"Look at you too. So in love." Zak's mom gushed as we stepped into her home.

I smiled up at Zak who had worn the same smirk for the last 2 days..

I had to clean the office.

"How are you mom?" He asked placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Very well. Where's my little angel?"

"Hi nanny!" Avari waved rushing in behind us with Gracie in tow and Peanut shoved under her arm.

"Oh my darling!" Nancy cooed crouching to her height for a cuddle.

"Nanny?"

"Yes sweetheart?" She asked once Avari was released.

"Is it your birthday?"

"It will be in a few days. But I wanted to have a small party."

Avari frowned "I didn't have a party."

I looked down a little disheartened at her face but the frown disappeared and a grin took hold. "But I got a daddy and Gracie for my birthday instead." She beamed.

"Well that's good."

"Good? It's cool! I got a dog! Come on Gracie. Let's find Ridley."

"Try the garden." Nancy replied as they both toddled off in search for the little Yorkie.

"I should have done a party.." I sighed.

Zak rubbed my shoulder gently "Didn't you just see? Our daughter wanted a party, but then realised she got a present worth a million parties. You should be beaming with pride Lett."

"You think?" I asked.

"Absolutely. Avari is a smart girl. The look in her eyes then confirmed that she got the better deal than a party. She got Gracie." Nancy added.

"And you know how inseparable those two are." Zak finished.

"Yeah.. Yeah I guess you're right." I replied with a small smile.

As Nancy rushed off to greet other guests, myself and Zak made our way around the house to get a drink.

"So what's the plan for next years birthday then?" He asked grabbing two bottles of non alcoholic beer.

"For who?"

"Avari. She got me, and a dog. How you gonna top that?" He smirked.

"No idea. Pony?" I laughed before taking a mouthful of drink.

"I was thinking a brother or sister."

Before I could stop the shock, I choked on my drink causing me to rush to the basin in case any shot out my nose. I think it's happened to everyone at some point, they laugh with a drink and suddenly they have turned into a half human and half whale hybrid.

"Easy." He spoke patting my back hard.

"W-where-" I paused as my voice came out as a croak. Clearing my airways I took a sip and swallowed before trying again.

"Where did that come from?" I whispered.

"What? Don't tell me you have never considered it?"

I shook my head "No, I haven't because you had the.. The snip?"

"It's not permanent, there is an operation to have it reversed." He replied quietly.

"What are you trying to tell me Zak? You've thought about it or you want a baby?" I asked.

"Why are you asking me like that?" He frowned.

"Like what?" I replied confused.

"Like having a child with me that I can actually raise is the most worst and disgusting thing you've ever heard?"

I baulked "What? Are you serious with me right now?" I whispered.

"Forget I mentioned it." He grunted sticking the bottle in his mouth and walking away leaving me with questions that I needed answers for!

It had been almost 3 hours since the baby boom chat in the kitchen. And since then Zak has avoided being alone with me at all costs. Even speaking to some clear bible bashing christians that his mom worked with. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against religion or beliefs, but some people push it onto you so much, that it could fry your brain.

A part of me wanted to go home, but seeing Avari with her cousins caused my heart to swell up as she giggled with them. I never thought I would see her so carefree and happy.

Standing up from my seat, I attempted to head for the kitchen when I got swooped up by Aaron.

"Why aren't you dancing?" He asked holding me close to him as we moved between people.

I laughed "You cannot salsa."

"I think I'm pretty convincing, plus the lady behind me keeps trying to grab my butt. Help me." He whispered causing me to laugh and hold him a little tighter.

"You're a funny man Mr Goodwin."

"I know right? I'm underrated. Say, you never answered my question..."

I stepped in Aaron's precious step to keep us moving around the patio which had been turned into a dance floor amongst the music and people.

"Oh he's in a mood. Panties in a wad."

Aaron looked over at Zak "I see.. Explains why he is talking to half the people he can't stand."

"Hmm.. He would rather talk to them than me." I replied disappointed.

"Hey, no. I didn't mean it like that."

"It's okay, I know what you meant.. I still can't help it though."

"Can I ask what it's about?" Aaron wondered.

"You really don't want to know.." I mumbled.

"I'm gonna say babies." He guessed almost making me fall over.

"How did- what? He's told you?" I whispered clutching onto Aaron in shock.

"Not really but the way things are frosty and he's looking at the kids playing.."

"But he made the choice, now he wants to go back on it and have a child."

Aaron choked on the air around him and pulled us to a stop. "He wants a baby?!" He whispered in surprise.

I blinked "You thought I did?"

"Well yeah, broody women and all that. You women have one and then want a football team. Just to moan about them."

I thumped him in the arm causing him to hiss "Owh."

"Don't be sexist."

"Don't be abusive." He shot back making me pout.

"Please don't say I told you anything. It.. it all took me by surprise and my reaction wasn't expected. But I just presumed... Oh I need to talk to him." I sighed defeated.

"Yeah you do. But then he's treating you like you have the plague." He reminded me.

"Shall I just tackle him?"

He laughed "I'm sure you'll have his and everyone else's attention at that move."

"Why are men so difficult?" I asked.

"It's women."

"Don't make me thump you again." I warned as we were approached by the crazy lady Aaron was avoiding.

"And off again." He whispered pulling me across the patio.

"So I need to get his attention. Make him talk to me." I planned.

"Yeah."

"Should I flash him?"

Aaron's laugh filled the air making me giggle "Perhaps not the best idea. I know..." He looked around and pulled us closer to a couple.

Before I knew it, I was spun off Aaron and into a strangers arms.

A short but muscular older man caught me with grey flecks in his brown hair.

"Hi" He smiled showing perfect teeth.

"Hey."

"I'm John."

"Scarlett."

"Pretty name. May I have this dance Scarlett?"

I looked across at Aaron who was trying to dance but was subsequently giving his dancer whiplash. Just over his shoulder a pair of eyes locked with mine causing me to shift unsettled.

Oh god..

"Y-Yes. Yes you can." I stuttered turning my attention back to John.

Controlling, possessive. He's gonna go spare. In fact, he will blow 70 shades of shit all across the garde-

I shot a look at John as his hand travelled across my backside a few times too many.

Okay Ms summers so explain to me how John ended up in a tree?

Well officer he touched my bum and Zak turned into the Incredible Hulk.

I took hold of Johns hand and shifted it to the bottom of my back causing him to smile. "Such a lovely figure you have."

Oh god, I've got a tipsy dancer. Heaven help me.

As we moved around, Zak had moved from his previous spot. Gulping I tried to look around before poor John really did end up hanging from a tree by his Y-fronts.

Not that I know the man wears them but he looks like the ty- it doesn't matter!

"Johnathan stop harassing the young lady." An equally older woman spoke slapping his arm.

"I'm sorry my love, a few sherries and he's a hopeless romantic who thinks he's 25 again."

He smiled at me mischievously.

"Oh it's okay." I laughed brushing the whole butt feeling incident away.

I felt a presence at my side which put me on edge instantly, looking at John and his wife I kept my smile whilst a hand crept onto my hip and squeezed.

"Oh you're Nancy's Zak aren't you?" The woman admired.

"Yes ma'am."

"Such a handsome man! Oh my dear if I was 50 years younger." She laughed giving him a wink.

We laughed but the pressure on my hip was beginning to hurt. I swallowed back the pain until Zak excused us and walked us into the house.

As soon as we were alone I shoved his hand off me.

"That hurts you asshole!" I snapped rubbing where his hand pinched my skin.

"What the fuck was that out there?" He asked.

"What? John?"

"You know his name?! Who is he? Why was he touching you?" He asked pacing.

Oh damn this is new.. I kinda like this.

"It was just dancing."

"If I touched a woman's ass, I'd be on the couch." He pointed out.

"No you wouldn't!" I argued.

"So if I go out there now."

"Nope. Still wouldn't." I answered folding my arms to prove a point.

"Fine." As he walked towards the door, I threw myself in front of it shamelessly.

"See."

"Okay fine!" I huffed. "So I might get annoyed. Okay I would be pissed with you but he's harmless and at least 50 years older!"

"He should know better."

"Oh Zak stop it!" I groaned.

"You are mine Scarlett. I didn't go into this relationship half fucking heartedly. You belong to me now." He pointed.

His eyes were full of conviction and the way he held himself made me comply to his words.

"I know.."

"Then stay the fuck away from men."

"Well lock me in a room too." I replied sarcastically.

"Tempting." He threw back.

"You know I wouldn't have danced with John if you actually spoke to me!" I snapped before shoving my finger into my mouth.

Idiot Scarlett! Idiot!

Zak turned slowly with a raise eyebrow "So that was to make me jealous?"

Why is this room suddenly smaller?

Why can't I swallow? I can't swallow. I'm gonna choke.

Don't sound weak, answer him before he explodes.

"I- I just wanted to talk." I stuttered.

Real strong.. You weak ass.

"So you've deceived me into talking to you."

"Maybe.."

"Hmm. I see." He spoke rounding my body. "And what did you hope to achieve from this talk?"

"Understanding."

"Of what?"

"Of us." I replied weakly.

"What about us?" He pushed.

"Do you really want a baby Zak?" I asked making him stop.

The acting fell as he pulled out a chair. "Lett, sit down."

I grabbed a chair sitting beside him ready for the talk.

"I, I feel like I've missed out on Avari's development. All of her growth, her values, its all yours. I haven't done anything. And I feel bad."

I frowned "It wasn't your fault. It was mine as well as Holly's."

"You did what you thought was best. I can never judge you for that."

"Look at me.." I spoke taking his hand. "There is no right or wrong answer. This is a choice between us. We have Avari. We have each other. Do you want a baby?" I asked.

"I- don't you?" He asked worried.

"Honestly, I don't know. Avari was a beautiful surprise. One that I would never change and I'm sorry you missed the milestones. I know films and photos aren't enough, you want those personal memories.. If you want a child, then okay, we can try. But I won't make this decision for you. It's all a shock, which is why I reacted that way earlier."

"I know." He sighed rubbing his face.

"Look.. If you want a baby, then you book that appointment. You get the snip reversed and if it happens. It happens. I don't wanna plan it, I want that beautiful moment again. I don't want the pressure of making love just for a baby. When we are together, we are together, it's us. Soul baring, passion filled, raw emotional love."

I took his face into my hands "If you want this, then let's have at it."

"You mean it?"

I nodded "Sure. But I swear I balloon when pregnant, and I had fat ankles."

He chuckled "You have lovely ankles."

"You can stop creeping now. So are we good?"

Zak smiled "Yeah we are good.. Gimme a kiss."

I leant forward and captured a kiss from his lips before sitting back. "Let fate decide. Maybe sleep on it? You got to get that reversed yet." I nodded to his crotch.

"Hmm.. That could be the deal breaker."

"Just think about what you want first. Avari is one thing, a newborn baby is another. But if it's what you want. I'm more than happy to assist." I grinned.

"Come here." He patted his knee making me slid onto and lean into his body.

"What are you doing to me, Miss Summers?" He whispered kissing my head.

"I'm taming the beast."