Something Forever (15 page)

Chapter 1
9

Matthew

There was something strange about our con
versation. I knew Becca wanted to be with me, so then what was it? Becca didn’t know I was looking through the window when I came out of Starbucks. I could tell she was wiping her tears. Wanting to comfort her, I was about to go back in, but decided not to. Whatever was going on with her, she didn’t want to share with me yet, and knowing Becca, I couldn’t force her to tell me. She’d only close up even more.

Her pain was my pain.
It hurt me to leave her, but I had no choice. All I could do was wait and give her space. Needing to get ready for Australia, I headed back to work with a stabbing ache in my heart.

Jenna

“Oh, Jenna, you look…” Ellen’s eyes beamed with happiness, or were they tears? “So beautiful. Wait until Max sees you in your wedding dress.”

Becky
had already started tearing up. She turned her back on me to wipe them, then looked up at me again with a smile. “Gorgeous, Jenna.”

“Thanks
.” I smiled shyly. “Becky, go try on your dress.”

As Becky headed to the dressing
room, I stared at myself in the mirror. I couldn’t believe I was wearing an actual wedding dress. It was form fitted on top with spaghetti straps, and flared out from the waist. I felt like a princess.

“Here you go,” Tina, the saleslady
, said. She helped me put the tiara on, along with the veil that hung to my waist.

Something was different about the tiara.
Although it looked just like the one I’d picked out, it had tiny sparkling crystals from one end to the other. It glistened just the right amount against the light, but not too overbearing. “I really like this, but I don’t think you gave me the right one. This might belong to someone else.” I turned to her just as she was headed to the customer that had walked in. Since she didn’t stop, I assumed she didn’t hear me.

“Jenna,” Ellen interrupted
, “I actually brought that tiara from home. I told Tina to give it to you. I was hoping that you might like it enough to wear it. I think you and I have the same taste. We like things simple yet elegant. And this tiara means a lot to me. It was my mother’s. She’s no longer with us.”

Happiness filled my heart. I knew Ellen approved of me, but I never knew to what extent until today. I didn’t mean to, but my eyes became glassy
with tears. “Ellen,” I gushed, and wrapped my arms around her, “it’s beautiful. Thank you so much. This means a lot to me.”

“I don’t have a daughter,” she said, as we let go of e
ach other. “I wanted to have more children, but we were so busy. Rob and I hardly had any time for our sons. It wouldn’t have been fair to the third child, the one I would have wished to be a girl. But we were very lucky. Max and Matthew turned out to be fine gentlemen. We are very proud of them both. Just like how your mom is proud of you.”

“
She is. She can’t wait to meet you. They will be here a week before the wedding.” I paused to change the subject. “Ellen, you can think of this as gaining a daughter. You’ve been so kind to me since the moment we met. I was worried that you wouldn’t approve of me, but you welcomed me with open arms. You have no idea how relieved I was. And you have no idea how much I’m grateful for all of your help.”

Ellen chuckled lightly. “How ironic. I was worried you wouldn’t like me. Because to tell you the truth, I didn’t like my mother-in-law.”

“Really?” I let out a snort.

“Don’t tell Max that. He loved his grandmother. But as a mother-in-law, she wanted things
her way. So the reason why I try not to say too much is that I don’t want to be like her.” Ellen smiled. “Enough of my mother-in-law. Now, you have something old. Do you have anything new, blue, or borrowed?”

“
I have a blue garter,” I blurted, then became shy. I didn’t know why, but any topic that related to sex was not something I wanted to talk to Ellen about, even if it was just a garter. After all, it was her son she would be referring to. “I just need something new and borrowed.”

Just then Becky walked
out in her lavender bride’s maid dress.

“You look beautiful,” I said, smiling. Becky’s dress was very similar to mine, but it didn’t flare out like a wedding dress.

“I love the dress on you,” Ellen said to Becky.

“Thank you.”

“When I was getting married many years ago, the bride’s maid dre
sses were horrendous. Thank God they improved over time.”

“I have to agree with you there,” Becky said.

Tina came back to make sure our dresses fit perfectly. Last week’s alteration on my dress made the dress a little tight, but not unbearable. I had lost several pounds last week from not eating well, but I was glad to have gained it back. Having the morning sickness disappear as quickly as it came made me happy. I was finally starting to enjoy having a baby inside of me.

“Shall we have lunch before you bot
h have to be back to work?” Ellen asked.

“Sure,” Becky said
. “I’m free, but I need to be back soon for the London trip. I’m taking the red eye.”

“I’m starving,” I seconded.

“Perfect. I’ll call to make a reservation.” Ellen took out her cell phone. “Why are you going to London, Becky?”

“I’m going to a book convention.”

“That sounds fun.”

Becky and I walked to the dressing room with our arms linked together. “I can’t believe
it’s only two weeks away, Jenna.”

“Me, too. And I can’t believe I’m pregnant.”

Becky leaned against her dressing room door and smiled. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you. And I’m glad you’re working things out with Matthew.”

“Even if Matthew and I weren’t together, I still would be there at your wedding, you know that, right? I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“I know,”
I answered, but I wasn’t sure. “Do you love Matthew?”

“I miss him. He asked me to go with him, but I
have to go to London.”

“I understand. Just remember what I said. If you love each other, then that’s all that matter
s.”

“But sometimes things happen you have no control over,” Becky said quickly. She got into her dressing room so fast, I didn’t have a chance to ask her what she meant by that.

Something was wrong. Becky was hiding something. I was determined to find out what.

Chapter
20

Jenna

Matthew and Becky in different
countries made my heart feel uneasy. It was silly to think this way, but the distance between them seemed like it would create a barrier, and it would be harder for them to get back together. I had to stop thinking silly thoughts. Becky assured me everything was fine and they would talk things through, so why didn’t I believe her?

Since our whole office staff
had gone to Australia with Matthew, I was left alone. There wasn’t much to do since May’s issue had been formatted and was ready to go. We were holding back to include the pictures from the fashion show. Though I wanted to go with my department, Max insisted that I didn’t fly. At the time we’d discussed it, I had bad morning sickness and just thinking of flying made me nauseous. I had agreed not to go without a fight.

I jumped from the sound of the phone. It
seemed loud since there were no other noises besides me typing. I picked up the receiver while my heart pounded rapidly.

“Max,” I heaved.

“Jenna. Did I scare you? You sound so surprised.”

“You almost gave me a heart attack.”

“I can give you a lot more than a heart attack.”

I laughed lightly
. Leave it to Max to flirt whenever he had the chance. That was one of the things I loved about him. His playful quality could sooth me anytime. “I’m going to take you up on that offer, Mr. Knight.”

A soft chuckle rang in my ear. “It will be my pleasure. Are you sitting on your chair?”

I knew where he was going with this, but I pretended not to know. “Yes, should I be sitting somewhere else?”

“Maybe you should be sprawled out on your desk ready for me. After all, there
’s just you in the office and everyone else is in another country.”

“You’re terrible for letting me stay here all by myself, Mr. Knight. A girl can get really lonely in this big office all by herself.”

“That’s reason why I’m standing by the door.”

I looked up
and melted seeing the handsome hunk in front of me. His territorial gaze and the way he looked at me with a sexy grin made me quiver all over, especially when I saw him lock the door. “Jenna.” My name rolled off his tongue with heat and passion. “I love it when you wear easy access clothes.” The next thing I knew, I was in his arms.

“Max.” I think that is what
I said. Dizzy from his body heat, the way he was nuzzling me made me weak at the knees.
Oh Max. Take me. Take me right now on my desk.
As if he could read my thoughts, his lips conquered mine.

“
Max,” I started to say as he laid me gently across my desk. My legs were bent so that my heels rested on the edge of the desk. With my legs spread apart, he had a clear view of my G-string. “Don’t you have a meeting right now?” I whimpered.

“You know my schedule way better than my own
secretary.” Max lightly kissed down my leg, to my ankle, back up with his tongue, and slid inside of my panties... to my clit. Oh God! I gasped.

“Max,” I heaved, arching my back. Wanting to touch him, I reached f
or him, but he wouldn’t let me. My muscles had gone completely limp from Max’s doing. I had no control over them.

Max continued to tease me, lick me, suck me
...to the point I couldn’t take it any more. How he could make me feel like I was going to climax with his tongue alone, I had no idea. I needed more. I needed him. Finally managing to grip his arms, I pulled him up halfway. “Max. Please,” I pleaded, knowing how he liked to hear me beg.

It didn’t work. Suddenly, Max stood up and helped me up
, too. “Jenna, we need to go.”

Baffled, I
looked at him for more explanation.

Max took my hand, kissed the back o
f it, and looked squarely in my eye. “My, Jenna. Do I make you forget? Do I make you feel so good that I could make you forget we have a doctor’s appointment?”

My eyes shot wider. Oh my God! “Max,” I squealed, straightening my
skirt and my hair. “You’re so bad.” I rushed to grab my purse and leaned up against his strong chest. “I mean...you make me feel so good, Max. You make me forget everything. Let’s go.” I grabbed his hand and led him out the door, but then I stopped. Hearing a jovial chuckle meant only one thing. Max loved the compliment and his ego went up a notch.

“You
think what you just did to me was funny?” I leaned up against his chest and gave him my serious face, but I busted out laughing when Max puffed his bottom lip out with droopy eyes. He was too freakin’ adorable. I wanted to suck that bottom lip.

“I didn’t think so, but I made you laugh.” His browed twitched playfully.

He was so right. “Oh yeah...let’s make a bet. Let’s see who gives in first. The week before our wedding, we’re not allowed to see each other. We can text, but we can’t spend the night at each other’s place. Let’s see who breaks the rule first.”

“You think I’ll break first, don’t you?”

“Yup.” I glared at him. “Deal or no deal?”

“What’s my reward?”

“What?” I smacked him lightly. “Your reward? Maybe I’ll win.”

“Hmmm.” Max rocked us back and forth, still holding onto me. “We’ll see about that.
I’ll think about what I want from you. I can’t wait to win.”

“Bad, Max, really bad.”

“I can’t wait to do things to make you break.”

Oh no!
What had I gotten myself in to?

Max

I had to admit, I was excited to go to my very first doctor’s appointment with Jenna. It seemed surreal that I was going to be a father earlier than I had expected, but I was okay with it. I had to be. Jenna needed me and I needed to get a hold of myself for this life-changing event.

“Dr. Howard will see you now,”
a petite nurse said, smiling. Keeping the door open, she waited for us to enter to close the door behind her. She was shorter than Jenna, but older.

“This is my
...my fiancé, Max,” Jenna introduced as we walked down the hallway. She was stuck with her words for a moment. It’s not a word you would use everyday.

“Nice to meet you, Max.”

I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you...Anne.” I hesitated a little, trying to get a glimpse of her nametag. I wasn’t sure if that was her name. With a quick glance, I looked up. Her nametag was right on her left breast. I didn’t want her to think I was staring at it.

With a smile, Anne opened the door for us and entered behind us. After she asked
a bunch of questions, measured Jenna, checked her blood pressure, and asked her to put on a gown, she left.

“Does she ask you this many questions every time you come?” I asked, sitting next to Jenna.

“This is my second appointment. I’m guessing she’ll ask me tons more as we get closer.”

“I see. I gue
ss I can understand why. Are you sure you’re feeling better and not just saying so to appease me?” I was worried. I had seen Jenna eat better, but I did wonder if somehow she was faking it.

“Yes, Max. Don’t worry.” Jenna sounded a bit annoyed
, so I decided to keep my mouth shut. Just then, the doctor walked in.

“Good afternoon, Jenna.” The doctor turned to me. What the hell? He was a man. I was completely in shock. Knowing Jenna and the way she was, I assumed she would be too embarrassed to see a ma
le doctor. This was her OB/GYN? That meant that he saw her practically naked. I knew it shouldn’t bother me, but it did. It was one thing to hear a name, it was another to see the man’s face who would be poking at my Jenna. And being a young doctor didn’t help either. He had hardly any years of experience behind him.

“This is my fiancé, Max.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Dr. Howard said and sat on the rolling chair. After he opened up Jenna’s file, he started asking questions. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m much better. I’m starting to eat more.”

“That’s great. It looks like you’ve gained a couple of pounds.” He paused. “Any signs of distress?”

“No. So far so good.”

“Good. Would you like to hear the baby’s heartbeat?” Dr. Howard looked at me.

That question came as a surprise. It took me a longer than a second to answer. “Sure.” I think the sound of my tone was uncertain.

“Lay back for me, Jenna.”

Grrr! I didn’t like that way he said those words. Now he was lifting her
gown to expose her stomach. I had to calm down. After he put a splat of gel on this device that looked like a small hand held back massager, he circulated it around Jenna’s stomach until...Holy Jesus! The sound of a tiny heart beating rapidly was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard, besides Jenna’s moans of pleasure. My heart immediately expanded with bliss, and having a baby became more real to me.

My eyes locked on Jenna’s with a warm smile. That warm
th spread through my body, giving an indescribable feeling. I didn’t know what to say or do at that moment except stare lovingly at my wife-to-be and think about the unexpected baby growing inside. Something happened to me as shivers of joy ran down my spine. Another level of excitement rushed through and I couldn’t wait for our baby to be born.

“We should know the sex of the baby by next month,” Dr. Howard said, helping Jenna up. I didn’t mind his hands on her this time. In fact, I grew a new profound respect for him as soon as I heard the heartbeat. I just realized he was going to be the one helping Jenna through this pregnancy
, and most importantly, he was going to be the one delivering our baby.

Jenna looked at me without a word. She was asking me if we wanted to know the sex of the baby. “Maybe we should keep it betwe
en us. Whatever you want, babe.”

“
Max and I will discuss this further at home.” Jenna sat back into her chair.

“Sounds good,” Dr. Howard said. “The baby sounds healthy. I’ll see you next month.”

I cleared my throat, feeling uneasy about asking a question that might sound selfish. “I was wondering...is it safe to...when should we stop? Will it hurt the baby?”

Dr. Howard’
s eyes sparkled with amusement and he let out a soft chuckle. “You can have sex as long as Jenna is comfortable. You are not hurting the baby in any way. That placenta in Jenna’s stomach is thick and strong. Enjoy. Her hormones will be skyrocketing. See you both next month. Oh, by the way, I would strongly encourage you both to take a Lamaze class. It will help you prepare for the possibilities and answer questions you might have.” With a smile, he left.