Just Breathe Series (Trilogy Box Set)

by Martha Sweeney

Jared, Nathan, Jimmy and Allen look back and forth between Joe and Henry waiting for a response. When neither of them speak up, Maggie does.

  “They pull out to finish,” Maggie nonchalantly answers.

  “I’m so glad we don’t have that risk,” Allen giggles.

  “Yeah,” agrees Jimmy. “I bet it’s messy and sticky.”

  Everyone laughs.

  “What should we do today?” Maggie asks, changing the subject.

  “Good question, Mags,” Jared replies.

  “There’s a bunch of stuff to do,” Nathan comments. “Boat rides, tours, zip-lining, massages . . . .”

  “We can’t zip-line,” Maggie informs, patting her belly. “The harnesses aren’t good for pregnant women and some places won’t massage us since we’re expecting.”

  “Is it warm enough for canoeing or renting a boat?” Allen checks.

  “It’s supposed to be in the mid-sixties today,” answers Jared. “We could go out for a few hours.”

  After we settle on renting a boat, letting the boys do some fishing and skiing, and then plan to have lunch and some of the afternoon in the village area, we make our way to our rooms to get showered and dressed for the day. Joe’s constantly touching me, not that it’s unusual because we’re usually pretty tactile with each other, especially in private. However, he’s even more touchy-feely since we left the room after us talking about the baby. He assists me with undressing and get’s the shower turned on before he’s the slightest bit undressed.

  “I can undress myself,” I comment. “I’m not helpless yet.”

  “I know,” Joe answers with a grin. “I just like doing it.”

  Once we’re well saturated from the water, Joe grabs the shampoo and lathers my hair. “So . . . when can we find out if it’s a boy or girl?” he checks.

  “I’m not sure,” I giggle. “I blanked out on a lot of stuff when Amy and Kim were pregnant and still have with Maggie.”

  “I’ll ask Kim when we see her,” Joe announces.

  “When we see her?” I check.

  “Yes,” Joe confirms. “I want to be at all of the appointments.”

  “Okay,” I laugh. “Sounds like I’m not the only control freak.”

  “I just want to know,” Joe replies with eagerness in his voice. “I want to be a part of all of it. I don’t care either way, but I want to know . . . I’d rather we have time to pick a name.”

  “Pick a name?” I ask.

  “Yeah,” Joe confirms. “What’s your mother’s name?”

  “Why?”

  “Because if we’re having a girl, we could name the baby after her,” Joe informs.

  My heart drops in a good way. “Sophia Marie.”

  “Sophia Marie Covelli,” Joe repeats. “That’s a beautiful name.”

  “Yeah,” I agree.

  “And, if we have a boy, we’ll name him after me,” Joe mentions.

  “Yeah. Wait . . . what?” I inquire. “Why wouldn’t we name him after my father?”

  “First-sons are named after their father, so he’d be Joseph Michael Covelli Jr.,” Joe shares. “Our second son can be named after your father. What was his name?”

  “Jeffrey William,” I answer. “Why does our son have to be named after you? And . . . why do you think we’ll have more than one?”

  Joe smiles as he assists rinsing the shampoo from my hair.

  “Joseph?” I press.

  “I want more than one,” he admits. “And, just because you said no . . . even though I know I messed up the proposal . . . you’ll want to marry me the next time I ask you.”

  His confidence has returned in full force and I’m suddenly very horny.

  “We aren't having more than one,” I counter, hoping to take back some bit of control.

  “We’ll see,” Joe muses, kissing me on the nose. “Plus, twins are common in my family.”

  “Joseph,” I repeat.

  “Yes, beautiful?” he answers, obviously ignoring my intentions.

  “Never mind,” I huff.

  “So . . . I was thinking,” Joe begins as he lathers my body up with the soap in his hands.

  “Uh-oh,” I tease.

  “After we talk with Kim,” he says, completely ignoring my jab. “Depending on how you feel about it, we could tell my parents when we head back for Easter.”

  I don’t say anything.

  “Emma?” Joe inquires.

  My mind wanders, suddenly scared of what his parents may think of us — of me. I’m carrying Joe’s child, yes, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s a bastard child — out of wedlock. What will they think of me? What will they think of my baby? Will they reject us?

  “What’s wrong, Emma?” Joe asks. His face is full of concern.

  “Nothing,” I choke. “Nothing.”

  “Tell me,” Joe coaxes. “What just popped into your head now?”

  “Nothing,” I repeat, avoiding eye contact.

  “Emma,” Joe calls with his authoritative tone.

  Damn it. Now, I’m really horny.

  Joe gently takes my head in his hands, kisses my forehead and then places his forehead on the spot he just kissed. “Emma. Please tell me.”

  After a sigh, I confess, “What if . . . .”

  “What if, what?” he searches when I don’t continue.

  “I’m carrying a bastard child,” I blurt. “What if they reject us?”

  “What are you talking about, beautiful?”

  “Your parents . . . let alone everyone else . . . what will they think of me? We’re not married. I’m pregnant and they’ll think that I got pregnant on purpose just to . . . .”

  “Emma,” Joe calls sweetly. “Since when do you care what other people think?”

  “I care what you think . . . I care what your parents think,” I share. “Will they disown you because you knocked me up before we’re married . . . if we ever marry? Will they disown their grandchild that is growing in my belly?” Tears pour from my eyes uncontrollably.

  “Emma,” Joe says, curling his arms around me. “They won’t disown me. They won’t hate you and they won’t disown our child.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask between breaths.

  “Yes,” he confirms. “And, if you want to marry me that badly, just to make sure they won’t disown anyone, we can get married tomorrow. I know you play hard to get, but damn . . . you’re making this easier on me right now to get you to marry me.”

  “That’s not funny,” I challenge while laughing and crying at the same time.

  “Yes, it is,” Joe says, laughing.

  “No,” I counter while trying to regain control over my emotions.

  “Okay,” Joe agrees. “It was just a little funny.”

  “No,” I object, laughing more.

  Joe smirks and I can’t help but laugh harder. “Shut up,” I direct.

  “I didn’t say anything,” Joe answers.

  “Yes you did,” I reply, trying really hard not to smile. “You said it with your eyes.”

  “I didn’t say anything,” he repeats, grinning more.

  “Stop,” I plea.

  “It got you to smile,” he comments.

  I try to pout, but end up laughing at both of us.

  “I promise,” Joe says, taking my hands in his and placing them over his heart, holding them in place. “I know that my parents will be happy and excited for us. That they’ll love us just the same and even more now and they’ll love Joe Jr. or Sophia Marie just as much.”

  “I haven’t agreed to naming him Joe Jr.,” I remind with a smirk.

  “I’m sure I can sway you,” Joe mentions, lifting his brows.

  “Sex will not get me to agree,” I announce as his mouth teases my neck and his hands tighten on my ass.

  “You sure?” he hums.

  “Yes,” I confirm a little less convincingly as my hands caress his body.

  “Looks like it’s no longer up for debate,” he states, rubbing my sex.

  “Ohh,�
� I breathe out. “It is . . . just . . . we’ll discuss it later.”

  “Mmm hmm,” he replies, slipping his tongue into my mouth while his fingers penetrate my cave.

  “Joe,” I whimper, gripping his hair.

  “Hmmm?”

  “Don’t stop,” I moan.

  “I don’t plan on it,” he returns, nipping my ear.

  One Hundred Thirty Two

  When we leave for our boat ride on the lake, Anna hands us three large baskets full of food and drinks. Henry and Joe insist on Maggie and I bringing extra clothes and blankets for ourselves just in case it gets too cold. Seriously, they’re being overly attentive and it’s bordering along the lines of no longer being cute and sweet. Maggie doesn’t argue, but I do — I lose the argument since Jared and Nathan chime in, insisting on not leaving until I agree.

  “You excited, Kitten?” Jared asks, sitting next to me on the boat as Henry, Jimmy and Joe get the vessel situated to cast off.

  “About what?”

  “About being a mom,” Jared laughs, wrapping his arm around me.

  “I don’t know,” I admit, leaning into his embrace.

  “Has it still not sunken in yet?” he checks.

  “Yeah,” I confirm.

  “Do you feel different? I mean . . . other than this morning and the fatigue?” Jared searches.

  “No,” I state. “The fatigue has been gone after I increased the amount of nutrients I’ve been taking and the extra rest.”

  “Good,” he replies with a smile.

  For a few moments, Jared and I cuddle while watching the guys finish getting the boat ready. I find myself aroused more than usual as I watch Joe’s arm muscles flexing.

  “This is exciting,” Jared announces. “I get to officially be an uncle to two awesome kids in less than a year . . . not that Jade, Jet and Rey don’t count . . . but you know what I mean.”

  “Definitely. You know,” Nathan starts. “Maybe we should pick a date for the wedding after Emma finds out when she’s due.”

  “What? Why?” I interject.

  “Seriously, Kitten?” Nathan returns. “You’d be the only person in the bridal party with a full belly. Maggie’s due in four months so she’d be fine if we have it right after you pop.”

  “Unless Henry plants his seed again right after,” I giggle.

  “That’s true,” Jared laughs. “Maggie and Henry are like rabbits.”

  “So,” Maggie challenges with a smile. “I won’t care either way.”

  “Do you know what you’re having?” Nathan checks, looking to Maggie and Henry.

  “Nope,” Maggie confirms.

  “I’m starting to want to know,” Henry confesses, sitting next to her.

  “What? Why, honey?” Maggie asks.

  “I like the idea of the surprise,” Henry shares. “But, I also like the idea of knowing. There’s a lot of stuff we can’t plan or take care of unless we know.”

  “Exactly,” I comment, high-fiving Henry.

  “So, I take it you’re going to find out,” Maggie says, looking at me.

  “Damn straight,” I confirm.

  “What about you, Joe?” Maggie asks. “Do you want to know or do you want to be surprised?”

  “I like the idea of being surprised, but I like the idea of knowing beforehand too,” Joe shares. “I know we’ll have many debates as to names if it’s a boy.” Joe beams his boyish grin at me in an attempts to sway me.

  “That won’t work on me . . . not in this case,” I announce.

  “You two are already arguing about names?” Jimmy laughs.

  “We’re not arguing,” Joe states. “It’s just a conversation.”

  “A conversation you won’t win,” I challenge.

  “We’ll see about that, beautiful,” Joe says, kissing me on the head as he passes by.

  “What do you guys want to name the baby?” Allen investigates.

  “Sophia Marie Covelli, if she’s a girl,” Joe says.

  “Awww,” Jimmy says. “That’s a pretty name. How did you guys come up with that one?”

  “It’s my mom’s name,” I share.

  Maggie, Jared and Nathan nod in agreement since they already new my parents’ names.

  “What if it’s a boy?” Allen checks.

  “That’s what’s up for conversation,” Joe laughs.

  “It’s not a conversation, Joseph,” I challenge.

  Joe smirks with the confident, authoritative look that always turns me on. Then, he has a look in his eye like he knows exactly what he’s doing and knows how it’s affecting me in all the right ways.

  “We’re going to name him after my father,” I counter.

  “He should be named after Joe,” Jimmy comments.

  “Like I said,” Joe chuckles. “It’s up for debate.”

  “No,” I object.

  “You know, Kitten . . .” Jared begins before I cut him off.

  “Don’t,” I say heatedly.

  “Henry and I agreed to name the baby after him if it’s a boy,” Maggie shares.

  “Good for you,” I comment, keeping my eyes on Joe.

  “It’s tradition to name the first born after his father,” Jimmy pushes.

  “Not in every family,” I press back.

  Allen takes the wheel and Joe joins Jared and me on the bench. Joe tries to snuggle up to me, but I move closer to Jared.

  “Oh, no you don’t,” Jared states, getting up and joining Nathan on the other side.

  “What?” I gasp.

  “I won’t be pulled into the middle of your little . . . conversation,” Jared says smugly.

  My eyes narrow at him for abandoning me as Joe pulls me into his chest. “You’re not in the middle. We’re family, therefore, you take my side by default,” I remind.

  “You are family,” Jared confirms. “But, I’ve got to look out for my brother.” Jared gestures to Joe.

  “He’s not your brother, especially not just because we’re dating and he’s knocked me up,” I state.

  “He is regardless since he’s the father,” Jared defends. “It doesn’t matter whether you marry him or not. The baby is my niece, or nephew, and has been fathered by him.”

  “I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” I say in astonishment.

  “You’re both family,” Jared tries to salvage.

  “Jimmy?” I call.

  “Yeah, Emma?” Jimmy answers.

  “Want to be the Godfather for my child?” I ask, staring at Jared.

  “Seriously?” Nathan checks in disbelief. “What about me?”

  “You’re marrying this one,” I reply, gesturing to Jared.

  “Just because I’m marrying him doesn’t mean I can’t be the Godfather,” Nathan whines.

  “Emma,” Maggie calls.

  “You wouldn’t?” Jared questions in shock, looking back and forth between Nathan, Maggie, Jimmy and me.

  “Yep,” I confirm, not batting an eye.

  “Stop it,” Maggie directs with sweetness. “The three of you need to get along.”

  “Like hell we do,” I state with an undertone of playfulness. “He started it and I’m going to finish it.”

  “Joe?” Jared calls, looking for help.

  I hear Joe chuckle. “Thanks for getting my back, man, but I can’t dig you out of this.”

  “What?” Jared answers with surprise.

  “Ha!” I say, smirking.

  No one says anything for a few seconds, unsure of how to handle the situation let alone what to say. I can tell by the looks on Henry’s, Allen’s and Jimmy’s faces that they aren’t sure what to make of Jared’s and my banter — you think they’d be used to it after a year. Maggie seems unimpressed and used to our shenanigans while Nathan sits, watching like we’re a live reality show as always.

  “Fine,” Jared snaps. “He should be named Jeffery William.”

  “Thank you,” I reply.

  Everyone remains quiet as Jared, Nathan, Joe and I glance back and forth at e
ach other to the point where we eventually laugh.

  “Shit,” says Allen. “You guys really had me scared there for a moment.”

  “You get used to it after a while,” Maggie comments. “They get to a point where you have to really know them and the situation to know if they’re kidding or not.”

  “You knew they were joking the whole time?” Henry asks.

  “Yes,” Maggie says proudly.

  For the next few hours, we sail around the lake, eating, chatting and eventually a few of the guys get into the water with wetsuits to ski and tube. Joe and I banter back and forth about naming the baby. He even tries to challenge me at a game of Rock Paper Scissors or a Thumb War in order to win. It’s quite comical — especially since I know he thinks I’m serious.

  Don’t tell Joe, but I’m all for naming a baby boy after Joe. I like the idea of naming him Joe Jr., especially when I see Joe’s face light up at the thought. How can I say no to those gorgeous blue eyes and his sweet, sexy smile? I can’t — that’s my challenge. Anytime he asks me for anything, all I want to do is say yes. So, for now, I’ve got to make him sweat a little — make him think he needs to fight for it. I’m not sure exactly why I can’t just admit this to him right now, but at least we’re having fun.

  I plan on telling him that I agree to the name, but I love the playfulness in our relationship over something as serious as this — naming a child. For all of the concerns I’ve had over the past year about being with Joe and breaking my rules, none of them matter anymore. I’m happy, truly happy — I see that now, and this baby, and how Joe has been about everything, is proof that I’m the only one holding myself back from being happy. I’ve been happy, but not this happy since my parents were alive. Deep down, I know there’s a reason why I’ve kept my heart under lock and key, not allowing many in, and I’m not sure why. Part of me doesn’t really think it matters as to what that reason is, or was, just the fact that it no longer is locked and I love how it makes me feel.

  “What if we name him Joseph Jeffrey Covelli?” Joe tries.

  “What about Jeffrey Joseph Covelli,” I return. “It flows better.”

  Joe scrunches his face at me and I can’t help but laugh.

  “Oh, will you two give it a rest,” Maggie comments. “You’ve got plenty of time to decide on his name.”

  Holding up his glass, Jared says, “I’d like to make a toast guys.”