Together Forever

Chapter 21.♡

June 7th.

Jordan looked down at the tiny human on his bare chest. Her light brown hair was silky and slightly wavy. She looked exactly like him, just a miniature version. Annette Marigold Clarkson was only two months old and he was already in love. She was born over two months early, but was healthy enough to go home after a month and three days.

Fatherhood was the best thing that ever happened to him. There was never a moment where he wanted to be away from her. And since he was committed to doing it by himself, he was rarely able to. Though he lost the love of his life, he found a new love.

He just wished Audriella was with him.

They hadn't seen each other since her graduation and today would be the first gathering where they would not be seen as a couple. There was no doubt that he was still single. Her? Only she knew. She had thrown herself into work and essentially cut everyone off. In all honesty, Jordan wasn't expecting her to even acknowledge his birthday. He had sent her an invitation to his dinner on a leap of faith. To his surprise, she rsvp'd almost immediately.

Jordan found himself trying to make accommodations especially for her. Knowing how much she loved sweets with cinnamon, he requested everything he could think of. Instead of just getting his favorite foods, he ordered some of hers as well. He just wanted to see her smile.

Audriella wiggled into her jeans as Zeek watched her from afar. No, they were not together. She didn't share those feelings for him. Honestly, she only used him to cuddle and scratch a certain itch. That venture never went past oral. She was scarred by her miscarriage and didn't want to take anymore chances.

She took a vow that her next pregnancy would be with her husband.

That was coming no time soon. Her career was moving quickly and she wanted to enjoy the ride for as long as possible.

"When will you be back?" He pouted while wrapping his long arms around her waist. She smiled a little at the affection. If she were being completely honest, the action still felt a little awkward. He was too comfortable.

"Not sure, you know how it is with family." She stated casually as she began her search for her car keys.

"I actually don't since you never invite me along." He mumbled bitterly.

"And tonight is not the night that I start." She retorted. He looked offended by her words, but she was only being honest. Even if she did want to introduce him to the family as her partner, she would never do it at one of Jordan's events. That was too disrespectful for her taste.

"Wow." He nodded as if he was hearing these exact sentiments for the first time. "I see how you feel."

"I've told you before that I'm not looking for a relationship and you were fine with it. Even if we were, I'm not going to do Jordan like that."

"Like he spared your feelings when he brought a baby into your relationship." He spat.

"Shut your mouth about things you don't know. It's more complicated than a little gossip column." She cut off anymore conversation by giving him her back.

He always felt entitled to speak on her and Jordan even when she shut him down. She never talked down on Jordan even when he deserved it. The most you could get from her was a whiny statement or two. The truth is, she still looked at Jordan as her other half.

He was still her best friend.

"I guess I'll see you later?" Zeek mumbled. Audriella scoffed.

"Probably not." She grabbed her keys and headed home to get ready.