After Us (Next Generation #6) - J.M. Walker Page 0,122

shrugging.

I had just finished telling Gigi, Luna, and Meadow everything that had happened and why I had disappeared again after the last time I saw them at Gigi and Vince’s place.

“I knew you two were struggling but I didn’t know…” Luna shook her head. “Wow.”

It had been a month since Jaron was shot and almost died. The next day after he was discharged, he went out and bought me a ring. He slipped the ring on my finger. I still gave him the same answer again and then he fucked me until I continued saying yes over and over.

We hadn’t left the house since and spent most of our time as a family. The only time we did end up leaving, was for my doctor’s appointment. Our unborn baby was strong and healthy, thankfully the stress of what happened had not caused any issues.

“I know.” I sighed. “I’m sorry. For everything. For not keeping in touch when Jaron was in jail. For not letting you know Brynlee as much as you should. I’m sorry for being a bad friend.”

“You are not a bad friend.” Gigi moved from her spot and sat beside me on the couch.

The girls had come over to my place while Jaron brought Brynlee for a playdate with Luna and Zach’s son, Benjamin. It was nice for Jaron to get reacquainted with his cousin, Zach, and I suggested that we do it more often.

“You’ve had it hard.” Gigi grabbed my hand, holding it tight in hers. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but I knew that you would come back around whenever you were ready.”

“She’s right,” Meadow said. “We all knew that. It’s why we never pushed. We often talked about how worried we were, but Shade reassured me that Cyrus and Sammy constantly looked out for you. It made me feel a little bit better.”

“I love you girls,” I sniffled. “So much. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

“We love you too.” Luna moved to the spot on the other side of me. “Now we can all get married, so the guys can stop brooding.”

We laughed.

“I should have waited for Jaron to be home. For you.” Meadow moved to the spot in front of me and knelt at my feet. “I’m sorry we didn’t.”

“No.” I pulled my hand from Gigi’s and hugged her sister. “I get it. You and Shade lost…” I cleared my throat. “Anyway, I understand.”

“I’m just glad you were there.” Meadow pulled back. “Shade told me that he’s heading over to Luna’s place with Andrew.”

Gigi laughed. “Vince is there too with Hannah.”

“Oooo, all the dads with the babies.” Luna tapped her chin. “Why do I find that hot?”

Another round of laughter erupted through us.

“Maybe we should go save them,” Meadow suggested, stifling another laugh.

“Nah.” Gigi leaned her head against my shoulder. “Not yet.”

While we continued catching up, I couldn’t help but realize how right this was. Jaron and I were happy and finally moving forward. We didn’t take life for granted anymore and took each day as a blessing. We made sure to say I love you and constantly gave Brynlee and our unborn baby, all the love we could. It was the little things. Jaron had gotten into the habit of picking me up a bouquet of red roses every Friday. I made sure to pick off a single petal from each bouquet he had purchased and slid the petal between pages in a journal.

He still had his moments where he became moody and withdrawn but with every little second that passed, I helped him through it. His nightmares were few and far between but whenever he had one, I consoled him back to sleep.

Later that evening after the girls had left, I was making dinner. The girls and I had promised to meet up again and soon, while the guys had their playdates with the kids.

The sound of the front door opening, sent a shiver racing through my body.

I stepped out of the kitchen and went to the hall. Jaron’s head turned, a slow smirk spreading on his face when his dark eyes met mine.

“Hey, Wifey,” he said, his voice rough and gravely.

I giggled at the new term of endearment he had given me once he slipped the engagement ring on my finger. “How was your playdate?”

“Good. We’re going to do it again next month to give you girls a break.” Jaron came up to me and placed Brynn in my arms. “I would like a playdate with you later once