Page 19 of Wait for the Dream

Bailey falls asleep on my shoulder thirty minutes into the movie, and by an hour in my arm is asleep, but there is no amount of money offered that would get me to move. There is never a time I am more comfortable, more content than when I have Bailey in my arms.

I wake with a start at what sounds like a dish breaking. I bolt out of bed, grabbing a football trophy on my way out of my room.

I run into the kitchen, ready to attack the intruder, only to find Blue standing frozen in the middle of the kitchen surrounded by glass. I lower my makeshift weapon, and let out a small chuckle. “Don’t move,” I command before heading to the front door for my shoes.

I slip them on, return to the kitchen, scoop Bailey into my arms and place her on the counter. I flip the light on in the kitchen so I can get a better look at her legs and feet. When I’m satisfied that she didn’t cut herself, I get to cleaning up the glass.

“What happened, Blue?” I ask as I grab the broom from the pantry.

“I was just getting some water when the glass slipped out of my hand,” She says, folding her hands around her chest, and for the first time I notice that she’s only wearing a sports bra and a pair of shorts that are barely there. The amount of creamy skin that is currently on display shouldn’t be legal.

Bailey has had ‘morning sickness,’ all day, every day for the last couple of months. This pregnancy has not been easy on her body, and there have been times I’m concerned I will have to take her to the hospital because she’s not keeping anything down. Even her doctor is starting to get concerned. I hate how miserable she has been, and I wish I could just take this on my shoulders instead of her having to carry it alone. I hate how helpless I feel when I sit there holding her hair back. It’s the only thing I can do, that and make sure there are always blue popsicles in the freezer for her. It’s just about the only thing the baby seems to like.

“What had you awake?” I ask throwing the last of the glass into the trash can and grabbing the mop and filling the sink with water. I’m just going to do a quick once over to make sure there aren’t any little pieces that can cut our feet. Bailey hates socks, so she’s always barefoot walking around the apartment.

“I really wanted something salty, so I grabbed the pretzel rods and ranch, but then I was thirsty, that’s when you woke up.” She says.

“I mean, at least you ate something,” I tease.

“Please don’t jinx it, Bear,” She groans. “This is the first time I’ve truly wanted to eat in like four days. If I throw it up because you spoke too soon, I will murder you.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” I wring out the mop in the sink. I leave the mop head in the sink, making a mental note to put it in the washer tomorrow with a load of towels.

“It’s okay, I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t let it happen again,” She scrunches her eyebrows together and purses her lips, trying to look intimidating, but really she just looks adorable.

I grab two glasses from the cabinet and fill them with water, and hand one to her. I lean against the island directly across from her, on leg crossed over the other. I grip on the counter behind me with one hand, and take a long pull of my water with the other. When I set the water behind me, I finally look at Bailey, and what I find has me convinced I’m dreaming.

Bailey is looking directly at my bare chest, pupils dilated, licking her lips. I clear my throat and Bailey’s eyes snap to mind, a pretty blush forming on her cheeks.

“We should go to bed,” She says, her voice breathy and her chest rising and falling at a faster than normal pace.

“It is late,” I say, taking another sip of my water, flexing the muscles in my arms more than strictly necessary, “We both have to be up early tomorrow.”

I place my glass in the sink, and then move to help her off the counter. When my palms meet the smooth skin of her waist, I know I’ve made a mistake. My cock immediately responds to the feel of her skin against mine, and when she pushes off the counter, she glides down my front, she lets out a soft gasp when she realizes the effect she’s having on me. Her once blush pink cheeks, are now bright red, the color creeping down her neck and into her chest. The rapid rise and fall of her chest make it almost impossible to look anywhere else.

When I finally look at Bailey’s face, she is staring at my lips. Her eyes meet mine, then flick down to my lips again. The only thought in my head is whether this is my moment. Do I kiss my best friend and risk our friendship? She’s throwing signals like she wants me to, but what if I’m wrong.

Just as I’m about to say, “fuck it,” and lean in, she pushes me away and bolts down the hall. Calling a quick, “Goodnight,” before I hear her door close. And I’m left standing there confused.

What the fuck just happened? I really thought that was our moment. Maybe I read the entire situation wrong. Maybe she didn’t, doesn’t, want the same things I do. Fuck.

Aiden

“What is everyone thankful for this Thanksgiving?” Maggy asks. I’m sitting at the dining room table at my parents house between Bailey and Charly, my youngest sister.

Maddox groans, “This tradition is so lame.”

“I don’t know it could be fun,” Dallas says and I swear I see a small blush on Magnolia’s face. “I’m thankful for all the Bakers welcoming us into their family.”

The Millers moved into Bailey’s parents house when they sold it the summer after our senior year of high school. Dallas and Chloe quickly became best friends with the twins, and Momma and Pop gained best friends in Vivian and Phillip, their parents.

Pop shrugs, “That’s what we do. Family isn’t just about blood, it’s chosen. And you guys are our chosen family.”

“Maddox, I think you should go next.” Momma says with a raise of an eyebrow, challenging him to protest again.

“I’m thankful for all the beautiful people in this world.” Maddox smirks. He’s such a fucking playboy.

“Oh gross, Maddy.” Charlotte says at the same time Momma says, “Maddox Ryan Baker,” and swats him upside his head.