James (Resisting Love #3)(50)

“I know,” I tell him. I have the best two brothers in the world.

“So when’s the wedding?” he asks. We're both sitting at a bar, waiting for Kade to show up. It’s our monthly brotherly bonding night.

“Sasha said she wants six months to organize it. She wants it to be huge,” I say with a smirk.

“Layla won’t stop talking about dresses,” he says, cringing at the thought.

“Are there any women that don’t like weddings?” I ask wryly.

“Tenielle, maybe,” he says, his lips curving at the thought.

“The man who tames her is gonna be one lucky bastard,” I say with a laugh.

“If he can handle her,” Chase agrees.

“Layla and she are so different,” I muse.

“Yes, but so close. Never seen sisters closer.” I hum my agreement. Kade finally decides to show up.

“Sorry I'm late. My wifey can’t get enough of me,” he says with a satisfied look. He takes a seat, ordering himself a beer.

“Maybe you’re just not handling your business first time around, so she needs more,” I joke.

Kade doesn’t even justify my comment with an answer, he just grins.

“I’m starving, shall we get something to eat?” Chase asks after we finish our drinks.

“Yes, let’s go,” I say, standing up.

“Where are we going?” he asks.

“Where do we always go when we're hungry?” I say.

“Layla’s, of course,” Kade adds.

“My poor wife,” Chase grumbles.

***

Sasha

“Just got a message from Chase, the guys are coming over cos they decided they're hungry,” Layla says, heading straight to the stove to start cooking.

“You spoil them, Layla,” Nikki says.

“You don’t cook for Kade! I feel bad,” Layla says.

“I do so cook. Sometimes,” Nikki says with a shrug. I close the bridal magazine in my hands and start pulling out ingredients to help Layla cook.

“Steaks, mash potato and salad?” I ask her.

“Yep. Can you marinate the steaks? I’ll bake some brownies for dessert,” she says.

“Sure,” I say, getting straight to work. Layla puts her iPod on and we start to cook, dancing every now and again to the music. Jye, Cole and Grace are all at James' parents for the evening, so we all get some time to hang out with each other. I’ve just peeled and cut the potatoes when James, Kade and Chase arrive.

“Hey, pretty girl,” James says, hugging me from behind.

“Hey, yourself,” I say, turning my head for a quick kiss.

“We're waiting for one of you to grill the steaks,” I tell him.

“I’ll do it,” Chase says, kissing Layla before heading outside.

“Want some help?” James sweetly offers.

“Sure, you can chop these up for the salad,” I tell him, gesturing to the pile of veggies.

“You smell so good,” he whispers into my ear, causing a shiver down to run my spine.

“Stay on task, people!” Layla says as she walks by.

‘What If’ by Babyface comes on and James’ eyes light up, and a smile turns his lips.

“Why are you smiling?” I ask him curiously.

“No reason. I just like this song,” he says, flashing me a devastating grin.

***





Epilogue

Two Years Later

Sasha

“Mama, your tummy is big,” Jye announces.

“I know, that’s because your little sister is in there,” I explain.

“How did she get in there?” he asks, his wide blue eyes curious and demanding explanation.

“Well, you see-”

“Did you swallow the baby?” he gasps.

“No, Jye,” I try to explain, but the laughter takes over.

‘What’s so funny?” James asks, as he returns from work. He takes off his jacket and tie, laying them on the bed before leaning down for a kiss. He places another kiss on my tummy before shifting his attention to Jye.

“Perfect. You can explain this to your son,” I tell him, looking forward to seeing how he answers this question. James kisses Jye and then lifts him onto his lap.

“What question, Jye?” James asks.

“Did mama swallow the baby?” he asks his father, a serious expression on his face.

“Um, no. Well, you see. When mum and dad love each other-”

I can’t take it anymore, I burst out laughing. James shoots me a glance, but I can’t help it. Jye loses interest and resumes watching his movie.

“How are you feeling?” he asks, taking one of my feet and gently massaging.

“I feel okay, my back is a little sore, though.”

I have two weeks left until our little princess arrives. James and I have decided to call her Indiana.

Indiana Lucy Steele.

James has been so attentive during my pregnancy, I couldn’t have wished for a better father for my children, and a husband for myself.

“I wish I could give you a massage or something,” he says, sounding helpless. I take his hand into mine and intertwine our fingers.

“How was work?” I ask, changing the subject. I feel a sudden stabbing pain in my lower back, and ignore it. Until it comes again. And again.