We end up having pizza on his couch just in case Nate wakes up. So far, I learned more about Lucas's first appointment with his therapist and how he has hopes it can take him to a better place. It still amazes me how things can change in such a short time, and it is as if I'm talking to a different man.

He still looks haunted when he talks about Monica's death, but there is so much hope in his eyes now that I can't help but feel touched by it.

Sometimes we know people like him who are so easygoing and friendly, and we think they are perfect, that they have it all figured out. But the truth is that we will never know how much pain people carry inside with no one noticing it.

I know we still have a long path ahead of us, but the fact that he is really willing to fight for our love makes me all warm and content inside.

Without him getting to a better place when it comes to the guilt he feels towards her, there's no way we can ever work things out.

"You've doing that a lot." He smiles softly at me.

"Doing what?" I ask.

"Touching your lower belly." He touches his hand to mine.

"I haven't realized I was doing it." I smile.

"Nate is going to go crazy when he finds out." He pulls me to him so my back is touching his chest and my legs are spread out on the sofa.

"Shouldn't we wait a little bit more to tell him?" I chuckle and entwine our fingers.

"Yeah, maybe. I'm just happy, you know? I feel like shouting to the world that you're carrying my baby." He kisses the top of my head and I immediately feel guilt.

"I felt weird when my mom gave me the news," I whisper.

"Weird how?"

"I don't know, like I didn't want it to be true..." I say and I feel my eyes water. "Do you think the baby could feel it?"

"Hey, look at me." He turns my face to him, "Let's not torture ourselves. You love this baby. I can see it in your eyes. You were scared and confused... Please, don't feel guilt. Let's talk about what you're feeling now." He rubs his nose to mine, and I pull away, shaking my head at how subtle he thinks he's being.

"I feel like she is part of me. I don't know... it's like I know she is here inside me, like we're one."

"She?" He gives me a big smile.

"Yeah. You know, we already have a boy..." I whisper, still afraid to break this little bubble we've created today, still a little reluctant to make it real.

Feeling his hand freeze over mine, I realize for the first time since I met him, he's happy. Truly happy.

I can't help but think back to the talk my father and I had at the hospital, and how strong my mother had been for both of them when life threw them a curve ball and my father questioned having me was the right choice for them.

Things are definitely not so simple and forgiveness always easier said than done when it comes to those we love.

But I as look at Lucas's beautiful eyes and see them warm and open, and so full of love, it makes me realize we're going to make it.

It might take some time until we're both in a place where we don't let our insecurities rule over us, but we both come too far already and our heads are definitely in the right place.

"Yeah. We already have a boy," he says, his voice hoarse with emotion.

He touches his lips to mine sweetly and we stay like that for I don't know how long. Just breathing each other in. Just reconnecting.

When I first met him, I thought he was just a hot guy trying to get away with messing with my car. But then I discovered the great father he is and how broken he was inside. We wanted completely different things from life, yet we couldn't stay apart, the connection too strong.

Only a couple of days ago, I was so mad at him, and look at us now. Deep down, I knew in my heart that he loved me, but I hated how the guilty he was carrying inside had the power to win. Thank God this time apart made us both reflect a little, and he's finally willing to move on, finally allowing he's heart to heal.

I'm not that naïve to think things will be easy. We both have a long way ahead, especially with a baby on the way. However, for the first time since we met, I truly believe we can make it.

"Thank you," he murmurs after taking a deep breath.

"For what?"

"For trying. For not giving upon us"

*****

I feel Lucas picking me up bridal style, and I realize I fell asleep on his chest at some point.

"What are you doing?" I murmur.

"Carrying you to my room." He kisses the top of my head and soon I feel him laying me on his bed.

"What if I want to sleep in my own room?" I make myself comfortable.

"Do you?" He lies by my side, pulling me to him.

"Maybe," I yawn and get as closer to him as possible.

"Hmm." He chuckles and kisses my cheek. "Good night."

"Night."

*****

My alarm wakes me up, and as soon as I open my eyes, I realize I'm alone in his bed.

The moment I get up, I feel I'm going to be sick and rush to the bathroom. I had no idea how much morning sick sucked until now, as I spend a good twenty minutes to pull myself together.

"Are you okay?" I hear Lucas opening the door.

"Not fair you look so put together in the morning." It seems I will not throw up anymore, so I wash my face and get a new toothbrush to brush my teeth.

"Glad you like what you see." He smirks as he rubs my back.

"I'm going to my place to get ready." I give him a peck on the lips.

"Nate made you breakfast. I mean, he whisked the eggs and helped me with the orange juice. But, I'm letting him take the credit since it was his idea to make you a special breakfast when he learned you slept here last night." He smiles at my misery. Breakfast is the last thing I want right now.

"Have I told you how much I love him?" I give him a small smile.

"I'll explain to him you're not feeling well."

"No, please. I want him to know that I care."

"Are you sure?" He kisses my shoulder, and I nod.

The moment I get to the kitchen, I smile at the sight of Nate pouring us some juice. He is really concentrating on not spilling anything, and I need to hide my smile. "Morning," I take a sit and pull him into a hug.

"I made you breakfast," he says proudly, but I see his eyes moving to his father who is sitting by my side.

"Wow, really? Thanks!" I drink some juice and thank God when I don't feel sick.

"Yeah, you know, dad helped me too." He shrugs.

"Why, thanks for letting me take some credit." Lucas tickles him.

"Dad!" He laughs, getting out of his hold.

"So, Alexia, are you coming to my birthday party?" Nate asks, making me pause.

"Uh..." I feel myself blushing. I have totally forgotten his birthday was coming. Damn!

"It's next weekend. My mom always bakes him a cake and invites his friends to her home to celebrate," Lucas explains, his eyes shinning with humor.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world! Have you thought about what you want for a present?" I look at Nate.

He looks again from me to his father and I feel Lucas tense. "Nate," Lucas says.

"My dad is getting me a new video game..." he says, but I sense something is off.

"Well, that's great, right?" I look from him to Lucas and he just nods.

"Yeah," Nate murmurs.

"Since getting a new video game is not that exciting, I think I'll get you a box of smelly socks. That will put a smile on your face, huh?" I joke and I see him fighting a smile.

"What about we go out after school to get your present? You dad and I can discuss a price limit and you can go crazy at the mall," I offer, and damn the smile on his face is so worth it.

"Really?" He looks at me eagerly and then at his father, "Can I, dad? Please!"

"Are you sure about that?" Lucas asks me.

"Positive. So It's settled, Nate. We can even go somewhere later to have a bite to eat."

"Yes!" he shouts, making us laugh.

"I really need to hurry and go home to get ready to school or I'll be late." I stand and kiss Nate's head before heading to the door. When Lucas meets my eyes, I motion for him to follow me.

"What was that about?" I whisper when we get to the hall.

"Can we talk about this tonight? He's been acting out this past week, you know, question me on some stuff. Anyway, can we talk later?" he asks.

"Sure," I say now worried. "Is it really okay for us to go to the mall after school to buy his present?"

"Of course." He kisses my lips and I melt.

"You're way too hot," I murmur, our lips still touching.

"Are you complaining?" I feel his smile.

"Never." I chuckle as I hurry to get ready.

_____

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! If you're enjoying the story and want to show your support, please don't forget to vote and follow me here CelesteABrook for news and updates. <3

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- Celeste.