Sound of Regret

by Chelsea Roy

  “I’m close.” She panted, her head thrown back. “So close!” One of Jack’s hands snaked between their bodies to find Ellie’s swollen clit. It was a little more difficult than he was used to with her belly in the way but he was able to do it because she was leaning back just enough. He pinched the swollen nub between his fingers over and over again. His other hand came up to her dusky nipple and he thumbed it in time with the motion of his other hand on her clit. He knew it was good for her because she tightened down on him immediately. Without his help to lift and lower her, she rocked back and forth on him instead. His head kicked back from the pleasure of it all.

  “You do it for me Ellie,” He gritted out while his hips pounded into her heat. “You really fucking do it for me.” He pinched her clit hard, knowing what she liked, and smiled with satisfaction when her body immediately quaked and squeezed him in a tremendous orgasm. Ellie’s cries were breathy as she let herself go. To Jack, there was no better sound on earth and he shut his eyes as he gave into his own climax. He felt his seed flood deep inside her as he let out a hoarse shout. His hips kept gently moving, keeping a pale echo of his thrusts going to prolong the pleasure for both of them. Ellie pressed kisses against his face, low moans still resonating from her throat.

  Jack blew out a breath and opened his eyes. His hand ran up and down Ellie’s back before pressing her gently to the side. She slowly dropped down next to him and Jack immediately curled her into his arms. With both of them replete from their shared orgasm and pressed together in the afterglow, Jack knew complete and utter contentment. His hand rested on the swell of Ellie’s pregnant belly and he knew in his soul that there had never been a moment in his life more perfect than this. Ellie had agreed to be his wife and they had just solidified their commitment to each other in the most elemental way possible.

  “I love you Ellie. Thank you for not giving up on me. I never imagined my life could be like this. Could be so good.” Jack told Ellie simply. His voice was hoarse and gravelly. She reached up and caressed his face gently.

  “The best thing about this?” She said. “We’re just starting.”

  Amazingly, Jack knew she was right. He also knew deep in his soul he could take anything life threw at him so long as Ellie was at his side.

  EPILOGUE

  “I can’t believe it,” Jack muttered. He stood in the middle of a hospital room in utter bewilderment. It was obvious he was dead on his feet because nothing was making much sense to him.

  “You need to go get everyone.” Ellie told him tiredly. “They’re all waiting for you.” Jack’s electric blue gaze snapped to hers and Ellie all but melted with love for the man standing there, even though she was as exhausted as he was. “Go,” she urged gently.

  “I don’t want to leave you, my love.” He told her. The endearment hit her straight in the heart and she melted a little inside.

  “I’m fine.” Ellie reassured him. “Truly.” Jack leaned over and kissed Ellie’s lips. Both their lips were slightly dry and chapped but neither cared. Jack cupped her face in his strong hands and Ellie’s own hands came to rest on his tattooed forearms.

  “You have no idea how much I love you.” He told her, his voice breaking. Tears swam in his eyes and Ellie smiled gently at her beautiful man. Her own eyes were watery with emotion. She’d had no idea what to expect from Jack in the hospital, but an emotional man hadn’t been on her radar at all. It was a pleasant surprise to see that Jack was as moved by the experience as she was.

  “I do if it’s anything close to how much I love you.” She told him. She closed her eyes and her hands dropped away. She was exhausted and could only hold herself together for just a little bit longer. “Now go get our friends.” She told him.

  She heard Jack as he left the hospital room. The silence was broken only by the sounds of the machines that were still hooked to her. The nurses had bustled off a few minutes ago so Ellie was there alone for the first time in hours. Ellie heard the door swish open and she forced her tired eyes apart. She smiled joyfully as a clear plastic isolette came through the door pushed by a cheerful looking nurse.

  “The baby’s doing much better. Gave us a bit of a scare there!” She said. Ellie nodded, impatient to hold her baby. Directly after the delivery, the baby had been whisked away because the heartbeat had dropped and they hadn’t been able to properly stabilize it. Before Ellie could take her baby into her arms, though, the doors swung open again.

  Jack stood there in his standard faded jeans and tight tee, with his hair spiked every which way. This time, Ellie knew, the spikes weren’t from hair product. They had been formed because Jack had shoved his hands through his hair so many times that it looked almost electrocuted. His face looked unbearably tired but he was wearing a proud smile. Ellie laughed as Regan shoved him out of the way.

  “He wouldn’t tell us the sex of the baby. He just said we had to come see you!” Regan told Ellie impatiently. Ellie laughed and the nurse lifted the baby out of the isolette, placing the baby into Ellie’s waiting arms. A blue and pink hospital cap covered the baby’s head and Ellie carefully adjusted it before studying the baby’s face.

  “Well that’s no help!” Brent said from behind Regan. “I’ve got some money riding on the outcome of this, so could somebody freaking break the news already?” He asked.

  “It’s a little man!” Jack burst out. Everyone laughed and Jacob, Eric, and Brent all surrounded Jack for a man-hug. There was a lot of back slapping going on that frankly sounded painful to Ellie. Regan came over to Ellie’s side and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Regan examined the little face that Ellie was now holding. An odd light burned in Regan’s vivid blue eyes and Ellie suddenly recognized a deep longing in her friend. She grabbed Regan’s hand.

  “Your turn will come.” She whispered to her best friend. Regan nodded and ran her finger down the baby’s satiny cheek.

  “I really hope so Els. I really do.” Regan’s words were quietly voiced and intended for Ellie’s ears only. Apparently, though, Jacob overheard because he peered over Regan’s shoulder and looked down at the baby.

  “You want one of those rugrats?” He asked her incredulously. “You? A mom?” Ellie saw the hurt flash in Regan’s eyes before she shut down and turned away.

  “Nah. Not me. Babies are for other people. Everyone knows attorneys don’t have time for kids.” Regan’s voice was firm and dismissive but Ellie didn’t miss the speculative look on Jacob’s face. She smiled a little at the machinations at play in the room among her friends.

  Brent and Eric came over to congratulate her and they both lavished her with kisses. Jack’s growling in the background finally got them to stop with their nonsense. Brent plucked the baby gently from Ellie’s arms and tucked him into his own. He swayed back and forth to soothe the baby like any good parent would do. Ellie’s heart broke for him knowing that he would give anything to be with his own child.

  “So what’d you name him?” Brent finally asked, after clearing his throat. Ellie rolled her eyes.

  “I couldn’t talk Jack out of the name he wanted.” Ellie said sheepishly. In truth, she was a little embarrassed.

  “I named him after the most important person in my life.” Jack said defensively. She rolled her eyes again.

  “His name is Eric? Wow, man, I’m flattered.” Eric joked. Jack punched his friend lightly in the arm. He turned his beautiful blue eyes to Ellie.

  “His name is Elliott William Tate. He’s named after the love of my life and she tried to talk me out of it. But I love her and I love him and so that’s it. His name is Elliott William.” Jack said decisively.

  “Man, you’ve got an awesome little family with Ellie and Elliott. You totally deserve it, bro.” Eric told him; serious for once in his life.

  “You guys do deserve every bit of happiness that comes your way,” Regan echoed. “I think Elliott William is a perfect name.” Tears rose to Ellie’s eyes at the support of their friends.

  “It’s not stupid?” She a
sked the room at large. In truth, she was honored that Jack was naming the baby after her first and last name and she thought Elliott was an adorable name. Jack was adamant in his desire for the name and Ellie had a hard time telling him no.

  As her friends assured her that little Elliot’s name was perfect, Ellie looked up at Jack and smiled through her tears. It was difficult to believe that just a year ago their future had looked rocky at best. Both she and Jack had been full of regret, but for different reasons. Now here she was, blessed with a healthy baby boy, a man who loved her to distraction and was going to marry her, and friends who were devoted to both of them. Ellie absolutely couldn’t imagine her life getting any better than it already was and thanked her lucky stars things played out the way they had. All she’d ever really wanted was Jack. Ellie had been blessed with exactly what she wanted and so, so much more.

  ~The End~