His Forever Flame

27. Birthday Week part 4

The next morning Jay woke first; Lauren was still sound asleep on top of him. He gently rolled her to the bed and tucked her in. She was out; she never even moved when he tucked her in. He softly brushed the curls from her face and kissed her cheek.

He decided to run get them bagels from her favorite bakery right down from the apartment. He left her a note in case she woke before he got back. While he was out he also got her a card for that night. When he got back she was still asleep.

He sat down and started writing in the card. Just as he was finishing, he heard her calling for him. He went in and sat down on the bed pulling her into his arms. "Hey baby, I'm here," he whispered. She snuggled into his neck; "I don't want to lose you, ever," she whispered.

Jay rubbed her back; "You're not going to baby, I promise." She sniffed a little and held on to him tight.

"I got breakfast and Kelly and Shay are coming over for lunch for your birthday. I think he wanted to take you out."

"Are you going too?"

"Yes, love, I am."

Lauren nodded. He carried her to the kitchen knowing she needed to eat. He sat her down and got their bagels. She watched his every move. She knew she needed to get over this neediness and clinginess because she goes back to Tennessee tomorrow, but she just felt like he was going to slip away and she wouldn't be able to handle it. She knew she said yesterday she would leave if that's what he wanted and needed, but in all honesty it would kill her to lose him.

While they ate, he noticed she was being super quiet. Once they were done, he pulled her into his lap. "Hey what's wrong?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing. I'm fine," she said with a half-smile.

Jay rubbed her back as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Lauren, I know better. Come on, what is it?"

Lauren sighed; "I just.... I dunno... I know I need to get over this and quit acting like this, and I'm just trying," she whispered.

"Quit acting like what?" Jay asked confused.

"All needy and clingy," she said quietly closing her eyes trying to move off him.

Jay held her tighter; "I don't mind sweetheart. I know you need me because I need you just as much. I like that you need me and want me," he smiled nudging her head up to look at him.

"I do need you," she whispered snuggling back into him.

"You've got me baby, forever." They sat like that for a bit and he felt her relaxing into him. "Come on beautiful; I want to show you the baby's room like I had planned."

He carried her to the room and sat her down in the rocker. "I only ordered the furniture. I figured I would wait until we knew to paint, and wait on you to decorate."

Lauren smiled as she looked around taking it all in. She absolutely loved the crib and matching changing table. "Jay, this is all perfect. I love it."

"I'm glad, but I promise you don't have to like it just because I already bought it. I promise if you don't, we'll send it back and get whatever you want."

"No babe. I really do love it; I promise."

Jay softly kissed her; "What about the rocker?" he grinned.

"I love it! And it's so comfy! It'll be perfect to rock the baby to sleep or while I nurse. I love it, really."

Jay smiled. He couldn't wait to see her rocking their baby there. "I'm gonna finish the table if you're good? I was going to have it done before you got here, but you can see that didn't happen."