. Her family will understand.
I remain by her bedside, Ava bundled in my arms.
Madalyn was right. Ava is everything that’s good in this world.
I’ll do whatever I can to protect her.
After two long days in the hospital, we’re finally free to go home.
With my daughter in my arms and my wife at my side—escorted in her wheelchair by a nurse—we make our way through the halls of the hospital. People congratulate us on our new addition. Other people, strangers, want to see her, but I don’t allow that. It’s my job to protect her until she’s big enough to protect herself.
We reach the exit and find ourselves outside in the warm summer air. We wait for a few minutes for our ride to pull up. Holden volunteered to play chauffeur and drive Madalyn’s new SUV so I could focus on my family.
Standing there waiting, I don’t miss the moment when my parents walk past us heading into the hospital. For a split second I wonder if everything is okay, but then I remember that they wouldn’t worry about me. I have someone far more deserving of my time, energy, and thoughts. Two someones.
They walk by without acknowledging me. My father actually turns his nose up at me and swings his head in a different direction. I may have imagined it, but I thought I saw a hint of regret in my mother’s eyes after she notices the baby in my arms. She’s this little girl’s grandmother, that’s true enough, but as it stands now...she’ll have no relationship with her. I won’t have their toxicity around my daughter. She’s too good, too pure to be tainted by their harsh and outdated views and beliefs.
Holden finally pulls up to the curb. I buckle Ava snugly into her car seat, double and triple checking the connections before helping Madalyn into the back seat. I give her the same treatment because she’s still sore and it’s my job to take care of her. A job I don’t mind at all. It’s the least I can do. Madalyn did the hard work.
The drive home doesn’t take long. Holden helps us unload everything, bringing it into the house before he leaves.
We’re finally home. I have my beautiful little family of three.
Heading for the nursery, I lay Ava down in her crib. She looks so tiny on the small mattress.
I know she’ll grow into it soon, but it’s not something I want to rush.
I sit in the wide glider beside the crib, carefully pulling Madalyn down and positioning her on my lap.
“How do you feel, baby?”
She leans back against my chest, looking up at me. Those mossy green eyes of hers shine bright with happiness.
“I’m happy, Jaxson. My heart is so full of joy, wonder, and hope. That’s what Ava is, our rainbow baby. A beautiful gift of hope.”
“You’re absolutely right, love.”
We sit in silence, holding each other while we watch our precious girl sleep.
Eventually, the silence is broken when Madalyn quietly says my name, “Jax?”
“Yes, love?”
“I saw your parents outside the hospital when we were leaving.”
“I saw them, too.”
“Do you think it’s wrong to not let them meet their granddaughter?”
I breathe out a sigh.
“I think...that it’s complicated, baby. Really fuckin’ complicated.” I think about how to answer her question. “They made their choice, and that’s something th
at they’re going to have to live with. It’s our job as parents to protect our daughter, and to me...that includes not inviting toxic people into her life. They were shitty parents, Mads. They had no interest in us, and as much as I hate saying it, they’d probably have no interest in Ava, either. But it’s their loss. She’s going to be so incredible, baby. She won’t miss them. She has too many other people surrounding her with love.”
“What if they showed interest? Your mom looked kinda sad when she saw Ava.”
“I noticed that, too. I don’t know, baby. Maybe if she showed she’s changed? It’s really hard to say. It’s a tough situation. I’d rather focus my time and energy on the people who matter.”
Madalyn turns her head and presses a kiss to my jaw.
“You’re going to be an amazing daddy, Jaxson.”
“I’m damn sure gonna try. You and Ava are everything to me.”
(Two months later)
Drake and Hailee met one year ago today at a bonfire in our backyard.
Today, in that very spot, surrounded by family and friends, the two of them celebrated their love for each other with a small, informal wedding ceremony. It was an honor to be here to not only witness but be a part of one of the most important days of their lives.
With everyone gone home for the night, the house is quiet. I walk with soft steps through the house, seeking out the two most important people in my world.
I find them easily, tucked away in the nursery.
Leaning in the doorway, I can’t help but watch them.
Jaxson is seated in the glider, his eyes closed, and our beautiful Ava girl is sleeping soundly on his bare chest. She’s a daddy’s girl for sure. She loves being held in the safety of those strong arms. I can’t blame her. It’s one of my favorite places to be, too.
Our daughter—our miracle—is the epitome of perfection.
Like now, I often find myself watching her in awe. I thank whatever gods are listening for allowing me such a precious gift.
My gaze drifts to Jaxson and I find his hazel eyes open, watching me.
Our gazes lock and his lips tip up into a captivating smile and I swear I can see his soul shining through.
Bright and happy. It’s a magnificent sight that makes my heart flutter and skip a beat.
“Come here, baby,” he whispers.
I cross the room to him, and he pulls me into his lap slowly, careful not to disturb Ava.
“That’s better.” His lips meet my temple. “Now I’ve got my entire world in my arms.”
Moments like this remind me how lucky I am.
I have a selfless, loving husband and a precious daughter.
They’re my happiness. My heart. My soul.
Sometimes, I still forget to breathe, but one look at Jaxson is all it takes to remember.
Jaxson saved me.
When I was at my lowest, he lent me his strength and we took the broken pieces of tragedy, building them into something beautiful together. We healed each other.
Thanks for reading Supernova. I do hope you enjoyed Madalyn and Jaxson finding their happily ever after as much as I enjoyed writing it. Before you go, it would mean so much to me if you would take a few minutes to write a review and share how you feel about my story so others may find my work. Reviews really do help readers find books. Please leave a review on your favorite book site.
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Standalone Romance
Long Road Home
Stars Align Series
Supernova
Singularity (coming soon)
Scintillation (coming soon)
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading Supernova. Madalyn and Jaxson’s story was extremely difficult to write for so many reasons. It covered a range of heavy, emotional, heartbreaking, but very real topics.
The devastating consequences of Domestic Violence can last a lifetime. Every year, more than 10 million men and women are subjected to Domestic Violence. More than 1 in 3 women (and 1 in 4 men) in the United States report having experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website to talk to someone online 24/7.
If you’ve suffered from early pregnancy loss, you’re not alone. As many as 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage before the 20th week. The actual rate is even higher, since many women experience miscarriage before even learning they are pregnant.
It’s important to get emotional support.
All-Options offers peer-based counseling and support. If you need someone to talk to, call the All-Options Talkline at 1-888-493-0092 from anywhere in the United States or Canada.
Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Every year close to 800,000 people take their own life, and many more who attempt suicide. Anyone could be struggling.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website for free and confidential support 24/7.
No matter what you’re going through – you are NEVER alone.
xoxo,
Kate
If you obtained this ebook anywhere other than Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, it has been stolen. Downloading a book when it has been illegally uploaded is against the law and pirated copies are often corrupted and contain viruses or malware that can damage your phone, e-reader, or computer. Please only ever obtain my ebooks on Amazon.
Paperbacks can be obtained legally on many platforms.
Thank you for reading Supernova. I would be nowhere without amazing readers like you.
To all of the bloggers and fellow authors who have helped me spread the word about this book, thank you for your incredible support. This industry can be tough but knowing there are so many wonderful people makes it all worthwhile. I’ve gained so many new friends in the last eight months and I couldn’t be happier.
Tracy Atencio, my immensely awesome editor and alpha, I can’t thank you enough for the time you put into reading, critiquing, and editing my work. You’ve been one of my number one supporters since I started this crazy journey and I love you for it! Also, I promise to try to give you more work with the next one.
Thanks to my betas that were able to work with such a short deadline. Michelle, Crystal, and Stephanie. Your comments and suggestions always help make my stories the best they can be. I appreciate you!
To my Rosie-doll (Rosalee). You, my love, are amazing! Thank you for everything that you do. You are one of my biggest cheerleaders and it means more than you know. This book wouldn’t have happened without you. You’re so much better at catching mistakes than you think.
Crystal, my “wife” and favorite lesbian, thank you so much for your support, even though MF sex isn’t really your jam. I appreciate that you read that shit anyway. I’m excited for the events and road trips we have planned!
A big thank you to Derrick. I stole your first name. I used it for an extremely flamboyant gay character and I won’t apologize for it. It wouldn’t be genuine. Honestly, I just really enjoy fucking with you.
Husband. You truly are a saint for dealing with me when I’m writing, especially when I get too close to a deadline. Thank you for feeding me when I’m too damn tired and focused to even think about stopping to eat. Thank you for wrangling the heathens and letting me get my words down. Thank you for loving me…even all these years later.
Lastly, thank you to my heathens. You drive me crazy more often than not, but you’re my crazies and I love the three of you so much! Also, I’m still mad y’all showed the penis plushie to the neighbor’s daughter. If her mama comes after me…I’m pointing my f
inger at you.
MADALYN’S SISTERS GET THEIR OWN HAPPILY EVER AFTERS!
Camille’s life takes an unexpected turn after a one-night stand with a sexy stranger in Singularity.
Presley steps out of her comfort zone and into the spotlight in Scintillation.
Kate lives in North Carolina with her husband, three children, and her extremely sassy cat. After nearly a decade of being a stay-at-home mama, Kate decided to use her southern roots and love of books to bring readers steamy, small-town romances. When she's not nose deep in her next manuscript, or spending time with her family, you can usually find her with her Kindle in hand.
Likes: Music, Mermaids, Tequila, Knee-high Socks
Hobbies: Baking, Cake Decorating, Photography
Kate stays up too late, swears too much, and loves hard.
For more information on Contemporary Romance Author, Kate Stacy:
Visit her website: https://www.katestacy.com
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