Sun-Kissed // A.I (au) (completed)

four

{ Ashton }

I rolled over to pull Laken to me but sighed when I felt nothing. I forgot she had to work today. I reached out and grabbed my phone. It was already noon. That's what sucks about the night shift, I end up sleeping half the day away. But luckily I don't work again until Sunday night.

Even though I don't work today, I have to go in and talk to my boss. I needed to ask about getting moved to the day shift when January comes around. The baby is due in March and I plan on being there when the baby comes to help out at night.

This baby thing scares the shit out of me, but I'm okay with it. Laken and I are pretty young but I know we have a good support system with our friends. I know my family will support us, but I don't know about Laken's.

I got out of bed and tossed on a pair of shorts and a sleeveless shirt. I brushed my teeth then grabbed my keys and phone and went downstairs, shocked that the boys were here,

"Hey baby daddy" Michael laughed. I rolled my eyes. Since Laken and I told them, that's what they keep calling me,

"Do you guys not work?" I questioned, pulling my shoes on,

"Not today!" Luke cheered,

"Then go to the grocery store. We're running out of stuff" I sighed, "I'm taking Laken lunch then I'm meeting with my boss"

"Oh yeah, okay. I'll go to the grocery" Calum nodded. I thanked him and walked outside. I got in my truck and let the windows down for the heat to escape. It was pretty hot today and would be tonight so I was thankful I didn't have to work.

I pulled up to the surf shop Laken works at and grabbed the carry-out food bags from the passenger seat.

The bell rang as I opened the door. There were a few people around and I could see Laken behind the glass where they make surfboards. She was showing a customer one and drawing up one on paper for them.

Her eyes lifted and she waved to me. I waved back and made my way to the back of the shop where they have a small break room. I used to work here so the boss doesn't really care if I just show up. I've done it multiple times to eat lunch with Laken.

Laken walked in. She walked behind me and leaned down, hugging around my neck,

"Hi" I laughed as she attacked my cheek with kisses, "You're in a good mood"

"Yup" she smiled and plopped down in the chair next to me. I passed her carry-out box to her and watched her grin,

"You got me chicken nuggets"

"That's all you eat!" I laughed and opened my own box,

"What brings you to my place of work?" Laken questioned as she stole one of my fries, even though she had her own,

"I can't just visit my girlfriend?" I joked, "No but I have to talk to my boss. I'm going to see if I can move to day shift in January that way when the baby comes I can be home at night"

Laken's eyes started tearing up and I panicked and quickly pulled her in my arms,

"Why are you crying?" I kissed her head,

"That's so sweet" she bawled. It hit me then that she was so emotional because of the hormones. I had read all about pregnancy when we got home from that appointment,

"Did you tell your boss?" I questioned,

"Yeah. He's sending me on a paid maternity leave. Says that I can take as long as I need. I'm going to stop working in December when we hit the last trimester" she explained. I nodded.

****

I left Laken and went to the harbor. I parked in the same place I typically do for work. I got out and passed the docks where the day shift was working. I headed into the offices, taking a breath before I knocked on my boss's door,

"Come in" he called. I slowly opened the door and stepped in, "Irwin. How can I help you?"

"I was wondering if we could talk about getting my shifts changed come January?" I spoke. He nodded and motioned for me to sit,

"I was hoping I could get changed to day shift- 8 hour day would be nice" I spoke. He looked taken back. He leaned forward in his chair with his elbows on his desk,

"Can I ask why the change?"

I gulped,

"My girlfriend is pregnant. The baby is due in March and I want to be there in the evening and night. My dad left when I was little and I wanna be the best dad I can-"

He cut off my rambling,

"Ashton, you just turned 21 didn't ya?" I nodded, "I was 18 when my first kid was born. I worked here actually, night shifts like you. I talked to my boss like you're doing now and I understand. So here's what we will do, I'll move you to Monday to Thursday on a 7 am to 5 pm shift and I'll bump your pay, starting this coming Monday. When your kid comes, I'll move you to 7 am to 4 pm and I'll give you another raise"

I was in total shock. Everyone's told me he's stingy. He's really helping me out now,

"I-I don't know what to say but thank you" I was amazed,

"You're welcome boy. I know what you're going through. Now if you need a day off or need to leave and come back for an appointment with your girlfriend, that's perfectly fine. Shoot me a text and let me know" he slid a paper with his personal phone number and his name. As long as I've worked here, I never learned his name until now- James Rogers,

"I really really appreciate this" I stood and shook his hand,

"Of course. You're going to have a family to support and you're young. It's difficult and let me tell ya, babies are expensive" he walked me to the door, "Let me know if you need anything"

I thanked him about a hundred times before I got in my truck and did a little happy dance. I was determined to be a better dad than mine was and I was going to provide for Laken and the baby. My plan is to keep saving, buy what we're gonna need, but eventually save to where I can get us a house or an apartment. We're going to do this right, even if we are young and I swear this baby will have the best life.