The past few weeks had been better, and Jade and I were finally in a place where we could live again, without the shadow of Stella’s death hanging over us. We put all our energy into our future, and the plans we wanted to make, but if I’d learned one thing at all it was that the present was what mattered.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you,” I said quietly, my voice getting lost amongst the rustling leaves above me. “But I hope you’re at peace.”

I turned around, and started walking to my car, smiling when I saw Jade was leaning against the passenger side door. At thirty-seven weeks pregnant she was glowing, but also quite uncomfortable. I’d opted to leave her at home, especially because Dr. Burke had been even more cautious with Jade after the ordeal with Stella, but I gave in when he pouted those full lips at me and brought her along, even if it was just to get her out of the house.

I looked at her, totally in awe of the woman she was. She was so incredibly strong, and the only way we’d gotten through the past month was because we leaned on each other. Our families and friends were there for us too, but when it was just Jade, and me, that’s when we relied on each other the most.

She was my lighthouse when the seas got rough, and my shelter when the storms threatened to break everything apart. There was no one else who called to my soul the way she did, and no one who could drive me batshit crazy like her either. She was it, and I was one lucky son of bitch because she felt the same way about me.

“You ready?” Jade pushed away from the door, and I stood as close to her as I could. I loved holding her this way, our baby resting peacefully in her belly between us.

“Yeah,” I smiled. “Think you can handle doing some grocery shopping though? I can always take you home first.”

Jade snorted, and lifted a brow. “I’ve been stuck in that house for almost a month Reid. I need to get out, before my mother, and Kennedy drives me insane with their damn coddling. I’ll be fine. I don’t think Princess will be popping out today.”

I chuckled as I swung the passenger door open. Between Jade’s mother, my mother, and Kennedy, Jade had been fussed over quiet extensively, and she hated not being to do something simple like get coffee – decaf of course - for herself. No one would allow it, even though Dr. Burke was happy to have her walking around now and then. She expected Jade to go into labor soon after the night Stella showed up, but our little Princess proved to be as resilient as her mother, and decided to wait a little longer.

“You never know,” I said, helping Jade into the car. “If she’s anything like you she’ll decide when she’s ready, whether we’re prepared or not.”

I shut the door before Jade could reply, and ran around to the driver’s side. I hopped in, turned the ignition on, and took the winding road that led us out the cemetery.

Jade was quiet, and nibbling her lip the way she often did when she was lost in thought. I squeezed her thigh, and her gaze jerked in my direction. “What you thinking about over there?” I asked, a lazy grin on my face.

“Is Dane going to propose to Kennedy?” she blurted out. My eyes widened, and I looked between Jade and the road.

Shit.

It was supposed to be a surprise.

“What makes you think that?” I tried sounding casual about it, but there were very few things I could hide from Jade. When she got wind of something, she became a bloodhound and wouldn’t stop until she found what she was after.

“Kennedy told me he’s been acting weird all week, and when she asked him about it he was very evasive.”

I pursed my lips, and looked at her out of the corner of my eye. “I plead the fifth.”

Jade’s face lit up with a grin. “Oh My God, he is isn’t he?”

I shrugged, and Jade started clapping like a five year old. “I knew it!”

I shook my head, and laughed. “Don’t tell her. He’s nervous as hell already.”

Jade made a zipping motion over her mouth, and then asked, “When is he doing it?”

“Tonight at the party,” I replied.

Both my and Jade’s birthdays had passed, but rather than celebrate with our friends, we spent a quiet evening at home, just the two of us. We weren’t in the mood to celebrate, and opted for something simpler. Unfortunately Grady and Kennedy weren’t having that, and convinced us to have a small get-together at our place with family and friends tonight.

“I’m so excited,” said Jade. “Kennedy’s going to freak!”

“That’s if Dane has the balls to go through with it,” I snickered. “Poor guy’s been calling me all week in a tizzy.”

“He loves her,” Jade stated simply.

I shifted in my seat, and cleared my throat. “You think they’ll beat us to the alter?”

Jade twisted in her seat, and eyed me with suspicion. “I hope so,” – I relaxed a little – “If we get married before Daniela is one year old I think our parents would all lose their shit. Together.”

“So you’re not upset that Kennedy is getting a ring before you are?”

Jade snorted. “Reid, if you propose to me now I’d kick your ass. Let’s survive the first year of parenthood before we talk about nuptiaaaaaahhhh - ” Jade stopped talking, and clutched her stomach.

“What’s wrong?” My body tensed.

“The baby,” – Jade inhaled sharply – “She’s coming.”

“Are you sure?”

Jade nodded frantically, and gripped my hand.

“Dios Mio,” she groaned. I squeezed her hand, and stepped on the gas. “Sit tight, baby. I’ll get you to the hospital.”

JADE PANTED AND rested her head against the bed.

“You’re doing great, Jade,” said Dr. Burke. “Just one more push, okay?”

Jade looked up at me, her face red and sweaty, and so perfect.

I pressed my forehead against hers, battling the collision of excitement and apprehension in my chest.

“This is it,” I told her, staring into her tired brown eyes. “You ready to meet our daughter?”

Jade smiled at me, and nodded as she braced herself. I held her hand in mine, and watched as she gave it her all. We heard the piercing cry of our daughter, and I couldn’t keep my own emotions at bay anymore.

I kissed Jade’s forehead, burying me free hand in her hair.

“God, you’re amazing. You did it.”

“She’s here,” cried Jade. She was exhausted, and in a lot of pain, but she never once gave up. By the time we’d arrived it was too late for Jade to have an epidural, so she had no choice but give natural birth without the help of medication. An hour and fifteen minutes later our daughter was born.

“You did a great job,” said Dr. Burke. She got Jade cleaned up, and we waited as Nurse Alba – who Jade demanded be present – took care of our baby. “Six pounds, and eight ounces,” said Nurse Alba. “And perfectly healthy.”

I held my breath as she walked closer, carrying the small pink bundle in her arms. Jade reached out, and cradled our child.

I looked down at the small face, so much like Jade’s, and mine and felt my eyes grow wet. She had perfect pink, pouty lips, and the cutest button nose, with a head of beautiful dark hair.