Chapter 31
Pepper
The gentle chime of the car speakers echoed through the aircraft, signaling our final descent into Houston.
I leaned my head against the cool windowpane, watching the sprawling, sun-drenched landscape of Texas break through the late August cloud cover.
My heart beat in a violent, erratic rhythm against my ribs.
We had been dating long distance for the past month, and though it had been difficult dealing with the fourteen-hour time difference and the hollow ache of an empty bed, it made every single second worth the while.
Because in less than fifteen minutes, my plane was landing, and I was finally coming home to him.
Mars and Jalen were throwing a massive end-of-the-summer backyard party, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I missed my circle so deeply it felt like a physical weight, and I couldn't wait to be back in their loud, loving presence.
The moment the aircraft doors hissed open, I was practically vibrating. I hauled my carry-on down the jet bridge, swept through the terminal, and grabbed the rest of my luggage from the baggage carousel.
The second I stepped through the sliding glass security doors into the bustling arrivals lobby, a towering frame broke away from the crowd.
Aaron smoothly jogged straight over to me.
Before I could even utter a word, he swooped me up into his arms, the sudden force of his lift causing my bags to drop straight to the tile floor.
I wrapped my legs securely around his waist, my arms locking behind his neck as a wave of intense, breathless heat rushed through my veins.
"Ugh... I missed this," I whispered fiercely, burying my face deep into the warm crook of his neck, inhaling the high-end cologne and clean scent I’d been starving for.
Aaron let out a rich, booming chuckle that vibrated against my chest. He held me tightly, spinning us around slowly in the middle of the crowded terminal as if we were the only two people in the entire airport.
"So did I, Red," he murmured, his large palms cupping my lower back to press me flush against him.
"You have no idea how quiet the house has been without you. "
He slowly released me, setting my feet back onto the tile, but he kept his hands on my hips as his eyes looked me up and down, an amazed, head-shaking smile breaking across his handsome face. "Even after a fourteen-hour flight, you still somehow manage to look beautiful."
I blushed, a wave of shyness hitting my cheeks. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Fields. Now pick up my bags before I kiss you right here in front of baggage claim."
Aaron picked up my gear bags, his muscles shifting under his shirt, and we walked out to his truck. We headed straight back to his house—where I’d officially be staying for the full duration of my trip—so I could unpack and freshen up.
Our time in the master bathroom took a significant bit longer than originally expected.
Aaron couldn't keep his large hands to himself the second the shower water started running, and let's be for real—after a whole month of long-distance torture, neither could I.
The water washed away the exhaustion of the flight, leaving nothing but the electric, familiar heat that had been building between us since the pool.
An hour later, I stepped out of the master closet, smoothing down the fabric of my outfit, and burst out laughing the second I saw him standing by the mirror. "I didn't know we were matching today, Fields," I joked, sliding a stunning, cream-colored knitted dress over my curves.
Aaron turned around, a bottle of cologne in his hand, looking entirely too good in a tailored cream linen button-down and trousers.
He let out a low rumble of a laugh, his eyes darkening with appreciation as he took in my look.
"No, you wanted to match. You definitely saw exactly what I was wearing when I got dressed. "
"Maybe I did," I teased, a devious smirk playing on my lips as I slid into my favorite espadrille wedges. He walked over, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder as we both looked into the mirror.
"You look breathtaking, Pepper," he whispered sincerely, his playful demeanor softening into something deep and grounded. "I'm really glad you're home."
"Me too," I murmured, leaning back against his chest.
We hopped into the truck and made the drive over to Jalen and Mars's estate.
The moment we pulled into their gated driveway, the grass and curbs were already lined with the luxury cars of our friends, family members, and familiar faces.
We parked, and the exact second my feet touched the pavement, the double front doors flew open.
My girls came sprinting out, and within seconds, I was wrapped up in the tightest, warmest, and most suffocating group hug I had ever experienced.
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as Nia, Mars, and Stormy squeezed me tightly. Standing there in their arms, a wave of profound clarity hit my chest—how the hell had I stayed away from them out in Tokyo for so long without realizing how much I truly missed this?
"Come on, Pepper, just stay here already! We missed you so much!" Stormy cried, pulling back just enough to place a series of dramatic, sloppy kisses onto my cheeks.
Across the foyer, I saw Aaron chuckle softly, shooting me a warm look before he turned to make his way out to the patio to greet Jalen, Cal, and the rest of the guys.
"No, seriously, Pep," Nia said earnestly, leaning down to plant a sweet kiss on my forehead before walking off toward the kitchen. "I’m getting you a drink from the fridge. Don't move."
"Ugh... I mean, y'all are seriously making it so hard for me to ever want to go back to Japan," I said with a dramatic pout, crossing my arms.
"No, that mandingo down in the yard is making it hard," Nia joked loudly from the kitchen, making Mars and Stormy instantly scream with laughter as she walked back into the room, handing me a perfectly chilled glass of white wine.
We all laughed, raising our glasses to cheers, our hearts full as we celebrated being back together. But as I took my first sip, my eyes casually drifted over to Mars. I noticed her hands were empty.
"Not drinking, Mars?" I asked, my brow furrowing slightly with concern.
Nia’s eyebrow raised instantly, her focus snapping over. "Yeah, wait. Let me go get you a glass, girl."
"No, no, that’s okay," Mars said quickly, reaching out to gently grab Nia’s arm before she could step away.
Stormy took a slow step forward, her eyes narrowing as she placed a dramatic hand over her own forehead, looking at Mars’s uncharacteristic refusal. "What exactly is wrong with you?" she laughed softly. "Are you on a detox or something?"
Mars didn't say a word. She just looked at the three of us, a radiant, emotional glow filling her face as a tiny, knowing smile touched her lips. She bit her lower lip, trying to contain the absolute joy threatening to spill over.
Each of us gasped at the exact same moment. Nia’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes widening to the size of saucers.
"Shhhhh!" Mars hissed, throwing her hands up, her eyes instantly filling with happy tears.
"Wait... wait, wait, wait," Nia stammered, her voice shaking as she tried her absolute best not to scream down the hallway. "Amara Sinclair... I mean, Amara Carter... are you being fucking for real right now?!"
"We weren't going to announce it to the rest of the family until later today," Mars whispered, a tear finally spilling over her lashes as she let out a breathless laugh. "But leave it to y'all to figure it out instantly. It was supposed to be a surprise."
"Mars..." I whispered, my own mouth covered in shock as I stepped forward, wrapping my arms tightly around her neck, hugging her fiercely so we wouldn't draw any sudden attention from the crowd outside. "How long have you known?"
"Just a week," Mars beamed, resting her hand over her stomach. "I am officially two months on Monday."
"Wow," Nia said softly, her voice thick with pure joy as she joined the embrace. "A little baby Carter is on the way. I can't believe it."
Stormy was practically vibrating beside us, wiping away a stray tear. "Jalen must be absolutely out of his mind with excitement."
"He is," Mars laughed softly, her eyes shining. "He's already trying to build a nursery in his head. But promise me you won't say anything to the guys yet? We want to tell everyone together at dinner."
"Our lips are sealed," I promised, squeezing her hand tightly.
Looking at my girls, completely united, with a new generation on the way, the last lingering doubts about my future dissolved.
Tokyo had my business, but Houston had my heart—and looking out the window toward Aaron, I knew I was exactly where I belonged.
We made our way out into the vibrant, sun-drenched backyard, and the sheer volume of food was a beautiful sight.
Mars was already eyeing the brisket and sides, and I was genuinely excited to watch her eat whatever she wanted without restriction, especially since she loves food and now had the ultimate excuse.
I glanced across the lawn and spotted Aaron standing near the edge of the patio, deep in a relaxed conversation.
Smiling to myself, I navigated through the crowd to make us a joint plate before heading over to secure a spot at one of the decorated tables.
Shortly after I sat down, Cal, Jalen, and Aaron approached. I stood up, a bright smile on my face as I hugged both Jalen and Cal tightly.
"Pep, you might as well just stay here permanently," Cal said, pulling back with a grin as he gestured to the yard. "You know it's true—there is nothing like being home."
I let out a loud laugh, cutting a playful, suspicious glance over at my man. "Did Aaron put you up to say that to me?"
"You know damn well he did," Nia said as she joined the table. We all laughed.