The movie starts but I don’t think either of us is really paying attention.
Jace glides his fingers through my hair and I startle when he leans down, brushing his lips against my forehead.
“We’re having a baby,” he murmurs, his voice still full of awe and wonder.
I feel the same, wondering if this is really happening.
I don’t think it’ll feel real to me until I see a doctor, and maybe not even then.
He touches his hand to my stomach, like he can already feel the tiny human growing there, and I shiver.
“I love you, more than anything,” he murmurs. “You know that, right?”
I smile up at him and reach to curl my fingers in his hair, pulling him down until our lips are pressed together in a soft kiss.
“Trust me, I know.”
Jace shows his love for me in so many ways.
In the way he touches me, the way he looks at me, the way he takes care of things before I even have to ask.
I never knew love could be like this—that it’s supposed to be like this.
Growing up with my parents … It’s not like they hated each other, but they weren’t exactly happy, either. They nit-picked every little thing the other did and I’m sure it’s only gotten worse in recent years as they’ve gotten older. I was lucky to get away when I did—before I could be poisoned by what I witnessed.
I gulp suddenly and my body stiffens as I realize I’ll have to tell my parents about this.
After my last phone call with my mom I vowed to never speak to them again, but I can’t risk them finding this out through someone else.
“What is it?” Jace asks, noticing my rigidness.
“We’re going to have to tell my parents.”
He looks at me, blinking slowly, and utters one word. “Fuck.”
That word sums up exactly how I feel, and I wonder how long I can put off the inevitable.
Jace
With Nova gone to work the apartment is eerily silent.
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We had our appointment this morning with her doctor, and he confirmed Nova is indeed pregnant. At the news, Nova immediately burst into happy tears and I might have shed a tear or two myself. I might’ve brought up having a baby first, but over the past few months of struggle, Nova’s desire for a baby has far exceeded mine.
I pick up my guitar and set it on my lap, strumming a few chords.
I hum quietly to myself, trying to let the words work themselves through my brain. It’s a new song, one I’ve titled Safety Net. It’s more upbeat than my usual songs, so it’s taking a hell of a lot longer to get right, but I know it’ll be worth it to get it perfect.
I haven’t been sitting for long when someone starts beating on the door like they’re determined to break it the fuck down.
I set my guitar down and stomp over to the door—pissed someone has dared to disturb my flow—and swing the door open sharply.
“What the fuck do you want?” I spit before I see who stands there.
“Move aside, motherfucker, and let me in,” Thea demands, baby Xael on her hip.
“I thought you weren’t allowed to cuss in front of the baby?” I raise a brow, stifling a laugh as I step aside. I’d fight her, but I’m actually kind of afraid of Thea. She’s batshit crazy.