Good Gone Bad - COMPLETE

chapter thirty

Stella

I'm back on the road the next morning, just before 8am. Truth is, I barely slept whatsoever. The only reasonable culprit would be the baby growing inside of me. I definitely haven't eaten much in the past 24 hours, simply because I couldn't. Even water, and it was horrendous. So, my night consisted of puking, crying, bingeing Netflix, more puking.

I'm sure Jaxon slept like a baby though, or maybe not. He claims he can never sleep unless I'm by his side. I'd find out the truth in a few minutes.

I had called last night, explaining that I was ill and wouldn't be returning home until now. Jaxon didn't mind. He didn't want me driving in that state anyways.

The highway is fast today, no accidents or delays or people, really. It was almost if I had the entire thing to myself and I took that to my advantage, flying over the speed limit. Typically Jaxon was the reckless driver, but maybe it was just the pregnancy hormones or the eagerness to get home. Either way, I surprised myself.

After a few red lights and small traffic blockages, I finally pull up to the gate. Pete, our usual guard, greets me with his signature jolly smile. Opening the metal barricade in front of me, he smiles, "Have a pleasant day, Mrs Spade."

"You too, Pete," I tell him, offering a genuine smile of my own and continuing on my way. I've always adored him.

I must move too quickly while exiting the Range Rover because a sharp pain shoots up my back. I wince, attempting to straighten myself out. This was going to be a long nine months if everything went well. I've always respected and acknowledged the pregnant women I'd see throughout my day, but now I knew how it really was myself. They were machines.

Upon opening the door, I spot Jaxon, seated on the stair steps. He looks up, a large smile casting over his face. He was relieved, and so was I. He's wrapped me into his embrace moments following and I try not to flinch. Physically, I was in a lot of pain.

"Oh fuck Elle, I've missed you."

I stifle a muffled laugh, "Did you sleep last night?"

"Nope."

Jaxon says it so nonchalantly. He's not mad at all. Thank god. I pull back.

"I have something to tell you," I squeal, grabbing ahold of his hand and slowly making my way to the living room.

I had taken some pregnancy-safe pain killers earlier and just now they were starting to kick in.
We make it to the living room and sit side by side on the couch, his eyes large in confusion.

"Is everything okay?" He asks, worried. I don't want him to be. I immediately nod my head.

"Everything's great. Now, get ready for this."

I enthusiastically drum my shins, motioning with my facial expression for him to join me. He does, carrying a dumb grin on his face. Id changed his spirits—great.

"You're going to kill me Elle. What is it?"

"Well, there's no other way to say this besides...—I pause for dramatic effect and see the wait is quite literally 'killing' Jaxon—I'm pregnant!"

His mouth parts, shock kicking in. "You're joking, aren't you?"

He asks me, keeping his face completely neutral. I shake my head, tears springing from my eyes.

"Not at all, Jaxon. Not at all."

His eyes light up the entire room around us, sparkling in glee and joy. He was going to be a father, again. We both knew the kids would be over the moon and want everything to do with their new little brother or sister.