AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her smile then is like the dawn, breaking through the darkest night. "I love you, Jake—more than I can ever say. And I trust you. I trust us. To make it through anything, as long as we're together."
I lean in, capturing her lips with mine again, this kiss sealing our pledge. It's a kiss of new beginnings, promises made and kept, a testament to the strength of our love and the future we're about to build together, free from the shadows of our past mistakes.
Gently breaking the kiss, I whisper against her lips, "Together, Mia, we're unstoppable. We've got this because we've got each other."
And in that moment, any lingering doubts or fears dissolve into the night, leaving behind only the certainty of our love and the bright promise of our future together.
Chapter 18
~ Mia ~
Nesting Instincts
I stretch, feeling the warm presence of Jake beside me, and for a moment, I bask in the peace that fills my heart.
Today isn't just any day—it's a day we've dedicated to family, to making Dylan and Emily feel every bit the part of this new life we're building together.
I slip out of bed, tiptoeing to the kitchen, where I start brewing coffee, the rich aroma filling the air. Jake isn't far behind, his arms wrapping around me from behind, a gentle kiss pressed to my neck. "Good morning," he murmurs, and I lean back into his warmth.
"Morning," I reply, turning to peck his lips. "Today's going to be special."
He nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Are the kids awake yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm about to go wake them up. We could start the day with pancakes?" I suggest.
Jake's grin widens. "I think that's a fantastic idea."
Together, we cook breakfast, moving around each other in a comfortable dance.
The clatter and buzz of the kitchen seem to fade into the background as Jake and I move together, a seamless team united in our mission to create the perfect family breakfast.
I’m in charge of the pancake batter, my movements precise and graceful, while Jake slices fresh fruits—strawberries, bananas, and a hint of lemon zest to sprinkle over the top for that extra zing.
Our eyes meet now and then, and there's this spark, a silent conversation that speaks volumes of our love. In these moments, amidst the hustle of preparing a meal, I'm reminded of how deeply intertwined our lives have become.
Jacob catches me watching him and sends me a playful glare. "Focus, Jake, or you'll end up chopping more than just the fruit." Her words are teasing, but the laughter in her eyes tells me she's enjoying this as much as I am.
I can't help but steal a quick kiss, tasting his smile's sweetness, before returning to my task, a content sigh escaping me.
The aroma of pancakes on the grill fills the air, mingling with the scent of coffee and fresh fruit. Expertly flipping a pancake, my concentration absolute. Then I look up and I catch Jacob off guard with a quick kiss on the cheek, leaving a floury mark in my wake. I chuckle, vowing silently to remember this moment.
"Table's set," Jacob announces a while later, after laying out the plates and ensuring the maple syrup and butter are within easy reach. I slide the last of the pancakes onto a golden and inviting platter before joining Jacob at the table.
It's a spread worthy of a king, made with love and peppered with those little moments that make our relationship unique.
I lean into Jacob, his presence a comforting weight against my side. "Look at what we've created," I whisper, not just referring to the breakfast. I place my hand over my flat stomach with pride at the life growing inside.
"I can't wait to see if you have any weird cravings." Jacob grins before pressing a kiss against my head as approaching light footsteps grab my attention.
Dylan and Emily stumble into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from their eyes but brightening at the sight of the breakfast spread.
"Dylan, Emily, today's all about us four, well five, spending time together," Jake announces, as we gather around the table. "How does a backyard picnic sound?"
"Awesome!" Dylan exclaims, his sleepy demeanor replaced by excitement.
"Can we have sandwiches and cookies?" Emily's voice is hopeful, her eyes wide.
"Absolutely," I answer, smiling at Jake. And maybe even a treasure hunt?"
