Baby, I Will Be Your Everything

"Mm." I hummed, stretching contently while I pried my eyes open.

I blinked the sleep away, rubbing my face roughly as I flopped on to my back. A loud yawn ripped through my dry throat and I slowly forced myself to sit up. I huffed out a sigh, my gaze falling to the empty spot beside me before I kicked the blanket off of my legs. I swallowed dryly, grimacing at my cotton mouth as I slid off of the bed. I grabbed Alex's red sweats from the ground and tugged them up my legs, tightening the strings around my waist. Once they were tight enough, I scooped my phone off of the nightstand and dropped it into my pocket. Rubbing my eyes, I opened the door and made way way out in the hall.

"Whose coming down the stairs? Who is it?"

I scrunched my face up at the sound of Mom's voice raising and brushed my hair out of my face, stepping down into the foyer. Blonde hair and blue eyes met my vision and I grinned, leaning down towards the small outstretched arms of the one year old splitting image of Aunt Carrie running towards me.

"Hi Andy!" I greeted hoarsly, scooping him up into my arms easily.

His blonde curls waved everywhere when he clapped excitedly in my arms, grabbing fist fulls of my collar as he squealed. I chuckled, propping him up over my hip more comfortably and looking over the words printed on his onsie.

"Big brother?" I read, turning towards Aunt Carrie with my eyebrows raised.

"Another bun in the oven." She cheered, brushing her short blonde hair behind her ears.

I gazed down her white sundress, smiling when she pressed her hands around her stomach. She reached forward, grabbing my left wrist and tugging me forward gently. I frowned in confusion only to nod in realization when she placed my hand where her's just was. I gasped, feeling the same type of hardness I felt in my own stomach.

"I'm about nine weeks now." She informed. "Not that far along yet, but I'm starting to show a little bit."

"Two months?" I blurted, feeling the back of my neck grow hot.

"Mhm." She confirmed. "I wish your mother would have another one. They could be little playmates!"

"No way, I've got my tubes tied." Mom cut in from beside us, shaking her head.

"Ew." I grimaced, looking down when Andy leaned down. "What'cha doin', Andy?"

He poked my stomach, making nervous butterflies fill me. I bit my lip, smiling along while Mom and Aunt Carrie laughed. He poked it a few more times before I switched him to my other hip in attempt to get his attention away from it.

"Yeah, that's where a bun in the oven is." Mom nodded, pointing over to Aunt Carrie. "Mommy has the baby in her belly. Not Jacky, silly goose."

I gulped, subtly running my forearm over my stomach while Mom blabbed on about babies and sharing. Clearing my throat, I pressed a kiss to Andy's chubby cheek and handed him off to Mom.

"Where's Stephanie and Reagan?" I wondered.

"In the family room with Lauren. It's the nail salon now." Aunt Carrie answered, rolling her eyes lightly.

I nodded, making an escape to the kitchen and straight over to the fridge. I sighed, grabbing a water bottle and taking a much needed drink. I swallowed slowly, finding my gaze falling back on to my stomach after I closed the fridge. I bit my tonuge, gently running setting my hand over it. Little did they know that I apparently have a bun in the oven as well. Baby number four in Aunt Carrie's family is gonna get a playmate after all. I pressed my fingers into the hardness for a few seconds, dropping my hand when I heard more quick steps skidding across the wood floor.

"Jacky!" Reagan shouted, running over to me.

I chuckled, leaning down to hug her when she wrapped her arms around my waist.

"Well, don't you look pretty?" I complimented, running my hands through her light brown pigtails.

"Uh huh." She hummed, doing a little twirl to show off her floral printed dress. "I got flowers."

"I see." I nodded, standing up straight when she grabbed my hand. "Where are we going?"

"You need your fingers did!" She ordered, dragging me into the family room.

I smiled when we entered, seeing Lauren sitting on the couch with Stephanie while Reagan pulled me over to sit on the floor in front of them. Stephanie rolled her eyes, adjusting her loose ponytail before she held a small bucket out to me.

"Pick your poison." She joked, shaking the polishes around.

I sat down and crossed my legs, taking the bucket from her hands and setting it in my lap. I looked down, humming when a lot of pinks and purples came into view.

"I think pink is your color, Jack." Lauren commented as I dug through it.

"Yeah! Pink!" Reagan clapped. "You match me!"

I sighed, finding a pretty pale blue in the mix. I plucked it out, looking up at Lauren with a playful glare before I turned towards Reagan.

"Can I have this color? It's my favorite." I pouted, holding the small tube up for her to see.

"Otay!" She agreed, pointing at Stephanie. "You paint them now."

I laughed, handing the nail polish into Steph's waiting hand before giving Lauren the small bucket.

"Reagan, I brought your barbies in from the car!" Aunt Carrie called from the other room.

I smiled, watching her stand on her feet and bolt out the room with a new burst of energy.

"I love how we're getting bossed around by a four year old." I pointed out, placing my right palm on Steph's pale knee.

"Right?" She scoffed, shaking her head. "Be glad your sister isn't four."

"She was before." I reminded, laughing at the eyerolls I recieved. "She's more annoying now than she used to be and you're just as annoying."

"Hey!" Lauren exclaimed.

"Rude." Steph agreed, pinching my finger. "I'm barely younger than you."

"Two years is still a nice gap." I shrugged, brushing my hair back with my free hand. "I love you guys though. I feel like I haven't seen you in a while and now your mom's gonna have another baby."

"God, don't remind me. Andy's literally one and she's aready having another one." Stephanie complained, blowing over my nails quickly. "And we were just here for the fourth of July a couple weeks ago, dummy."

"Oh yeah." I remembered, giving her my other hand to paint. "Wow, what's today?"

"The sixteenth." Lauren said boredly.

I hummed in acknowledgement, leaning forward to relax my hand against Steph's knee better. A comfortable silence fell over us while she finished painting my left hand and it wasn't long before she was blowing on them and patting my wrist.

"Wow, these look good." I approved, the shade looking even better over my nails than in the bottle.

"You've got nice nails." She noted, dropping the nail polish back into the bucket. "They're like the perfect length without being too long and they're not chipped or broken like mine get. That's why I like acrylics."

"I want acrylics too." Lauren joined in, studying her nails closely.

"Your nails are too long for acrylics." I told her, looking over the sharp tips of them when she stuck them out towards Stephanie.

"I wish my nails were like Alex's sometimes." She sighed, picking at her cuticle.

"Ew, no you don't." I corrected, shaking my head. "Biting your nails is a disgusting habit."

"Those nubs of his don't even classify under fingernails." Steph went on, shuddering. "It creeps me out even looking at them. All you see is skin where your nail should be. God, it's disgusting!"

"You're very against Alex's nails." I observed, laughing when she nodded with wide eyes.

"If anyone needs work done on their nails, it's him." She decided, leaning back into the sectional.

I laughed, looking back down at my nails. I blew over them for a few more seconds before tapping the pads of my fingers over them to make sure they dried all the way. When nothing came off, I tugged my phone from my pocket and unlocked it. I hummed, opening the noticfication popping up.

"Oh my God." I gasped, covering my mouth when it loaded on the calendar app.

"What?" Lauren queried boredly.

"It's my anniversary tomorrow." I mentioned, staring down at the firework and heart emojis written in the reminder that popped up earlier.

"Really?" She asked, clicking her tongue. "Already?"

"Yup." I boasted, pushing myself up from the floor. "Four years tomorrow."

"Damn." Stephanie breathed, dropping her phone into her lap to look at me. "That's so cute. I wish I had a boyfriend."

"You'll get one when the time is right." I assured, stretching my arms up over my head.

"Jack! Can you come here?" Mom called from the kitchen.

"Yeah!" I agreed, shoving my phone back into my pocket. "I'll be back."

I fixed my shirt, biting my lip when I caught Lauren eyeing me weird. I cleared my throat, watching her snap out of it and turn back to her phone. I frowned, glancing down at myself as I trudged into the kitchen.

"What are you looking at?" Mom interrogated right when I walked in.

"Nothing." I mumbled, tearing my gaze away and taking the small bag in her hands.

"You slept in today." She noted, leaning on the island as I stepped over to her. "I was surprised you slept past noon."

"We stayed out late last night." I shrugged, looking down at the package. "Lauren was having fun with Derek."

"Enough fun for him to ask her out more?" She questioned, holding it out to me. "This came for Alex."

"I'd like to think so." I nodded, taking it from her and reading over the front. "His perscription?"

"Yes. I had him call and switch the address the other day." She informed. "That way he doesn't have to pick up the refills anymore, they can just get sent here. It'll save gas."

I nodded, feeling happiness run through me when I skimmed over the front of the package.

Alexander William Gaskarth
37521 Carter Drive
Baltimore, MD 21030

Just seeing my address under his name gives me a strong feeling of happiness. It just feels so natural with him living here, it almost makes our relationship feel more set in stone.

"Abut this boy asking Lauren out more." She began, bringing me out of my little moment. "I don't know how I feel about that."

I chuckled, rolling my eyes at her as I set the package on the island. That's exactly what she said to me when I told her Alex and I were more than friends. Not because we were both guys, but because we were young and getting into trouble.

"Lauren isn't like me, Mom." I disclosed, leaning my back on the counter next to her. "She hasn't had her first kiss yet. There's no need to worry. She didn't even hold his hand."

"Good." She sighed in relief, ony for a frown to cover her face again. "If only you could be like that. I don't care if you're seventeen now. Now that I know you've had sex, it feels like my baby is gone."

"I'm still here." I argued, crossing my arms over my chest.

"You're not my innocent boy anymore." She pouted, pulling me into a tight hug. "I need to yell at Alex. I know it was his idea."

"Mom, please." I whined, feeling my face flush. "I wouldn't have done anything if I wasn't ready and Lauren won't either."

"Well she better not be ready until seventeen like you." She demanded, squeezing me one more time before letting go.

I chuckled, deciding not to mention that I gave myself to Alex shortly after we started officially dating. It's bad enough that she even knows, but that's my fault. I rolled my lips, glancing down at my bright nails accusingly.

"She won't be." I humored her, looking over to the stove behind her. "Ooo. You made chicken fajitas?"

"Yep." She grinned, pointing over to the small container full. "I made sure to save some for Alex when he gets home. I know they're his favorite."

"He'll be happy." I stated, feeling my mouth water as the smells filled my nose. "Can we eat?"

"Yes." She chuckled, moving to reach for some plates. "Guys, food is ready!"
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I laughed, helping Andy clap his hands for Reagan when she finished the little show she decided to put on for us. Blonde Barbie was fighting with Brunette Barbie because Blonde Barbie thought she was more deserving for Ken, but Brunette Barbie didn't think it was fair. They decided to share him.

"Sharing is cawing!" She chattered, making them dance around while I continued to clap with Andy.

"That's right." I chuckled, smiling bigger when Andy laughed along.

"Sharing is caring with toys, Reagan." Stephanie corrected, nudging my side. "Not people."

"People share friends." Lauren pointed out, making me laugh harder.

"You guys are telling her it's okay to share a boyfriend!" She defended, looking between us in disbelief. "Don't you see something wrong with that?"

"She doesn't even know what a boyfriend is!" I insisted, rolling my eyes. "Trust me, when she's old enough then she'll know you don't share boyfriends. Unless you're into that, then you can."

"Oh my God." She fretted, slouching back in her lawn chair comfortably. "You guys are ridiculous."

I giggled, raising my eyebrows at Lauren when she smiled up behind me. I opened my mouth, gasping when I was pulled back enough for cold lips to connect with mine for a few seconds.

"Awex!" Reagan screamed, making my ears ache when the pressure from my lips was removed.

"Wass'up?" He greeted, kneeling down next to my chair to let her wrap her small arms around him.

I smiled, looking him over while he hugged her back. His messy hair was covered by a black snapback, his blue fringe hanging out right above his bold eyebrows.

"I put on a barbie show!" She chirped, running back over to her place and sitting down in the grass.

"Cool." He chuckled, slowly standing back up.

"You look like a douchebag." I observed as I let my gaze fall over his muscular biceps and down his exposed sides, courtesy of the raggedy muscle shirt covering his chest.

I felt my cheeks darken when I read over the bold white print before I trailed my eyes down to where the thick band of his boxers poked out due to his black skinny jeans riding low.

"Thanks, my love." He retorted sweetly, making me roll my eyes.

"Orgasm Donor?" Stephanie drawled, mentioning the stupid shirt.

"Hell yeah." Alex smirked, sending me a wink. "Ask Jack."

"You're disgusting!" Lauren grimaced, covering her ears dramatically.

"Um, baby sitting here." I reminded, bouncing Andy lightly in my lap.

"He doesn't know what I'm saying." Alex brushed off, holding his hand out when Andy squealed at him. "Hey, lil' man."

"What the hell is that?" I questioned, noticing the thick black wrap around his forearm.

It looked like solid tape wrapped around the side of his left forearm, the skin around the edges of it looking red and irritated.

"I got a tattoo last night." He revealed, picking at the edge begining to peel off. "I had to put tape on it so I didn't shit all over it from work."

"What is it?" I pressed, leaning forward as if I'd be able to see through the wrap.

"You'll see." He shrugged, walking back around my chair. "I'll be back."

I scoffed, standing to my feet and holding Andy out to Steph. She pulled him into her lap and I smiled, hurrying off in the direction Alex went. I walked through the open back door and into the family room, hearing the water from the bathroom running. I quickly strolled through the house, pushing the bathroom door open just as the water stopped.

"I said I'd be right there." He laughed, running a washcloth over his arm.

"Why did you get a tattoo?" I wondered, leaning against the doorframe patiently.

"I felt like it." He shrugged, tossing the towel on the sink.

I looked down when he held his arm out, feeling my eyes burn from how wide I opened them.

"Alex..." I trailed off breathlessly, stepping closer to him.

I grabbed his wrist, feeling my eyes water as I took in every detail. Thick letters starting a little bit after his wrist and ending a little before his elbow covered his arm, spelling out my name in a beautiful cursive writing. Dark green vines tangled around the letters thoughtfully, leading to a very detailed red rose. I studied it more closely, covering my mouth with my right hand when I came across the small numbers underneath the rose. 7/17/12.

"You got my name permanently inked on your body." I gushed, running the pads of my fingers over the rough skin.

"Yeah." He mumbled, moving his hand to tilt my head up. "I want it there."

I sniffled, biting my lip when he wiped under my eyes with his thumbs. I smiled, wrapping my arms around his torso tightly while he leant down to connect our lips. I hummed, moving to wrap my arms around his neck when his hands left my face. I gasped, his fingers slipping under my shirt and over my warm sides.

"Sorry." Alex mumbled quietly, pressing his forehead into mine. "Are you gonna bitch at me for being all up on you again?"

"No." I sighed, looking down when his thumbs grazed over where the curve of the bump began. "I've just been stressed out and moody."

Because I'm pregnant.

"S'whatever, we can talk about it later if you want." He dismissed, nudging his nose into mine softly.

"Our anniversary is tomorrow." I reminded, biting my lip as I pictured the tattoo in my mind.

"Mhm." He hummed, pulling me into him tightly. "Shut the hell up so I can fucking kiss you."

I scowled, opening my mouth to tell him we should talk before I chicken out only for him to give me a slow peck. I licked my lips, closing my eyes when he repeated the process.

"Alex-" I tried, sighing in defeat when he slipped his tongue into my mouth.

I guess waiting a little longer won't hurt.

I tightened my arms around his neck, allowing him to press me back into the door against the wall as he deepened the kiss. I moaned lightly, loving the feeling of his smooth tongue dominating mine while he sucked at my bottom lip at the same time. The vibrations from his groan had my lips tingling while my stomach filled with warmth. I pulled away to breathe before I was grabbing his neck and forcing him back down to me. I breathed in through my nose again, tugging his lip into my mouth with my teeth gently.

"Ahem."

I jumped, shoving Alex's shoulders back enough for me to turn and find Dad standing in the doorway. I blushed, coughing awkwardly and hurriedly stepped out of the bathroom.

"Uh..." I trailed of uncomfortably, fiddling with my fingers. "I was looking at his tattoo."

"Ah." Dad nodded, keeping any form of expression off of his face. "I didn't know you could do that with your eyes closed. Were you reading it with your lips? Is it on his tongue?"

"Dad." I squeaked out, covering my cheeks. "It's on his arm. I thought it was sweet, so I just kissed him."

"That sure as hell didn't look like just kissing." He retorted, crossing his arms. "Go on back outside, Jack. I think Stephanie was looking for you."

"Dad." I warned, looking over to find Alex rubbing the back of his neck.

"Go on, Jack." He ushered, waving his hand. "I just want to talk with Alexander for a minute."

I bit my cheek, flashing Alex a reassuring smile before I reluctantly left the kitchen. I stepped into the family room, pausing after I knew I wasn't in sight. I brought my hands to my face, blushing harder when I heard him clear his throat again. I looked up, jumping when I saw him peeking his head through the doorwall.

"Right." I coughed sheepishly, pointing beind me. "I'm going."

"We'll be out shortly." He informed, watching me backtrack until I was out on the patio before he disappeared.

I shook my head, still feeling the blush in my neck as I walked back near the small firepit area where we set up the chairs earlier. I plopped down, looking up at the darkening sky as the sun began setting.

"Took you long enough in there." Stephanie joked, appearing in front of me. "Andy really wants you. He kept calling forJuh."

I smiled, holding my hands out. She set him down in my lap, groaning in relief when she was baby-free. I chuckled, watching Andy lay back against my chest. He tilted his head back, looking at me with sleepy eyes as he sucked on his pacifier.

"You're so damn cute." I whispered, butterflies swarming my stomach at the thought of me in a smiliar position with a mini Alex.

He stared at me after I spoke to him, refusing to acknowledge me while he sucked. I giggled, crossing my right leg over my left to get more comfortable. The movement had him tilting his head back down, his little fingers moving to pick at my nails when I linked my fingers around his waist.

"Where's Alex?" Lauren asked from her chair across from me. "I want him to start a fire."

"He'll be out in a minute." I told her, freeing one of my hands to run my fingers through Andy's thin hair.

"You were spot on!" Stephanie clapped.

I looked up from Andy, searching behind Lauren's chair and over to the patio. Licking my lips, I watched Alex slowly stride towards us with a small blanket. He stopped in front of me, carefully draping the soft blanket over Andy along with my hands. I smiled, taking note of the little blue elephants covering the blanket once it was over us.

"Alex, will you start a fire?" Lauren asked quietly.

"Yeah? You want me to start it now?" He replied, voice giving out in the middle of the sentence.

"Woah, did you just hit puberty?" I teased.

"Shut up." He sassed, clearing his throat. "Your dad scares the living shit out of me."

I tossed my head back while a cackle escaped my throat, quickly covering my mouth when I remembered that Andy is possibly falling asleep on me.

"Our dad scares you?" Lauren repeated slowly.

"Shut up." He hissed, bending over to situate the wood in the firepit. "You don't know what he said to me."

"You're so dramatic." She told, shaking her head. "Hurry up, would you? It's getting chilly out here."

He scoffed, pulling his lighter from his back pocket. He cleared his throat again, grabbing the gallon of lighter fluid from where it sat on the grass next to the cirlce of thick bricks forming the pit. He popped the cap off, pouring some over the wood before he twisted the cap back on and tossed it a good few feet away from us.

"Be careful, please." I warned, watching him pick up a log up by the corner.

He tilted it sideways, flicking the lighter and hovering the flame along the side. A large orange glow lit up my face when the log caught fire and I felt my heart skip when he dropped it on top of the pile.

"You almost lit your hand on fire." I hissed quietly, still feeling my heart pound when he stepped away from it.

"I did not." He disagreed, shoving the lighter back into his pocket.

"That is exactly why you're not allowed to start it." I told Lauren, shaking my head.

"No, you guys can't do it because you're little bitches." He retorted, pulling a chair up next to me.

I gawked, looking at him before turning to Lauren to find her with the same expression.

"Dad!" Lauren called.

"No! I was joking!" Alex exclaimed, making me laugh.

"Nevermind!" Lauren shouted over her shouder, giggling like a maniac.

"You're evil." Alex muttered, slumping back in his chair.

"What did he say to you?" I asked quietly, glancing at the girls to see them both on their phones.

"Uh, he thinks you're still pure and told me I better keep my dick in my pants if I wanna live." He shrugged. "I told him not to worry. I didn't really think it'd be wise to tell him you know how to work those hips too well for me to control myself."

"Alex!" I whisper-yelled, looking around the yard.

Thankfully the only ones in hearing range were Lauren and Stephanie and they seemed to be too engrossed into their phones to be paying us any of their attention.

"What?" He smirked, reaching over to rub my thigh under the blanket. "You do."

"Stop that." I scolded, smacking his hand away. "Is he sleeping?"

I leaned back, watch Alex's expression as he leaned forward.

"Nah." He informed. "Just chillin."

"Really?" I wondered.

"Mhm." He replied, sitting back in his chair.

"Is that all my dad said?" I pressed curiously.

He nodded, tugging his pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

"Hello?" I called, nodding my head towards Andy.

"Right." He sighed, moving to stand up.

"Seriously?" I frowned.

"I need a smoke." He remarked, pulling one from the pack and sticking it between his lips. "I'll be right back."

"Okay." I uttered, watching him walk through the backyard.

I sighed when he was out of sight, turning my gaze towards the growing fire. The warmth from the flames it my legs, heating me up from the short breezes passing by.

"I love bonfires." Stephanie commented.

"Me too." I smiled, running my hand over Andy's belly to help him fall asleep.

"I hate when it makes my eyes burn." Lauren yawned.

I nodded in agreement, already feeling my eyes start to burn from watching the fire flicker. I blinked hard, leaning my head back to rest on the back of my chair while I twirled a strand of Andy's hair.

"How do you deal with his smoking?" Stephanie asked out of nowhere. "It's disgusting."

I bit my lip in thought, not really having an answer for her. Ever since I've known Alex, he's been a smoker. Whether it be cigarettes, cigars, or marijuana. He never used to smoke nearly as much as he does now, but I guess it's for good reason. It helps him a lot now.

"It is disgusting." I settled on, shrugging my shoulders. "He's been doing it since I've known him. It's just another habit he grew up with that's hard to break."

"My friend Ceana smokes." She admitted, flicking loose strands of hair off of her fingers. "She offered me one the other day."

"Oh my God, did you try it?" Lauren jumped in enthusiastically.

"That's not something to be excited about, Lauren." I frowned, hoping the answer was going to be no.

"Never." Steph confirmed, grimacing. "I can't stand the smell of those things. I can't imagine how they taste."

"I think smoking is cool." Lauren mumbled.

"Well, it's not." I told her, shaking my head. "You better not try it either. I don't care if Maddison or any of your other friends do. Mom would kill you if she ever found out."

"I think Mom will kill you first." She shot back, full of attitude. "Once she finds out y-"

"What's goin' on over here?" Alex asked loudly as he walked back to his seat. "What're we fighting about."

"Smoking." I answered quickly, barely hearing myself over the pounding in my ears.

I looked over at Lauren, confirming my suspicions when she smirked at my panicked face. I took my hand from Andy's head, hurriedly shoving it into my pocket and pulling my phone out.

"Yeah, we were just talking about how my friend tried to get me to smoke." Stephanie said, filling him in while I pulled open a new text.

I glided my finger across the screen as fast as I could with one hand, seriously feeling my heart stuck in my throat.

To: Lauren
Do you know?

I hit send, biting my cheek when her phone went off a second later. I switched my volume off, attempting to make it less obvious that I texted her before looking around at Alex and Steph as they talked. How could Lauren possibly know when I haven't said anything to her?

From: Lauren
You weren't as sneaky as you thought you were last night in Lynn's car.

I bit my lip as angry butterflies spazzed around my stomach. This isn't how she was supposed to find out. How was I being obvious? Millions of questions rang through my mind, but the only thing I could manage to type out was the biggest worry on my mind at the moment.

To: Lauren
Don't tell Alex

I bit my lip, locking my phone and shoving it into my pocket with hope that she'll do what I ask. He needs to hear it from me, not her. Once I heard the ding, I looked over and met her confused eyes. I furrowed my eyebrows back at her, jumping when I felt a soft pinch to my side.

"I said, who're you texting over there?" Alex repeated once he had my attention. "You looked serious."

"It was Lynn." I lied quickly, clearing my throat to disguise the waver in my voice. "She's fine."

"Okay?" He chuckled, raising an eyebrow at me.

I smiled, turning my stare back to Andy. I bit my lip, attempting to look at hs face to see if he was sleeping when he randomly sat up. I gasped, laughing breathlessly at the giggle muffled by his pacifier. He kicked his blanket off, trying to wiggle his body around in my arms obnoxiously.

"Okay, okay." I laughed, standing up.

I took him away from my chest and flipped him around so he was hitched over my hip again. He cooed, putting his hands over my face and shoving them up into my hair. I giggled, watching him play with it like I was doing to him earlier.

"Are you fixing my hair for me?" I asked excitedly, seeing Alex stand from the corner of my eye.

"Why does everyone talk to babies like that?" He questioned, using a marshmallow stick to poke at the burning logs.

I paused, glancing down at Andy before my gaze flickered to my stomach. More butterflies swarmed through me and I found myself feeling a little sick to my stomach.

"I don't know." I retorted softly, biting my lip at the flip in my stomach. "So we don't scare them."

I swallowed thickly, feeling my heart thud in my chest as the dreadful urge to throw up bubbled up my chest. I glanced back down at Andy, watching his blue eyes go wide when he noticed Alex standing so close. He immediately went wild, his hair shaking everywhere as he squirmed. I chuckled, resituating him in my arms so his back was against my side while he happily took Alex's outstretched hand.

"Y'kay, babe?" He asked in concern, probably noticing my small grimace.

"Yeah, yeah." I nodded, holding Andy out to him. "Could you just-?"

"Uh-" He coughed, awkwardly looking around. "I don't-"

"Hold him, Alex." I gulped, stepping closer and holding Andy out for him. "Now."

"Babe." He spoke unsurely, wrapping his long fingers around Andy's sides so I could let him go. "I dunno how I do this. Where did the girls go?"

I took my hands away, watching Andy dangle in Alex's hands as he held Andy away from him awkwardly.

"Put your arms around him before you drop him." I coughed, drooling like a fool.

I watched him bite his lip, staring down at Andy in shock when he started kicking his legs like he was running. I wanted to laugh at how clueless Alex looked, but if I opened my mouth it definitely wouldn't be a laugh spilling out. Clearing my throat, I tried to swallow only for the thick spit to pile to the front of my mouth faster. I forced my lips in a thin line, deeming Alex responsible enough to be left alone for two minutes before I made my way back towards the house. I stepped through the back door, thankful for it still being slid open, and hurried through the empty family room. Once I got in the kitchen, I raced to the bathroom and slammed the door shut just in time jump to the toilet and let out the thick gobs of spit. After spitting about five times, everything I ate for dinner a few hours ago came back up.

I groaned once it was all out, dry-heaving a good couple of times before it was over. I panted in relief and used some toilet paper to wipe my mouth off before flushing the toilet. I closed my eyes, avoiding eye contact with the mess I made in hopes of not puking again. I sat still, letting myself catch my breath for another minute before I got back up on my feet. I leaned on the sink and grabbed the mouthwash sitting on the counter, immediately pouring a cap full into my mouth. After I swished it around and gargled for a good minute, I spit it out and quickly rinsed my mouth out to get rid of the burning sensation.

"Ah." I breathed in relief, shutting the water off.

I swallowed, happy to find the taste of peppermint tainting my mouth instead of vomit. While I caught my breath, Lauren's text ran through my mind. I bit my lip and stared at my reflection through the mirror, lifing my shirt up and turning to the side. I choked on my breath, definitely noticing it more now that I know what's there.

"Jack?"

I jumped at the loud knock, shoving my shirt back down and pulling the door open.

"Yeah?" I smiled nervously, stepping out of the bathroom.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Aunt Carrie chuckled, stepping inside. "You ran in here pretty fast."

"I just had to pee." I chuckled, wiping my sweaty palms over my thighs.

"You must've had to go bad." She joked, shaking her head at me. "Now I have to pee. Having three kids really weakens your bladder."

I laughed along, walking away after she closed the door. At least she didn't hear me throwing up. Shaking my head, I grabbed a water from the fridge and headed back outside. I took a long sip, twisting the cap back on as I walked back towards the fire.

"Where's Andy?" I demanded, looking around when I saw him sitting by himself.

"With Steph." He noted, patting his thighs.

"You didn't drop him, did you?" I joked, walking over to stand in front of him.

"No!" He exclaimed, rolling his eyes at me. "I just yelled for Stephanie since you just left me here."

"I had to pee." I sighed, letting him pull me down. "All you had to do was hold him."

I spread my legs open, slipping more into his lap comfortably while I draped my arms over his broad shoulders.

"You sure you want me to sit like this after the talk with my dad?" I teased, moving my hands to run down his chest.

"Don't touch me like that." He warned, grabbing my hands and tangling his fingers with mine. "S'kinda been a while."

"It's been a week and a few days." I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "I seriously don't know what you'd be doing if I would've never spread my legs for you back then."

"I probably would'a been doin' what I was before I started messin'round with you." He admitted.

"So you'd still be fucking around with Jasey and all those other bitches?" I jested, raising my eyebrows.

"Anything to get my dick wet, babe." He implied, biting his lip.

"You're an asshole." I scoffed, letting go of his left hand in order to smack his shoulder. "You told me you like kissing me a lot better than those girls."

"Yeah. I asked you out after that." He defended, laughing when I continued to scowl at him. "You said if we weren't dating-"

"I said if I would've never spread my legs for you." I corrected, giving him a small glare. "There's a difference."

"Whatever." He waved off, rolling his eyes. "You're the only one I wanna fuck."

"I really don't think I was supposed to hear that, but I did so I'm letting you know that I'm sitting over here again." Stephanie announced loudly.

I laughed, letting him tangle our hands together again while I turned my head back enough to nod at Steph.

"Sorry." I grinned, seeing her sitting empty handed. "Andy asleep?"

"Reagan too." She nodded. "We're probably going to leave soon so I wanted to sit by the fire for another minute while my mom gets the kids in the car."

"Okay." I smiled, turning back to Alex when he squeezed my hands.

I rolled my eyes when he puckered his lips, pecking his lips quickly. He let go of my hands, gripping my chin to pull me back in for another kiss. I beathed in through my nose, letting him suck my lip into his mouth for a few seconds before I pulled away.

"You taste like an ashtray." I described, scrunching my face as I slipped off of his lap.

"Sorry." He said in a daze, watching me move back to my chair. "Come back, Pretty."

"I'm not going to sit there and makeout with you." I laughed, shaking my head at his pout.

"Okay, guys." Aunt Carrie interrupted, taking my attention over to stopped next to Steph. "We're gonna head out now."

I stood up, pulling her into a gentle hug since I didn't give her one earlier and turned my head so she could kiss my cheek. She smiled, moving to hug Alex before she walked back to the house. I hugged Stephanie, making playful choking sounds when she squeezed me real tight.

"Bye Jack." She laughed, moving to hug Alex. "Bye Alex."

"Bye." I smiled, watching her slowly back away. "Remember not to give in to peer pressure."

"I will." She nodded, waving one last time before she was out of sight too.

I hummed, looking over towards the dimly lit pool area and found it empty along with the rest of the backyard. Lauren must be inside already. I felt my eyes widen when I realized Mom has to be inside too.

"Where's your phone?" Alex asked, pulling me out of my worrying as he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

I pursed my lips, shoving my hand into my pocket and tugging my phone out for him to see. He tugged it from my grasp, tossing it over to the chair I was just sitting in casually. I stared at it for a minute, watching his pack of cigarettes and his own phone join mine.

"What are you doing?" I wondered, turning around in his arms.

I raised my eyebrows at his mischievous grin, cautiously wrapping my arms around his neck. He grinned wider, slipping his hands to the back of my thighs before he was hoisting me up over his waist.

"Okay?" I giggled, tightening my thighs around him so I didn't slip from his loose grip.

I squealed, barely having time to react before he was running towards the pool. I tightened my arms and legs around him like a koala bear, holding him in a death grip when he stopped at the edge.

"Alex!" I yelled, refusing to let him go when he attempted to shove me in. "Not in my clothes!"

"Hold your breath!" He warned.

I let go of him and used my hand to plug my nose when he jumped, barely hearing him let out an evil laugh when I was enveloped in the water. I kicked myself back up to surface immediately, gasping once my head was above the cold water again.

"Alex!" I shrieked, wiping my eyes as his laughing filled my ears. "The heater wasn't on!"

"I didn't know." He chuckled, walking towards me.

I rolled my eyes, unable to keep the smile off of my face when he grabbed my hips underwater.

"I said not in my clothes." I pouted, moving my arms back around his neck.

"Those're my clothes." He pointed out, dipping his thumbs into the band of the sweats and pulling me into him.

I shrugged, running my hands through his soaked hair. I ruffled his bangs a few times before I used both of my hands to slick his hair back. I giggled when his forehead came into view, catching his hat floating around behind him.

"Why're you making my big ass forehead show." He pouted, wiggling his thick eyebrows. "Do I look sexy?"

"You look sexy all the time." I smirked, twirling the long tail of hair clumped at the back of his neck. "Your hair is fading a lot. It's kind of green now."

"Yeah?" He mused, raising an eyebrow.

"Mhm." I nodded, looking over his bangs again. "You should do another color."

"Yeah?" He chuckled, rubbing my hip bones. "Like what?"

"Purple." I suggested, ignoring the face he made. "Or pink!"

"Why would I dye my hair pink?" He laughed, rolling his eyes.

"Because real men wear pink? Obviously." I teased, shivering when a breeze hit my exposed arms.

He pulled me into his chest, moving his arms to wrap around my torso in attempt to pass his body heat on to me. I smiled, ignoring the way my teeth started chattering against eachother while I dug my face into his warm neck.

"Sorry, baby." He mumbled, kissing my temple sweetly. "Let's get out. I didn't know it was this cold."

"S'okay." I insisted, laughing when my teeth chattered together harder. "Now we're gonna smell like chlorine."

"Oh shit!" He exclamed, jumping away from me and jumping towards the ledge.

"What?" I panicked, rushing towards the stairs while he pulled himself out of the water.

"I'm not supposed to have my tattoo underwater like that when it's this fresh." He informed, pulling his shirt over his head. "It might get fucked up."

I let out the breath I was holding in, climbing up the stairs with my hand over my pounding heart.

"You scared the shit out of me." I huffed, running my hands up and down my slick arms to get warmer.

I walked over to where he stood by the closest lounge chair, twisting the bottom of my t-shirt to get as much water out as i could. I did the same with each baggy pant leg, barely squeezing any out with how saggy they got.

"Sorry." He mumbled, dabbing a CareBear towel over his arm a few times. "I think I'm good."

"Good." I shuddered, looking around the other pool chairs to find them empty. "Give me the towel."

He nodded, moving over behind me and draping it over my shoulders. I moaned when my arms were blocked from the light wind, hurrying towards the back door. I spread my legs, waddling like a penguin or a toddler with a huge load in his pants. The sweats were so wet, they were sagging almost completely off of my ass.

"Put the fire out and bring my hone in!" I called over my shoulder, speed-walking through the family room and into the kitchen.

"Jack! My floors!" Mom scolded when I rushed through.

"I'll clean it up!" I promised, finally making it to the carpeted stairs.

I jogged up them as fast as my heavy legs would let me, barging into my room and closing the door. Dropping the towel, I pulled the sopping clothes off of me as fast as I could.

"God." I shivered, grabbing the damp towel.

I wiped it over my body and rubbed it over my head a few times before I tossed it on the middle of my floor where the wet clothes were. Panting slightly, I pulled a pair of dry briefs from the top of my dresser and slipped them up my legs right as I heard my door open.

"Damn." Alex cat-called, shutting the door behind him. "You didn't wait for me?"

I rolled my eyes, pulling a black t-shirt from one of the many piles over the dresser and turning around. My eyes fell right down to his flat ass and I laughed, watching him kick his clothes towards the corner with the hamper in it.

"Laughing at my ass?" He asked knowingly, standing up straight and facing me in all of his glory.

"Uh huh." I mumbled, grabbing another pair of boxers from behind me and tossing them at him.

"What if I wanna be naked?" He challenged, winking as I bit my lip.

"Put your dick away." I whispered, pulling the t-shirt over my head. "I don't know where my dad is and I have to clean up all the water we dragged in before my mom kills me."

He slumped in defeat, slipping his feet through the holes. Once the thick band of the pink briefs snapped into his hips, I smiled and skipped towards him.

"Good boy." I cooed, leaning up and pecking his lips.

"Mm." He grunted, leaning down when I pulled back.

I shook my head lightly, pushing at his shoulders. If I don't leave the room now, I never will and then Mom will really kick my ass for leaving so much water on the floor.

"Fine." He muttered, flopping down on to the bed. "M'fuckin' tired."

"You worked twelve hours after not going to sleep until one in the morning." I chuckled, pulling my door open and walking out. "Go to sleep."

I jumped, not expecting Lauren to be passing by right when I stepped out.

"Can we talk for a minute?" I asked, pulling my bedroom door shut.

She nodded, continuing down to her room. I followed behind her, closing her door once we were inside. I widened my eyes, surprise filling me when I found it spotless. The top of her dresser is cleared, along with her small vanity in the corner of her room. Usually she's just as bad as Alex when it comes to her room.

"I didn't say anything to Mom." She mentioned, laying back over the zebra printed comforter covering her queen sized bed.

"Oh." I voiced calmly, crossing my arms over my stomach. "Thanks."

"Your welcome." She sighed, patting the spot next to her.

"I was going to tell Alex tonight, but tomorrow is our anniversary so I feel like I should tell him then. I don't know. I'm getting really nervous about it even though I'm happy. I'm like happy and nervous. I don't know what Mom's gonna think either, but I'm hoping everything turns out okay. How do you feel about it?" I rambled, feeling relieved that she kept quiet about it despite how annoyed she was at me earlier. "After I found out it could happen, I kind of closed myself off. That's why I was so weird lately. Finding out turned everything around for me though and now I realize how stupid and selfish I was being-"

"Jack, what the hell are you going on about?" She interrupted, sitting up.

"Uh." I stuttered, biting my lip when she looked at me with three heads. "What you saw?"

"Really?" She pressed, shaking her head. "I don't think we're both talking about the glass pipe I found in Lynn's backseat."

"A pipe?" I repeated incredulously.

"Uh huh." She confirmed. "That's why I thought it was a little hypocritical that you were telling me not to try smoking."

I froze, running over everything in my head. I definitely went on a ramble, but I'm positive I didn't mention the tests. I knew she couldn't have known. There was no way she would've known, how stupid am I?

"What are you talking about?" She inquired.

"Nothing." I brushed off, waving my hand. "By the way, I don't smoke pot and you shouldn't either. It's damaging to your lungs."

"Jack-" She called, grabbbing my wrist when I stood up. "Are you okay? You said you didn't tell Alex yet and you're scared about how Mom is gonna react?"

"Yeah yeah." I nodded, shrugging my shoulders. "It's fine. I'm going to go now. I'll uh, tell you after I tell Alex. Okay?"

"You promise you're okay?" She frowned. "And you'll tell me before Mom?"

I smiled, feeling my heart swell at the concern she spoke with. It's nice to be reminded of how much she actually cares. I don't see this side of her often.

"I promise I'm okay and yes. After I tell Alex." I finished, pulling her door open.

"Jack?"

I stopped outside of her door, looking at her after she called my name.

"I love you." She smiled.

"I love you too." I laughed, closing her door behind me.

I sighed, pressing my forehead against the cold wood of the door. Sucking in a deep breath, I let it out and felt my whole body relax. I was worrying so much for no reason. I really need to get this secret out as soon as possible because it's really making me go crazy. I went from being afraid of everyone's reactions after knowing I can have a baby to wanting to see the look on their faces when I tell them I am having a baby. It still blows my mind how much everything in my head changed. It's like a switch was flipped and I feel completely different about everything now.

"Jack Bassam Barakat!" Mom hollered, making my eyes go wide. "Clean up this damn mess!"

"Coming!" I shouted, hurrying towards the steps without wasting another second.

Notes

Just another little filler type chapter with some cute stuff before the big reveal comes! How do y'all think Alex is gonna react after Jack tells him everything? I'm thinking the chapter is going to be the longest one yet with it being their anniversary and everything! Can't wait to post it. I'm glad everyone's enjoying this so far!

Also, my laptop keeps glitching when I try and reply to comments?
SO to everyone commenting THANKS SO MUCH. I love hearing all your feedback and opinions! Thanks to all my readers too! Even if you're silent, I'm glad y'all enjoy the story. That's why I do this!