Burn Into Me (Into Me Series Book Two)

Chapter Seventeen - Run

Jackson's POV

The loose strands of her hair that scatter over our pillows tickles my nose, making me huff out a strong breath to move it. She sleeps soundly in my arms, her chest moving in even time. Rosie snores at the foot of the bed. I take this time to just be in the present and stare at the beautiful woman before me.

My wife. My wife that's pregnant with my baby.

I can't stop the smile that grows on my face as an overwhelming sense of pride and joy consumes me. I kiss the top of her head, trying my best not to wake her up. Her hand that rests on top of mine on her stomach tightens as she shifts her body. I hold my breath and pray to all that is good and holy that she isn't actually waking up. Jet is not a morning person, especially on her very rare days off. I do not want to poke that particular bear. That bear is mean.

I crane my neck to look at the clock. 4:12 am. If I want to get a run in before work, I need to start moving now. But Jet looks so peaceful and relaxed right now, I would hate to do anything that would interfere. My phone buzzes on the bed next to me. I grab it and read the message from Brian, asking if we're meeting at our usual spot for our morning run. I reply with a yes and lock my phone. As carefully as I can, I wiggle my way out of Jet's arms and replace my body with my pillow. Jet stirs slightly, but ends up pulling the pillow in closer and accepting the replacement.

I get ready for my run quickly, brushing my teeth and changing into some shorts and a shitty, old, OSU hockey t-shirt. I walk over to the bed and place a gentle kiss on Jet's forehead before sliding on my Apple watch and hustling down the stairs. My feet take me into the kitchen to grab a stainless steel water bottle. Rosie whines at the back door, scratching at the glass. I let her out to go pee and run around. I fill it up with fresh water and ice and grab a sleeve of saltines from the pantry as I chug a water bottle quickly. I snag the bottle of prenatal vitamins off of the counter, let Rosie back in, and head back up to our bedroom.

Jet is still out cold when I nudge the door open carefully. As quietly as I can, I set the sleeve of crackers, water, and vitamins down on her bedside table. She's always super nauseous in the morning, but I read online last night ,when I couldn't sleep, that sometimes putting a little something in your stomach actually helps curb the nausea.

I can't take my eyes off of her, my heart doing that stupid jig thing. My hand reaches to tuck some of her hair behind her ear and follow the slope of her jaw. Rosie hops back up on the bed, curling up against Jet. I push one final kiss to her forehead and turn, flying down the stairs, throwing my shoes on, and bolting out the door.

The drive to the Mall is short and sweet. I pull in next to Brian's SUV and meet him at our usual bench, where he stretches his legs out. We shake hands and smack each other's backs before agreeing on our route for the day. I stretch out my legs quickly, making sure my shoes are tied in double knots.

"Ready?" Brian wonders.
"Yep, let's go," I nod.

We push off, heading for one of the walking paths that connects a large group of monuments. We fall into the same pattern, our heels hitting the ground simultaneously. Neither of us talks. We like just taking some time for ourselves when we run. It's a nice change of pace from the insanity that our lives usually are. We don't expect the other to talk. My runs with Brian are usually when I sort the shit in my head out. It's my time for just me and my thoughts and no obligation to upkeep conversation.

"So, you're gonna be a dad?" Brian asks out of nowhere.

Well, there goes that idea.

"Uh, yeah," I smile.
"Jet had her appointment with Dr. Ling-Lee yesterday, right?" he wonders.
"Yeah, everything looks good. Hormone levels are where they're supposed to be and all of that fun stuff, I guess. I don't really know how this all works," I admit with a weary chuckle and a shrug.
"When's she due?"
"June 22nd."
"You excited?"
"Uh... yeah, not sure that's the best word for it," I start. I glance over at Brian, who raises an expectant eyebrow at me. "I think I'm mostly just fucking terrified."
"Of what?"
"Nothing, doesn't matter, it's fine," I brush him off, shaking my head. We come to a crosswalk and stop, waiting for our signal to change and catching our breath.
"It's not nothing, dude. Come on, I've done this before. Let me give you some of my amazing fatherly advice," Brian urges with a cocky grin, nudging my side with his elbow. "What are you worrying about?"