Page 84 of Forever Home
Chapter Thirty-Four: Madison
Two days after the wedding cake fiasco, I received a random phone call from an unknown number. It was a squealing woman on the other end, ecstatic about the cake I made for her wedding. Vicki couldn't keep the secret and told the bride about the whole cake drama the next day. Hearing that I’d helped make the bride's dreams come true was more than I could ask for. In return, the bride insisted on writing about me in her blog, causing my social media to explode with people inquiring about cake bookings for next year. Despite living in Willowcreek. It’s crazy to me how quickly things were taking off.
On top of that, I never in my wildest dreams thought that Jaxson or anyone could convince my mother to close her bakery for a day, let alone a week. But he did, and because of him, I was able to spend Christmas with both him and my mom. The entire week was filled with laughter and amazing food. Jaxson, unfortunately, had to work some of the time,but instead of feeling lonely, I spent my days making memories with my mom while exploring New York City—something, according to her, she hadn’t done since before I was born.
“Babe!” Jaxson calls from the living room as I finish strapping on the black heels I chose to wear with my red dress tonight. “Are you almost ready? We need to get going.”
“I’ll be there in a minute,” I call back, laughing.
The man has been sulking and asking how much longer I was going to be for the last thirty minutes. But Sam insisted that I go all out tonight. I met up with her a few days ago at a shop in town after Mom left, and honestly, it was nice to have a girls' day out. I just wish she could come out with us tonight. Unfortunately, she had other New Year’s Eve plans with Asher.
A soft ringing on my phone catches my attention, and I glance down to see a notification from Sam that makes me smile.
I need photos! And you better be wearing that dress.
Laughing, I stand to my feet, admiring my reflection in the long mirror on the closet door. The red dress sparkles under the lighting of the room, the low-cut top showing off my cleavage as it hugs my curves, ending right above my knees. I’ve worn a lot of things in my life, but this has to be by far my favorite outfit. And I actually paid full price for it.
Taking a quick photo, I send it to her, waiting for her reply.
Oh my God! You look hot!
She texted back quickly, causing me to smile.
I feel hot.
You’re so lucky. It’s that time of the month for me so the only thing Asher is getting is a blow job if he’s lucky. I hate these corporate events. Especially when I can’t enjoy them the way that I want to. Have fun for me!
I can’t help feeling bad for her knowing how much she was looking forward to tonight but not being able to enjoy it the way she wants. That is until my mind circles back to what Sam said.
She’s on her monthly?
I take a moment, trying to remember when I in fact should have had that. My phone in hand, I flick open my tracking app and my heart sinks when I see what it says. 10 days late.
What the fuck!
“I’m late… holy fuck knuckles. I’m late.”
“What did you say, baby?” Jaxson asks, turning the corner into the bedroom. His eyes go wide the moment he sees me. “Holy shit… you look amazing.”
As much as I want to repeat to him what’s going through my mind, I don’t. There’s no point in ruining the evening or stressing over something that might not be anything. “Thanks.”
“So, hey… I’m going through scheduling with Travis for the new year. I know you talked to your mom about heading back to Willowcreek to handle a few things—did you know when you want to go back?”
I had spoken to my mom about that, but since the conversation, I hadn’t really given it more thought. The idea of leaving Jaxson isn’t something I want to contemplate, but I suppose the trip back to Willowcreek is something I need to think about. Just maybe not tonight.
“Uh—I hadn’t really thought about it? Why, is there something big coming up?”
Stepping towards me, he pushes his phone into his pocket before grasping my waist to pull me towards him. “The next month is going to be hectic… I just want to make sure I have time to spend with you. I don’t want you all alone… especially when you look as gorgeous as you do right now.”
The thought of leaving slips my mind quickly the moment his lips press softly against mine. Every moment with him makes me feel lighter and lighter. But as much as I want to throw away all my concerns, I can’t help but wonder if I am pregnant. And if I am, what does that mean for my future? For our future.
***
Half an hour later, we arrive at the venue, and I’m blown away. The club is located in a massive building in the heart of the city, and at the very top is an exclusive rooftop terrace that has been decorated with a million different fairy lights, as well as multiple bars and a large dance floor. There have to be at least a hundred people around, and all of them seem toknow Jaxson, who greets each and every one of them as he leads me by the hand through the masses.
“Jaxson! Madi!” Vicki calls out, clearly already a few drinks in. “You finally made it!”
She hugs me, then Jaxson. A gorgeous blonde standing next to her in a tight pink dress greets me with a smile. “Hi, I’m Amelia.”
