The Ryland Boys
Chapter 43

Sitting beside Alison, I watched her stare at me as I gave her the news.

“You’re pregnant?” She smiled and leaned forward.

I nodded and sat back, “I told Jax last night and he seemed very happy for me.” I smiled back and she looked from my stomach to her office door.

She sighed “It should be you. Stay. At least until Cory shows up and the wedding starts crumbling down. I purposely changed a ton of her details to ruin the wedding.” She said smirking.

Oh Alison.

I laughed “How about you guys record it and I’ll see it tomorrow?” I asked her.

She pouted “Come to the wedding breakfast, Lindsay’s decided to cut short her ‘He can’t see me’ to ‘he can’t see me in my gown’ and told everyone to be ready to eat.” She said laughing.

Oh lovely, a breakfast with the she devil.

I took a while and Alison pleaded to which I nodded “Alright, but I’m sitting on the opposite side and as far from her as possible.” I said.

She smiled “Good, will you be ready in an hour?” She asked.

“Sure, I do however, have to go take care of something and I’ll be back in like forty minutes?” I asked.

She nodded “Sounds good, everyone should be awake by then.” She said gesturing for me to hurry with my errands.

I changed into the clothes I left in my dresser and headed downstairs and out the door with my purse.

Jack brought out my old classic car and I smiled “How’d you know?” I asked.

He handed me the keys “I think it’s time you take it home.” He said sweetly.

Me too Jack, me too.

Driving my sporty race car to my home, I opened the front door and put the pin locking the door behind me.

Sasha came running from upstairs and down to me with her tail wagging happily “Oh hello girl! I’m so sorry I left you, I promise I won’t leave you again, okay?” I said going to the garage and opening it.

I drove the vintage car into my two car garage and shut the garage while pulling a white cover over the car.

After filling Sasha’s food and water bowl, I took her to the backyard and ran for fifteen minutes minding my time.

Going back inside, I took Sasha upstairs and bathed her quick while I showered after.

Quickly blow drying my hair, I curled it and slipped on some natural makeup before pulling on a pair of wedge heels and my yellow high low maxi dress with the off the shoulder sleeves.

It was a gorgeous dress that Alison continued to insist I buy.

Sasha was taking her nap and I headed out the door, alarming the home and locking the door behind me.

Calling for an Uber, I waited and they arrived and dropped me off in front of the home.

With ten minutes to spare.

I headed inside and Alison was calling for them to hurry. “I’m starving!” She said.

She wore a gorgeous dark blue dress and her white sunglasses with a silver cuff bracelet.

“You look so beautiful in that dress. I told you it’d look nice.” She said.

I smirked “Yeah I actually like the fact that it stretches because that means I can wear it when my belly starts growing.” I whispered to her.

She waved me off, “I’m buying you the cutest line of maternity dresses. Don’t worry.” She said low.

Carter came downstairs and yelled for Lucas and Mason to hurry.

Benson walked out of his office with Jax and I watched him give me a smile before patting Jax on the back.

Mason and Lucas came out hurrying down the stairs and I headed up half way to pick Lucas up because he was so focused on his footing it was taking some time.

“Yay! We’re all here! Let’s go!” Alison called rushing us to the truck.

We hurried into the truck, and I sat with Jax in the middle, Alison stared at us and then smiled and turned forward.

Lucas was holding a tiny goofy-dog that looked fluffy and very round like a damn sausage.

He held his hand out to me and I looked at him and then his hand placing my hand into his. As he enclosed his tiny hand around my hand, he went back to focusing on goofy.

This makes me so happy.

When we arrived, Alison parked and took a cigarette break because she noticed Lindsay’s parents car.

“Thank god you’re here.” She said giving my hand a squeeze.

As she blew her smoke away, she pushed me lightly from her “Keep my grandchild from me and my cancerous ways.” She said making me laugh.

I headed inside with Mason who tossed his good arm over my shoulder “You’re pregnant? Like for sure?” He asked low.

Smiling I nodded up at him, “I am and I’m going to shoot the next person who tries to hurt it out of me.” I said annoyed.

Mason nodded “I’ll give you the fun.” He said smirking at me.

We headed out to the back terrace to show a long table with flowers and it looked beautiful.

A few people sat there, I knew a couple. Some where Lindsay’s friends, and then there was a couple of Jax’s buddies including Wayne, Klein and Marcus.

I sat at the end beside Klein and avoided being seen by Lindsay. “Oh, well look who decided to join. I’m happy.” He said smiling at me.

A few hellos from others came and I gave smiles and hellos back.

Lindsay’s friends did their best to whisper and eye me while trying not to make it obvious they were talking about me.

Ten minutes later, Lindsay walked in with what I’m guessing is her parents. “Get mimosas for everyone. Except me, I’ll take a glass or orange juice.” She said sitting and gesturing for her parents to sit.

“It’s not hard, just grab a seat and sit. Christ.” Lindsay muttered as she sat down beside Jax.

Lindsay’s mom cautiously sat beside Alison who was staring ahead completely ignoring her. Good, she doesn’t deserve Alison’s attention.

I pulled Klein’s arm and made him lean forward to cover me while Lindsay looked over the table.

“I hope you’ve all thought about what you’ll eat. Its time to order.” Lindsay said clearing her throat and staring for a waiter while her parents scanned the menu quick.

“No meat. If I see a single piece of meat on anyone’s plate I’ll gag.” She said scoffing.

The ginger girl beside her pondered for a moment “Is egg a meat?” She asked low to the brunette beside her.

I laughed with Klein and we looked away hiding out laugh.

“Of course it is, god you’re so stupid sometimes. How do you even dress yourself?” The brunette said eyeing the ginger who felt dumb now.

Lindsay stared at the two, “Monica, don’t be such a b***h. It was just a question.” She said to the brunette who rolled her eyes.

They’re just a dysfunctional train wreck with makeup, nice hair and heels.

Lindsay’s mom leaned forward “Ladies don’t roll their eyes at the table.” She said to Monica who nodded and stayed put like some puppet.

They’re all a mess.

The waiter walked over and handed us all mimosas, I handed mine back to him discreetly “Can I just get a water?” I asked low.

He nodded and headed away, thank god Lindsays still busy telling us how the wedding will go, she hasn’t noticed me yet.

Hopefully she doesn’t.

Klein stared down at me, “Not drinking?” He asked low.

I shook my head, “I’m just not feeling it.” I said watching him nod.

Lucas was talking to Marcus about Sasha and I smiled across the table at him. He will be the star of Alison’s sons.

I can feel it.

He’s been practicing football with some kids his age and they’re hilarious to watch.

“Can we order a bottle of champagne and some chocolate dipped fruits?” Lindsay’s mom said to the waiter placing my water down.

He nodded and looked down at me “What will you be ordering?” He asked me smiling.

I looked to the menu, “A blt and a side of extra bacon.” I said to him handing him the menu.

Looking to Klein he laughed and handed the menu to the waiter, “I’ll have the blueberry pancakes, a side of hash browns and bring me the check after they order.” He said quietly.

The waiter nodded and continued to discreetly ask people their orders by walking to them and leaning in.

Klein leaned over “Lindsay’s going to smell it and then serve your head for breakfast.” He said laughing.

I smirked at him, “She’s wanted to serve my head since she met me.” I said low.

He smiled and then eyed me “Does she know about that night?” He asked, then clarified “The bachelor party?”

I shook my head “I’m sure she suspects, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had s*x with Jax.” I said quietly.

Klein stared down at me and nodded, “Makes sense.” He said low.

I c****d an eyebrow and he smiled “The entire night he was focused on you. I wasn’t surprised when he stayed with you. Anyone could see, the second you fixed his tie, you’d be the one to take it off too.” He drank his mimosa and grinned.

Watching Jax order, he handed his menu to the waiter and looked to me and then over at his dad before staring at his drink.

“He’s thinking.” Klein whispered to me.

Thinking about what?

“Hey Klein can I pay half the breakfast?” I asked him watching him stare with a bit of surprise “Uh, I think Jax might kick my a*s if I let you do anything but eat.” He said drinking his mimosa.

I nodded “Can I at least pay the tip?” I asked him watching him think on it before nodding. “You got the money for that? I mean no offense but you are a nanny.” He said low.

Laughing, I c****d an eyebrow at him, “I uh, I make quite a lot from Alison.” I said watching him nod and put his glass down “Just the tip.” He said.

The s****l term ran through my head and I laughed earning his laugh.

Lindsay was talking with her dad about some old memory and I watched her tell it while making herself sound like she was the coolest kid.

I’ve done things as a kid that would put her stories to shame. The time Nichole and I bought unicycles and went down a hill, she ended up with fifteen stitches on her stomach. I broke my arm and leg and even my tail bone.

It was a bloody disaster.

Then there was the time Amanda and I freed a dog pound and let all of them loose on the town in order to save them from being euthanized.

Oh and the time Nichole and I got so high we stole her uncles cop car and pulled random people over for having license plates that weren’t cool.

“And I was astonished! Dad almost had a heart attack.” Lindsay said laughing.

The food arrived and as everyone got their pancakes, hash browns and vegetarian friendly meals, I got my BLT and slid my extra bacon to Lucas and Marcus who smirked at me.

Klein reached over grabbing two and I took a bite of my sandwich winking at Lucas who secretly ate his bacon eyeing Lindsay and giggling.

I finished my first sandwich before I heard Lindsay say “Is that bacon?” To which all four of us-Marcus, Klein, Lucas and I, stared at each other with wide eyes.

Holding my other half of the sandwich I took a bite and waited quietly before Lindsay repeated it, eyes moved down to the end where we sat.

She caught eyes with me and stood “What the f**k is she doing here?!” She asked shoving Jax.

I watched her mom stare at me “Is that small thing Norah? Goodness she was a lot prettier the way you described her.” She said.

Yup, that’s Lindsay’s mom alright.

Leaning forward, I looked to Alison, “Oh you didn’t tell me she was just a withered version of Lindsay.” I said watching the woman stand in disbelief.

Lindsay grabbed a basket of toast throwing it toward me.

Klein pulled me aside and I covered my face into his shoulder as the basket flew past me.

“Lindsay, sit down! This isn’t my moms house, you can’t be throwing s**t and especially not because you feel like it.” Jax shouted and it was the first time I’ve ever heard him shout, it was a bit horrifying.

She sat down after scowling at me and rubbed her belly, “Get rid of her. Waiter!” She called snapping her fingers.

Did she just snap at the waiter?

“He’s a person Lindsay.” I said watching her scowl and snap more aggressively.

Jax stood and looked down at her pushing her hand down, “I’m done. I want out.” He said looking from Lindsay to his dad.

Benson nodded once and stood with a surprised Alison.

“What do you mean? You can’t get out. I’m pregnant with your baby Jax.” She said standing and staring at him furiously.

He nodded “I’ll send you child support.” He said grabbing his jacket and walking to the plate of bacon taking one and winking down at me as he chewed it.

I smiled and stood following him and the rest of the guys out.

Klein told the waiter to give Lindsay the bill and the waiter nodded.

We made it to the parking lot before Lindsay ran out and shoved Jax, “You can’t leave me! You can’t! You’re mine!” She said shoving him again.

I went to punch her but he shook his head placing a hand to my stomach.

He looked over at Lindsay as he mom and Monica ran out. “I had s*x with Norah. Twice. Actually. In fact it wasn’t just s*x, I made love to her. She’s pregnant and I’ve got a responsibility to her too. This though,” he stared down at me smiling before staring at Lindsay “Is exactly where I belong.” He said leaning down and kissing my lips catching me off guard.

I kissed him back and jumped as Alison came up beside us and slammed her fist to Lindsay’s face.

Oh my god!

She caught her quick and slowly laid her down, “I’ll be setting a restraining order on her, might want to keep a leash on your crazy bitch.” Alison said to Lindsay’s mom.

I stared up at Jax who was watching his mom in amusement, who could’ve known, she packed a hard punch.

“Lets go, I’ve got a lot of calls to make.” She said walking us to the truck.

I got in and sat with Lucas between us.

I saved the wedding.

I mean I think Benson did, whatever he said to Jax really got to him.

We got to the house and had a nice breakfast with bacon, eggs and sausage. A full anti-Lindsay breakfast.

“So what happens now?” Alison asked taking a bite of her bacon and staring at Jax and I.

He stared from her to me and smiled, “Now I never let her go.” He said smirking.

I smiled and looked to her, “I uh, I bought a house.” I said watching as she seemed confused “When? How? Why?” She seemed sad.

Benson leaned forward, “Its a great home, very safe. She’s only a block away. Fully furnished, very cozy.” He said giving me a proud smile.

Alison scowled at Benson, “You’ve seen it?” She seemed sad.

He nodded “I helped her buy it.”

She looked to Lucas who nodded and said “I even have my own room, and she has a dog Sasha. I love Sasha.” He said smiling up at me.

I smiled back and she stood “I want to see it, who else has seen it?” She asked looking to Carter and Mason who shrugged confused.

“We can go.” I said hopeful and they all stood shoving food in their mouths hurrying with me to the truck.

I drove to my home and parked in the driveway as Alison commented “It’s so close!” And then gasped at my home “It’s got a porch. Oh my god this is beautiful Norah!” She said smiling.

Going to the door, I unlocked it and headed inside listening to Sasha run downstairs.

Disarming the home, I smiled as Lucas ran to her and she licked his face.

“Oh a dog.” Alison pretend smiled.

I nodded, “The guy said she’s actually got about a year to live. No one wants her because of her short time left. So I got her.” I said watching her run to the back door and sit staring at Lucas who unlocked the sliding door and ran outside with her.

Alison was staring around the home commenting on the beautiful furniture while Mason commented on the comfy couches and massive tv.

“Mind if I live here mom?” He asked reclining back and sighing.

“Oh s**t, mom she’s got a playground, track and a little garden.” Carter said poking his head inside from the backyard.

She walked past the kitchen running her hand over the granite counters, “Norah this home is so you!” She said smiling at me and crying.

She’s crying.

I nodded, “I’ve got to add a couple photos, some cozy blankets and pillows…”

“A baby bouncer and bassinet.” Jax said softly as he stood behind me smiling.

I blushed and watched Benson nod, “We’ll order it all, and have some professionals come in and baby proof the home when it’s time.” He said smiling over at me.

“Can I see the rooms?” Alison asked me.

I nodded “There’s two downstairs, I was thinking of turning one into a gym and the other an office s***h library.” I said watching her give Jax a sideways glance.

We headed upstairs and I showed them the guest room with it’s own fireplace and king sized bed.

“And Mason…” I grabbed the remote, clicking a button and smiling as the tv came down from the ceiling.

He sighed and took the remote laying in the bed, “See you guys in a couple years. Send over my playboy magazines.” He said laughing.

I cringed and swatted his arm going to Lucas’s room which he was already in and playing with Sasha.

Carter walked into the room and laid in the race car bed nodding “I like it.” He shut his eyes.

“The nursery?” She asked going to the other door.

I nodded, “It’s empty though, they had it set up as a teen room and I just told them to empty it for me.” I said watching her open the door and go inside.

She smiled at the room and looked around, “It’s the perfect size and the natural lighting is perfect.” She said running a hand over my back.

“And then there’s my room.” I said walking them to the double doors pushing them open and smiling at the large bedroom.

Alison stared over it “This is beautiful, it’s so large but cozy. I think the fireplace really gives it that cozy feel and the canopy bed.” She said nodding and running her hand over the bedding.

I smiled “I want to do a barbecue once I unpack and have everything situated.” I said watching her nod and stare at Jax.

She gave him a small nudge toward me “I’m going to check out the backyard and Benson will make a list of what you need. You two just…talk.” She said going out the door with Benson shutting and locking it behind her.

Jax smirked and stared at me, “So where do you plan on staying?” I asked him sitting on the small love seat in the corner.

He walked over and sat beside me pulling my legs onto his lap, “If you’ll have me, I’d stay here.” He looked to my face and I felt my smile grow.

Jax, living with me?

“Let’s make a family. We’ll teach them about track, how to be polite, to be kind, more importantly, how to love.” He said softly bringing my hand to his lips and kissing my knuckles.

I stared up at his eyes and smiled “Are you asking to marry me?” I asked laughing.

He gave me a smolder, “Now what kind of proposal would that be? You deserve a room filled with red tulips, a bath filled with bubbles and the finest dinner. Ill take you to a farm, pick which cow you want, I’ll have them make a steak just for you.” He said laughing as I did.

I shook my head, “You’ve given me the one thing in this world that I never thought I’d have.” I said holding his face in my hands.

Jax grinned, “Oh believe me, it’s been a pleasure.” He said running his hand over my stomach.

He think I mean the baby, I smiled “You gave me a chance at a family Jax, a complete one.” I said running my hand down his chest.

It felt so calming knowing that I didn’t have to do this parenting alone, that I could live with a man and trust him, have him protect me and watch me when I couldn’t.

“No norah, you gave me the chance.” His words were soft and sweet, so was the k**s that followed. Then the make out and the sweet slow s*x that was quiet and on the loveseat.

“Jax?” I asked pulling my dress up.

He looked to me and turned me around while I carefully pulled my hair from inside the dress.

“It’s not your baby.” I said but when his face looked at me in horror, I realized he thought I meant my baby.

Taking his hands quick I laughed nervously “No, no this ones yours! It’s absolutely your baby.” I said watching him relax a bit.

“I mean Lindsay’s pregnant with Cory’s child, not yours. A few weeks back, I went to eat with Amanda and Nichole and she was there talking about how she wanted to be with him and raise their child together. I wanted to tell you but she tossed the only proof I had into the pool and I realized I had nothing to prove to you that I wasn’t just lying.” I said watching him stare at me for a while before he smiled.

He’s smiling?

I felt my eyes widen, “Are you smiling?” I asked wondering if my eyes deceived me.

Jax walked over and pulled me closer to him, “Norah, you could tell me you slept with Mason and Carter and I’d probably still be thinking I’m the happiest man in the world.” He said moving his hand to my face kissing my forehead.

“I didn’t.” I said watching him look down confused, “Sleep with anyone, besides you.” I added laughing.

He smiled wider and kissed my lips, “Lets go before they think we’re going to be running a marathon up here.” He smirked.

Oh goodness.

Going out the bedroom with Jax, I listened to snoring and walked past Lucas’s room to see Carter taking a nap in the car bed.

Jax laughed and we headed down the stairs, Alison was with Lucas watching some random squirrels, Sasha was on her bed bored and watching Benson write down a list in the kitchen.

Mason was sitting in the recliner watching tv, “Moms made all her calls and the wedding is officially off, you guys need to go grocery shopping though.” He said shaking his head.

Jax headed outside and I went to Benson sitting down next to him and eyeing the list, it had a lot of useful items like dish cloths, cups, plates, silverware and all the items that didn’t come with the home.

“You and him figure out what you’re going to do?” Benson asked watching Jax with Lucas in the backyard.

I nodded, “We’re going to have some kids, he’ll move in, we’ll get married and then travel with the kids. Some of that’s a bit out of order but we’re getting there.” I laughed and he smiled.

“Im happy he made the right decision.” He sighed

I looked to the backyard staring at Jax laughing and running, so happy, “What did you tell him that made him change his mind?” I asked.

Benson smiled softly, “That he’d be one of the many idiots who had you, and let you slip through their fingers.” He stared at me with a c****d eyebrow and then added “Also gave him an idea of what his life would be like with you verses Lindsay.”

A life with me.

The sound of Mason telling us he’s hungry, Benson explaining to me what we needed, Alison smoking her cigarette and smiling at me through the window while Jax ran around with Lucas- it was everything I wanted.

This was my family.