Chapter 15
Jaxon paced the length of his bedroom with the feeling of hopelessness overtaking him. He had been thrilled to learn that Sofie loved him, but he couldn’t celebrate the way he wanted to. He had offered many times for the chance to take her to the hospital.
He paused and glanced over at her.
Sofie leaned back against the pillows on his bed. She opened her eyes and met his gaze.
“I’m okay,” she murmured. Her eyes fluttered shut again.
Jaxon didn’t know if he believed her or not. He had brought her to his home last night, skipping their planned dinner. He’d ordered takeout for them, and Sofie’s food had been skipped.
Just the scent of food sent her scrambling into the bathroom.
“Sofie, this is not right. Allow me to take you to the hospital. I don’t like this,” he murmured. He moved toward the edge of the bed near her and took a seat. While they should have been celebrating and planning their life together, something was making her sick.
“I’m sure this is just a little bug and will be gone soon.” She reached out and took his hand in hers.
Sofie was one hell of a woman. Here she was, the one ill, but was comforting him instead. He just wanted her back in his arms and well.
“You haven’t been able to eat and only had small sips of water,” he started, but she cut him off.
“If I don’t feel well by tonight, then I will let you take me to the emergency room. I promise,” she said.
She offered a weak smile, but Jaxon wasn’t buying it.
A knock sounded at his door. He glanced over. Alana burst into the room with London trailing behind her.
“I went to the store and got you a few things,” Alana said. She paused at the sight of Jaxon sitting next to Sofie. She grinned sheepishly. “Hey, Jaxon. Sorry to interrupt, but I purchased a few things that should help.”
“You are such a good best friend,” Sofie murmured. “What would I do without you?”
“We will never know.” Alana chuckled. She sat the bags on the foot of the bed and reached inside one of them. “But first before anything, I need you to do this.”
She tossed a small box at Sofie. Jaxon leaned over and watched Sofie pick it up. His eyes widened at the item.
A pregnancy test.
“Alana, just like I told Jaxon, it’s probably a stomach bug or one of those twenty-four-hour viruses,” Sofie said.
“Well, then humor me and take the test,” Alana said. She rested her hands on her waist and glared at Sofie as if to dare her to do otherwise. “If it’s negative, then I have a bunch of medications I picked up from the pharmacy.”
“Fine,” Sofie groaned.
Jaxon stood and assisted her to the edge of the bed. His heart was racing.
Could it be?
Anything was possible.
He began to sweat with the possibility that Sofie could be pregnant with his child. He had always wanted a kid or two but had never focused on it, pushing it aside for the future. He had never been with a woman who he could see a future with.
Now he had Sofie.
“You got it?” he asked.
She nodded and paused as she swayed for a moment, getting her bearings. She snagged the test from the bed and slowly made her way to the bathroom. Alana walked alongside her and went in with her, shutting the door behind them.
Jaxon stared at the door in bewilderment.
“You look like it should be you lying in the bed.” London chuckled.
Jaxon ignored his brother’s attempt at humor.
“What if she is pregnant?” he whispered.
“Then you will man up and take responsibility,” London snapped.
“It’s not me I’m worried about,” he said. Jaxon looked at London, and for the first time in his life, felt unsure of something. He had wanted to build a life with Sofie. The first step had been asking her to move in with him. She still hadn’t given him an answer. Now this. What if she didn’t want to move in with him? He blew out a deep breath and explained to his brother how he had asked her to move with him.
“What’s the rush?” London asked.
“Because I want her with me always.” Jaxon blew out an exasperated breath. How could he explain to where his brother would understand?
“If you love her and want her, then wait. She won’t go anywhere. Sofie is a smart woman, and anyone can tell how much she loves you. I don’t know how I missed it before. The way you two look at each other reminds me of Alana and me.” London slid his hands into his pockets and strolled over to the windows and leaned against the windowsill.
Jaxon didn’t know when his twin had become so wise.
The door to the bathroom opened with Alana stepping out. She smiled and waved to the door.
“She wants you to wait with her,” Alana said.
He jerked is head in a nod and rushed into the room. He found Sofie sitting on the floor in front of the double vanity sink. He shut the door behind him and walked over to her. He slid down next to her.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
Sofie reached out and took his hand. She offered him a smile and squeezed him tight.
“It will be.” She sniffed. Her big brown eyes held unshed tears. “No matter what, it will be.”
“I know it will be.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “I love you.”
Sofie’s features softened. She leaned against him with her lips curling up into a smile.
“I love you, too.” She pressed a kiss to his lips then rested back against the wall. “I’ve made up my mind about my job.”
“Really? What is that?” he asked.
“I’m going to leave the hospital and sign on with Alana. I think change would be good for me. I’m going to put in my two weeks’ notice immediately once I get back home.”
“That’s awesome, baby.” Jaxon knew this had to be a hard decision for her to make. She’d been a nurse for a while, and he could see she wasn’t happy besides her telling him she wasn’t. He couldn’t imagine doing a job he didn’t love. He would be miserable.
“And I’ve made a decision about what you asked me,” she said softly.
Jaxon stiffened for a moment. He wasn’t sure which way she was going with this. He inhaled sharply, ready for whatever decision she would make. He already had his argument ready should she say no. He would prove to her why it would be best for them to live together.
“What is that?”
“My answer is yes. I’ll move in with you, but only on one condition.” She paused.
“And that is?” Jaxon’s heartbeat thundered so loudly in his ears he was barely able to hear anything.
“I like LA and all, but it’s not really me. Can we keep a house in Cleveland? With me joining Alana as a consultant, it may be best for me to be available there.”
“Anything you want.” He gathered her to him, lifting her to where she straddled him. Her knees rested alongside him while she wrapped her arms around his neck. “If you wanted a place on the moon, I would have figured it out.”
Her laughter was music to his ears. She leaned down and kissed him. Her soft lips sliding along his was enough to awaken a desire in him that always burned for her. He immediately took over the kiss, thrusting his tongue inside her mouth. She whimpered, her fingers diving into his thick hair. He loved how she always tugged on his strands.
“Wait,” she panted, pulling back from him. “Have we forgotten already why we are here in the bathroom?”
“Is it time?” he asked.
“I believe so.” Sofie pushed up off the floor and walked over to the counter. She picked up the long white test stick and stared down at it.
“What does it say?” Jaxon was impatient and stood from his perch on the floor and joined her. He stared down at the result window, the breath escaping him.
Pregnant.
Jaxon ran a trembling hand along his face. He couldn’t believe it.
He was going to be a father. Tears appeared in his eyes. He grabbed Sofie and brought her into his arms. They held each other for what seemed to be forever. Jaxon couldn’t be happier. He had the love and affection of the woman he loved, and now they were going to be starting their family. His mind was already racing with the things they would need to do and purchase to prepare for the little one. His brother would be able to help with planning, and now Chance would have a cousin to grow up with.
Everything was perfect.
“Are you happy?” she asked. She raised her brown eyes, her tears streaking her face.
“Ecstatic,” he murmured. He used his thumb to brush away her tears. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to him and she was having his child. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“It’s been a while, but I’m always open to hearing it again.”