“Not a big deal?” She retorts loudly. “How is planning our future without talking to me first not a big deal?”

I huffed and realized too late that it was the wrong time to bring it up. “I honestly thought you’d be happier about wanting to live with me, but obviously I misjudged the situation.”

Hurt and indignation collided in Jade’s brown irises and her arms fell to her sides. “It’s not about that Reid. You’re moving at a hundred miles an hour, and I’m struggling to catch up. We’ve only just managed to get on the same page, with us and this pregnancy, and now you want to change the chapter without talking to me.”

“It’s not like that,” I told her. “I thought it would be the next step, considering Kennedy and Dane will be moving in together at the end of the semester.”

From the way Jade’s face fell I could see she was surprised, and not in a good way.

Fuck.

Kennedy hadn’t told her yet, and I just let the cat out of the bag.

Great timing, I thought. Talk about being ambushed.

“She didn’t tell me,” said Jade. “I knew he asked her, but I didn’t know it was decided yet.”

“I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”

I stepped closer to her, but she put her hands up. She was locking me out again, and I couldn’t stand it. Just when I thought we’d made progress, something happened to set us back, and this time I was partly to blame.

“I need to be alone.” Her voice was soft, and forlorn.

Without another word, she turned and disappeared into her bedroom. Her reaction didn’t quite make sense to me though, aside from being hurt that Kennedy hadn’t filled her in on her plans to move in with Dane. I thought after last night she would have been excited about what came next, or at least open to the idea of it.

I roughly rubbed my hands down my face, and stared at our forgotten breakfast. I was trying to understand Jade’s reaction, but when it became obvious I had to wait for her to talk to me, I placed the cooked food – pancakes and bacon – in the refrigerator, and headed into her room to take a shower. When I opened the bathroom door Jade was sitting on the floor. Her head lifted when I stepped onto the cold tiled floor, and she swiped away the few errant tears on her cheeks.

“Fucking hormones,” she mumbled between sniffles. “I never know whether I’m going to cry or bite someone’s head off.”

I bent down, and lifted her chin so that she could look me in the eye. “I can deal with all that, sweetheart, but what I can’t deal with is you locking me out.”

Jade swallowed, and rather than push her to open up to me, I lifted her off the floor and started undressing us. I turned the shower on, and made sure the water was warm enough for both of us before stepping into the small space behind her. She turned and rested her head on my chest. The water beat against my back, but I was happy to stand there until Jade was ready to get whatever was bothering her off her chest.

“The changes,” she said against my skin. “They frighten me, Reid. It’s all happening at once – our baby, you wanting to move into a house, becoming parents – I’m overwhelmed, and frustrated because I’m always so ready to tackle anything head on. I hate being unprepared, and right now I feel unprepared for all of it.”

I wrapped my arms around her, feeling her belly between us, and kissed the top of her head.

“I’m terrified too,” I admitted. “I have no idea what I’m doing either, but I need you to trust that I will always put you girls first. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about the house, but I don’t think a dorm is the right place for a newborn, and having you an hour away at your parents’ isn’t what I want either. Will you at least think about it?”

I felt her nod. “Just promise me we’ll get through it all together?”

“I promise, but I need to know you’ll come to me when you’re feeling, well, everything.” I chuckled. “You’re not feeling anything alone. I’m right there with you.”

“Only if you’ll still love me when I’m done shouting at you for no good reason, or when I start crying during one of those puppy commercials. I can’t be held responsible for how I react to anything.”

“You’re going to ride that wave for the next four months aren’t you?” I mused, moving my head so that I could see her.

“Yes,” she smiled. “And you’re going to have to put up with all my weird cravings – like cheesy puffs and ice cream – and when I want sex you’re going to have to give it to me, no questions asked.”

I couldn’t help but smirk. “I don’t think that will be a problem. We can practice.”

“Practice?”

Lowering my head, I nipped at her lips. “Practice. I want a house full of children, Ms. Matthews. And I want them with you.”

“Not too soon,” she said, arching her neck to give me better access. Her skin was warm, wet, and smelled like honey.

I shook my head. “There’s no rush. Although, I do love the way your body looks right now. Drives me crazy.”

“I’m glad you like it,” she breathed. “Because it’s not going to be the same after this kid arrives.”

I grinned against her pulse point, loving the way her heart stuttered. “Even when we’re old and grey and covered in wrinkles, I’ll still think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“Old and grey, huh? Think you can put up with me for that long?”

Bringing my mouth to hers, I replied, “Forever wouldn’t be long enough.”

May

With final exams out the way, I was looking forward to spending a week with Jade, and was hopeful that we’d be able to find a house before the next semester started. Jade had made arrangements with her academic advisors to complete her final semester of classes the following year when our daughter was old enough to attend daycare, although I was pretty sure our mothers were already planning on taking care of her while Jade and I finished school.

I knew Jade was still fearful of what lay ahead for both of us, but she’d settled, and was starting to get excited as the weeks passed. Her belly was rounder now at twenty six weeks, and our baby girl had started moving around a little more, reminding us – at the oddest moments – that she was in fact in there. Not that it escaped my notice. I couldn’t keep my hands off Jade, and despite her many attempts I still hadn’t initiated any sex. It bothered her, that I was holding back, but after her confession about how quickly things were changing, I didn’t want us to feel rushed either.

Dane’s truck stopped behind my Range Rover, and we both climbed out. Kennedy and Grady had taken Jade to a spa, while Dane had agreed to help me look at properties. Out of all of the listings my father had given me, the one we were standing in front of now, appealed to me the most.

The front door opened, and the realtor beamed as we made our way up the long driveway. The exterior of the single story house was made of bricks, with large windows on either side of the ornate wooden front door. So far I liked it, but I wanted to make sure it was what I knew Jade would be happy with. She had no idea what I was up to, but after talking things out, I knew she trusted me. I wanted nothing more than to surprise her with our new home.

“Good afternoon. You must be Reid.” The realtor stuck out her hand, and I shook it. “I’m Missy.”

“Nice to meet you,” I replied. I introduced her to Dane, and after the pleasantries were out the way she led us inside.

“You father was quiet specific about what you wanted,” she told me.

“It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms – two of which are en suite – and as you can see it has hardwood and stone flooring,” – we followed her through the small foyer, and into the kitchen – “The kitchen has stainless steel equipment, with granite counter tops and ample cupboard space...” She prattled on about more specs, but I was too busy envisioning myself living here with Jade and our little girl to pay much attention. It was a stunning house, and I knew right away that I wanted it.