Hawaii...

I was laid out on the sand enjoying the sun on my skin. Corrie and Elena were laid next to me catching a tan as well. We had been here in Hawaii for a few days now and it’s been so amazing. It was so nice to have everyone I loved on vacation with us. At least this time I actually knew half of the people with us and it wasn’t weird. The best part about was that my mother wasn’t with us to try and dictate everything. 

“Are you going to get in the water?” Xavier asked as he walked over to me. 

I gazed at him from behind my sun glasses. The droplets of water that dripped down his body were mesmerizing. I watched a single drop run down his chest and disappear as it hit the waist band of his swim shorts. My eyes trailed back up to his defined torso, it had my mouth watering. 

“Eye’s up here babe,” he chuckled. My eyes snapped to his and I felt heat rise on my cheeks. 

“W-what were you saying?” I asked 

“Are you going to get in the water?” he asked 

“Oh. . .right. . .um in a bit,” I replied as Elena and Corrie chuckled beside me. 

“Ree! Ree!” Maria shouted as she ran over with a bucket and shovel. “Come play with me,” I knew I wasn’t going to be getting out of that one so I stood from my towel and grabbed her hand.

“Okay,” I smiled down at my little sister and let her lead me over to a patch of sand that she deemed worthy.

I spent the next hour or so with Maria attempting to build a sand castle. We weren’t doing a very good job at it, I had to admit. Liam and Cole had popped up out of no where and tried to help us out. But, they spent more time throwing sand at each other like little kids then they did helping out. Eventually with the help of Xavier and my dad we were able to construct a decent sand castle.

It was left standing for all of 2 minutes, just enough time to snap a few picture. At some point Liam and Cole got into a wrestling match and rolled right into the sand castle. They ended up getting a sound scolding from Maria for it. I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing, their expressions were just too funny. Have two grown men looking guilt ridden as they got yelled at by a four year old was just priceless. Xavier snapped a few pictures of their faces and I’m pretty sure one of the girls were recording the whole thing. 

“I never want to be yelled at by a four year old ever again,” Cole mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“You’re telling me,” Liam agreed “And if I see that on youtube I’m going to be so pissed” he said looking over at Elena who was giggling behind her hand. 

“Okay, but it might just end up on Facebook,” she laughed and ran down the beach as Liam took off after her. No doubt he wanted to take her phone which was clutched in her hands.

“Little does he know that she isn’t the only with a video,” Corrie chuckled

“Is that so,” Cole said stalking toward her. 

“What you gonna do about it big guy?” she asked placing her hands on her hips. 

“Give me that phone,” said Cole

Corrie snorted “Yeah, right”

“Give it to me before I take it,” he warned 

“You’ve got to catch me first,” Corrie smirked taking off in the other direction “Track and field champion you can try and catch me.”

“She is so going to get it,” Cole mumbled before going after her.

Xavier and I stood there laughing to ourselves as we watched our friends. The girls were really in for it when those boys caught up to them. I knew that Cole was going to have a difficult time trying to catch up to Corrie. She was not joking when she had mentioned track and field, she was the school champ for four straight years. The four of them had a whole lot of chemistry going on but, none for them pursued it. It had me wondering how long it would take for someone to make a move. 

The rest of our trip was just as amazing as it had started. I was sad to leave but, there would be more chances for us all to go on another vacation. Through the whole flight back home there girls were gushing about their awesome tans which was stupid since we could tan at home. My friends were weird. I guess it was just being somewhere different meant that the tan was different or more important in some way? I have no clue that didn’t make any sense to me either.

For the rest of the Summer I had spent most of my time with the girls and Maria. Xavier and my father we busy with the whole company merger thing. Even though the merger had already gone through there was so much to be done. I didn’t ask about it because I knew that I wouldn’t understand anyway. The girls and I usually spent the day taking Maria wherever she wanted to go and once a week we would go and see Aggie. But, the highlights of my day were when Xavier came home and we cuddled on the couch. During those time I didn’t think that my life could get any better.

~6 years later~

“Where are we going?” I asked looking over at Xavier who had been driving for well over a half hour. I was starting to get restless.

“We’ll be there soon, I promise” he said kissing the back of my hand.

“That does not answer my question,” I huffed, turning to look out the window.

As I stared out at the scenery I couldn’t help but think back on the last 6 years. It still shocked me that after so long I still loved Xavier with all my heart. Some relationships fall apart before the five year mark. It still felt like just yesterday he and I confessed our feelings for each other. 

“Will you just tell me where you’re taking me?” I begged. I was tired of not knowing where we were going.

“We’re here,” he said 

Looking around I noticed that we were on the same stretch of road that lead to his families beach front estate. My brows furrowed since hadn’t planned on going there. I looked over at him as he pulled into the driveway. I stayed rooted in my seat as Xavier got out and walked around to my side.

“Why are we here?” I asked taking his hand and allowing him to help me from the car.

“I just thought we could have a relaxing weekend together,” Xavier replied

“How thoughtful,” I mumbled walking hand-in-hand into the house. 

“SURPRISE!” everyone shouted popping out of all different places. I stumbled back right into Xavier’s chest. 

“Surprise,” he whispered into my ear.

“Um, Xavier” I whispered back 

“Yeah?” he asked wrapping his arms around my waist.

“My water just broke,” I said looking up at with wide eyes.

“What?” he breathed looking down at me then down at my feet. “Dammit, let’s go.” he pulled me back toward the front door and called out over his shoulder. “The baby didn’t want to wait till the party was over so we’re moving it to the hospital.”

At his words chaos ensued. Everyone who was there rushed around. My breath became ragged as I started to panic. This wasn’t supposed to happen yet, this baby wasn’t supposed to be coming yet. I looked up at Xavier with worried eyes as he settled me into his car not caring if I ruined the seats. 

“It’s too early,” I whispered 

“Everything is going to be fine, I’ll call your doctor on the way to the hospital.” he said kissing my forehead.

I settled into my seat but, I couldn’t shake the worry that had taken root in my chest. My due date wasn’t for a another almost three weeks. I think I had a pretty good reason to be worried. What if something was wrong? What if something happened? I couldn’t bare the thought of something happening to my child, it was incomprehensible.

“Xavier, what if something’s wrong?” I asked 

“Nothing is going to happen to you or our baby.” he replied, jaw clenched.

“You can’t know that,” I said shaking my head

“You and our child have the best obgyn in the state, you will both be fine,” he promised

I took a few calming breaths, I needed to calm down and relax. Me freaking out wouldn’t be good for the baby. It didn’t help that I was nervous either. You would think that after months of being pregnant I would have gotten used to the fact that I was going to be a mother. I wasn’t. I was terrified. I was so afraid that I was going to be a terrible mother. Everyone had told me time and time again that I was going to be a wonderful mother. I knew that I wouldn’t be anything like my own mother but, is was still scared that somehow I might.

“Breath,” Xavier whispered taking my hand in his and kissing my knuckles. With that word I realized that I had been holding my breath and my lungs were screaming out for oxygen. I took a deep breath and let it out. 

“I’m scared,” I whimpered 

“You are going to be fine, the baby is going to be fine. Everything will be fine,” he said 

“No, I’m scared that I’m going to be a horrible mother.” I admitted 

“You’re going to be the best mother,” he assured “You’re great with Maria and the kids at Aggie’s, you have nothing to worry about. “Now let me call Dr. Crow.”

Xavier slipped in his blue tooth head set and pressed the two on his phone. When we had first found out that I was pregnant he had made sure to find the best doctor and put him on speed dial. I still remember exactly what had happed that day as if it had happened a few short hours ago. I remember every detail, every word spoken.

~A little over 7 months ago~

I was late. There was no denying that fact. I had been staring at the calender on the ice box for over a half hour. I had counted and re-counted over and over again. My period was late. I had never been late before since I started having periods. It came on the same day every month, the fifth. It was now the 17th, I was ten days late. How could I have missed that? Oh right, I was too busy with work that it had completely slipped my mind as it usually did until the day of. Picking up my phone I quickly texted the girls and hopped like hell that they wouldn’t be busy. I needed a major reality check because there was just no way. Not ten minutes later the front door opened and closed, two sets of footstep could be heard barreling through the house.

“Sweetheart!” Corrie called out, still hadn’t grown out of that name.

“In here,” I called back still staring at the calender, willing it to be untrue. 

“What the 911?” she huffed coming to a stop, Elena along side her.

“I’m late,” I replied looking over at them. I knew that my eyes portrayed how terrified I was. 

“You’re late? For what?” Elena asked

“My period, it’s late” I replied. Both their mouths dropped open, neither said a word. 

“I’ll be back,” Corrie said and turned on her heel to exit the kitchen.

“Wait, where are you going?” I asked, I needed both my friends not just one of them.

“I am going to the store to pick up a pregnancy test,” she replied before disappearing.

Twenty minutes later Corrie was back with three different brands of pregnancy test. She shoved the bag into my hands and pushed me into the bathroom. As I closed the door I could hear them both pacing the hall. What the heck were they nervous about? I was the one who was most likely pregnant not them. I took out all three tests and placed them on the counter. It was now or never. After doing my business I waited for five minutes before taking a look at the results. I stood with my back to the counter not wanting to look.

“What does it say?” Elena asked from the hall.

“Yeah, it should have been done by now.” Corrie added 

Opening the bathroom door I looked at my friends “I can’t look at it,” I said 

“We’re right here,” Corrie smiled 

“We will always be here for you,” Elena nodded 

I took a breath and walked back to the counter. I looked down at the test all three held positive results. “I’m pregnant,” I whispered 

The girls squealed and pulled me into a three way group hug. I couldn’t find it in me to hug them back, I was in shock. I was pregnant. I was going to have a child, Xavier’s child. Xavier! What was he going to say about this? How is going to feel? Oh, my God, what am I going to say to him?!

“Why are you not squealing?” Corrie asked pulling away from me.

“What am I going to tell Xavier? We haven’t exactly been planning for a baby.” I said 

“He is going to be so happy, I know he is” Elena said

“Aren’t you happy?” Corrie asked 

“I’m still in shock,” I replied

Later that evening I paced the living room waiting for Xavier to get home. I wasn’t sure what I was going to tell him. No, scratch that. I didn’t know how I was going to tell him. The front door opened and I froze, what was he going to say? Was he really going to be happy like the girls said?

“Hey baby,” Xavier said walking into the living room and pecking my lips. “You okay?” he asked rubbing his hands down my arms.

“I’m pregnant,” I blurted. Real subtle Mallory, way to go. I thought to myself. But, hey, at least it’s out in the open now. 

“Don’t joke,” Xavier laughed. I couldn’t believe him.

“This isn’t a joke!” I shouted “I am pregnant!”

“Seriously?” he asked taking a step back and looking down at my stomach.

“Nooooo, I just said that for the hell of it, of course I’m serious.” I snapped. Whoa, mood swing much.

“No joke right?” he asked a face splitting grin spreading along his lips. “We’re really gonna have a baby?”

“You’re happy?” I asked dumbly

“Of course I am,” he said tilting his head to the side. “Aren’t you?”

“I’m not sure,” I admitted “I’m kind of scared,”

He cupped my face in his hands. “Why are you scared?”

“What if I’m not a good mom?” I asked

“You are going to be great,” he said and pressed his lips against my own.

~Present~

“Let’s go have a baby,” Xavier said pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up and he was standing next to my door with his hand held out. 

“Okay,” I nodded taking his hand.

I was glad that I had decided to wear a dress when Xavier and I left the morning. At least it wasn’t completely obvious that my water had broke. Yeah, a bit of the bottom of my dress was wet so it wasn’t too noticeable. If anyone said something about it I would have to slap them. It’s not like you can’t tell that I’m pregnant, I looked like a freaking whale! A contraction hit, the first one and I gripped on to Xavier’s hand. It was hard then necessary since it wasn’t that bad but, it caught me off guard. 

“Contraction?” Xavier winced prying my fingers from his hand. 

“Yeah,” I nodded loosening my hold. “Sorry, it just snuck up on me,”

“It’s fine, just please try not to grab onto anything else while we’re up there,” he said shifting his lower half away from me slightly.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Men,” I mumbled

Apparently, while I was off in my own little world thinking about the day I had found out that Xavier and I were having a baby, he had also called the hospital. When we walked through the doors there was a nurse waiting with a wheelchair. I looked at the nurse and looked up at Xavier with a raised brow. Did either of them actually think that I was going to riding up to Labor & Delivery in that thing. I was pregnant, not helpless. Stopping in my tracks I crossed my arms over my chest.

“What are you doing?” Xavier asked looking back at me. 

“I’m not being wheeled up to my room,” I replied 

“It’s procedure, miss” the nurse said, not taking her eyes off Xavier.

“The pregnant lady is over here, that is my husband” I said, her eyes snapped to mine. “And, I don’t really care what the procedures are. I am going to walk to my room.” I stepped past the nurse and continued to the elevators. “Are you coming or not?”

The whole way to my room Xavier and the nurse were going on and on about I should be in the wheelchair. They were seriously starting to get on my nerves. Who gives a crap if it was hospital procedure! I was walking whether they liked it or not. Plus, walking is supposed to help the labor along. So, technically I was doing a good thing by walking on my own. Did they not get that? 

“You really shouldn’t be walking,” the nurse said as the door for the elevators opened.

“Really now, so it’s not walking is not a good thing to help along labor?” I asked shooting her a look over my shoulder as I stepped out of the elevator. 

I headed straight for the nurses station and asked them for my room number. They also had something to say about the fact that I was walking. Gosh, they were irritating. 

“Look,” I snapped “You can all either direct me to my freaking room or we can stand here bitching and complaining about the fact that I’m walking and I’ll just give birth right here in the middle of the damn hall!”

That seemed to breaking them all out of it and I was ushered away to my room that was already prepped and ready for me. Thankfully the nurse who had walked with us up wasn’t one of the nurses who was going to be in the room. I probably would have strangled her if she was, she was just that annoying. I know that she was just trying to do her job but, eye rapping my husband was not part of the job description. I changed into my gown, got into the bed and let the other nurses do what they needed to. 

As soon as I was settled Xavier was on his phone. No one questioned him or told him that he wasn’t supposed to be using his cell in the room. He was talking a mile a minute and I didn’t catch a word that was said. I was pretty sure that he talking to everyone who was at what was supposed to be my surprise baby shower. I heard him mention my room number before cutting the call and placing his phone into his pocket. By the time he took a seat next to me I was hooked to an IV and the machine that tracks the contraction and monitors the baby’s heart beat.

Xavier took my hand in his, “The doctor will be here soon and everyone else is in the waiting room.”

“Weekend alone, huh?” I teased 

“It was the girls idea,” he chuckled 

“It would be,” I nodded 

The next couple hours we pretty boring. My contraction weren’t getting any stronger or closer together. I was getting frustrated because I wanted my baby to be out already. I wanted to meet the little one who had already stolen my heart. I also wanted to know if the baby was a boy or a girl. Xavier and I had wanted it to be a surprised and now I just couldn’t wait. Why did we go and tell the doctor that we didn’t want to know what the baby’s gender? We were so stupid.

As more and more hours passed and the doctor induced my labor, my contractions steadily grew closer and more painful. I was pretty sure that he would be bearing the marks for a long while. Marks that I had left on his arm by digging my nails into the skin. He hadn’t said a thing every time my fingers dug into him. He would just grit his teeth and bare it. Oh, how I loved him for that. When the pain was too much to bare and tears feel from my eyes, Xavier would just smooth my hair back and tell me that everything was going to be okay. Yeah, I loved him alright.

“Let’s see how you’re doing?” Dr. Crow said as he walked back into my room. He checked to see how many centimeters I dilated. “Just a few more to go, from here on out it’s going to be more painful. Are you certain that you don’t want to take anything?”

He had asked me that same question too many times to count since I had gotten to the hospital. 

“I’m sure,” I nodded. I wanted to have a natural delivery. 

“It’s alright if you want to take something, sweetheart.” Xavier whispered to me. 

“No,” I said vehemently “I said I was going to do this without the drugs and that’s exactly what I am going to do.”

“Whatever you want, baby” he nodded kissing my forehead. 

5 hours later...

“I can’t do this anymore,” I cried as I sat crossed legged on my bed, gripping the side bars and rocking back and forth. 

“Yes, you can” Xavier cooed

“I-I c-can’t,” I sobbed shaking my head. What the heck was I thinking when I denied the drugs when the doctor offered them? I was sorely regretting that now but, had no choice to deal with it. I was too far along to take anything since apparently the baby could come at any moment. “Why wont the baby come out? It’s been ten hours!”

“I don’t know, baby” he sighed “Do you want to try and get up to move around?” he asked and I nodded. 

Just as I was going to get off the bed I felt something unexplainable but, I knew what it meant. “The baby’s coming,” I whispered with wide eyes.

“What was that?” Xavier said rubbing my back. 

I looked up at him. “The baby is coming,” 

“Yes, I know that sweetheart. That’s why we’re here.” he said looking at me confused before realization took over his features. “The...the baby...oh my gosh, the baby...” he was freaking out. “NURSE!” he shouted, his hands flailing around me unsure of what to do. The nurses and doctor all came running into my room. “The baby is coming.”

“As soon as you’re able I want you to bring your legs back on to the bed and lay back.” said Dr. Crow. I didn’t need to be told twice, I swung my legs up onto the bed and laid back. They placed my legs into the stirrups.

“Wait, I need my dad.” I said before gripping on to the rails as a unbelievably strong contraction hit. 

“I’ll get him for you,” one of the nurses said before scurrying out of the room.

A few minutes later my father came bounding into the room with the nurse hot on his heels. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw him. The minutes that it took for him to come felt like an eternity. He walked over and took the hand that Xavier wasn’t holding into both of his. My father smiled down at me and mouthed that he was so proud of me. That put a smile on to my face. 

20 minutes later...

“She’s so beautiful,” I whispered gazing down at the beautiful little girl in my arms. 

“Just like her mommy,” my dad and Xavier said at the same time, I rolled my eyes. 

“I’m so proud of you baby,” said Xavier. “You did it,” 

“We did it,” I corrected. 

“What are you going to name her?” my dad asked 

“Marianna,” I replied looking down at my daughter.

My father left the room to let everyone (those who stayed that is) know that the baby and I were fine. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the bundle in my arms and Xavier couldn’t either. This beautiful creature that Xavier and I had made together was the prefect fit for out little family. She made everything in my life complete. My little Marianna was the final piece of mine and Xavier’s puzzle. 

“My two girls,” Xavier grinned brushing the tips of his fingers along our daughters cheek. “She’s going to keep me on my toes.” he chuckled

“She’s going to have you wrapped around her little fingers,” I teased 

“She already does, just like you.” he agreed before pressing his lips against mine in a sweet and tender kiss. “I love you,”

“I love you too,” I smiled cupping his cheek in my hand. “Forever,”

“Forever,” he nodded 

The End

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That is the end of The Sweetheart & The Billionaire Heart Breaker...I want to thank all of you who have read, voted and commented on this story...Those of you have stuck with this story from beginning to end...It sucks that this story is over but, I felt like it had to been done...I may write a spin off for Corrie, Elena, Liam and Cole but, still undecided about that as of right now...Once again I thank you all for the amazing support you have all shown for this story, you are all truly the BEST...

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