“I can’t get my head around it.” Jake utters for the hundredth time as we lie in bed, our bodies entwined. My exhaustion has dissipated, giving way to mind-numbing silence after the events of the evening.

We finally have freedom … from her.

We’ve been home for a few hours and yet mostly all we’ve

done is lie together and talk. Hours spent regurgitating

the fact that there is no other baby, wondering how his family are going to react and how different things will be from now on without it hanging over us. It’s still too surreal to really believe and emotions between us have been swirling like crazy.

“I can’t believe it’s over,” I exclaim out loud, hearing him sigh again. A happy heavy relief kind of noise.

“Me either, it feels like it’s been consuming me … us … for months.” He’s lying on his back, staring at the ceiling while I rest my head on his firm abdomen, tracing the tattoos on his inner forearm of the arm across me casually.

“How did she think she would get away with it?” I blanch thinking it through, and turn, shifting up to him, resting my head on the bicep of his arm nestled behind his head and stare at his profile with an inner bubbling happiness. Jake’s naked torso is deliciously on show, the sheets pulled up to waist level.

“That level of crazy has no logic, Emma, I’m just glad Ben had the sense to come see me and not let the festering past stop us.” He sounds calm and stress free for the first time in forever. It’s only taken hours though for it to hit home.

“I can’t believe it.” I say again through the numb disbelief still hanging in the air; after shock, anger, tears, and relief subsided. We have really been through it all.

beams turning to face me. His arm shifting under my head,

this is a good thing, a happy thing. I know a part of him will feel a sense

won’t be a tadpole now, if you’d let that doctor look, I’m sure we would have a better idea on what size it is.” I point out with a smirk. Jake touches his fingertip to my nose with an unapologetic

letting anyone stick a wand up there to see. Male or female.” His furrowed brow and smile tells me he doesn’t care if it makes him look possessive, controlling and slightly

I cringe at remembering the weird medical implement the doctor was stupid enough to wave around near one very hostile Carrero, and giggle at the memory. The probe, moments from being used in a

guy all over you.” He grimaces at the memory as though I was somehow assaulted in front of him. I roll my

I do

need to tell your family about this now you know, this thing with Marissa? We need to tell our friends too.” I focus on those soft green eyes and see nothing more than uncomplicated love shining back. Whatever demons he needed to expel, were banished successfully in the gym. That version of him a little too uncomfortable for my liking, reminding me

everything.” He frowns and runs a hand across my mouth, a habit usually followed closely by kissing or sex. His mind moving from mundane topics to fun activities instead. My skin starts tingling in anticipation, and a small warmth appears low down

it’s retribution? They have each other now whether either one wanted it or not. Ben will have some hold over her with the baby and seeing her for what she is has probably helped him a little.” I inhale softly and nudge my

face. “Maybe you’re right, karma has a way of coming around to bite you in the ass. God knows I’ve felt that set of teeth in the last few months.” He shifts us

charmed life; everything working in your favor nowadays.” I giggle when his hands slides down below my waist trying to push my thighs apart with a sexy naughty

many ways to describe it.” He slides his knee between my legs, maneuvering them

you’re angling for sex?” I

I giggle and squeal as his hands turn playful and

protest, but that encourages him to flip me onto my

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