Chapter One Hundred and Nine

Chapter One Hundred and Nine
Alana 

Ezra and I are finally settled down for the night after I proved him wrong and managed another couple of rounds. I want to make the most of it with him because I know I won’t always have the energy as this pregnancy progresses. Though I look forward to the end of my first trimester and the beginning of my second because I know my sex drive will skyrocket due to all the changes happening in my body. At least I don’t need to worry about it being too much for Ezra when the time comes because his sex drive is always high. 

We ordered pizza and sides. Ezra has gotten a few beers, and I am on water since I can’t drink.

“Right now, we have everything food and drink-wise; we should talk and devise a plan,” I say nervously. 

I worry he wants me to move back to LA because I really don’t want to, but at the same time, can he really move here when his family and work are back there? Some compromises need to be made by one of us, as it is the only way it will work. 

“Good idea. What do you want? Do you want to stay here or move back to LA? Please be honest with me, and don’t tell me what you think I want to hear,” he says softly and takes my hand in his. 

I take a deep breath. “I want to stay here in Scotland, but I also know it may not be possible,” I answer honestly. 

“Why wouldn’t it be possible?” He seems confused. 

“Because your family, home, and business are in LA, Ezra.” 

“My home is where you and our baby are, bright eyes. If you want to stay in Scotland, we can stay in Scotland.” He smiles. 

“Really? What about your business and family?” I don’t want him to give up everything for me. He has worked so hard to get to where he is now. 

“I can deal with the business remotely. I can hire someone to be there and fly back and forth once a month. As for my family, they will understand. I want to be where you and our baby are. I think it would be a good fresh start for us here. We can buy a house and settle here. There are too many bad memories back there. I would be happy here with you and bubs. It won’t be straight away, though, because there is a lot to sort out, and I need to get my visa and other things in order. I could always open a new business here. I don’t know what, but something.” 

“Y-y-you would do that for me. For us?” I don’t know why I need to ask because I already know the answer. 

“Of course I would, my love. We can make a life for ourselves here. Maybe after the twelve-week scan, we can fly to LA, just until I sort things out and then come back,” he suggests. 

“How long do you think it will take? I mean for the sake of work?” 

“I really don’t know, sweetheart. You don’t have to. If it’s easier, I can go back myself and come back every weekend.” 

I take a moment to think about it. I don’t want us to have to do that again. Be apart more of the time than we are together. It will also cost him a fortune to fly back and forth constantly. Then an idea pops into my head. 

“No, I want to come with you. I can speak to my manager at the bookshop and see if she can hold my job until I return. As for the bar, I could hand in my notice. It just means I won’t have as much income coming in.” I sigh. 

“Alana, you don’t need to worry about money. I have more than enough. I know you like to make your own money, so even if you can return to your job at the bookstore and leave the other one, you'll still be earning. It would mean you can take things a little easier, too, and I am here to take care of you.” He smiles and squeezes my hand. 

I don’t know if my manager will be able to keep my position at work or find someone to fill it temporarily until I return, but I can always ask. 

“Are you sure? What if they can’t hold it for me?” 

“Alana, if they can’t, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to worry or stress about anything, okay?” he replies and strokes my cheek. 

“Okay. If I can’t go back, then I will find something else.” 

I want to bring something in, even if it is only a part-time job. I may change my mind once the baby comes. I might not want to work for the first year, and I know if that is what I really want to do, Ezra would support me in it. 

“We will work it out, beautiful. I promise.” 

I rest my head on his shoulder. “Yes, we will.” 

Ezra kisses the top of my head. “We can start our search for a house before we leave for LA, if you want? Only if it isn’t too much for you right now.” 

The way he is so protective of me makes me fall in love with him even more, even if it isn’t always necessary. I know his need to protect will grow stronger with each passing day, for both me and our baby. I am sure I will get annoyed with him sometimes without meaning to, but if I do, I am positive he will know I don’t mean it. I wouldn’t have Ezra any other way. There is a reason I have felt safe with him from the start. 

“We can start looking now. Do you want to find somewhere outside of the city?” 

“I don’t know. I think the best thing to do is find some for viewing and see what feels like home. I want a place close to the water, like on a lake, near a loch or beach.” He smiles. 

“Yes! I would love that too! You are in Scotland, my love, plenty of lochs exist.” I laugh. 

Ezra nods and chuckles. “We could probably start there. We can start to look tomorrow,” he adds with a smile. 

“I am excited to see what we can find,” I gush.

“Me too! But for now, eat, bright eyes.” 

“Yes, boss,” I tease and kiss him softly. 

I grab a slice of pizza and take a bite. “Happy now?” I laugh. 

Ezra shakes his head and chuckles at me. “Yes, smartass.” 

I flash my dorkiest smile at him and enjoy my slice. He smiles and takes a piece for himself. I snuggle into him, and we finally find a movie to watch. 


It’s five o’clock in the morning, and I am on the bathroom floor—damn morning sickness. I really hope it passes in time because it sucks! I swear I would be better off bringing a blanket and pillow in here with me. Ezra is still sound asleep, which I am glad of because he doesn’t need to lose sleep because of me.

I sigh and rest against the wall, hoping I am done, even just for a couple of hours to get more sleep. Work should be interesting today. I don’t want to be sick at work because I don’t plan on telling them I am pregnant until after my twelve-week scan. 

I close my eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. 

“Alana, can I get you anything, angel?” Ezra’s soft voice asks. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you, Ezra.” I sigh. 

He comes over and sits down in front of me, tucking my hair behind my ear, he says, “You have nothing to be sorry for. You should have woken me up, bright eyes.” 

“I didn’t want to. I would rather you not see me vomiting, thank you very much.” I huff. 

“Are you ready to return to bed, or do we need to sit here a little longer?” 

“No, I think I am good.” 

Ezra jumps to his feet and helps me to mine. “Come on, let’s get you back to bed. I will get you some tea and a slice of toast with a little honey. It will hopefully help settle your stomach and allow you to get some sleep,” he suggests. 

“You go back to sleep, Ezra. I can get it.” 

“Yeah, no, that isn’t happening. Ass back to bed,” he states firmly. 

I roll my eyes. “Fine.” 

I quickly brush my teeth and rinse with mouthwash to remove the horrible taste.

He chuckles and makes sure I climb back into bed. Ezra disappears to the kitchen. I make myself comfortable and wait for his return. I still feel bad for waking him up, but it isn’t like I did it on purpose. I hear him come back through, and he soon appears in the room. He has a tray in his hand. 

“I have toast, crackers, fruit, water, and tea.” He smiles. 

“Why?” I snicker. 

“Because you need to eat since you probably emptied your system when sick. And I fancied some snacks too.” He grins. 

Trying to eat at this time in the morning should be interesting - something my body isn’t used to - but I will give it my best shot. Ezra hands me the tray so he can climb into bed without spilling anything. 

“Will this be our new routine now, snacking at five in the morning?” I laugh. 

Ezra nods. “Yes, if it needs to be that way.” 

I smile and kiss him softly before we set the tray between us and tuck in. Fingers crossed it stays down and I can sleep after. 

“At least being up at this time will be good practice for when bubs comes.” 

“Yes, very true,” he agrees. 

I know it isn’t going to be easy with a newborn, but I also know it will be fine because I won’t be doing it alone. We will manage.