Barcelona wasn't for me. 

Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful and the weather wasn't too bad this time of year, but we've only been here for two days and it rained on the second one. But Danielle promised she had an amazing trip. After she called me out on my secrets and lies, I was ecstatic that she was enjoying herself again. I didn't want her upset.  

The other upside was that I was finally out of the doghouse. 

Once I told her the truth regarding my parents—and their lack of knowledge about the baby—I had to call my dad back. He was already pissed about me lying to him, so hanging up on him didn't really help the situation. 

But at least we talked. He wasn't yelling or throwing the past in my face. He didn't bring up my failed fake marriage, either. I wouldn't go as far as to say we were making progress, but it was a start. He said he would give me some space since I was on another continent and I should enjoy my vacation. But when I got home, he wanted to see me. Face to face. 

But that was then. Right now, I was on vacation with the woman I loved and I couldn't be happier. Especially since we were starting to head to our next destination. 

"How long is this flight again," Jackson asked from beside me. 

I sipped my water and glanced at my watch. "Two hours. Roughly."

Jackson tapped the table impatiently. "What do you think is taking them so long?" 

I glanced at my brother then followed his gaze towards the women's restroom. "Don't ask me. They're women. Women travel in packs when it comes to using the restroom. I don't ask questions." 

Asking questions is what usually got us guys into trouble. Especially when you have a pregnant wife. That's why most of my answers tended to be "Yes, dear". 

"How did it go in London?" I asked curiously. "You never mentioned it." 

Jackson exhaled a weary sigh and leaned back in his chair. "It was good." 

"Wanna try that again?" 

"It was good. But Harper was really emotional. We both were." He downed the last of his whiskey. "If we do decide to adopt, it's a lengthy process. Especially with international adoption. And that's only if they deem us fit to adopt. We need approval. There's a lot of red tape." 

"Come on, Jay. There's no reason for them to not give you guys a baby. You both are going to make great parents." 

Jackson's really grown over the past five years or so. Especially when he met Harper. I never pictured him with a wife and kid back then. I probably would have laughed in someone's face if they told me Jackson was the white picket fence type. But now? I was never more sure that he would be a great husband and an even better father. 

There was no doubt about it. 

"We'll see," he mumbled. "Don't mention to Harper that I told you, yeah? I promised her I would keep quiet until she was ready to talk." 

"I gotcha. No problem, bro." I clapped him on the shoulder supportively. "I'm always here for you, Jay." 

"Yeah, I know. Same here." 

Gwen's voice drew our attention.

"Oh, bollocks. I think they were having a bromance moment. Should we come back with some tissues?" 

"Very funny," I said dryly. 

Harper returned to her seat next to Jackson and Danielle came back to sit beside me. 

"You feeling okay, baby?" 

She smiled and placed her hand on my thigh. "Besides the swollen feet, leg cramps, and trouble sleeping, I'm feeling good."

I smiled sadly back at her. "I'm sorry. What can I do to help?" 

Danielle shrugged a shoulder. "There's not much we can do right now. It's just apart of being pregnant. The good and the bad." 

"Are you sure you're okay with flying? I don't want to add to your stress." 

She gave my thigh a squeeze. "I'm fine, Ry. I promise." 

"Can we talk about the elephant in the room?" 

Everyone's head whipped to Gwen. 

"Oh, for Heaven's sake! I'm not talking about Dani," Gwen explained. "I'm talking about after the trip." 

Jackson groaned. "Please don't tell me this is about—"

"Noah," she finished for him. "Yes, it is."

I shared a look with my brother. We both tried several times to be okay with our aunt dating the very young ex-stripper named Noah. Sure, the guy seemed okay-ish, but it was just so...weird. Of course, Danielle and Harper gave Jackson and I a firm talking to about being accepting of Gwen's choice. 

And I was trying. But it was ridiculously hard. 

Danielle squeezed my thigh again, but this time it was a warning to be on my best behavior. 

I cleared my throat and smiled at my aunt. "Yes, Aunt Gwen, please tell us."

"When we get back from the states, I'm going to be leaving Harper and Jackson's home." 

Harper frowned, sharing a confused glance with everyone at the table. "You're leaving? Are you going back to London?" 

Before Gwen could answer, Jackson held up a hand. "Wait a minute." He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. His eyebrows were dropped low in a disapproving glare. "Please don't tell me that you are moving in with Norb—Noah. Please tell me that's not what you're doing." 

Gwen rolled her eyes at Jackson and looked at Harper. "Dear, if you don't give him a good slap for that, then I will." As Harper popped Jackson on the shoulder, Gwen went on to explain, "I am not moving in with Noah, nor am I moving back to London. At least, not yet."

"So what is it?" I probed. "What's the news?" 

Gwen's gaze went from mine to Jackson's. "I'm planning to get my own flat in New York. I'm going to be staying in the city. Indefinitely." 

I opened my mouth to say something, but Jackson beat me to it. 

"You're going to live in New York? What about your job in London? You home and your things?" 

"I'm not an imbecile, Jackson Reese. I already spoken to my job and they agreed to let me work remotely. As for my home and my things, they will still be there when I get back—if I choose to go back. I am perfectly old enough and stable enough financially to find a place to live in New York." 

Gwen looked between the two of us again. "Now, if the two of you have nothing else to say..."

As if she knew what I was going to say, Danielle smiled at Gwen. "That's great news, Gwen. If you need help looking for a place, Harper, the girls, and I would love to show you around." 

"Absolutely," Harper added. "I know a few good places not too far from Jackson and myself also." 

Gwen clapped her hands with excitement. "Lovely! Now, we should finish eating. It'll be time to board the plane soon." 

Right—like anyone could eat after that. Well, the girls apparently had no issue finishing their meals. But Jackson and I clearly lost our appetites. 

We sat in a semi-uncomfortable silence for the next twenty minutes. Once the girls were done, we made our way to the gate and boarded the plane when it was time. Even though it was a short flight, I still purchased first class for all the tickets. I wanted Danielle comfortable and it was better for all of us to stay together. 

After we landed, we grabbed two taxis that took us to The St. Regis Rome Hotel. Jackson took care of his and Harper's room and Gwen reserved her own as well. As for Danielle and I, I reserved the Astor Suite. 

The large room, which was a little bigger than a studio apartment in New York, had Majestic Murano glass chandeliers, a separate living area, a walk-in closet, a private champagne butler service, and a large marble bathroom with double vanities and Venetian terrazzo mosaic flooring. 

Okay, so it was a little on the fancy side. 

The best part, however, was the separate soaker bathtub. Danielle wasn't really into baths in the beginning of our relationship. That changed when she got pregnant.

She loved them now. 

"Babe?" she called from the bathroom. 

I continued unpacking our suitcase that was open on the large bed. "Yeah?"

Her voice was closer now. She came out of the bathroom and walked up behind me. "Why are you unpacking right now?" she asked, circling her arms around my waist from behind. 

I snorted and took out her multiple pairs of shoes. 

"If I don't do it now, then you'll do it later. I want you to rest." 

She removed  her arms from around me and grabbed the black heels I picked up. "No more unpacking." 

"Excuse me?" I chuckled as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Look who's bossing who around now." 

One other thing that changed since she got pregnant was my need to be over-protective. She liked to say I was bossing her around, but I always denied it. 

She tossed the heels on the bed. "You know what? You're right." She leaned into my body and ran her hand up my chest. "I'm the boss now, Ryan Hale, and I'm ordering you to stop unpacking and come join me for a very hot, wet bubble bath."

Sounded more than good to me. 

I cupped her cheek and gave her a soft kiss. 

"Yes, dear." 

***

I'm so sorry for the wait with this one! I should be posting regularly now. 

xoxo

🖤