“Who was that?” I ask straight out. Yes, I’m nosey.
“A girl I met here the other night,” he says, offering me nothing else.
“What’s her name?” I ask him.
“Sadie.”
“Oh my god, I love that name!” I say excitedly. He makes a grunting noise and then leans his cue against the wall, so he can take a sip of his drink.
“She’s stunning, too,” I add, not so subtly.
“Sasha,” he warns.
“What?” I ask, batting my eyelashes.
“Play your shot,” he says.
I do.
He wins.
***
The drive home is filled with tension. We make it halfway home when he decides to speak.
“Were you ever gonna tell me you were engaged before?” he asks through clenched teeth.
“Why does it matter? It doesn’t affect us in any way, James. Besides it was a stupid mistake I’d rather not relive,” I tell him, looking out the window.
“Okay, I get that, but I don’t appreciate hearing shit from your ex that I didn’t know about you.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” I say.
“Your ex is a fuckhead,” he says, telling me something I already know.
“I know.” The atmosphere seems to clear up, the thickness dissipating.
“Good,” he says, placing his hand on my thigh and gently squeezing. I guess that's him forgiving me.
“James?”
“Yes, Sasha.”
“I love you,” I tell him, looking at him from the corner of my eye.
“And I love you,” he says in a gentle tone. His thumb rubs my thigh in a circular motion.
“Are you going to show me just how much, when we get home?” I ask him, using my most seductive tone.
“Do you even have to ask?” he rasps back, flashing me a look so heated I only know one thing.
We need to get home, and stat.
***
As I listen to Nikki attempt to sing a Mariah Carey song, I decide to go on after her. It’s a smart move when you think about it, because anyone would sound good after her. I love that she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. I choose ‘Scar’ by Missy Higgins, and sing my heart out. I can see James watching and listening intently, it’s been a long time since he has heard me sing. I have a good voice - at karaoke level, not a professional one. James cheers the loudest when I’m done, and I walk towards him, reveling in his scent and warmth as he wraps me in his arms.
James doesn’t sing, I know this for a fact. Apparently Kade doesn’t either, but Layla tells me Chase has a lovely voice. She could be biased, of course.
“I forgot how beautiful your voice is, that was amazing,” James says into my ear, talking loudly so he can be heard over a random person singing. I thank him and return my attention to the screen. Tee walks over to me and slaps my ass.
“Wanna order some food?” she asks. I grin. Of course I do, and she knows it.
“Club sandwiches and battered prawns?” I ask, reciting our usual. She nods and goes to find a waiter. Tee sang ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ by Bon Jovi when we first arrived, and she was awesome. For some reason, she only sings songs by male artists. She’s weird like that. Tonight she's dressed a little different, in a cut out style yellow dress and black knee high socks. It’s a little disconcerting seeing her in stiletto pumps as opposed to her kick-ass boots, but she looks sexy. With her height, my cousin could easily be a model. Morning Alliance left for a concert, but if Sax was here, I think he'd be salivating right now.
The food arrives and is delicious, nothing like tasty food to top off a night out with your friends.
“You could leave some for the rest,” James jokes. I scowl at him and take another bite of my club sandwich.
“Where does it all go?” Kade asks, a confused look on his face.
“Ass and thighs,” I answer promptly, resuming my eating.
“Lucky James is an ass man,” Kade chuckles.
“Would you like some, Chase?” I ask, pushing the plate towards him. I watch as his lips twitch into a smile.
“No, but thank you anyway,” he declines politely. A waiter walks past with food for another table, and Tee and I both stare at the plate of yummy looking wedges, sour cream and nachos. We both turn to stare at each other.
“Your turn,” she says.
***
Chapter Twenty-Seven
James
“He looks so much like you, James, I can’t believe it sometimes,” my mother tells me. Jye and I are visiting her while my dad is away on business.
“I know. Is he your favourite grandson?” I joke.
“You know I don’t have any favourites,” she reprimands.
“Okay, mum,” I humour her. We both know she loves me the best.
“You're too much, James,” she laughs. I look around my childhood home and can’t help but feel at peace. Everything is as it should be right now. Jye comes running in holding a stuffed toy.
“Dadda!” he calls out. That one word, that’s all he has to say, and my heart swells. I love being a father. I love being his father. I can’t lie, I cannot wait for Sasha to get pregnant again, but for me to be there this time, not missing a thing. I want to see her swell with our son or daughter, take her to every doctor's appointment. Go out in the middle of the night to supply her with her every craving. To feel the baby kick for the first time. I want to experience all of that with Sasha.
“Hey, Jye,” I tell him, lifting him onto my lap and kissing the back of his head. My mother goes to get her camera. Apparently this is a moment worth capturing. Then again, any moment with Jye is worth capturing.
Jye Steele.
My first born son with the love of my life.
***
Sasha
Wave after wave of pleasure rolls through me. My breath comes out in quick, short pants and my thighs won’t stop shaking and quivering. That was the most intense orgasm of my life. My body goes limp, as I push myself back into the mattress. James lies down next to me, crossing his arms behind his head. His chest is slick with a sheen of sweat, but he still looks like he could be on the cover of a magazine.
“It just keeps getting better and better,” he announces, sounding a little smug.
I catch my breath before I turn onto my stomach and stare into his eyes. It hits me just how much I love this man.
He's my world.
If I could dream up a man that was meant for me, it would be him. There's nothing I'd change about him, I love him just the way he is. Through everything we've been through, we have still come out on top, still together, still loving each other.
James was made for me.
My soon to be husband.
“What you thinking about, pretty girl?” James asks in a deep, rumbling tone.
“You.”
“And?”
“I want you,” I blurt out.
“You have me, always,” he says, his tone gentler.
“Promise?”
“You’re it for me, Sasha,” is all he says as he kisses me with such passion, such love, I know that he means what he says.
This is forever.
***
Chapter Twenty-Eight
James
“Thanks for handling Nancy,” I tell Chase.
“What are big bros for?” he asks with a grin.
“How did you get her to walk away without the money?” I ask curiously, not sure if I really want to know or not.
“Let’s just say I found something on her, something she wouldn’t want coming to light,” he says, looking proud of himself.
“I’m glad you’re on my side,” I say, leaning back onto the bar.
“I’m always on your side,” Chase says seriously.
“I know,” I tell him. I have the best two brothers in the world.
“So when’s the wedding?” he asks. We're both sitting at a bar, waiting for Kade to show up. It’s our monthly brotherly bonding night.
&n
bsp; “Sasha said she wants six months to organize it. She wants it to be huge,” I say with a smirk.
“Layla won’t stop talking about dresses,” he says, cringing at the thought.
“Are there any women that don’t like weddings?” I ask wryly.
“Tenielle, maybe,” he says, his lips curving at the thought.
“The man who tames her is gonna be one lucky bastard,” I say with a laugh.
“If he can handle her,” Chase agrees.
“Layla and she are so different,” I muse.
“Yes, but so close. Never seen sisters closer.” I hum my agreement. Kade finally decides to show up.
“Sorry I'm late. My wifey can’t get enough of me,” he says with a satisfied look. He takes a seat, ordering himself a beer.
“Maybe you’re just not handling your business first time around, so she needs more,” I joke.
Kade doesn’t even justify my comment with an answer, he just grins.
“I’m starving, shall we get something to eat?” Chase asks after we finish our drinks.
“Yes, let’s go,” I say, standing up.
“Where are we going?” he asks.
“Where do we always go when we're hungry?” I say.
“Layla’s, of course,” Kade adds.
“My poor wife,” Chase grumbles.
***
Sasha
“Just got a message from Chase, the guys are coming over cos they decided they're hungry,” Layla says, heading straight to the stove to start cooking.
“You spoil them, Layla,” Nikki says.
“You don’t cook for Kade! I feel bad,” Layla says.
“I do so cook. Sometimes,” Nikki says with a shrug. I close the bridal magazine in my hands and start pulling out ingredients to help Layla cook.
“Steaks, mash potato and salad?” I ask her.
“Yep. Can you marinate the steaks? I’ll bake some brownies for dessert,” she says.
“Sure,” I say, getting straight to work. Layla puts her iPod on and we start to cook, dancing every now and again to the music. Jye, Cole and Grace are all at James' parents for the evening, so we all get some time to hang out with each other. I’ve just peeled and cut the potatoes when James, Kade and Chase arrive.
“Hey, pretty girl,” James says, hugging me from behind.
“Hey, yourself,” I say, turning my head for a quick kiss.
“We're waiting for one of you to grill the steaks,” I tell him.
“I’ll do it,” Chase says, kissing Layla before heading outside.
“Want some help?” James sweetly offers.
“Sure, you can chop these up for the salad,” I tell him, gesturing to the pile of veggies.
“You smell so good,” he whispers into my ear, causing a shiver down to run my spine.
“Stay on task, people!” Layla says as she walks by.
‘What If’ by Babyface comes on and James’ eyes light up, and a smile turns his lips.
“Why are you smiling?” I ask him curiously.
“No reason. I just like this song,” he says, flashing me a devastating grin.
***
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Sasha
“Mama, your tummy is big,” Jye announces.
“I know, that’s because your little sister is in there,” I explain.
“How did she get in there?” he asks, his wide blue eyes curious and demanding explanation.
“Well, you see-”
“Did you swallow the baby?” he gasps.
“No, Jye,” I try to explain, but the laughter takes over.
‘What’s so funny?” James asks, as he returns from work. He takes off his jacket and tie, laying them on the bed before leaning down for a kiss. He places another kiss on my tummy before shifting his attention to Jye.
“Perfect. You can explain this to your son,” I tell him, looking forward to seeing how he answers this question. James kisses Jye and then lifts him onto his lap.
“What question, Jye?” James asks.
“Did mama swallow the baby?” he asks his father, a serious expression on his face.
“Um, no. Well, you see. When mum and dad love each other-”
I can’t take it anymore, I burst out laughing. James shoots me a glance, but I can’t help it. Jye loses interest and resumes watching his movie.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, taking one of my feet and gently massaging.
“I feel okay, my back is a little sore, though.”
I have two weeks left until our little princess arrives. James and I have decided to call her Indiana.
Indiana Lucy Steele.
James has been so attentive during my pregnancy, I couldn’t have wished for a better father for my children, and a husband for myself.
“I wish I could give you a massage or something,” he says, sounding helpless. I take his hand into mine and intertwine our fingers.
“How was work?” I ask, changing the subject. I feel a sudden stabbing pain in my lower back, and ignore it. Until it comes again. And again.
“It was good. I missed all of you, though,” he says sincerely. I take his face into my palms and bring it close to mine, so our foreheads are almost touching.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you too, wife,” he says with a grin.
“Are you ready to meet your daughter?” I ask him, cringing when another wave of pain hits me.
“Of course I am, I can’t wait to- you mean now?” he asks, standing up quickly, a look of concern taking over his features.
I nod. “Can you call the hospital to tell them we're coming in?” I ask as he helps me up from the bed. I grab my already packed bag, getting ready to leave. I feel calm right now. I know the contractions aren’t coming too close together so I have time. Plus stressing out won’t help anyone. It also looks like James is going to be worrying enough for the both of us.
***
James
With a mop of dark hair and wide dark brown eyes, Indiana is a spitting image of her mother.
I couldn’t be more thrilled.
She has the cutest button nose, rosy pouted lips, and chubby little cheeks. I couldn’t believe how tiny she was. Seeing Sasha go through childbirth, I’m not gonna lie, it was hell. I hated seeing her in pain, and there was nothing I could do about it. I made sure I was by her side the entire time, holding her hand, getting her anything she wanted.
Doing anything I could.
I was the first to hold my daughter.
I was the first person she saw as she came into this world.
It was one of the best days of my life.
Indiana is now three months old, and dressed in a pink princess-looking dress. Jye is dressed in a suit, and Sasha is wearing a yellow gown that accentuates her every curve. I definitely have plans for her tonight.
“You ready?” Sasha asks me, picking up her tiny gold handbag that I’m pretty sure can’t fit anything inside it.
After all this time, she still takes my breath away.
And I know she always will.
“Let’s go, my pretty wife,” I tell her, pulling her in for a kiss that might be slightly inappropriate in front of the kids.
“Dad!” Jye yells, making a face. Sasha laughs, and the sound is like music to my ears. I pick up the capsule with Indiana in it and head outside.
We have a wedding to attend to.
THE END
About the author
Chantal Fernando is 26, a mother of three beautiful little boys and lives in Western Australia. Chase is her debut novel, followed by Kade, Ryder & James. She is currently working on 'Spin My Love' a new adult contemporary romance, along with a few other projects.
Facebook author page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorchantalfernando
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