Chapter 100

ISABELLA

Rebecca and I had been shopping for hours, and while it had been fun, I could feel every step weighing down on me. My feet were throbbing, and my back wasn’t doing much better. Pregnancy definitely had its challenges.

"Isa, you need a break," Rebecca said, noticing my pace had slowed. "Let’s grab a coffee. There’s a cute little café just around the corner."

I gave her a grateful smile. "Yes, please. I’m starting to feel like I’ve walked through an entire mall... twice."

We found a cozy spot by the window at the café. The soft lighting and warm atmosphere were exactly what I needed. Rebecca ordered her coffee, while I opted for a hot chocolate. Just the thought of coffee made my stomach churn. The barista handed us our drinks, and I hesitated in front of the pastry display. I couldn’t make up my mind between a blackberry muffin and a strawberry tartlet, so I ended up ordering both.

Rebecca laughed as we sat down. "You're really embracing the pregnancy cravings, huh?"

I grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? The baby and I can't decide."

Rebecca and I sat in the cozy café, and as the warmth of the hot chocolate settled in, my thoughts drifted. I picked at my strawberry tartlet, the tangy sweetness lingering on my tongue, while Rebecca watched me with her usual calm curiosity. I could tell she sensed there was more on my mind than just baby shopping.

“You know,” I started softly, “I think about my dad a lot lately.”

Rebecca’s expression softened immediately. She knew how much my father had meant to me, and the weight his absence still carried in my life. “I’m sure he’d be proud of you, Isa. You’ve come so far.”

A bittersweet smile tugged at my lips. “He was... everything to me, especially after Mom died. Losing her when I was nine was so hard. He stepped up, though, even when I know he was grieving. He never let me feel alone.”

Rebecca nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. “Your dad was incredible, Isa. We all loved him.”

I looked down at the half-eaten muffin, trying to fight back the tears that always seemed to surface when I talked about him. “Sometimes I wonder if I can be as good a parent as he was. I mean, he raised me practically on his own. And you and Freddie... You guys helped him so much, especially after Mom passed. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

Rebecca reached across the table, her hand warm over mine. “Isa, you’re going to be a fantastic mom. You had the best example, and more importantly, you have all the love in the world to give.”

I blinked back the moisture in my eyes, taking comfort in her words. “It’s just... I wish he were here, you know? To see all of this. To meet the baby, to give me advice when I feel like I’m losing my mind over egg yolks shaped like hearts,” I chuckled, though the ache in my chest remained.

“I know,” she said softly. “I wish that for you too. But he’s still with you, in all the ways that matter. He’s part of who you are, and that’s going to show in how you raise your son.”

I felt a surge of emotion, both from the pregnancy hormones and the truth in what she said. “I hope so,” I whispered.

Rebecca squeezed my hand, her voice full of certainty. “He’d be so proud of you, Isa. And you’ve got this. You’re not alone, not with us, not with the guys, and not even without him.”

I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. “Thank you. For everything.”

She smiled warmly. “You’ve always had me, Isa. You’re family.”

We sat there in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of my thoughts lighter than before. Rebecca had always been more than a friend — she was like a second mom, always there to lift me up when I needed it most. With her, Freddie, Alex and the guys by my side, I started to believe that maybe, just maybe, I could handle this new chapter of my life.

After a long day of shopping, my feet ached with every step as I made my way back to the penthouse, bags in hand. It had been a fun day with Rebecca, though I couldn't resist picking out more baby clothes than I had planned. Still, the thought of sinking into the plush couch at home was all I could focus on as I stepped through the front door.

Jax was waiting for me, his handsome face lighting up the moment he saw me. He took one look at my tired expression and the bags I was struggling to carry, and without a word, strode over to relieve me of the weight.

"How was your day?" he asked, his voice soft as he placed the bags on the coffee table.

I sank into the couch, letting out a long breath. “Productive... but exhausting. My feet are killing me.”

He knelt in front of me with a smile, his warm hands already reaching for my feet. "Well, you’ve been on them all day. How about I give you a massage?”

I raised an eyebrow at him, amused by how eager he was. “Are you sure? That sounds like a lot of work.”

Jax grinned and winked at me. “For you? It’s no work at all.”

Without waiting for my response, he gently lifted my foot onto his lap and began kneading the sole with his strong hands. I instantly melted into the cushions as the tension in my feet eased under his touch. His fingers worked wonders, moving up to my calves, pressing in all the right spots until I could barely keep my eyes open from the sheer relaxation.

“Remind me to keep you around forever,” I mumbled, half-joking, half-serious.

Jax chuckled softly, glancing up at me with those eyes that always made me feel safe. “No need to remind me. I’m not going anywhere.”

After a few minutes, he shifted and kissed the top of my foot, his touch lingering just long enough to send a soft warmth through me. “I’ll run you a bath now,” he said, standing and heading toward the bathroom.

I watched him go, feeling more than just relief from the massage. There was something so thoughtful, so caring about Jax that never failed to remind me how lucky I was to have him in my life. In all the chaos of the pregnancy and the looming challenges with the packs, these moments with him grounded me, reminded me that love could be simple and tender.

I heard the sound of water running from the bathroom, the faint scent of lavender creeping into the air. Jax returned with a smile, offering his hand to help me up. “Bath’s ready. You take your time in there, and then we’ll get you all set for tonight.”

I paused, looking up at him with a mixture of affection and awe. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

He grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “Just want to make sure you have the perfect evening.”

I stood and followed him to the bathroom, my heart feeling lighter, the aches of the day already fading as the promise of a quiet, romantic evening with him filled me with excitement. As I stepped into the warm, inviting water, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the love and care Jax always showed me.