Chapter 53: Chapter 53

I flip the eggs over in the pain whilst my free hand pinches the bridge of my nose. The scent filling the kitchen as I cook breakfast is making me feel extremely nauseas. I know pregnancy sickness occurs in the first trimester however mine seems to have set off towards the end.

I place two sausages on a plate, my face scrunched up in complete disgust. At that exact moment, the kitchen door opens and I lock eyes with a tired looking Jake. He's wearing a white shirt and black shorts, his hair dishevelled on top of his head.

"Good morning," I smile at him, refraining from gagging at the smell of the cooked breakfast. I turn and plate up the eggs, placing two on Jake's plate and one on mine. Within a few seconds, I feel his warm body press against mine from behind, his arms wrapping around my waist —

"Good morning beautiful," Jake drawls out, his voice husky from sleeping. He brushes his lips over my cheek softly before burying his head in my hair.

"You're cooking me breakfast? To what do I owe the pleasure?" Jake asks me. I laugh, shrugging my shoulders —

"I missed you, there's no other reason." I tell him. I feel his cheeks raise due to his smile and his arms around my waist tighten. A silence falls upon us as I finish cooking the breakfast.

"How long was I out for?" Jake murmurs down my ear. His hands begin to massage my waist, gently pressing me backwards into his body. I feel a blush creep up my neck and cheeks from the feel of him behind me.

"A while. I tried to wake you earlier but you barely stirred so I thought I'd let you lie in." I respond to him, trying to ignore the heat building up in my body from his touch.

"Prison sleep is the worst. I feel like I could sleep for an entire week and still feel tired." Jake sighs. I whirl around, noticing the dark rings underneath his usually bright eyes.

"You look exhausted," I comment. He nods slowly, his eyes appearing distant and worried. I notice his aura reminds me of Tobias'. Both of them are acting withdrawn, quiet and distant.

"What's wrong? You're quiet." I ask him, feeling concerned. I reach up, placing my hand on his cheek. Jake sighs and pulls back, making me miss his warmth immediately.

"Is it Jane?" I ask him quietly. I managed to put the bitch behind bars but she's still causing pain for our family. I feel anger flow through me and shake my head, releasing a heavy sigh. Jake remains silent, appearing to be lost in his own world.

"Jake?" I question him. His eyes flicker with recognition and he reaches up to run a hand over his face.

"I'm fine Emily." Jake mutters bluntly, his tone sounding anything but fine. I know he's doing the same thing as Tobias, putting on a brave face. Trying to mask your emotions and act like everything is okay when it isn't ends up badly.

I can't push Tobias to talk to me but with Jake, I have no choice. We're soon going to have a family and I need him to be on the same level as me.

"Jake, please. I want to help you." I whisper, studying the pain filling his beautiful blue eyes. The similarity between Jake and Tobias is alarmingly shocking and I know they're experiencing the same emotions.

"I don't know what to say Muffin." Jake says vulnerably. He drops his head down, averting eye contact away from me. It reminds me of the troubled Jake I previously knew, the Jake who struggled to speak his feelings.

"Talk to me, that's what I'm here for." I tell him softly.

"Why?" Jake asks me, murmuring his words. I reach out for his hand and take a step forward, placing it on my stomach. I feel the muscles in his arm and hand instantly relax, settling softly over my bump.

"Because of our family." I tell him. He pauses before lifting his head, blue eyes meeting with mine. They fill with unshed tears and he sniffles, looking like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"We can't allow Jane to ruin what we've fought for for so long, our own family. I understand these past few weeks have been a living nightmare but it's over now." I say desperately. Jake shakes his head, pain filling his features.

"Is it over Emily? Is it really?"

"The hardest part is over, you're out of prison. It's going to take a while for you and Tobias to be okay again but I want you to know that I'm here for you." I tell him. He slowly nods his head, swallowing the lump in his throat. I take his silence as a chance to continue —

"It won't be long until our baby comes into this world. I don't know whether I can survive this pregnancy alone Jake, I need you. Our baby needs you." I sniffle, breathing in sharply to compose myself.

"You're not alone, you have me. I'm right here." Jake says quickly. I shake my head sadly at him, blinking back tears —

"Not if Jane is controlling your mind, you're not really here." I tell him softly. Jake stills, his chest rising and falling before he releases a deep breath. He shakes his head in realisation before leaning forward and resting his forehead against mine.

"How have I been so stupid?" He asks out loud, his words holding hatred towards himself. I shake my head and open my mouth to protest but Jake immediately places a finger over my lips, shaking his head to signal for me to remain quiet.

"Look at you," he whispers, his blue eyes shining brightly as they flicker between mine.

"You're so strong Emily," Jake murmurs, his eyes filling with a look of love and adoration. I open my mouth to protest but from the look Jake gives me, I decide to remain silent and allow him to continue —

"You are nothing like the girl I first met last year. You've found your strength and to see the change in you makes me so damn proud. You're completely right, we can't allow Jane to ruin our family."

His hand tightens in mine and I squeeze it back, feeling like we're finally on the same page again. Communication is the most important element to a healthy relationship and I feel content with how this conversation went.

"How did I ever become so lucky?" Jake chuckles, shaking his head slightly. I blink once again and smile, looking up into his beautiful eyes.

"I guess I really am a catch," I laugh lightly, reaching up to wipe at my eyes. Jake chuckled, his forehead still resting against mine. His eyes shimmer like a clear blue ocean and I realise I'm the lucky one. Whenever I look into his eyes, I feel completely at peace.

"You, Muffin, are more than just a catch." Jake smiles, reaching down to kiss me. His lips moves against mine rhythmically, firm yet gentle and loving at the same time.

"I can't wait to make you mine," he whispers as he pulled away from my lips, his warm breath hitting me. My mind remains foggy from his kiss and it takes me a second or two to register his words. A frown settles on my face —

"I'm already yours, aren't I?" I question, pulling back slightly to study his face. In what universe have we broken up?

Jake shakes his head, looking extremely amused. His eyes hold a flicker of excitement inside them as he chuckles under his breath at my expense.

"Oh Muffin," he begins, reaching up to run his fingers down the strands of my dark hair. He steps back and gives me a heart stopping smile complete with dreamy ocean eyes.

Does he not realise I'm barely breathing right now?

That my heart can't take this kind of stress?

Jake finally decided to respond, his words killing off the despair inside me and igniting a whole new level of excitement —

"I mean officially.”