Chapter 27 - Laura
I looked up to the sky and smiled. The weather was stunning outside, with a gentle breeze. It wasn't hot, and it wasn't cold. It was a perfect day for a barbeque. "God, it's beautiful outside today. I'm so comfy."
"Speak for yourself," Wendy said across from the picnic table. She adjusted herself, looking uncomfortable. It was to be expected when you were eight months pregnant and weeks from giving birth.
I couldn't help but smirk. "Sorry. Did the doctor say if he wanted you to go the full forty weeks or not?" I asked, sipping my water as the wind blew.
"She is thinking she's going to induce me in a week or so since the baby is bigger and my blood pressure hasn't been great," Wendy said, rubbing her hands over her stomach. "And I'm ready. I feel like an oversized cow."
Ashley gave her a sympathetic look as she set Ivy down next to her. "I'm sure Ayden is looking forward to having another child in the house."
Wendy nodded her head. "He is so excited about another kid. He's practically staring at me at night, praying for it to happen."
I glanced over towards where the guys were standing. Ayden was grilling burgers with all the guys around him. They were all in a deep conversation, which I could imagine was work-related. I found Miles sipping on a beer, a smirk pulling at his lips. I then realized he was watching me. I blushed and turned my attention back to the girls.
"Do you guys have names yet?" Ashley asked.
Wendy shrugged. "We have a few picked out, but we haven't nailed it down to one yet."
"Owen has been thinking about wanting another," Ashley said, giving Wendy a face. "Thank you for that, by the way."
Wendy laughed. "You should know he wants a big family," she teased.
"Speaking of families." They both glanced my way. "How are things?"
I couldn't help but smile because things had been good. Over the past six months, a lot has changed. Miles started coming over and spending more time with Michael and me. He took me out on dates and even took Michael out for a few days to do things together. It was nice. I felt we were in a good spot.
We were planning a big road trip for us all to go camping. Miles and I had been talking about possibly living together, but we wanted to make sure Michael was also okay with the idea.
"Things are good," I said. Michael is getting used to Miles, which makes me happy. He still only refers to him as Miles."
"So, you guys are serious?" Wendy asked, tilting her head.
"Define serious because I'm pretty sure it was right at the beginning."
"Have you guys spoken of the future? If you are going to get married? Whose house you'll live in? If you want more kids?"
I blushed because, of course, that conversation had come up. Miles and I had talked about everything. We both didn't want a huge house, and neither of us really wanted more kids. Michael meant the world to both of us.
We had talked about moving in together, but couldn't decide who's. While Miles's house was bigger, he expressed that it wasn't homey. My house was, but it wasn't huge. We'd spoken about adding onto mine, and he thought about renting his out.
We had even discussed the aging factor which I hadn’t worried much about until Miles and I were official. I was okay with Miles living longer, he could watch after Michael but I wasn’t so sure if he was. Miles had explained when you find your mate, you age together. Of course me being a human changes things a little. We were going to ask Wendy about a back up spell just incase me being human changed things.
"We have, but it's only been six months. Is it bad to be thinking about all that when it's this early?"
Before they could answer, a voice broke out. "Mom, when are the burgers going to be done?" Poppy yelled from across the yard. She was holding a softball in her hands, and Michael was standing a few feet from her, holding a bat.
"In a little bit," Wendy said, smiling at them.
Poppy turned back to Michael, and they went back to their game. Wendy turned to me, and I couldn't help but smile. Seeing Michael happy made me happy.
"Regarding your question, is Michael accepting Miles?"
"He is. I'm a little surprised at how well sometimes."
"It's Miles. He can get anyone to love him."
I chuckled, nodding my head, knowing that was true.
"What are you girls talking about?" Miles asked as he came up from behind me. His arms reached out, pulling me against his chest. His head rested on the top of my head, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Ashley asked, wiggling her eyebrows. "First, tell me what you boys were talking about over there?"
Miles chuckled. "Who's cock is bigger."
I elbowed Miles, rolling my eyes. "We were talking about kids. Are the burgers going to be done soon?"
"Yeah, because I'm pregnant and need food," Wendy quickly added.
Miles swung his legs onto the bench, pulling me against him as he sat down. "Well, your husband just put them on, so it will be a while, but they do have the salads out if you want some."
Wendy was pulling herself up. "I need food."
Ashley offered her a hand, letting Wendy shuffle off towards the guys. She then looked at me. "So, you want to tell me more about this future you guys spoke about?"
I blushed once more, and I could feel Miles chuckling
"Do you want to tell them?"
I laughed. "We talked about moving in together. We aren't sure if we want to move into my place or get a new place altogether."
Ashley's eyebrows went up. "Oh my god, really! That's great."
"Really? You're not going to say it's too early?" Miles asked, his arms tightening around me.
Ashley shook her head. "This isn't like you've only known each other for six months. You guys have known each other for years. And you have a child together. This is exciting. This is a huge step forward for all of you guys."
Miles kissed the top of my head, and I sank against him. With his arms wrapped around me, I felt so safe and like life was where it needed to be.
Just then, Michael came up to the table and rested his hands on the wood. "Dad, can I have some lemonade?"
My entire body stiffened, and Miles froze up behind me. Even Ashley looked stunned, as Michael looked like he'd said it before—which he hadn't. He had yet to call Miles by anything but his name, and we weren't pushing the subject.
Miles cleared his throat, trying to find words. "Yeah, I can grab you some lemonade. Does anyone else need anything?"
"No, I'm good," I said, and Ashley shook her head.
Miles pulled himself up and headed to grab drinks with Michael. Ashley looked at me, stunned. "I thought you said he doesn't call Miles dad?"
I shook my head. "He doesn't. That was the first time." I looked over towards them, finding Miles grinning ear to ear with excitement. Even Michael was smiling next to him as he sipped on a glass.
"That's a huge step for you guys," Ashley said, "I'm so happy for you guys. Things seem to be working out pretty well."
The burgers were done a little later, and we all sat around and ate. We were telling jokes and laughing, and everything felt so perfect. I didn't know if things could be better.
Michael was sitting with Poppy across from Miles and me. He looked up from his plate and raised an eyebrow. "Have you asked her yet?"
Miles froze on his burger and swallowed slowly. I looked at Miles, confused. "Ask me what?"
"Nothing," Miles said, looking at Michael. "No idea what he is talking about."
Michael frowned and then looked at me. He then quickly shook his head. "Never mind."
"No, what were you talking about?" I asked, looking at Miles. "What did you need to ask me?"
"Nothing," Miles said. "He is talking about nothing, right Michael?"
"Right," Michael said, nodding his head. "Nothing at all."
I scowled. "Okay, you two, I don't know what's going on, but one of you better come out with it."
Miles looked at Michael. "Way to go."
"You told me you were going to ask her earlier! I thought you'd asked." Michael said, shrugging.
"I haven't exactly had any time," Miles said, rubbing at his eyes.
"What are you two talking about?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Well, someone ruined the surprise," Miles said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small ring box. My eyes widened as I looked at Miles.
He grinned and slid the box towards me. When he opened the lid, my eyes took in a beautiful diamond ring.
"Laura, I know we have made mistakes and got through a lot. And I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you and Miles. So, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
All eyes landed on me, and Michael squealed. "Answer him, Mom."
I looked at Michael for a moment before looking back at Miles. I quickly nodded my head and smiled. "Yes! God, yes."
Miles reached out and kissed me, holding me in a tight embrace. Everyone around us started to cheer. I laughed, feeling my heart skip a beat once more.