Lucas' P.O.V.
**Song Suggestion: The Story by Davis Naish**
I have my Rose in my arms again. Her sweet scent chased away any and all sadness that had crept inside me in her absence. She was warm, perfect and somehow mine. She had calmed herself after a while. I hated to hear her cry, but something tells me it wasn't because she was sad.
We're having a baby.
I don't think I've ever gotten news that has elated me so much as I did today. Yes it's extremely early.. extremely. Who wouldn't be worried in this position? It's insane, yet I'm so excited. Picturing a child with Rose is something I can't stop doing now. I bet if it's a gril she'll have a sweet round face like Rose with those piercing blue eyes and fiery red hair. She'll have my nose and my lips, and maybe even my height.
I can picture a little boy with my blonde hair, but with her curls and thickness. Of course, I keep hoping they'll have her eyes, maybe shaped like mine, but colored like hers. Whatever they come out looking like, I know they'll be perfect. I'll wait patiently to see them, and fall even more in love with them. I hate to admit it, because it's so soon, but I am so extremely excited. I won't let this ruin Rose's career either.
I'll be the one to stay home, and care for our child. That sounds perfect to me. I would be so lucky as to be the one to put our child to sleep, to teach them about the world. I'll take care of them both, my Rose and my bud. This moment was perfect. The sex we had before we spoke was like nothing I'd experienced before. The closest, I guess would have been with Ivy, but this was different...it was more, so much more.
We're tied forever now, by the child she grows inside of her. I want to tie us in a more official way, too, and I'll ask her before the baby is born. I'll make her my wife, and not just my child's mother. She's my everything, and I'll give her all that is mine, soul, body and mind.
"How are you feeling, Rose?" I asked her once she stopped crying.
"Overwhelmed, exhausted, in love, excited. I'm feeling too much," she admitted.
"Go to sleep Rose. I'm not going anywhere. We can drive back together tomorrow morning if you want. Although, I'd really like to see the town you grew up in," I confessed, happy to be with her a day earlier than expected.
Now to break the news to Lisa and Mom.
I had told them an emergency came up and I had to go, but I didn't get real specific with the details, and since we were leaving tomorrow anyway, they didn't question it too much. I'm not really sure how I plan to announce it to them. Maybe we'll wait a bit. I don't feel like being deflated from everyone's negative comments so soon after feeling so happy about the news. I know they'll say it's too soon and a kid is a big responsibility. I know these things, but this is where we are, and we are going to make the best of it. I'm going to raise my child with Rose, and no one can tell me differently.
"Okay, I'll take you around town. I'll introduce you to Ian and Joe, and show you all my old hangout spots," she murmured sleepily.
"Thank you, Rose." I kissed the top of her head, caressing her arm until I felt her deep breaths.
She'd fallen asleep on my chest, relaxing me, and allowing me to find sleep faster than usual. I woke up to my Rose straddling my lap. I smirked loving the feel of her naked body over mine. She was rubbing herself against me when she suddenly got off me at a run. She went straight to the bathroom. I hurriedly chased after her, seeing her lean over the toilet. I frowned, walking towards her. She tried to shoo me away with her hand as she vomited, but I ignored it. I grabbed her hair, holding it back for her, and rubbing her back as she threw up a little more. She rinsed her mouth in the sink when she was done, staring at me in the mirror.
"I'm sorry you had to see that." She blushed, feeling embarrassed about it.
"Don't apologize, Rose. It's my fault for getting you pregnant. Let me be here to hold your hair and rub your back as you vomit, because it's the only thing I can do. I wish I could do the whole morning sickness part for you, but since I can't, will you let me do this, at least?" I asked her, looking back at her in the mirror.
She blushed but nodded her head yes. I leaned forward kissing her shoulder.
"Thank you, Rose. How are you feeling now?"
"Guilty."
"What?! Why?" Her answer had caught me off guard, making me furrow my brow in concern.
"I worked you up and then ran away to throw up." She pointed to the semi I sported.
"I don't care about that. Don't feel guilty. I'll have my way with you later, when you're feeling better," I promised her with a wink.
"I like the sound of that."
I wiggled my eyebrows at her, making her chuckle lightly.
"How about we get dressed and you take me to your favorite breakfast place?" I suggested with a smile.
"Well, my favorite breakfast place would be Mrs. Daniels' house, but I doubt that is a real option. So we'll go to my second favorite."
"Ooo, who's Mrs. Daniels?"
"Ian's mom. She's the sweetest and always makes the best food."
"Hmm, I see." I mused.
I really need to get Rose and Mom to get along more. Especially now. She should think of Mom as fondly as she does Mrs. Daniels.
"I want to meet this Mrs. Daniels, and Ian, of course."
My curiosity was at an all time high about Ian. What's he like in person, outside of her journals and his social media? I still can't believe that her dad had kept those letters from her all this time.
I wonder if she's read any yet?
"Okay. I'll see if they're free today."
We both got dressed as Rose texted Ian. I didn't realize she had gotten his number while here. I should have figured, but I didn't, and now I feel sour about it. I am trying not to be some controlling jealous boyfriend, but some of her journal entries keep playing in my head about how amazing she found him. She smiled at the screen as he responded. I wrapped my arm around her waist, resting my chin on her shoulder and looking at her phone.
Olive: Can I come over for breakfast? I have someone I want you guys to meet.
#1 Best Friend: Ooo, You know I love meeting new people, and if they have your seal of approval they must be great. I'll let mom know to make your favorites. It's still strawberry pancakes and bacon, right?
Olive: Sure is!
I wonder why she saved him as #1 best friend. I'm pretty sure that title is Hailey's now. I'm surprised that Ian remembers her favorites, too. Her favorite is actually a banana nut muffin now, but I guess for Ian it is different.
Ian knows more about my Rose than I do. I don't have to be a mind reader to know that. He got to know her for 2 years and I've only been around 2 months, but it's okay, I have a lifetime to get to know her better.
"So can we go?" I asked her, pretending not to already know the answer.
"We can go."
She smiled so brightly at me, making me smile as well. There's no way you can't smile back when you see her face light up like that. We headed out, and Rose let me drive. She directed me as we went, pointing out buildings and places where she used to hang out. I loved seeing her enjoying telling me these things. She seemed so excited as she spoke and told me about it all. By the time we got there my mood had skyrocketed.
"I think you and Ian will hit it off. He's a really nice guy. Oh and his mom is the absolute best! I can't even begin to tell you about how amazing her cooking is!" Rose was talking so fast as we approached the door. She used the black iron knocker, not holding still as she waited. She was adorable when she was excited.
"I can't wait to meet the people that helped you when you were younger."
I pulled her in, kissing her forehead sweetly at the same time the door opened. The person cleared their throat, clearly not liking the intimate moment. Rose blushed, but I turned with a smile to face the door expecting to see the infamous Mrs. Daniels. Instead I was greeted by Ian's handsome face. His hair was longer and his features sharper than his latest profile picture. He's one of those that looks better in person.
Oh, Joy.
"Good morning, Red!" He beamed at her. "Who have you brought?" His eyes met mine with an interest. The nickname didn't go unnoticed. He still uses it and she seems to not mind.
"This is my boyfriend, Lucas." She gestured to me with a smile.
"Nice to meet you Lucas."
Ian's smile remained, but it had lost some of its luster. He held his hand out to shake and I took it. We had a death grip match as we shook. When we let go I resisted the urge to open and shut my hand to shake off the hurt. He had squeezed so tight you'd think we were playing a pain game. I could see him shaking his hand off behind him, making me smile. Rose however saw it and elbowed me on the side lightly.
Is she scolding me? He did it too!
"Come on in." Ian gestured for us to step inside as he moved out of the way, hand still on the doorknob.
Rose stepped in first, and I followed closely behind. The house was warm and bright. It was very homey with happy family pictures hanging on the wall and decorations for Thanksgiving meticulously placed throughout. I could see why Rose would have loved it here when she was a teenager. It was a loving home, one that we both should have had. I reached for her hand, giving it a light squeeze. Her eyes met mine in wonder, but then she smiled knowingly.
"It's lovely isn't it?" She whispered to me, and I nodded.
"Come on, mom's in the kitchen." Ian lead the way, pushing through a swinging door.
There was a beautiful woman with her hair tied in a high tight bun. She wore a sweet pink apron as she pranced about the kitchen. The smell of bacon and coffee wafted into my nose, making this place seem even cozier. The woman turned as she noticed our presence and smiled widely at Rose. I could see the love she held for her and I was happy for it.
"Oh Livie! I am so happy you came for breakfast. Seeing you two days in a row after so many years has filled my heart with so much joy," she said as she hugged Rose. "And you've brought a guest."
She seemed to finally notice me as she pulled away from Rose. She looked at our interlocked fingers, assessing them like it was some foreign concept for us to be holding hands. Her eyes then bore into mine with a kind smile.
"I'm Caterina, Ian's mom. It's nice to meet you." She held her left hand out for me to take, making me have to let go of Rose's hand to shake it.
"I'm Lucas, Rose's boyfriend." She cocked her head to the side, furrowing her brow as I spoke.
"That's his nickname for me." Rose explained, making Mrs Daniels nod in understanding.
"That's cute," she said, but I don't actually think she liked it. "Livie, why don't you help me finish up and the boys can set the table."
She looked at me with a small smile, gesturing for me to follow Ian, and I did. Maybe it's all in my head, but I feel slightly unwelcomed.