“They’re my goddess stripes,” Emma said, and Jessie immediately felt the heat rise in her cheeks.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to look.”
“I’m not ashamed of them, Jessie. I survived something I shouldn’t have. Someone put those marks on my body against my will, but my body healed them. Turned them into something beautiful. And I’m proud of that. I will never get to carry a baby again, but I consider these my own tiger stripes. I fought to get back to Seb and Addie. I’m glad I get to wear them as a reminder of my strength.”
“You’re incredible.”
Emma laughed. “Well, maybe that little speech of mine can inspire you to take off that pretty cover and show us all the baby bump. I’m pretty sure the invite out here said we could feel the baby kick. That’s my favorite!”
“I don’t know,” Jessie cringed. “I’m like a whale and all of you look incredible.”
“Sorry. Thought I just heard you insinuating that you don’t look fucking amazing right now?” Mae’s hand landed on Jessie’s arm. “You are literally glowing, from the inside out.”
“And you have the cutest pregnant lady belly I’ve ever seen! Bee’s in there like a little basketball,” Lily laughed.
“God, you have the belly I was hoping I’d have withCami,” Lacy admitted. “I carried her so low I looked crazy for the last three months of my pregnancy.”
“I think you look beautiful,” Sloane added. “I’ve never been pregnant myself, and I know the toll this pregnancy has taken on you, but you are still so radiant. We’re family. There’s no judgment here. Only acceptance and hype.”
“Exactly! Acceptance, and hype!” Emma cheered. “Take it off. Take it off!”
Jessie laughed, nodding as she grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it over her head. It was no easy feat, but she managed it with mostly grace, and a bit of overexertion.
“Why were you worried?” Mae tsked. “You look like one hot mama in that bikini!”
“Oh, goodness, girls. Don’t look now, but man-holding-baby-cuteness is heading over this way!” Lacy giggled.
Jessie’s eyes moved from the women to the field, where sure enough, Hawk was walking towards the group with Cami in his arms. Her stomach did a little swoop as Bee rolled. Hawk looked so natural holding her, tucked close to his chest. She’d even laid her little head down on his shoulder and Jessie felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes.
“He’s going to be such a good dad,” she whispered. He must have read her lips because Hawk winked, his eyes never leaving hers as he placed Cami in Lacy’s open arms.
“Wings was hogging her, so I told him to knock it off and volunteered to bring her over here. Seems like she was getting a bit fussy. Probably ready to nurse.” Hawk stalked towards Jessie, his eyes scanning every inch of her body.
He bent over and kissed her, hard and searing, before palming her belly.
“You look amazing. I’m having a hard time remembering that our friends are around. I just want to take you back to the truck and tear off that bikini with my teeth.”
“And… that’s my cue to get in the water!” Mae grabbed her sunglasses off the picnic table and threaded her arm through a doughnut themed float before taking off towards the spring.
Jessie’s hands came up to rest on Hawk’s chest. “You’re going to get me in trouble,” she huffed. “Besides, you’re supposed to be having time with the boys. And I get to enjoy time with the girls. You promised.”
His lips were on her forehead and then he stepped away. “You’re right. Go enjoy the girls. But tonight…”
Jessie groaned, pressing her thighs together. “It’s not nice to tease me when I’m already feeling frisky.”
Hawk chuckled. “Nausea level?”
“Barely a two. It’s there, but it’s not even a worry on my radar.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Go have fun with the girls, mama. Today belongs to them. But tonight… Tonight belongs to me.”
“How are you feeling?” Stone’s hand crushed down on Hawk’s shoulder.
“Incredible. I’m ready to start forever with her.” He’d only checked about ten thousand times that the ring was in the ring box and the box was in the backpack he’d brought with him that day. All of his friends, and even Jessie’s brothers, had come together to make sure his plan would go off without a hitch.
“To be fair, I think forever for you two started the night I renewed my vows with Lily,” Gunner smirked. “If I’m not mistaken.”
“You are not. It was a great day for so many reasons.”
