Baby Maker

Chapter 24

Adjusting to being a mother was harder than I thought it would be. Because of Sterling's health issues we had to keep a close eye on him and check his vitals often. Jax also has to go back to work and we had to keep our wedding in the back of our minds. Overall, it was safe to say that I was stressed out.

"Esther, will you watch Sterling for a bit, I have to go out," I asked as I grabbed my keys. Esther came into the living room and smiled as she picked up Sterling and cradled him in her arms.

"You go ahead, I got him," she assured me. I smiled lightly and placed a kiss on his head before getting in the car that was waiting for me out front. The driver took me to Sun & Fork where Asher was already waiting on me. In all the chaos, I hadn't had a chance to update Asher on everything that was going on. I also wanted to check on him. I sat in front of him at the table and set my purse aside. Asher looked tired. His hair was slightly disheveled and there were bags under his eyes.

"I haven't heard from you in a while and I was getting worried. Last gossip I heard was that Jax's engagement to Siobhan was off and she got charged with manslaughter or something like that. I thought something happened to you," Asher said worried. I smiled lightly and shook my head.

"I'm okay now, and so is Sterling. She did basically try to poison me, but she got caught, and I was taken to the hospital in time. Besides being premature and having a few health issues, Sterling is doing okay," I tried to assure him. He released a breath as he slouched in his chair.

"You weren't answering my calls or texts," he mentioned.

"Sorry, Ash. I didn't mean to make you worry, but there was a lot going on. My phone has been the last thing on my mind these last few weeks anyway. But I can promise you that we're fine. Sterling is even home now," I apologized.

"What about Jax? What is his plan? Where do you go from here? You had the Signa heir, now what? Are they going to let you go?" Asked asked anxiously. I felt a blush creep into my cheeks as I looked at the table.

"Jax asked me to marry him and his parents have agreed... I said yes," I admitted. Asher went so quiet, I had to look up to make sure he was still there. The color has drained from his face and his shocked but disappointed face didn't go unnoticed by me.

"I love Jax. I have for a while now, and he loves me too. Plus, I wouldn't have to leave Sterling, and I could give him a complete family. Why wouldn't I agree?" I added. Asher finally came back to as he looked at me.

"Have I ever been more than an older brother to you?" Asher asked suddenly. His question caught me off guard. Last time he claimed he loved me, I took it as him just being overprotective and worried, but now I wasn't so sure.

"What do you mean, Ash?" I asked, not wanted to assume things. He sighed as he ran his hand down his face.

"All this time, I've been by your side, hoping that one day you would love me the same way I love you. I've been in love with you since middle school, but I kept it to myself because no matter how many relationships you got into, you would always come back to me. Jax is the first time you actually loved and trusted someone more than me, and I won't lie and say it didn't hurt. If I spoke up sooner, before you met Jax, would we still be just friends today?" He elaborated. I didn't know what to say. Asher suddenly confessing to me seemed surreal. He was my best friend. We'd gone through almost everything together. Growing up, his home was my second home. His family was my family. Asher was family. I couldn't be with him like he wanted, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings either.

"I honestly don't know, Ash, but this is where we are now. I'm a mother, for God's sake. I didn't plan to meet and fall in love with Jax, but he is the one I love. And I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I suddenly wasn't by his side anymore," I answered honestly.

"Why him?" He asked softly. I found myself shrugging.

"Why do we fall in love with anyone? If I didn't get a chance to get to know him, if he never found out about the pregnancy, maybe it would've just ended at a one night stand, but even though he seems cold and unmoving on the outside, I know how he really is. He's caring and protective, motivated and just. He needs me... and he loves me. And I love and need him, too. I love you, Ash, but not in the same way you love me. I really hope this won't damage our relationship because I want you to still be in my life. We grew up together, Ash. You taught me how to be myself and stand up for what I think is right. If I suffered any injustice, you were always the first to stand up for me. I know you've always been by my side, Ash, and I appreciate that you were. You're my best friend, and my family. I don't want to lost you over this, but I'm not selfish enough to ask you to stay if it's going to hurt you. I don't want you to hate me, but I love him," I said. Asher sighed as his fists balled on the table.

"And I'm not selfish enough to push you out of my life because it's not the role I wanted you to play. I told myself that I'd love you unconditionally. I could never hate you, Min. If I suddenly kicked you out of my life, it would mean that I didn't love you as much as I claimed to. I won't leave you, Min. You're still my number one girl and best friend, and I respect your choices. If you didn't love him back, I would've fought for you, but if you think he'll make you happy, I'm not going to be the one to stop you. I'll always love you, and be there for you if you need anything," Asher promised. I smiled lightly before covering his fist with my own.

"I don't expect you to be fine with it right out of the gate. I understand how painful it can be, remember? You don't have to force yourself, Ash. Come back to me when you're ready," I said knowingly before I stood and went back to where the car was waiting for me.