“Have you always been so sure about us?”
“I’ve loved you all my life, Jade, even before I knew what it meant. We’ve made some mistakes a long the way, been through some pretty crazy shit, but somehow we ended up right here, and I don’t think I’d want to be anywhere else.”
“Being a dad has made you soft,” giggled Jade. She lifted her hand, and brushed my jaw. “But I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else either.” She sighed, and then added, “Can we wait at least three more years before you knock me up again?”
I threw my head back as a throaty laugh echoed through the room. “Yes! I don’t think I’m ready for another one just yet, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to practicing.”
“You’ll have to get rid of the cobwebs first,” replied Jade. “It’s been that long.”
“You know we have to wait at least another six weeks right?”
Jade frowned, looking displeased. “I know.”
I chuckled. “You’re unbelievable.”
“But you love me anyway.”
“That I do, Jade Matthews, that I do.”
Chapter 24
Jade
2 Months Later...
“I think Kennedy will pop a kid before Reid and I have another one,” I said, looking pointedly at Kennedy. Her brows furrowed as she took a sip of her red wine.
“I still have to finish school,” she argued half-heartedly. “And I’d like to get married first before Dane and I start talking babies.”
I hid my smirk, knowing that Dane was going to propose at our little get-together. His plans were postponed the day Daniela was born, but according to Reid it suited him just fine. Poor guy had been nervous all afternoon, but Reid and I assured him he had nothing to worry about. Kennedy was so in love with him there was no chance in hell she would say no, that much I was sure of.
Reid and Dane were manning the barbeque, talking about whatever guys talked about with our fathers, Chase, and Grady’s boyfriend, Daniel, while the rest of us – Kennedy, Ashley, Reid’s mother, my mother, and Grady – sat on the deck. It was the first time in weeks that we were all together, aside from the few visits everyone had paid after Daniela and I were home from the hospital.
Speaking of the little Princess, I smiled when I saw she was fast asleep in my mother’s arms while she talked animatedly with Reid’s mother. When it came to spoiling our daughter, her grandmothers were the culprits, although I suspected Reid was guilty of that too.
“I think Ashley will be next,” said Grady. “The rate you and my brother are going, I’m going to be an uncle before the year is up.”
Ashley’s cheeks reddened, and she ducked her head with a giggle. “Your brother’s the screamer, not me.”
Grady rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what made me think I could handle living with you two. I’m starting to think I should shack up with Kennedy and Dane.”
I snorted. “They’re not any better,” – I winced when Kennedy kicked my shin under the table, - “Maybe you and Daniel can get a place together. You look pretty serious about him.”
Grady sighed, and looked to where all the guys had gathered. Daniel was dressed in dark jeans, a navy polo, and a cream sweater. He wasn’t what I had envisioned Grady going for, but when I saw them together for the first time, I knew Grady was a goner. I was thrilled for him. After his attack he’d become a little hard to reach, but Daniel persisted, and Grady was so happy it was sickening.
I saw my mother stand, and I rose to my feet so that I could take Daniela from her.
“Thanks mamma,” I kissed her cheek.
“I hate letting her go,” said my mother. “But she’s tired.”
“I’ll put her in her crib. I’ll be right back.”
I walked inside, and took Daniela to the nursery. I was tucking her in when two arms wrapped around my waist.
“There’s my two favorite girls,” murmured Reid.
“I was just putting our Princess to bed. Too much time with her grandmothers wore her out.”
Reid chuckled. “It’s a good thing they’re going home later, otherwise we’d never get her back.”
“Yeah,” I sighed contentedly.
“Dinner’s ready. Let’s go outside and feed the people so they can leave. I can’t wait to get you alone.”
I turned around and wrapped my arms around Reid’s neck. “We’ve waited this long,” – I brushed my lips across his and smiled when he groaned, - “I’m sure we can last a few more hours.”
I sighed inwardly, and felt my blood warm. I’d been given the all clear from Dr. Burke, but had yet to give Reid that little tit-bit. I was having too much fun getting him worked up, only to tell him, “not yet.”
Not anymore, I thought.
“You’re killing me,” he whispered. “But for you, I’ll suck it up. Besides, we have to wait for Dane to do his thing.”
“I’m so excited,” I told him, dropping my arms. “Better not keep him waiting too long, he might just chicken out.”
Reid took my hand and we joined our guests outside. The conversation flowed, and I couldn’t help but feel the happiness around me, staring at all the people I loved gathered in one place.
Dane stood up, and cleared his throat. “I’d like to make a toast,” he said. I traded a knowing glance with Reid.
“To Daniela Sofia,” continued Dane. “And the love of good friends, family, and the person who completes my life.”
He pushed back his chair, and held out his hand to Kennedy. She looked around, perplexed, and stood to join him. When he dropped to one knee we all gasped, and I squeezed Reid’s hand under the table.
Dane removed a small black box from his pocket, and Kennedy covered her mouth with her hands.
He looked up at her, his expression a mixture of nervousness, and pure adoration. “Kennedy Monroe, I love you more and more every day. You make me want to be a better man, and have chosen to love me despite our past. I want to give you everything, and spend the rest of my life being yours. I want to have a family with you, make pancakes on Sunday mornings with you,” – Kennedy giggled through her tear-filled eyes – “and grow old with you. Make me the happiest man on Earth, and marry me. Be my wife.”
Kennedy’s breath shuddered, and then she fell to her knees with a resounding “yes!”
We cheered as Dane and Kennedy embraced, and then laughed when Dane fumbled with the ring until it rested on Kennedy’s finger. As soon as they stood up they were swarmed as we all exchanged hugs, and congratulations.
When I pulled back from Kennedy we were both a little emotional. “I’m so happy for you,” I told her. “You deserve it.”
“Who would’ve thought,” she sniffled, wiping her cheeks. “I’m marrying my used-to-be enemy, and you’ve just had a baby with your best friend since childhood.”
“It can’t get any more perfect than that,” I replied, looking back at Reid. He caught me staring, and gave me that lopsided grin that was reserved only for me. In that moment, I realized every decision, and every mistake, even the big ones, had led me to him.
Chapter 25
Jade
Daddy Really Wants To Practice Making Your Brother...
I LEANED AGAINST the door leading to the nursery, and watched as Reid walked around trying to get Daniela to sleep. He didn’t understand that hearing his voice only excited her more.
He was wearing only his cotton drawstring pajama
bottoms, and left his upper body bare, giving me the most spectacular view of his back.
“You need to sleep now, Princess,” he told Daniela in a hushed whisper. “It’s been eight weeks and Daddy really wants to practice making your brother.”