Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Monroe
One month ago, Jase and I agreed to a fake relationship for the sake of making our lives easier as we navigated preparing to raise a child together. Today, we’re no longer pretending.
From the outside, you wouldn’t be able to spot any differences in our relationship, but I can.
It's the little things. How there’s always a vanilla and lavender latte waiting for me every morning.
At first I was surprised he knew what kind I liked and how to make it, but soon he confessed to asking Bailey.
There’s a certain spark that wasn’t there before when his hand brushes mine during our weekly evening dinners. Or how every time I look his way from across the room, his smile calms whatever fear is going through my head.
It’s felt nice to take our time getting to know one another at our own pace and outside the assumptions we held, but as each day goes by, I realize I’m falling for Jameson King.
However, to my disappointment, Jase has kept good on his promise of not pressuring me into a purely physical relationship until I’m ready, not that he ever did, but as each day goes by I can’t stop thinking what it would be like if we just give into the pleasure of being together.
Especially when I lie in bed next to him every night and have to pretend like it doesn’t affect me.
As far as I know, Indy’s still staying at the King’s house, but at least she’s no longer finding reasons to casually run into Jase.
Unfortunately, there is still one problem left, and this one comes in the form of Magnolia King.
My sweet as a honeybee, yet ready to sting when you least expect it, mother-in-law has spent the last two weeks dropping off casseroles, offering to help organize the nursery, even feigning interest in my pregnancy.
I’m not buying any of it, knowing full well she’s casing the place like an undercover agent, watching how Jase and I interact, noting every detail of our so-called relationship to catch us in a lie.
Luckily, things between Jase and me have never been better. So good, I’ve even gone back to work. It’s my second full week back after the new year, and I couldn’t be more excited for the projects we’re currently working on.
The smell of fresh-cut lumber and sawdust clings to the air, making my nose itch with the familiar scent.
I’m standing in the half-framed great room of the new build we were currently working on, my tablet balanced in one hand and a stylus pen tucked behind my ear.
Monty stands a few feet away, bent over the plans spread across the workbench he’s built.
As I step over the floors completely covered in plastic protective film, I’m careful not to slip.
My work boots may not be the prettiest things, but they are necessary.
“This wall here,” I say, gesturing to the open studs overhead, “I want to push it back another three feet. It’ll make the kitchen flow better into the living room, and give them more space for that big island Bailey’s been dreaming about.”
Monty straightens, eyeing the plans with a skeptical squint. “What did I tell you about entering my workspace without a goddamn hard hat, Monroe?”
I raise a hand in defense, grabbing an extra hat that was left on the hooks hanging by the entrance. “Got it, sir. I’ll put the damn hat on.”
He doesn’t answer, simply nods and continues going over the blueprint of Nash and Bailey's new home.
When they began house hunting a few weeks ago, there was absolutely nothing in town that caught their eye.
Not until they drove out to a large, empty plot of land on the county line that had been put up for sale.
Nearly sixty acres of land, perfect for constructing their dream home and creating a lifetime of memories for their future children.
Children were definitely on Bailey's mind. Although so was her upcoming engagement.
“You always want to push walls. Working with you somehow costs me more money every project.”
I smirk, knowing he’s going to oblige. “And every time, the clients end up thanking me. I will accept only perfection in creating Bailey and Nash’s forever home.”
Monty shakes his head, but I know he agrees.
There’s a sense of pride in his smile when he hears me talking about family.
He and I have been doing this for years.
I hold the vision. Monty has the experience to make it happen.
This project isn’t just another build, it’s for our family, so it means so much more to both of us.
I stand beside him, sketching my notes onto the blueprint, my belly pressing a little against the tabletop when I get too close. I’m five months pregnant, and you can definitely tell.
“You okay to be out here doing this?” He asks, staring down at my belly.
“Not you too,” I answer annoyed. Jase and I had this same conversation yesterday when I came home with swollen feet and an aching back from being out all day.
“Well, if he’s also telling you, then maybe you should be taking it easy. I guess it’s something we both agree on.” Just as I am about to tell him I’m perfectly fine working at nearly six months pregnant, Jase's truck comes zooming down the gravel driveway. “Looks like you’ve got company.”
His truck comes to a stop right before the edge of the makeshift fence we set up to map out the perimeter of the house, with a cloud of dust trailing behind it. He climbs out with a paper bag in one hand and two sodas in the other, his grin wide as he heads toward us.
“Delivery service,” he says, holding up the bag.
“A Ceasar salad and fries from Dolly’s.” My smile drops.
A salad is the last thing I’m craving. “For Monty,” he says when he notices my face fall.
Monty grunts an inaudible thanks as Jase pulls out another paper bag.
“And a cheeseburger with extra pickles and Cajun fries for my gorgeous baby mama.”
This time my brother's groan is louder as he grabs his salad and sets it on the pile of lumber behind him. Monty doesn’t eat in his workspace and rarely ever takes a break unless it’s swinging by the local lumberyard for more material.
He is a workaholic, and it’s really taken a toll on his personal life.
I may have to figure out a way to bring someone on board before my baby’s born to keep him in check when I’m unable to.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I tell Jase, even as the smell of grease and salt makes my stomach growl. He didn’t have to, but the fact that he did makes my stomach flutter for different reasons than hunger.
“Yeah, I did,” he counters, setting the food down. “You forget to eat when you get caught up in work.”
Monty chuckles, eavesdropping on the conversation while pretending to be engrossed in something. “She does. Been like that since she was a teenager.”
I shoot him a glare that says, oh now you want to be Chatty Kathy, but Jase just smirks, clearly enjoying the backup.
I yank the paper bag from Jase and lead him out onto the steps of the unfinished porch, before Monty can share any more of my lovely tendencies as a teenager. Setting my stuff down, I take a seat on the bottom step, unwrapping the burger and taking a bite.
“So,” Jase says, taking a sip of his soda, “Doctor’s appointment next Friday?”
Sauce drips down my chin as I freeze mid-chew and look up at him. Jase wasn’t able to go with me to my previous appointment as he was back in Raleigh sorting out the last details with Lacey to serve Lane & Co. bourbon at the bar as soon as next month.
“Yeah,” I say nervously, wiping my chin with the napkin he gives me.
He watches me, his eyes steady, looking at the mess I’ve made. Things have been so crazy lately. I go from not hungry to starving in a matter of minutes, and then I feel incredibly guilty for scarfing down my food like a maniac.
“We’ll find out if it’s a boy or a girl?” he asks, his eyes hopeful, yet he also seems anxious.
I bite into my burger, chewing slowly, buying myself time. I chose not to find out at the last appointment, knowing this was something we both had to be present for, but the thought of it being so imminent is nerve-wracking.
“Are you nervous?” I ask, trying to make sense of what he’s feeling since his expression gives nothing away.
Jase is a master at hiding what he’s truly feeling.
I’d like to say I am too, but lately I haven’t been in control of them, and my face gives me away.
Though with him, he’s so quick to make a joke or be playful, I know there’s something he’s not saying.
“Excited,” he answers, though his smile isn’t full. “I’m betting on a girl, but whatever it is, I’m going to love this baby with every part of me.”
I laugh, brushing crumbs from my lap. “What awaits us if it’s a boy and he’s got his daddy’s charm?”
“Same thing if she’s as stubborn as her mother. God help us,” he jokes, and for a moment, things feel right again, just like they have for the last month.
When it’s just the two of us with no expectations, or the curious looks from my brothers in the background, daring to imagine a future together doesn’t seem so impossible.
By the time we’re done, Monty calls me back inside to check on the measurements for the bay window frame I want installed. I stand and hand Jase the trash to throw out in the bin behind him.
“You didn’t have to come,” I say softly, even if I’m grateful he did.
He leans in and kisses me, an innocent kiss that makes my entire body light up with desire. “I wanted to,” he answers, brushing his finger over my knuckles. “I'll see you at home tonight. I’m making meatballs.”
I laugh, “Seems like all you're trying to do is thicken me up.” His eyes peruse my figure, a gleam of desire in his blue eyes. We haven’t been physical with each other again, nothing more than a simple kiss now and then like the one just now.
I want to so badly. I want to kiss him and touch him.
To let him touch me in every way I know he wants to, but it’s been so good between us I’m afraid what a physical relationship right now might do.
“Baby, of course I am. This pregnancy has made all my fantasies come true. Your tits, that ass,” he says, softly smacking my ass. “Perfection.” I bite my lip to tame my arousal, but fuck do I want him to touch me. He places another kiss on the top of my head. “I’ll be there, no matter what.”
I nod, unable to speak, and I don’t doubt his words. In three days, we’re going to find out the gender of our baby. Will she be my mini-me, or will he be the spitting image of his father? For the first time in a long time, I can’t wait to be surprised.