Montana Haven: A Small Town Surprise Pregnancy Romance

5. ~ Jake ~

I wake up feeling lighter than I have in ages. I have planned something extraordinary for us all.

”Daddy, is today the day we”re going?” Dylan”s excited voice cuts through my morning thoughts as I whip up breakfast. His eyes sparkle with anticipation, and his little body practically vibrates excitedly.

”Yep, buddy. Today”s the day,” I reply with a grin, ruffling his hair. ”We”re heading to the circus.”

Right on time, the doorbell rings, and Mia and Emily arrive to join us for breakfast before we head out to Clearmont Ridge, the next town over. That”s where Crigley Co”s Circus is currently setting up camp, and it”s Dylan”s sole topic of conversation.

After letting them in, I lead them to the kitchen, where Dylan greets them cheerfully from the kitchen table.

Mia enters the room, accompanied by Emily, exuding pure joy. Emily appears slightly cautious, holding onto Mia”s hand. ”I heard there”ll be clowns...” She whispers, looking up at Mia with big eyes.

Mia catches my look, and we share a silent message. ”But there”ll also be incredible acrobats, Emily. They do flips and tricks in the air, like in your favorite stories!” Mia”s voice works like magic, weaving a tapestry of excitement instead of fear.

Our drive to the circus is full of Dylan”s constant questions about what we will see, as Emily”s curiosity seems to grow with every mile, her initial nervousness fading as we reassure her.

A vibrant and buzzing energy fills the air as the circus tent stands before us. Dylan tightly holds my hand as we navigate through, his eyes filled with wonder.

”Look, Dad! Elephants!” His shout draws a few chuckles from people around us, but I”m too caught up in his excitement.

We sit down just as the lights dim, sensing the anticipation-filled air. A powerful voice fills the air as the ringmaster welcomes us, instantly turning the arena into a lively spectacle of stunning lights and captivating music.

The clowns make their entrance, causing Emily to tense up beside me. Leaning down, I whisper, ”It”s all pretend. Like in a play. They”re here to make us laugh.”

She nods, holding my hand tight, her gaze fixed on the unfolding spectacle. Gradually, her tension fades - especially when the acrobats take the stage, soaring through the air with breathtaking grace and agility. We all watch in spellbound silence.

”Wow, they”re like birds!” Emily”s voice is full of wonder, her earlier hesitations long forgotten.

I feel a sense of warmth as I witness the joy that illuminates her face. Mia captures my attention, her smile reflecting my inner happiness. This moment feels like a glimpse into our future — brimming with joy, affection, and creating lasting moments as a team.

The show starts with a bang as a magician, wrapped in an aura of intrigue, confidently walks to center stage. He performs a captivating trick: doves appear out of thin air and gracefully fly into the audience, disappearing in a mesmerizing burst of light. Dylan and Emily are filled with astonishment, their eyes wide with amazement.

”Dad, how”s he doing that?” Dylan”s voice is a cocktail of wonder and curiosity. I”m just as spellbound, shaking my head in disbelief, caught in the moment”s magic.

Then, a troop of jugglers burst out, their hands moving so fast they blur. They toss glowing balls in the air, spinning a web of light and motion that”s nothing short of hypnotic.

They”re like wizards, making those balls dance in the air, all precision and grace. The crowd gets into it, clapping to the rhythm, mesmerized by the spectacle.

The vibe changes on a dime when the lights go low, and a lone spotlight beams down on a figure at the ring”s heart. Enter the contortionist, twisting and bending her body into shapes that defy logic.

The crowd sucks in a collective breath, mirroring my stunned silence. Emily”s all in now, forgetting any fear, completely dazzled. ”She”s like a human pretzel!” she breathes out, voice thick with wonder.

But the real showstopper? The animal parade. Elephants, majestic and proud, lumber into view, decked out in vibrant blankets and headdresses, guided by their trainers” soft commands.

Dylan and Emily are over the moon, their energy levels through the roof as they cheer and clap. Next up, a parade of horses, their coats shimmering, their riders flipping and vaulting in a display that draws gasps and cheers from everyone.

Then, a tightrope walker steals the spotlight for the grand finale, the wire strung high above. You could hear a pin drop as she starts her death-defying walk. Dylan”s gripping my hand tight, a mixture of excitement and anxiety in his grip. When she comes across, the place explodes in applause, a wave of relief washing over us all.

The night wraps up with Dylan and Emily on their feet, cheering with the crowd, the magic of the circus alive in their eyes. Walking back to the car, Dylan chatters about his favorite moments, and Emily”s hugging tight to a souvenir doll Mia won for her.

The circus? It”s a dazzling blend of bravery and skill, leaving our hearts soaring and spirits high. The ride home? Quiet. The kids are wiped out but buzzing with dreams of magic and daring feats. Mia and I share a look and a smile, knowing we”ve just made memories that”ll stick, a reminder of a time when anything felt possible.

”Jake,” Mia whispers as we head home, the kids sleeping in the back, ”today was perfect. Thank you.” It”s a wrap on a day filled with laughter, wonder, and a touch of circus magic.

I reach over, gently squeezing her hand. ”No, thank you. For being here, giving us a shot, and turning today into something to remember.”

As the late afternoon transitions into early evening, we return to Pine Creek. Inside our car, a comforting sense of joy and peace envelops us. Today is an exciting day, full of new experiences and opportunities. Tomorrow remains uncertain, but at this moment, I am fully embracing the present, filled with excitement for the potential of our connection.

As we roll under the Pine Creek welcome sign, I realize that life is akin to a rodeo full of unexpected twists, turns, excitement, and challenges. But with Mia by my side, we could face whatever comes our way, united.

At my house, Mia and I relax on the couch in the living room, sipping on hot mugs of tea. It”s our way of winding down after a long day while the kids are sound asleep upstairs. I carefully place my mug on the coffee table, feeling the lingering warmth of the tea on my fingertips.

A gentle glow emanates from the lamp, casting a warm and inviting light throughout the room. This gentle illumination softens Mia”s features, giving her an air of deep contemplation and captivating allure.

I catch myself staring at her, mesmerized by the resilience and tenderness in her eyes. In this quiet moment, stripped of the day”s laughter and chaos, I see Mia not just as my childhood buddy but as someone incredibly strong and mesmerizing.

”Mia,” I start, my voice a tad more hesitant than I”d like. ”I”ve been meaning to say... I”m in awe of how you”ve handled everything. Being a single mom. Juggling work... Since you moved back, I”ve watched you manage it all, and honestly, I”m impressed.”

She glances up, a flicker of surprise in her eyes quickly replaced by a gentle smile. ”Thanks, Jake. That means a lot coming from you. You”re doing great with Dylan, too. You”re a fantastic dad. It”s tough, huh?”

I shake my head, a small smile playing on my lips. ”Tough doesn”t even start to cover it. But seeing you do it... I feel less alone.”

Our gazes lock, and there”s this unspoken understanding between us, a mutual recognition of single parenthood”s highs and lows.

”You know,” Mia breaks the silence, ”I always figured dating was off the table for me. Seemed impossible to find someone who”d get that my kid always comes first.”

I nod, feeling this vital connection. ”Completely. It”s tough for folks without kids to understand – the constant worry, the scheduling nightmares, the unconditional love that turns your life upside down. Not to mention the lack of free time for anything that”s not about your kid. It”s lonely when someone can”t grasp that kids come first.”

Mia leans back, playing with a strand of her hair, her eyes thoughtful. ”Exactly. But chatting with you... it”s easy. You get it. And it”s been ages since I”ve felt this understood. Some folks joke about how I can stand working with kids when I”ve got my own. Makes me feel out of place.”

I nod, sipping my tea, agreeing with her. Maybe it”s those big-city jokes that we small-town folks can”t grasp. Kids are our world here, and everything we do is for them.

”And the men... they never got me. There I was, giving those dating apps a whirl…” I can”t help but let out a snort of amusement. We have square dancing and other shindigs in town that unite single folks. Cities seem all about swiping left or right on dating apps for love.

Those apps give me the heebie-jeebies. It”s too easy for folks to pretend to be someone they aren”t, leading to trouble. Pine Creek”s different, though. Here, everyone knows everyone, and even visitors are kin to somebody in town.

”The dating apps... it felt like I was caving to peer pressure from the other moms at Emily”s school. They”d go on and on about finding their Mr. Right or going out with incredible guys. They told me I should give it a shot. So I did, twice, but let”s say it was far from a fairy tale. The first fellow fancied himself a philanthropist but was as full of himself as a Thanksgiving turkey. The second was a lawyer who loved himself more than he could ever love someone else. Neither was keen on kids, acting like the idea was a deal-breaker.”

I shake my head, not quite believing their nerve. I”m no one to judge. If folks don”t want kids, that”s their business. But snubbing parenting like they’re the plague? That gets my goat. ”Here in Pine Creek, I”m on friendly terms with the ladies, nothing more. I never thought much about dating. I just threw myself into my work and raising Dylan.”

She nods, all understanding. ”That makes sense. It”s quite the challenge, doing everything solo, huh? But look at you, creating a life here; a community. That”s something pretty darn special, having that kind of support network.”

I can”t help but grin, a wave of pride washing over me. ”Sure, it hasn”t been a walk in the park, but I wouldn”t trade this for anything. Dylan”s flourishing in this place. And that”s my biggest win. The community? Nothing short of amazing. In these smaller towns, folks band together in ways you don”t often see in the big cities.”

Her eyes sweep the living room as she seems to think about something. ”I”m starting to get that. Pine Creek has this charm and warmth that Cedarvale can”t match. And knowing that Emily”s already making friends, especially with Dylan, eases her into this new life.”

”That”s fantastic,” I respond, my heart genuinely warmed by the news. ”Kids have this incredible knack for adapting and carving out their spaces. I”m thrilled Emily”s finding her groove. And remember, if there”s ever anything you or she needs, I”m just a shout away.”

”Thank you,” she replies, her face melting into a look of sincere thanks. ”It means the world to us. It”s been quite the adventure, but I think... I think we”re finally starting to settle in here.”

She pauses, her eyes dancing as she imagines the future. ”I”m hoping Emily connects with more kids around here. That she finds herself in a place where she belongs - a community that feeds her spirit and lets her blossom into her best self. It feels doable in a quaint place like Pine Creek—being part of something bigger, contributing, sharing in life’s ups and downs.”

Mia”s smile broadens as she gazes into the distance, almost as if she can see this dreamy future unfold.

”That’s what I’ve always dreamed of for Emily: A chance for her to flourish in a tight-knit community and forge friendships that’ll stand the test of time. I’ve always sensed she was a bit of a lone wolf among the kids back in Cedarvale.”

I nod in agreement, her thoughts mirroring my own. ”Absolutely. I’ve wished the same for Dylan. For him to know that no matter where life’s journey takes him, he’s got a home here, a place and people who cherish him deeply. It’s a kind of security, a solid ground I reckon will empower our kids as they venture into the world, knowing they’ve got a strong support network cheering them on.”

A serene silence envelops us as we continue sipping our tea, the moment deepening between us. The words burn inside me, and I hope I don”t spoil the evening by voicing them.

”Mia,” I finally speak up, a determined edge to my voice. ”I reckon there’s something more than just nostalgia brewing between us. I feel it... do you? I mean... I know you’re set on focusing on Emily and keeping things friendly, but... I can’t shake these feelings—that it’s more than friendship between you and me.”

She locks eyes with me, a rare vulnerability flickering in her gaze that she seldom lets show. ”I do, Jake. I feel it, too. I was scared to face it, but being around you, chatting, spending time together, especially with our kids in the mix... it just feels right.”

The air sizzles with all the words we”ve left unspoken, our breaths tangling in the cool evening air. I”m inching closer to Mia, closing a gap that felt like an eternity just seconds ago. As my lips finally meet hers, a spark ignites between us, electric and alive.

I don’t stop at just a light kiss like before. That was just testing the waters. I wanted more than just a regular kiss now.

Her arms wrap around my neck to pull me in closer, and our lips mesh and move together in tandem with our heated bodies. I pick her up to carry her while walking around to cut off the lights downstairs, while my lips refuse to break from hers.

I carry her upstairs with a wild pounding in my heart in slight disbelief that this is happening. I keep it down while walking down the hall towards my bedroom so as not to wake the kids.

I wonder if we’re being too risky with what we’re about to do with them here. But my adrenaline is pumping, and how she kisses me lets me know she wants this, too.

I carry her into my bedroom, trying to close the door as quietly as possible with the back of my boot, even locking it for extra measure. I focus back on those sweet kisses she continues giving me as I carry her closer to my bed before setting her down on her feet.

“May I?” I ask softly while touching one of the straps of her overalls. She nods slowly, her eyes locked onto mine, before I unbutton the right strap, which comes apart and falls, while I move on to the left one.

The complete top half falls, revealing her pink tank top underneath as I bend down to begin pulling the lower pants half down to her ankles. I even unstrapped her sandals to put them to the side to make it easier to pull her overalls down. Once I get them down to her ankles, she slowly steps out of each pants leg one at a time.

I put the overalls to the side and looked up at her as my breath catches in my throat.

Wow, she’s stunning.

The way she looks in just her bra, tank top, and panties is enough to set my entire fire ablaze from being excited. My eyes are glued to her until she finally giggles nervously, breaking my trance.

“Someone still has their clothes on…” she reminds me, as I feel the heat of embarrassment before focusing on taking off my cowboy boots. I stand to my feet to begin unbuckling my belt and almost lose it when she licks her lips in anticipation.

She looked like a seductress at that moment, with her eyes full of want.

I work fast to shed my clothes until I’m just in my boxers, as I decide to make sure she wants to take it this far.

“Are you sure about this, Mia?”

I hesitate, hoping she wants this just as much as I like. But it’s always best to be sure, and I want her to know that the ball is in her court. We can stop this now and try to forget that this ever happened.

“I’m positive. I want you, Jake. No matter how unsure I feel about us dating or going past just being friends. What I can say is that, at this very moment? I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about how I feel right now. I’m thinking about how I can’t stop imagining us kissing since the first time we kissed, how I’ve dreamed about you taking me to bed. And now? I want you to make my fantasy a reality…”

I feel myself harden from her words. Her pleas of me taking her to bed are all the initiative I need to hear as I close the space between us to begin pulling off her tank top to toss to the side. As I reach behind her to try to unclasp her bra, her hands are on the hem of my boxers, teasingly tugging at them, wanting them to come off.

I let her take off my boxers first before I drop down to my knees to pull her panties down, whistling at the beautiful, shaven sight before me as she steps out of her magenta panties to kick to the side. With a burst of energy, I grab her legs while making her lay back on the bed as I throw her legs over my shoulders.

Without warning, I lean to give her middle a few teasing licks to test the waters. Her stunned gasps motivate me to go in even more as I kiss her lower lips before devouring her wetness.

I love the way her legs press against the sides of my face. It”s like she’s trying to squeeze me with her legs because of the intense pleasure she’s feeling right now. My tongue travels inside of her, my eyes closing in awe at the taste of her. I love how her hands rub against my short brown locks, and her actions let me know how good I’m making her feel.

My slow laps at her wetness are followed by her lovingly caressing my scalp. When I work my mouth against her lower lips or insert my tongue inside of her, she pulls my hair from how good it feels.

Her moans are muffled, so I know that she’s grabbed one of my pillows and pressed it against her face to keep it down. She only gets louder when she finally climaxes as I drink from her like a starving man at a well.

I don’t pull my wet face away from her middle until I’m sure I’ve taken every drop onto my tongue. I then gently set her legs down from my shoulders and raised them to crawl up her sated body to position myself over her.

“Are you sure?” I have to be sure. I’m sure she didn’t expect foreplay and thought we’d get right to it. I want her to know that I do respect her and that she’s not obligated to say yes to sex after that.

She impatiently grabs my face to pull me down so she can kiss me passionately, giving me her yes in action instead of verbally. I rub my hardness against her wetness before I slowly push inside of her, taking my time so that she can get used to my girth.

I moan against her mouth at how tight she is.

Something that shouldn’t be surprising, given that she probably hasn’t slept with anyone in years. I feel put on the spot now, hoping I don’t perform poorly. It’s also been many years for me too, and I think I may be a bit rusty.

But as I slowly work in and out of her while pacing myself, I realize it’s like riding a bike. It comes back to you all at once, and the next thing I know, I’m wrapping her legs around me while working my hips against hers.

I treat her like porcelain at first, as my thrusts are a bit slow and careful. I was hoping not to cause her any pain or discomfort.

“It’s okay… you can go faster...” she whispers in my ear, and I oblige, doing just that while gripping her thighs a bit tighter as my hips move faster and pick up speed. Our lips smash together in a hungry kiss, moaning into each other’s mouths and trying our best not to be so loud as to wake the children.

The pleasure envelopes my body as I lose my mind inside of her tightness. Our moans turn into pants as I use power, not speed, to control the sound of the creaking bed so we’re not as loud.

I nip her bottom lip as I feel so close so fast, and her nails on my back tell me she must also be near. It’s such a beautiful moment when we explode together, tongue kissing like crazy throughout our climax as my hips slow down while we ride out our orgasms.

I then hold her for a moment in bliss, not wanting to let her go, until I have to pull out of her and then lay on my side, pulling her body into mine so I can resume holding her. Her breathing changes to let me know she’s drifting off to sleep while I remain awake, too excited to sleep.

I must have laid there for hours before setting an early alarm to make sure she got up before the children did so she could sneak into the guest room she should have been sleeping in.

The last thing that crosses my mind is forgetting to wear protection.