~Joan~
“When are you leaving?” I asked as I moved around our bedroom, pretending to busy myself. Aaron sat on the bed, adjusting his sleeves, humming softly. I glanced over my shoulder, watching him.
“In two hours,” he muttered, before meeting my gaze. “I need to stop by the company before heading to Seattle.”
I looked away, rummaging through the closet for… nothing. Just something to keep my hands occupied, to stop him from noticing how much I hated that he was leaving. Two days might not seem like much, but it felt long enough.
“I thought you had more time,” I murmured, my voice quieter than I intended. Silence followed. My fingers brushed against the shoes on the rack, neatly lined up in their places. He could’ve at least said something.
Pressing my lips together, I turned around, only to find him standing behind me, arms crossed, head tilted slightly as he studied me. He raised a brow before leaning in.
“You were saying something,” he said, his voice lower now.
I shoved him lightly. “You could’ve just answered me instead of creeping up behind me like that.”
He pursed his lips, glancing at the closet. “I was wondering what had you so occupied. What exactly are you looking for?” His tone was laced with something else-something that told me he already knew.
My eyes stung for a split second, and I blinked it away.
“I’m looking for my stilettos,” I mumbled.
Aaron’s expression softened as he cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “You don’t own a pair of stilettos, baby,” he murmured, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.
Embarrassment curled in my chest. Way to go.
He sighed, pulling me into his arms, holding me close. I melted against him, resting my head on his chest as his warmth surrounded me.
“I’ll call every day. We can FaceTime if you want,” he murmured, his voice vibrating against my cheek.
I hummed. “FaceTime sounds like a good idea.”
His hand found my hair, stroking gently. We stood there, wrapped in each other, for what felt like forever.
Aaron had become firm about work-life balance-so much so that he’d implemented a rule for his top employees: if they wanted a promotion, they needed to build a social life or have a partner. Apparently, not everyone was happy about it. But Aaron being Aaron, he went ahead with his decision anyway. Now, he had to meet clients who insisted on seeing him in person rather than going through Adrian, his COO. Not that Adrian was thrilled about his decision either.
Honestly, I didn’t get why they all made such a fuss. They were good-looking men; finding a girlfriend shouldn’t have been an issue. And while Aaron had no right to force anyone into a relationship, I knew him well enough to understand-he wasn’t trying to control them. He just wanted them to have the same chance at love that he’d found. With me.
“It’s just two days,” he reminded me. “Call me if anything feels off or if you feel sick, okay?”
I nodded, and he kissed my forehead before slowly sinking to one knee.
My heart skipped.
Aaron’s dark eyes locked onto mine, filled with so much love it made my chest tighten. He gently lifted my shirt, revealing my stomach, and pressed a warm kiss against my skin.
“Be good to Mommy while Daddy’s away, okay?” he murmured, his palm rubbing slow, soothing circles over my belly.
I let out a soft laugh. “I don’t think the baby has ears yet.”
He smirked. “Maybe not, but it’ll recognize my voice.”
When he stood, he kissed me-slow, lingering, enough to make me forget, just for a second, that he had to leave. Then he pulled away and grabbed his suitcase.
“Have you heard back from Alessia?” he asked.
I crossed my arms, watching him. “Yeah. She and Noah are leaving for Spain in mid-August for her ex’s wedding.”
My relationship with Alessia had been getting better. It was nice, having a younger sister-even if only by two years. With Luna, though, things were still complicated. But I was trying. At least, I had agreed to try.
I hadn’t met any of my brothers yet, but maybe that would change in August, when Aaron and I planned to travel to Spain.
Aaron frowned slightly. “It’s just March. Do you think traveling in your third trimester is a good idea?”
I shrugged. “We’ll ask Dr. Jax.”
Closing the distance between us, I tugged lightly on his tie. “I’m going to miss you.”
His eyes brightened. “Yeah?”
“Of course. What did you think?”
He chuckled, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.
“Actually,” he said thoughtfully, “I think Rhoda should stay with you while I’m gone.”
I pursed my lips. That was… actually a good idea. We’d have fun, just like we used to.
Aaron frowned. “Don’t do whatever it is you’re thinking.”
I grinned, stepping back. “What? Are you afraid I’ll be a bad influence on your sister now?”
His eyes narrowed. “Hell no. I’m afraid she’ll be a bad influence on you.”
Laughter bubbled up in my chest. Oh, how the tables had turned.
“I’m pregnant, Aaron. I won’t drink,” I assured him. “But we might go out, visit a club or two, take a few walks-”
“You won’t,” he stated flatly.
“You won’t be here to stop me.”
He pressed his lips together.
“I’m seriously thinking of canceling this trip,” he muttered, half to himself.
I smirked. “Good idea.”
He exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. “I trust you to take care of yourself and the baby, kitten. Just don’t get into trouble. I’m not bailing you out.”
I followed him out of the bedroom and to the front door, I leaned against the frame as he descended the steps.
“You wouldn’t leave your fiancee and unborn child to rot in jail, would you?” I teased.
Aaron shot me a look. “That won’t happen.” Then his expression softened.
“Promise me you’ll stay safe, baby.”
I nodded. “I promise.”
He hesitated. “I love you.”
A small smile tugged at my lips. “I love you too.”
And we both meant it.
Luckily, we were stuck with each other for life.
THE END.