A/N: This one is long and it answers almost every question I received after the last one. I promised you wouldn't wait long, so here we are. Breathe through it, and know I love you all! Xo

***

"Pregnant." I verbalize it for both of us to hear.

"Jamie." She pulls at my face to force our eye contact, and I can see she's terrified for my reaction, and somehow that breaks my heart more than the fear of her news. "Please breathe. Let's sit down."

That's a good idea as my legs now feel like jelly. I need to say something. Goddamn anything would work right now, because my silence in punishing her. I can see it in the way she watches me while she drags me to the couch.

"I know this isn't what you wanted to hear—"

I silence her with my finger. "Don't ever say that."

She's wounded by my scolding. I'm not handling this well at all, she deserves better.

"Don't say I don't want to hear you're pregnant. Because I do."

She tries to interrupt, but I shake my head.

"Having a family with you is exactly what I want. Just...the timing is hard. Really really hard." I decide not to say 'bad' because a baby is never bad news. Growing up with an OB-GYN father taught me that. And a baby with Dakota is more like exceptional news. If only it had come a year from now.

She nods and I sense her relief. "I don't know for sure. I've been feeling sick since you left, but equated it to missing you."

I smile at her admission, tucking a hair behind her ear.

"Then I realized I missed my period. I'm usually on top of my calendar as you know, but with you gone it slipped my mind. So I took three home tests to calm myself and naturally they all were positive. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled this week to find out for sure."

Three positive tests. Jesus Christ. This is happening, and I have to embrace that without hurting her, and without ruining our careers. No pressure.

"Okay," I whisper.

"You don't have to come to the doctor's. I wouldn't want to risk us being caught."

I sigh. "I want to come, but I understand."

"It doesn't mean I am," she says, and I sense she's trying to convince herself over me. "They're home tests, they could be wrong."

"But they could be right, and we have to prepare for that." I chuckle suddenly as the thought enters my mind. "How though? You take your pill religiously."

"I don't know, babe. I guess we're part of that .1% when it's not effective."

I snort, I don't understand where my humor is coming from, but I blame it on my anxiety. "It's my fault."

"No it's not," she says, gripping my hand in hers.

"We could've used condoms, baby. But I'm too damn stubborn and hate that I can't feel you with one on. I could've pulled—" I stop myself, because I realize then how negatively I'm reacting. And I don't feel the anger she expected. I feel...things I can't admit to her or myself because this is the worst timing to somehow be happy over our accident.

"We're adults," I say. "And I accept the results of my actions. I don't ever regret a moment we've shared or how we chose to share it."

Her eyes start watering. "You're not mad?"

"No, baby. I'm not at all mad. It is what it is. I'm hopeful, because a baby is a gift and I want a family with you. But I'm worried." I caress her cheek. "Because I'm supposed to protect you, and I can't protect you from what's going to be blatantly obvious by February."

"We're going to get the third degree from Dana. And Erika. And—" She shrieks when I pull her onto my lap.

"You mean the exact same people who want us to hide our love for one another? It didn't fucking work during Darker promo, and I sure as fuck won't let it happen this time. Not with you carrying my child. We don't have to parade it around for the media, but I don't give a shit about how they feel. I only care how you feel, and how I shouldn't be elated at the timing, yet I am."

She giggles. "I don't feel anything. I've been numb without you here, and then when I saw the results on those tests I lost sleep over how to tell you. I braced myself for the fallout, thinking you'd believe I manipulated you like..." She stops herself from saying Amelia's name, but I get it nonetheless. "You're happy though. I can see it in your eyes. I also see you're terrified, but not mad. And I wasn't sure I could handle mad."

I take a deep breath, because my world has just shifted on its axis once again. My life has been a whirlwind of both drama and excitement, and it's hard to grasp for air. But Dakota makes breathing easier, no matter what will come of this. It's what we wanted. Maybe not now, however it was clear we didn't get the choice on when. Despite even our attempts at prevention.

"A baby," I mutter.

She shakes her head in the same disbelief I'm feeling. "We actually made a baby. Oops."

Her innocent comment causes us both to laugh, and it's totally ridiculous to find this funny as our lives will never be the same after this, but damn does it feel good to hear that beautiful sound coming from the woman in my arms. The one who is pregnant with my child. God, I'm a wreck of emotions and doing my best not to cry.

She stops laughing when I bring her face closer to mine. My lips brush hers, and suddenly her warmth soothes all my senses as I breathe in her sweet scent. The one that tells me I'm home and triggers a nostalgic emotion inside.

"It'll be okay," I whisper. "I promise. I love you, and we'll make this work."

She bursts again, her tears back without effort. "I love you more. And I know we'll get through it together. As scared as I am, I trust you'll be there."

Scared. I don't want her to be scared. If it's of fucking Universal or Erika then I'll handle their asses personally. I'm not going to let them intimidate Dakota into not being excited about our future. If it's the baby she's scared about then all I can do is be here for every up and down. I've never wanted anything more than to love her for the rest of my life, and if we created another life then our future starts right now.

I lean into her lips, kissing her gently. She relaxes and a moment later she eases further in, letting me taste her. The heat rises from within me and I'm reminded of how much I missed this gorgeous woman prior to her news. I need to stop, but I'm finding it impossible as her moans only encourage me to continue.

"Take me," she breathes between kisses.

I pull us apart to meet her desperate gaze. "Are you sure?"

She nods and tries to calm her emotions. "Make love to me."

I lift her in my arms without hesitation, and Zepp jumps out of the way and moves to a sunspot by the door. I chuckle as I carry her to our bedroom, her lips and hands roaming desperately across my skin. I feel her everywhere. The fire now burning inside is ready to explode, but I can't rush this. I need her to know how I feel, because I can't form the appropriate words.

I set her down at the edge of the bed, peeling her out of her shirt. Her lips are back on mine as I toss it in the distance. I feel her tongue on my bottom lip before she tugs it between her teeth. While she's distracted I take the opportunity to unclasp her bra and pull it off from between us.

Her soft hands creep up under my shirt as she jerks it over my head. We break apart when she does and I stop her. "Slow down, baby."

"I want you." She's panting and it's hard to resist giving in.

"Slow," I reiterate.

She takes a deep breath but eventually nods. So I drop to my knees and undo the button and zipper on her jeans. I shimmy her out of them successfully, taking her panties down while I'm at it. I look up into her gaze and her eyes are shining. She's already glowing and I find myself weak, grateful to be on solid ground. I take the risk and kiss her stomach ever so softly.

She whimpers. "Jamie."

I bow my head as those uneven emotions resurface. She holds me against her porcelain skin, my ear to her navel where a baby we created out of pure love is nestled safely inside. I can't stop the tears that slide down her torso.

I hear her gasp as she tries to pull me up. I stand, covering my face with my hands so I can get it over with and man up.

She forces my wrists apart and I feel my bloodshot eyes meet hers. Both of us exhausted and overwhelmed.

"Let's just sleep," she suggests.

I shake my head. "No, I need this as much as you do. I'm sorry, I'm fine."

She smiles. "Don't be sorry for that. I love you. Feel it with me, all of it."

And I understand what she means. I gather my wits and lay her down. I have no desire to make her come any way except with me inside her to feel it, all of it, like she's asked.

I remove my own pants and underwear before crawling up her petite frame. A frame that's going to display the cutest little baby bump. And it's then that I realize she won't even be showing by February. She's in incredible shape and is going to be able to hide our secret until practically the end. So fuck everyone else. We don't have to tell anyone who won't share in our excitement. Let Dana and Erika find out when the rest of the world does.

She grips my face in her hands and chuckles. "We're a mess."

"My favorite kind." I capture her lips once more as I wet the tip of my dick through her already slick folds.

She moans into my throat when I slide into her one inch at a time. I pin her with my body before I start to move. She wraps her legs around my waist, her lips matching the thrusts of my hips gliding in and out of her tight warmth. I have missed this connection that I've only ever shared with her. One so deep that we don't need foreplay to reach euphoria—being together body and soul is enough.

I lean away from her kisses and her eyes open into mine. The depth of love and desire behind them practically unravels me. I cup either side of her face, forcing our gaze.

"You're my whole world," I say, feeling her grow closer to the edge. "And I'll never let anything happen to you or this baby, understood?"

She nods, biting her lip to stifle her emotions. "My everything."

I drop my head to her ear and tug it with my teeth. "Let go."

And my coaxing sends her into ecstasy. She cries out as her orgasm convulses around my length, urging my own to follow.

"Yes, Jamie," she moans, her nails digging into my shoulder.

I kiss hers a dozen times as we both relish in the spasms of our afterglow. An intimate moment I'll cherish forever, since it came after some surprising news that awoke a deep happiness in me that even I can't understand.

I collapse beside her and roll her into my arms. A place I promise to keep her and our little one safe no matter the cost.

***

Dakota's hands are shaking as I walk her out to the car. She's leaving for her appointment, and I've agreed to stay back so we don't get caught. I hate that I can't go and hold her hand while our excitement is confirmed. But I rest assured she'll come home with a new picture I can carry in my wallet and watch the small figure grow into a real human being.

"Call me as soon as you leave," I say.

She nods. "I will."

"Are you sure you don't want me to fetch you a ride? You're a nervous wreck."

"I'll be okay."

I kiss her forehead, lingering my lips for a long breath to let her know I'm with her in this even if I'm not with her at the appointment.

She grabs my face and forces our mouths together. I grip her hips, pushing her against the driver's window of her car as I offer her any strength she needs through the kiss.

"I have to go," she breathes. "I love you."

"I love you more." I help her into the car and shut the door once she's buckled in. She waves at me before driving off.

I feel the ache in my chest the further I hear her car speed down the road. I head inside to busy myself while I await her call.

Zepp barks at the sliding door when I come back in, so I open it and let him out. I have a burning need to call my dad. If nothing more than to hear his voice and assure him I'm home safely. I should've went to see him this time, but I will make it a point to go to Belfast next trip to see him and my sisters, and hopefully Dakota will come too.

I retrieve my phone as I watch Zepp wander the yard. I dial my dad's number and wait for him to answer.

"Hey son," he says the moment the line connects.

"Hi dad. How are you?"

"Not bad, not bad. And you?"

I sit on the sofa and sigh. "Tired. Still suffering from jetlag."

He laughs on the other end. "It only gets worse with age, I'm afraid."

"Are you calling me old, old man?"

We both chuckle.

"You'll always be much younger than me if it's any consolation."

I smile into the receiver, glad to hear his playfulness. "How's Samina?"

"Wonderful. Staying busy. The grandkids keep us both busy."

I feel a pang in my chest over his comment, but know he meant no malice behind it. I wish not only could I have my daughters more, I wish they could see their granddad more. Maybe I can make amends with the new baby. Dakota and I can pick up the girls and spend time with my dad more often. I realize then how quickly I got ahead of myself.

"Tell me about it," I say. "Got two wild ones of my own that kept this single dad on his toes."

My dad laughs again. "Did you have a nice visit?"

"We did. It's never easy to leave them, but I know it's for the best. We have a much stronger relationship because of it."

"I don't doubt that," he answers. "I can hear it in your voice, so I know they can too. Your happiness is contagious, Jamie."

This comment soothes my soul. My parents, Samina included, have always encouraged me to follow my heart and my dreams. Dakota happens to be both, and none of my family is stupid enough to deny what everyone can see. I'm grateful they understand and support my happiness above what may appear to be "right." This is the first time since my mom passed that something is right in my life, and that's because I've met my soul mate. I grew up in a home that supported true love and embodied it beautifully. It's my turn to live that.

I want to tell my dad Dakota's pregnant. I want him to assure me we can handle this and that a baby is a precious gift. But I can't. I won't. Dakota and I are keeping this between us until we're in the clear.

"They're growing so fast." I follow a different emotional path.

"They do that," he says. "You have to soak it all up while you can. Don't ever forget how quickly the time has gone, because it'll continue to fly. You can't be caught up in the past or you'll miss out on the future."

"You make everything sound poetic." I chuckle. "And you always make everything better."

"Is something wrong? You and Dakota okay?"

Fuck. The man has a radar like no other. I attribute it to how close he kept his eyes on us after my mom's passing. He knows my sister's and me better than most parents know one of their kids.

"Nothing is wrong. In fact, it couldn't be better. I just never get enough of your wisdom. I want to bottle it up and save it for a time when I do need it."

"That's what I'm here for."

There's a heavy silence between us and if he doesn't talk soon I'm going to spill.

"You both should come visit soon."

He's read my mind once again. "We will. I mean it."

"We haven't learned enough about Dakota. You know your sisters would love to host a family dinner. We could plan some fun things around Belfast to show her."

There's a longing in his voice that tugs at my heart. He'd never known Amelia because she never allowed herself to be known by my family. She didn't care about anyone except her reflection and her mother. I wasn't sure if she'd ever truly cared about me aside from maybe the first few months after we met. It hurt my dad more than he'll ever admit. He barely sees my girls, and part of me feels a rage inside build up knowing those years are now lost. I won't allow that to happen with my next child. Family is everything, and I know Dakota adores hers. She'll do anything to ensure mine sees us often. I mentally kick myself for not forcing Amelia to travel with them to Belfast, but here I am, regretting what I didn't do when there's nothing I can do about it now except change for the future.

"She would love that, Dad. As would I. There's so many little well-knowns I want to show her. We'll plan it soon. I'll talk to her about it tonight."

"Okay son. She's welcome here anytime you know that. Make sure she knows that. We don't shun either of you for the way things panned out. We're happy that you're happy, and we can't judge how you got there."

Dakota and I couldn't be luckier to have such incredible loved ones surrounding us and cheering for us. "I will let her know. She'll be delighted. Thank you for being my rock while I went through it."

"And I'll be there as you still get through it."

I sigh. "I'll need you."

"Well son, I've missed our talks and hate to cut you off, but I need to get some work done before bed that I've been neglecting."

"You're retired." I chuckle.

"The work never ends."

"All right, Dad. I love you and miss you tremendously. I promise we'll come to Belfast soon."

"Sounds good, Jamie. Love you also."

We hang up and I rub my face. I'm still so tired despite sleeping peacefully next to Dakota. I'm glad to be home, and my body is happy to be back in bed with her warmth.

I head outside where Zepp is sunbathing by the pool. I laugh and pick up his tennis ball. "Here, lazy bones."

I throw it and he wastes no time jumping to his feet and running it down. He picks it up, bringing it right back to me and dropping it in my hand. I throw it again. He's a great distraction from wondering how Dakota's appointment is going. I take a picture of Zepp when he comes back with the ball in his mouth. I remind myself to send it to Dulcie later. It'll make her laugh.

I sit down on the lounger and continue our game of fetch as I let my mind wander. I drift in and out of reality, watching the clouds play peek-a-book with the sun. I should've put sunscreen on as I feel my cheeks pinking. Still not used to this eternal-Spring Cali weather.

My phone dings, signaling a text. I wrestle with my pocket to pull it free. I'm surprised to see it's Dakota since I asked her to call.

Meet me on the beach where we surfed.

I wrinkle my forehead. That doesn't make any sense. Why wouldn't she just call and tell me that? Why would I meet her out when she could come home?

"Let's go," I call for Zepp and we both hurry inside. I lock the door as I grab my keys and make a beeline for my car. My anxiety that I'd recently calmed is now back in full force.

***

Dakota's car is there when I pull up to the secluded lot. Melanie wasn't kidding when she said this was the best place to come for beach privacy. I step out of the vehicle, noticing she's not waiting for me in hers.

I narrow my gaze to find her on the beach, and I can see the faint outline of her sitting at the water's edge. I pick up my feet, practically sprinting over. I'm kicking sand everywhere so I slow down as I reach her, not wanting to pelt her with it.

"Hey, baby," I say, coming up behind her.

She turns, her eyes shaded with large sunglasses. "Hey."

I sit down beside her, my stomach in knots and my heart pounding so hard I feel my shirt vibrating. "Let's see it," I say, holding my hand out.

I watch her eyebrows furrow beneath the black shades.

"The ultrasound picture." I smile wide, but it diminishes when she doesn't match my excitement.

"I'm not..." she trails off and my heart shatters.

"You're not," I repeat.

She shakes her head. "There's no baby."

I suddenly can't breathe as all the happiness I'd been feeling completely leaves my body and washes away at sea.

"How can that—" I can't even ask.

She wipes away a tear I hadn't noticed until now. Blinded by my own anticipation. "It was either a false positive or I miscarried. I started my period on the way to the doctor."

I swallow the lump in my throat. "Did you still go?"

She nods. "Yes, and she confirmed."

"Christ," I mumble, because I'm more speechless now than I had been over the news.

"I wanted you to meet me here, because it reminded me of how happy we were that day we surfed. I needed a happy memory to relive."

"Baby, I'm—"

She interrupts. "Please don't call me that."

I feel the sharp knife cut through my chest. Yet I understand.

"Not today at least." She reaches for my hand and I offer it in hopes that it somehow anchors her a bit.

"I don't know what to say."

"There's nothing to say." She shrugs as she looks at me behind her glasses. I want to remove them but won't since they seem to be purposeful. "Just be here with me. Reminisce with me."

"About how shit of a surfer I am?"

I see a hint of a smile tug at her lips. "But a quick learner."

"A quick learner and a slow lover." I wink at her and she immediately drops her head to her hands, her shoulders shaking as she falls apart.

"Fuck," I mumble under my breath, taking her in my arms. For once my humor failed her. "It's okay. Let it out. I'm not going anywhere."

She hugs my arms tight, sobbing against them as my skin soaks in all her tears. And I soak in all her grief. Grief that also grips me tight. So I do what I can't resist and cry with her. We sit there in the sand, my tears wetting her hair as hers slide down my arm and toward the ocean that laps at our feet.

***

I drove us both home, afraid to let Dakota behind the wheel since she was struggling to breathe through her sobs. We could retrieve it later. I had to pull myself together, get her home, and soothe her somehow. Because our beach memories sure didn't do it.

She's under the covers in our bed, stroking Zepp's head when I come in with a cup of tea for her. I set it on the nightstand as I sit behind Zepp at Dakota's hip. I run my hand over her forehead and through her hair.

"Let's take a bath," I say.

She doesn't answer for a minute while she continues to pet Zepp, but her eyes finally reach mine. "Tea first."

I nod with the best smile I can muster. "Okay. You work on that while I get the water ready."

She nods and grabs my wrist. I give her my hand to help pull her upright. She pecks my shoulder before I stand. She's trying to be strong — I can see it in her gaze when she attempts to return the smile.

"Take care of her for a minute," I tell Zepp.

I disappear into the bathroom, because if I don't do something for her I'll end up crying again, which will upset her further, and that's not fair. I can be strong for the both of us until we get over this initial pain.

I pick out one of Dakota's favorite bath bombs, find the lavender bubbles, and grab the lighter.

I start the water, letting it heat up while I light the candles and move them in a line around the ledge. I plug the stopper and add the other items to the tub, allowing it to fill.

Dakota comes in as soon as I turn. "It smells amazing in here."

I walk to her, kissing her forehead. "A personal spa."

She smirks and flips off the light. The room darkens to the flickering of the candles.

I watch her as she steps back to undress. I table my constant desire for her after my eyes graze down her beautiful body.

"You're joining me?"

I stumble over my words. "I-I don't have to."

She runs her hand up my arm. "I want you to. It'll make me feel better."

Who am I to deny her such a simple pleasure? "Then I suppose I'm overdressed."

She giggles and I have hope we'll soon get through this. I remind myself it could've been worse. She could've lost the baby when...I force the thought away before she senses my wandering mind. But I'm sure it's been the same one that's crossed hers since she's been in bed.

I strip quickly as I watch Dakota shut off the water and step into its warm liquid. She moans, causing me to try and think of anything other than her naked in the bathtub.

After I reel in my natural reaction, I join her. She scoots forward so I can sit behind her. I sink down, the water slightly warmer than intended. I pull her back against my torso and she relaxes into the embrace.

I kiss her hair and enjoy our loving connection. I need this as much as she does. I link my fingers across her stomach, closing my eyes. She nudges them a bit higher, and the reason why isn't lost on me.

"It won't always be like this," she whispers as if reading my thoughts. "I just need a bit to process it."

"You take all the time you need, sweetheart." I avoid using the nickname she asked me not to. "There's no rush."

She clears her throat. "I was legitimately excited, and having holes shot through that feeling is a difficult pill to swallow. Much less how incredible you reacted, which only confirmed my excitement."

"And it was genuine," I say. "I was happy at the idea. But I'll be equally as happy when it does happen."

"I don't think I was," she says quietly. "Pregnant, I mean. I don't want to believe I miscarried so easily. They were false positives. That's all."

I wasn't even going to entertain the possibility that she couldn't properly conceive. She would. Someday. When God knew the timing was better.

"She said my hormones were altered due to my impending period and they likely caused the consistent results. She said in the future to come straight to her before using a home test since they're not reliable. Good to know now."

"The only thing that is reliable is my love for you and how much I'll love our future children."

She sighs, hugging my arms around her tighter. "Trust that I believe that with my whole heart. But for now, talk to me about something else."

I nod, knowing she's avoiding the emotions that keep creeping up on both of us. "I called Dad while you were gone. He really wants us to come see him."

She rubs a pattern around my fingers. "I would love that, Jamie. I want to see a different Holywood."

I kiss her neck. "I want to show you all my favorite places. Plus I'm keen on the idea of you and my dad getting closer. Two of the most important people in my life."

She doesn't answer right away, but continues playing with my fingers as the water wrinkles them. "Did you tell him?"

"No," I whisper, and I'm secretly grateful I didn't. "It was between us."

"I want it to stay that way," she says. "This is just for you and me. No use upsetting anyone over nothing."

"Of course." I kiss a line across her shoulder.

"When do you want to go to Belfast?" she asks.

"Hadn't made any concrete plans. Told him I'd talk to you first and we'd work it out. I really want to take the girls with us, which might require some work."

"I think that sounds like a great idea."

I take a deep breath to level those unmanly butterflies. "I want us to be a family even if we legally aren't."

She turns her head to look up at me. "I want that too. Your family is sweet like you. I'd love to get to know them better. And you already know I adore your girls."

I peck her lips sideways and she smirks. She rubs her foot up my overly muscular calf.

"Remember when we filmed the first bathtub scene?" she asks.

What a change of subject. I chuckle. "I remember it well."

"Oh my God, you were so flustered." She snorts and I'm happy my girl is coming back to me, even if it's at my expense.

"Um, you were naked and kept drifting against my dick. What did you expect?"

"I never thought we'd get it filmed. Your face was burning red in embarrassment, and I was trying not to act equally effected." She giggles.

"Our bodies betray us. Mine more often than not."

"Fifty Shades of the Dornan D would've been a better title."

"Shut up." I tickle her and she unfortunately rubs my dick when she squirms, those feelings rushing back. "You know how tired my hand was?"

"Your hand?"

"From relieving myself in the trailer every day."

She laughs so loudly it causes me to join her.

"Like I was going through batteries."

"Wow," I chuckle. "Great conversation to have in the tub."

"I know, but it made me feel better. You're the best."

"Also, while we're on it, what happened to that vibrator?"

"I didn't think I needed it anymore since I have the man of my dreams in my bed every night."

I swallow my reaction. "We could have some fun with it. Bring BOB back out."

"And we're done with this conversation. Stop talking about my battery operated boyfriend."

I laugh as she grabs the washcloth and soap to lather herself.

"Wait," I stop her. "Let me."

She hands them both over without question, turning around to face me. Her color has returned a bit and she's looking more like herself.

We don't say another word as I bathe her sweet skin. My eyes graze over every inch of her hardened nipples, her subtle abs, and the way her hips curve beautifully. She exchanges roles and cleans me off too. It's loving and gentle, so I'm able to ignore the sexual undertones. I'm enjoying the softness between us, and how we care for one another when we're both upset about our lost potential.

"Let's lay down," I say quietly.

"Please."

I reach for a towel and help her stand. She smiles, closing her eyes as I wrap her in it. I grab my own and follow her out. I can't stop myself from pulling her into my arms. She hums her approval and let's me hold her like that in the middle of the bathroom for a long minute. I rub my hand up and down her towel-covered frame as I kiss her hair over and over. I'm not sure who needs the attention more, her or me.

"Can you give me a private minute?" she asks, flipping on the light.

I nod, reminding her to blow out the candles. I head out into the bedroom, closing her in so she can handle her business. I dry off as I rummage through the drawer for some sweats and an old tee. I smirk, an idea running through my mind.

She comes out naked a minute later, and walks toward her dresser.

"Here," I say.

She looks up as I hold a pair of boxers and a shirt out for her. She bites her lip, taking them without question. We both change into my clothes and I chuckle as my old football tee hangs loosely on her.

"What?"

I shake my head. "Nothing, just thought I was skinny back then, but it's still too big for you."

"Is that a bad thing?" Her eyes are light and playful, which brings me immense joy.

"Not at all. You look beautiful in everything."

"I like wearing your clothes." She plays with the hem of the shirt. "They smell like you even when you're not here."

I raise my chin. "Ah, so that's why my lucky Beach Boys tee was in the hamper when I haven't worn it in months."

She shrugs. "You weren't here, so I improvised."

"Improvise anytime you want, darlin'."

She looks away, heading to the bed and crawling in. She gets comfortable and pats the mattress so I grin before joining.

I curl her into my arms so that we're face-to-face. She scratches my beard as we try to read one another's eyes.

"No matter what happens I'll always love you," she says.

I understand what she means. "The good and the bad, it always comes back to the two of us at the end of the day. And I'll love you through it all."

"I know." She nestles into my embrace and I kiss her forehead. "I'm drained," she says.

"Sleep then," I mumble.

She closes her eyes at my request, but I can't help myself from watching her. I lose track of how long we lay like that. And over time she relaxes further into me, her body falling limp.

I eventually whisper into the darkness, "We'll be okay."

Much to my surprise I see her faintly nod. On that note, I take comfort in her agreement and close my eyes.

***

I know I've put you through an emotional ringer. I hope you'll appreciate that it's fiction while also imitating real situations and emotions couples like Jamie and Dakota experience. Please do remember my creative ideas don't always represent actual scenarios I think they've been through, but some do. Open your imagination to me as I dance the line between fiction and reality, and I thank you for trusting that my writing won't let you down ;) Also, don't forget to vote/comment! Xoxo