“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.

“This place is nice,” said Dane. He walked through to the living room and I followed. The large bay windows overlooked a moderate backyard with a built in deck, and fire pit. There would be plenty of space to add things later on, like a pool, and a sandbox.

“Are you sure you and Jade are ready for this?”

I turned to look at Dane, slightly amused by his worrisome expression. “No,” I replied honestly. “But our baby is coming whether we’re ready or not, and when she does, I want her to have a home. I’d be lying if I said I’m not freaking out, but Jade and our girl come first now. And this is what’s best for them.”

He clapped his hand over my shoulder. “Okay. You know Kennedy and I will help you guys too, with whatever you need.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate that, and I know Jade will too.”

“You’re going to be a dad,” he chuckled ruefully with a shake of his head.

“Laugh it off now, Uncle Dane, because when my kid is thirteen, with horny little fucks chasing her tail, I’m calling you to help scare them off.”

“You know I have your back.”

I looked at my friend, my brother, and idly wondered when we’d grown up. We were no longer the mud-covered kids from yester-year, and we were no longer the horny teenagers screwing our way through high school. We were now two grown men standing on the precipice of the rest of our lives, both in committed relationships, and preparing for the future.

I turned around just as Missy walked in. “Would you like to see the rest of the house?” She asked.

“No, that won’t be necessary,” I replied. “I’ll take it.”

“Fabulous,” she beamed. “I can have the documents ready for you in a few days. Where would you like me to send them?”

“You can send them to my father to look over,” I told her. “When can we move in?”

“Once all the paperwork is processed and approved, you should be able to move in on the first of next month.”

“Perfect.”

We could make do with our apartment until then, and by the time move-in day rolled around Jade would only have three months left in her pregnancy. That was plenty of time for us to get the house ready, and do the nursery.