BEXLEY TURNER

"COMING THROUGH," HAYDEN WARNS as he carries a table into our house. I quickly move out of his way as he passes me. To say our lives have been busy is an understatement. Since that day at Hayden's apartment back in Hood River, life has been a non-stop parade of chaos. A little more than two days after Chrissy and Jared returned from their honeymoon, Hayden and I purchased a house on the outskirts of Portland. The house was a little four-bedroom, two-bath with a backyard, garage, and basement. We put the deposit down as soon as we saw it. I immediately knew it was the one to raise our family, current and future. 

A few months soon passed before we were able to finally start moving into the home we could call ours. Both Hayden and I's vehicles were filled with boxes and furniture as we hauled all of our stuff from Hayden's apartment. The drives there and back weren't bad. It was only a little over an hour, but getting my stuff from California was a bit more of a challenge. Most of my stuff was flown over on a plane that cost a good chunk of money. And the stuff that wasn't flown, Audrey brought with her on her move up here.

Out of everyone, I thought Nash would be upset at the move, but he loves it here. He does miss hanging out with Liam but they'll still be able to visit just like Chrissy and Jared will be. At the house, Nash has a swing set in the backyard, and a treehouse from previous owners...Though, Hayden has to do some work on it before I'll let Nash play on it. But overall, Nash is happy. We even decided to get a puppy for the family after the move. We named the little golden retriever Baxter and Nash is of course his favorite. Though secretly, Baxter loves me the most.

"How's the little one?" Hayden asks as he steps into the very empty kitchen. Boxes are scattered along the floor but that's about it. He stands behind me, caressing my almost visible baby bump in his large palm. His heat makes me sigh, loving the feeling of him hugging me as he rubs my belly.

"They're perfect, I'm perfect. Everything is perfect." I lean back against him, closing my eyes before opening them as I watch Baxter chase Nash into the living room. A giggle slips past my lips and I stand there in Hayden's embrace.

About a month and two weeks after the intimacy Hayden and I shared together, we found out we were expecting. I told him as soon as I found out, trusting him more than ever. The condom had split and my birth control failed me, but I wasn't upset about the surprise. Hayden was nervous at first, but after processing the news, he was just as ecstatic as me. The timing was right and I wasn't scared about providing for another child. Hayden has a job and I'm going to be opening a tattoo shop with Audrey in the local shopping plaza later this year, so I'll also be employed. 

We're both able to support our family in more ways than one and that makes me so happy. Everything is amazing. Life has been smooth, only a few pebbles getting in our way but Hayden and I always managed to overcome the little obstacles that threaten us.

"I'm so in love with you," he whispers in my ear, nipping at my earlobe. Ever since we found out we're expecting, our free time has been spent in the bedroom, in the shower, on the couch, even over the damn countertop. Hayden promised to fuck me on every surface in our home by the time our baby is born. He had no complaints from me. I'll always be his willing participant.

"And I'm so in love with you," I reply softly.

Nash walks into the kitchen, his bare feet slapping against the wooden floor. Baxter follows after him, one of his many toys dangling from his mouth. "Hey, I want a hug too!" He pouts, pushing Hayden and I apart so he can be sandwiched between us both. I ruffle his hair with a laugh. 

"Definitely our kid," I tell Hayden and he nods with a smile before looking down at our son.

"Come here, little man!" Hayden playfully yells before scooping Nash up in his arms and putting him on his shoulders. Nash squeals and holds onto Hayden's hair so he doesn't fall, but Hayden keeps his arms locked on Nash's waist.

Hayden spins Nash around and he giggles with excitement. I take a seat at the table, petting Baxter as we watch our boys goof off and have fun. My hand caresses my stomach and I lean back against the chair. My heart swells at the sight of my little family of three, soon to be four. In the end, everything worked out. I made my way back to the man I've always loved and he accepted me back. Yes, we had our complications but they were just minor setbacks to get us to where we are today, happy and more in love than ever before.

❄︎

A warm gust of wind blows by me and my sundress sways in the wind. I sigh softly, placing a bowl of mixed fruits and napkins on the table that's placed on our deck. Hayden smiles up at me from his seat at the table, next to Nash. Jared and Chrissy sit across from him and I sit next to Hayden on the bench. 

He places a hand on my protruding belly.  "Thank you, beautiful." His compliment makes me smile, especially since I feel like a whale carrying our little girl. We found out the gender of our new addition at my nineteen week appointment. I was elated to be having a girl, still am. I've bought so much shit for her and she's not even here yet.

"Of course," I respond before taking a bite of my burger Hayden and Jared grilled before everyone else arrived. My parents sit farther down the table, talking to Hayden's parents as we all enjoy the warmer weather of the season. The sun is out, everyone is happy and satisfied with their food and company.

Quiet music plays through the outdoor speakers, allowing everyone to relax in the new setting. This is new for everyone. It's the first time we've hosted a family dinner in our new home, actually ever.

Time flies by and soon, the sun is starting to set, a warm golden glow falling over everything below it. I start to clean up the table, despite Hayden's protest. Ever since we found out that we're expecting, he has been super protective and careful around me. And I know he loves me every time he does something instead of letting me do it. Yes, it's nice being taken care of every once in a while, but him constantly coddling me makes me want to scream. 

I notice Nash walking towards me, an unreadable look on his small face. "Hey, sweetie, what's wrong?" I ask him before ruffling his brown hair, tugging at the long strands. He needs a haircut.

He smiles up at me, grabbing my hand in his. "Mama, dad wants to ask you something," he whispers, glancing around us as if Hayden is lurking in the shadows of the sun.

"Okay, what is it, kiddo?" I ask, worry settling in my stomach. Nash doesn't look worried, though, instead he giggles and points behind me. 

I instantly spin, a gasp flying from my throat. Holy shit. Hayden smiles at me, tears swimming in his beautiful blues. On one knee, he holds out a black velvet box, opening it and revealing a diamond ring that glimmers in the golden sunlight. Tears start to fall, landing on the wooden deck with a small splash.

"Beautiful, you know I've loved you for as long as I can remember. You're the mother of our amazing children, my best friend, the person I'm meant to be with. I've wanted to do this since the day we found out we're going to have another child," he chokes out and a few tears fall from his eyes, and I wipe them away with a shaking hand. "I love you so fucking much Bexley Turner. Will you make me the luckiest man alive to call you mine, and take me as your husband?"

His question sends my nerves into a frenzy but I knew my answer before he ever bought the ring. I've always known I wanted to marry this man and now I finally am. Our family watches from behind Hayden, smiling, grinning, crying. It's all a mess of tears and more tears.

"Of fucking course, yes!" I cry out in happiness, wrapping my arms around him once he stands up. He hugs me back, careful of my baby bump. We both cry in each other's arms, both of us falling apart. But I know both of us can put the other back together if ever faced with that challenge. "I love you so much, Hayden. So fucking much."

"Language!" My mom scolds but she has a soft smile on her face, telling me she doesn't actually care about the word that slipped past my lips. My dad stands next to her with their hands laced. Nash stands in front of them, holding his train in his hand.

Hayden and I stay in each other's arms for the rest of the night. He doesn't let me leave his side and I don't mind at all. Being around him makes me the happiest person alive and I wouldn't trade him or our family for the world. Even through the chaos, I'll always find my way back to him. Always. Even when snowflakes fall in a snowstorm.

Thanks for reading!