Chapter 57: Chapter 57

3 months later -

"I can't do this anymore Jake, I really can't!" I yell, slamming my phone down onto the dressing table. I sigh heavily, tears brimming my eyes.

"Emily, we can easily fix this." Jake responds casually, coming up behind me to wrap his arms around my stomach. His large hands feel around my bump, fingers stroking the skin.

"I don't see how this will get any better Jake." I sigh, feeling annoyed. I glare in the direction of my wardrobe, shooting deathly daggers at the skimpy clothing.

"I'm just so fat!" I yell, frowning as I stare down at my stomach. It's round and sticking out, taunting the insecure voice inside of my head. Nothing fits me anymore, not even my baggy sweaters.

Everything clings tightly to my stomach, threatening to burst at the seams. My feet are swollen, my legs are puffy and I suffer with constant heartburn. It's basically a stream of fire burning inside of your chest and throat.

Jake sighs behind me before spinning the chair around so I'm facing him. His hand reaches under my chin and he tilts it upwards —

"You. Are. Pregnant." Jake states firmly, his eyes flickering between both of mine.

"Is it that obvious?" I ask him sarcastically. He raises one brow at me, his blue eyes fixed on mine.

"You're carrying my baby Muffin and I find that hot as hell." Jake says, ignoring my previous question. His words cause me to blush, a pink tint staining my cheeks. Jake notices and chuckles, leaning forward to close the distance between us.

"You always know the right thing to say." I tell him. He doesn't say anything but leans in, placing a kiss on my neck, right under my ear. His lips work slowly, teeth lightly grazing over the skin. He eventually works his way up to my ear, kissing the tender spot slowly.

"There's only four weeks left Muffin. You can do this," Jake whispers, his tone of voice sending shivers running down my back. He knows I love it when he whispers down my ear. I nod my head at his words, biting down on my lower lip.

He could tell me I look like a beached whale but as long as he whispers it down my throat. . . I'd be okay with that.

"I don't feel attractive. I feel gross." I tell him, mumbling my words. He sits back, placing his hands on either side of the chair. He looks at me sternly, silently telling me off.

"Stop beating yourself down Emily. You're absolutely beautiful, pregnant or not."

"You have to say that because you're my boyfriend." I hit back at him, sticking my tongue out. He chuckles quietly, signalling for me to come closer to him.

I lean forward and he kisses me slowly, his tongue coaxing me for entrance to my mouth. I happily oblige and melt against him as he kisses me, reaching up to tangle his hand through my hair. I deepen the kiss and it flicks a switch in Jake as he groans, devouring me.

With his free hand, he takes hold of mine and guides it over the fabric of his jeans. I pause as my hand lands on his crotch area and pull back, my eyebrows raised high. Desire fills Jake's eyes and he smirks at me, blue eyes twinkling in my direction —

"Does that answer your question?"

"That easily, huh?" I tease him, biting back a laugh. He nods his head, shrugging his shoulders sheepishly. A disgusted groan comes from the opposite end of the room and I drop my hand off Jake faster than you can blink.

"I absolutely hate walking in here and seeing things I shouldn't see. I feel the need to bleach my eyes." Tobias grumbles. I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

"Sorry Tobias," I laugh, shuffling backwards from Jake. He doesn't seem phased by it, his confident front never faltering.

"Knock next time." Jake comments, a smile on his face.

"Your door was wide open." Tobias hits back, eyebrow raised high. Jake shrugs, bouncing back onto his bed. He raises his arms above his head, getting comfortable.

I notice a screwdriver in Tobias' hand and gesture towards it.

"What are you up to?" I ask, standing up from the chair. I walk over to sit beside Jake, groaning uncomfortably as I cradle my bump. It's awkward to move, sit down, do anything.

But there's one month to go until I get to meet my baby and I'm counting down the days. My health is touch and go but so far, I'm feeling okay. I have my rough days and my good days. . .

Today is definitely a rough day.

"I'm putting the baby pram together, that's what I came in here to tell you." Tobias grins, looking proud of himself. A wide grin spread across my face and I turn towards him —

"Tobias! You're adorable. I could just squeeze you," I say happily, walking over to embrace him. Jake rolls his eyes in response, acting like he's annoyed.

"That doesn't mean you have to squeeze him," Jake mumbles under his breath.

"Shut up Jake, thank your cousin." I scold him. Jake widens his eyes at me and I hold his stare, my hand on my hip. Eventually he sighs and turns towards Tobias —

"Thank you Tobias." He says flatly. Tobias grins, spinning the screwdriver around in his fingers.

"You're welcome." Tobias responds. Jake glares at him and I roll my eyes at both of them, knowing it's tough love.

"It's so soon. I wish it would hurry up though." I comment, stroking my baby bump. Tobias' eyes drift down to my stomach and he nods, leaning back against the wall.

"Mum and Michelle can't contain their excitement. Have you seen the countdown calendar downstairs? It's a little obsessive, if you ask me." Tobias laughs. I join in with him, nodding my head.

"It's sweet. I'm so happy the baby has a loving and supportive family. I couldn't do any of this without all of your support." I respond. Tobias smiles at me and a comfortable silence falls upon us —

"Do you need help with building anything else? I haven't had a chance to see the nursery yet." Tobias asks, pushing himself off the wall.

"No!" Jake cuts in quickly, standing off the bed. Tobias and I both snap our head in his direction, frowning. Jake is looking at both of us sternly, his finger pointing between us both.

"No-one gets to see the nursery, not yet." Jake explains. The frown on my face deepens and that's when it dawns on me. Every time Jake mysteriously goes missing for a few hours, he's inside the nursery. The door is locked shut and I wasn't planning on decorating it until next week.

A little last minute, I know.

"What are you doing in there?" I ask him, noticing his eyes lighting up with excitement. He merely shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. Whenever Jake lies to me, his eyes look anywhere but my own. I find it kind of cute he's unable to make eye contact with me but also it sucks for him. Especially when I ask him who ate the last pizza slice. . .

"Nothing," he responds casually, diverting his eyes away from me. I shoot him a raised eyebrow look —

"Jake, I've known you long enough to know when you're lying."

Jake groans, slapping a hand over his face. He turns to look at Tobias and I sternly.

"I mean it, stay out of the nursery. . . " He warns, mainly focusing his attention on me.

"Especially you," he finishes, his tone strict and demanding. I roll my eyes, deciding to give him the space he wants for whatever he's doing. I walk towards him, leaning down to kiss his lips lightly —

"Okay Jake, whatever you say."