FORTY-TWO
Jaxson
The weeks go on, the stress and worry lessening a little with each one that passes, knowing that Mads and the baby are both doing well. The first trimester came and went without complications, unless you count the awful morning sickness she deals with daily.
Her morning sickness didn’t leave with the first trimester. She still relies heavily on ginger candies even though they only provided a minimal amount of relief. She stubbornly refuses to accept any medication, no matter how many times the doctor tells her they’re perfectly safe and will do no harm to the baby. As much as I hate seeing her so damn sick all the time, I respect her decision.
Madelyn has an adorable little bump now. After today, I hope she’ll stop trying to hide it under baggy shirts and hoodies. Since we’re revealing our little secret today, she’s wearing a long skirt and a form-fitting sleeveless top. Her bump is on full display and that makes me a happy man. I love being able to see the physical signs of the life growing inside of her.
In a few hours, her entire family and most of our friends will be gathering at our house for Thanksgiving dinner. Madelyn offered to host, and I couldn’t really argue with her, but I held firm on insisting that she not cook the entire meal herself. I worried that trying to cook a meal for almost twenty people would have been too hard on her. Instead, everyone agreed to a potluck. Every adult is bringing a dish, so there should be plenty of food to go around. It was an easy way to ensure that Madelyn wouldn’t overdo it and wear herself out or stress her body too much.
I’m not much of a cook, but I lend my wife my hands for the day. I do what I can to help in the kitchen without fucking anything up. She tasks me with making sure everything is set up and ready to go before our company arrives. I spend the entire morning setting up tables and chairs, including an extra table for the food. I’ve organized the place settings, filled coolers with ice and drinks, and restocked both the indoor and outdoor bars.
It’s early afternoon when everyone starts to arrive. Holden arrives first with Grams in tow, Camille and Presley not far behind. Drake and Hailee are next, bringing along her little boy, Elijah. We invited her parents too, but they’re on a two-week cruise somewhere in the Caribbean. When Hailee tells me, I make a mental note to look into it. A tropical vacation sounds like a dream. She also lets me know that her friend Grayson and his new wife are having dinner with her family, but they might drop by later.
After that, a flood of people come through the door. Presley’s best friend, Derrick, makes his entrance, flamboyant as always. Noah and Gabriel, with Zoey trailing right behind them. Madelyn’s parents are the last to arrive, which is unusual for them, but I don’t think too much of it. My mind is on my gorgeous wife hidden away in the kitchen.
Once everyone has placed their dishes on the table, Mrs. Sterling starts to organize the food in some particular way that makes no sense to me, so I use the opportunity to sneak into the kitchen. Wrapping my arms around Madelyn’s waist, I rest both hands across her belly and close my eyes.
I want one last moment for just the three of us because once we drop this bomb, our privacy will be nonexistent. I love her crazy, close-knit family and I know they’re going to be beyond excited by our news.
“You ready for this, baby?” I ask, kissing the tender spot behind her ear.
She looks back at me and smiles. “Yeah, I think I am.”
Covering my hands with hers, she inhales a deep breath, slowly letting it out.
“I love you, Jaxson.”
“I love you too, Mads. Always.”
“Where’s my sister hiding?” Holden asks as I deposit a bowl of pasta salad onto the table with the rest of the food.
“She’ll be out soon. She’s got one more thing cooking in the kitchen.”
“I’m gonna sneak in there and say hi.”
Fucking Holden. Always so damn stubborn. No wonder he and Mads are so damn close.
“Nah, go sit. I’ll go get her. She’s gonna wanna come say hi now that everyone’s here.”
He gives me a funny look, but goes to the table, sits next to Presley, and rests his arm across the back of her chair. She smiles up at him and a sharp little pang hits my chest. I wish my little sister could be here. I haven’t seen her in too damn long. I want to see the excitement on her face when I tell her she’s going to be an aunt.
Once everyone is seated, I disappear back into the kitchen.
“It’s time, baby.” I hold my hand out to her.
She takes my offered hand, but I decide I need her closer. I wrap my arm around her instead, resting my hand on her hip, and pressing a kiss to her temple as we exit the kitchen.
Everyone’s busy talking, so no one notices us walk into the room at first. We move to the head of the table and stand side by side. Clearing my throat, I get everyone’s attention.
“We wanted to welcome everyone and thank you for spending the holiday with us. It means a lot to have you all—”
I know it’s coming before it happens. I saw the exact moment Holden’s eyes rounded when they drifted over her belly.
“Holy fuck, baby girl! Is this for real? You’re really—” He doesn’t finish. He covers his mouth as his eyes fill with tears.
Mads opens her mouth, but no sound passes her lips. She gives him a rapid nod, instead.
Without uttering another word, he quickly stands, rushing around the table to throw his arms around Madelyn. The moment they connect, they both burst into tears. I stand back, giving her a minute with her brother. He hugs her tightly, gently rocking her back and forth as he murmurs into her ear. She nods at whatever he tells her, and a smile appears on her lips.
Lifting his head, his eyes meet mine. They’re still wet, but it’s the vibrance in them that rocks me. In all the years I’ve known Holden, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so happy.
“I love you, brother,” he says, never breaking eye contact.
Much like my wife, I’m too choked up to speak. My clipped nod expresses everything my voice can’t.
“Madelyn? What’s—”
Madelyn steps away from Holden, slowly turning to face her family.
That’s when the rest of them see it.
A loud chorus of gasps, cries, and cheers fills the room.
I move behind her, taking my new favorite position. Arms around her waist, hands on her belly.
She tips her head back to look up at me and nods.
“Madelyn’s making me a daddy,” I announce proudly.
Every single person in this room—except for Elijah—understands the significance of those words. Another round of cheers goes up before everyone swoops in.
We’re swarmed with hugs, kisses, congratulations, and love.
So much love.
There’s not a dry eye in the house, including mine.
My heart has never felt so full.