Forever in my Heart: Book 3 in My Heart Series

by Aleya Michelle

  I tell him as I rub my hands over every inch of his amazing body.

  We take our time making love slowly and tenderly for hours; showing each other just how deep our love runs. Pure bliss.

  After getting a couple more hours of sleep, we enjoy fluffy, delicious pancakes that Kade cooks to perfection with maple syrup and whipped cream. He even brought strawberries that perfectly complement the flavours.

  Feeling satisfied and full, we quickly shower and pack for a day trip on the boat, not wanting to miss out on the beautiful blue sky and sunshine.

  Kade’s phone starts to vibrate and ring as we get ready to leave. We are eagerly awaiting the news of Pete and Emma’s bundle of joy arriving, so I stop what I’m doing and pick up the phone and hand it to Kade. Feeling excited to see if it is Pete calling with the good news I look questioningly at Kade. He looks at me smiling and gives a nod confirming it is Pete’s number.

  Putting the phone on speaker Kade answers the phone. “Hey Pete, are you a daddy yet, big boy?” he asks his best mate the million dollar question.

  “Kade, my daughter is here. I’m a father, dude! Can you friggin’ believe it?” Pete literally screams with joy into the handset.

  “Well done, Daddy Pete. Congrats, man. You and Emma will be awesome parents,” Kade says back to him, and I can tell by his tone and smile he is feeling happy and thrilled for them. This is the next step in their lives and they deserve happiness.

  “Her name is Crystal Ava, and she is perfect, ten fingers and ten toes. You have to see her, Kade,” Pete adds sounding so excited and obviously still on a high from the birth of his first child.

  “We will come and visit tomorrow at the hospital. Just try and stop us!” I call out excited to meet Crystal; babies are just so adorable, cute, and tiny.

  “Tell Emma congratulations. I am so happy for you both,” I add, feeling joy for them.

  “Thanks Rox, Em is over the moon and doing well. I’ll see you two tomorrow,” Pete tells us both with a newfound proudness in his voice.

  “Bye, Daddio,” Kade jokes to his best mate, and I hear Pete chuckle.

  “Bye, Uncle Kade,” he adds to fuel the fire, and I hear him hang up. I can’t help but laugh at that last comment, but he kind of will be Uncle Kade. So am I, Aunty Roxy then? I wonder.

  “Shit, he got me, Uncle Kade. Doesn’t that sound weird, Rox?” he asks me sounding caught off guard by Pete’s comment.

  I just go with it and smile and shrug my shoulders as I think it has a nice ring to it.

  We drive to connect the boat to Kade’s Ute. I get out of the Ute with my beach bag and climb onto the boat as Kade reverses it on the boat ramp. I have my boat license now and can reverse it while Kade parks the truck. Yet another roaring engine that turns me on.

  Sex on the boat... Next thing on my bucket list perhaps.

  As we speed along the Morton River, the hum of the boat's engine is the only sound we can hear. It’s another form of serenity.

  The scenery is incredible as I take in the shapes and shades of colours and textures of the rocks on the mountains. There are hundreds of unique shrubs and plants that grow along the water’s edge.

  We zoom along carefree and wild for the next twenty minutes, loving the wind in my hair, we find our usual spot to stop at.

  As we slow down, I can now hear the chirping of birds and the buzzing of dragonflies.

  The sun’s rays burn into my skin, rejuvenating the autumn’s dullness and enriching it with vitamin D and a warm tone of colour. An apple a day keeps the doctor away...

  What about the sun’s rays keeps the doctor away? I like that one better.

  Kade has brought two blue fishing rods for us to try our luck out here. I really don’t want prawn hands from the bait so it’s his job to put the bait on and do that part for me.

  We find our quiet, secluded spot where my man throws in the anchor.

  I watch Kade cast his rod out with skill and precision into the glazed over lake. We are hoping to get a few bites and a nice fish for dinner. I throw in my line and think, I don’t cast half bad for a woman.

  I can’t help but glance over at my Aussie surfer, now fisherman, who has made himself at home with his legs up. My man is nice and relaxed.

  I see his eyes wander along my body admiring my red and white bikini that barely covers my voluptuous breasts. And I’m sure he noticed the tie around my waist, which he could easily remove.

  As if he can see the lust in my eyes Kade calls out to me, “See something you like, fishing lady?” He smirks as I flick my dark sunnies onto my nose. I grin largely at being busted checking him out for the tenth time in three days.

  “Yep, I’m grateful to wake up to him everyday,” I respond sweetly showing him my caring, sweet side. See, not just sarcasm in me.

  “What about you? Any fish biting for you to catch for our dinner, Mr. Thomas?” I question him eager to hear his response.

  “You are more edible than any fish I could catch out here today, baby,” Kade tells me leaving me speechless. His words touch not only my heart but also my soul.

  Chapter 4

  It’s Child’s Play...

  Kade

  What the hell is it about hospitals that make them so creepy? Is it the off smell, the sick people everywhere, or the thought of where the morgue might be?

  Obviously, I am not a fan, so as we ride up to the baby ward on the rattling lift, I avoid touching or leaning on anything.

  Imagine the germs just on the lift buttons... Makes me want to spew.

  I am an outdoorsman, give me the fresh salty ocean any day. I start to feel claustrophobic inside the lift.

  Sensing my tension, Roxy lovingly grabs my hand and squeezes, showing me that she cares and understands.

  “I am not a fan of hospitals either, babe, especially since Dad was sick last year,” she tells me with her comforting voice.

  “Plus this time we are here for a celebration; a new baby is amazing,” she adds, and I see the twinkle in her eyes. I know this gorgeous woman holding my hand would be the best mother in the world, and I know more than anything that she will be the best mother to my children. Yep, I just thought that.

  “Room forty-two,” the nurse tells us when we reach the counter of the maternity ward. I’m glad Roxy is with me as I had no idea maternity meant baby ward.

  Holding a large bunch of brightly coloured flowers, Roxy walks next to me and the vision of her in a white dress, holding a bouquet of flowers and saying ‘I do’ flashes through my mind.

  Shit I have lost my nuts to this woman, well and truly.

  “Here we are, room forty-two,” Roxy tells me squeezing my hand again as we enter to meet the new little woman in my best mates life.

  We walk in together and I notice the curtains are closed around the bed, so I call out softly,

  “Yo Pete, are you in here?”

  A second later the curtain slides open and Pete comes out. “In here, bro,” he responds and I notice his tired appearance, and I see a glistening and brightness in his eyes.

  “Come and meet my daughter, Crystal,” he says to me with adoration as he walks to the crib and picks up his little bundle of joy.

  I look at Emma lying on the bed and say to her, “Congrats, Em. It’s just so amazing for the two of you.” She has always been like a best friend as well since I was the third wheel in their relationship for a few years there.

  “Thanks, Kade. I am so glad she is here, I was getting so sick of being a whale,” Emma jokes playfully to me as I lean in to kiss her cheek.

  Roxy excitedly shuffles over to Emma and hugs her. “Congratulations sweetheart, your little girl, is beautiful,” she says as she glances at Pete and the sweet little angel in his arms.

  “She is pretty cute, though I may be slightly biased,” Emma replies and I’m glad she still has her sense of humour; those few months where her and Roxy didn’t get along were hell.

  “Here she is. Meet Crystal Ava, the prettiest little baby in
the whole hospital,” Pete tells me full of adoration for his daughter. In twenty years of knowing him, I have never seen my best friend like this before.

  He walks up to me and without another word places her into my arms. I am a little taken aback, but I grip onto her fearful of dropping her.

  Looking down, I am in awe.

  Crystal is a little stunner. Her features are all in proportion with long eyelashes, clear skin, and the hair on her head is minimal but just enough.

  She has perfect little fingers that grip onto mine with such strength as I put my finger into her hand. Her rosy red lips are so petite.

  She is feather light in my arms, and she looks so peaceful sleeping; like nothing in the world matters.

  “Wow,” I say to Pete as I look back to Crystal. Now, I know how he has become so smitten with her in just under twenty-four hours.

  “She is amazing, guys,” I declare in disbelief at how incredible a new life really is.

  I think to the little human being in my arms, she is so small and vulnerable. I had never realised until now how much babies rely on their parents for everything.

  I don’t think I’ve ever held a baby before today.

  Fucking hell, this is pretty damn awesome.

  My mind wanders to my own son or daughter that we will create one day, would they have Roxy’s amazing blue irises or be brown like mine? Would they have my chiselled jaw or Roxy’s soft features?

  Wow, it will be damn awesome to see a piece of us both.

  After a cuddle, I pass her to Roxy, and my heart swells seeing her holding Crystal.

  “Oh my God, she is gorgeous. I am in love, Emma,” she admits smiling broadly and rocking her body side to side.

  Crystal wakes up and makes a fussing sound that sounds more like a cat than a baby, so Roxy rocks her a little more and pats her to soothe her; it seems to work.

  Roxy sits with her for the next ten minutes as I chat to Pete about work and surfing. He still is the same best mate, only now with a bit more responsibility as a parent.

  Crystal wakes up, crying a little louder this time, and I see Roxy pull a strange face, clearly feeling helpless.

  “It’s milk time Rox, that’s all,” Emma says to her, reassuring her that it’s just hunger making her cry.

  “Of course. Do you want your milk precious girl?” she says in such a cute little voice, I feel like scooping her up into my arms.

  Roxy carefully hands Crystal back over to Emma as she gets ready to feed her.

  I take the hint and tell them, “Well, we best be off. We’ll leave you guys to it.”

  It’s a new experience for them so we leave the new parents to feed and tend to their bundle of joy.

  “You guys created such an amazing little girl, you should be proud. We will be babysitting so don’t you forget it,” Roxy tells them both and it warms my heart.

  “Bye, guys and congrats again,” I say hugging Emma and high fiving Pete.

  As we make our way out of the hospital room and back onto the rattling lift, I can’t wipe the smirk off my face.

  “What has you smirking like that, Mr. Thomas?” Roxy questions me looking a little puzzled.

  “Oh nothing, just seeing my best mate so happy and in love with his little girl. It’s kind of inspiring really,” I tell her honestly.

  “Oh really? You never cease to amaze me, Kade. Pete is lucky to have you as his mate, and I am damn lucky to have you as my man,” she tells me sweetly as I pull her close and kiss her lips softly.

  Part of me really wants to spill my thoughts and tell her about my mind racing with thoughts of marrying her and starting a family. But I am a little gutless, considering my behaviour at the wedding; it would just confuse her.

  I convince myself that fate will step in and when it is time, I will know and I won’t hesitate to buy the ring and propose to the one woman who can fill my heart, make me laugh, and show me the meaning of happiness.

  Chapter 5

  Baby, Baby

  Roxy

  “Don’t stress about it, Mum. Seriously, it was a letter from Dylan, not a visit or even a phone call so don’t overact,” I say to my mother as we have our weekly chat on the phone. I totally regret telling her, but I was trying to do the right thing.

  “Roxy, don’t you dare tell me not to worry. The guy kidnapped you, I have every right to worry,” she states back to me in her stern motherly voice.

  “He deserves to be locked up for twenty years. The justice system is a joke if they are even contemplating letting him out sooner,” she adds sounding irritated.

  “Yes, I know all of it. I was there, remember? Honestly I am not slightly concerned, it is all part of his so-called rehabilitation and making him feel better about what he did. I don’t think he will be getting out anytime soon,” I state to her, totally dismissing the talk of Dylan and freedom.

  “I refuse to let fear run my life, Mother. Dylan is locked away and instead of dwelling on the past and what happened, I’m out living life to the fullest and enjoying every second with Kade,” I add feeling frustrated that I need to defend the letter. Especially since I am convinced it is nothing.

  “I know, Roxy, and it really is amazing. I am ecstatic for you and Kade, you two are meant to be together, darling. I wholeheartedly believe that,” she states to me, and it is beautiful to hear her say that we are meant for each other. It must really show to others just how deep our feelings are.

  “I am just reminding you to keep your eyes open and be careful and not to be nonchalant,” she tells me now in her loving and empathetic voice.

  “Okay, I know you care. Trust me; I am still aware of it all. I am just young and in love. I’m the happiest I have ever been, so the psycho Dylan is the furthest thing from my mind right now. That’s why I made Jemma open the letter,” I confess openly to my mum. My feelings for Kade really are an open book, and I’m happy to let the world read it.

  “Okay, sweetheart, I love you and thanks for telling me. It will all be okay; I have faith,” my sweet angel of a mother tells me, and it warms my heart.

  “Thanks for listening and being supportive, Mum. I love you,” I tell her meaning every word. A bond between a mother and her daughter is such a strong bond, and I feel lucky to have her in my life.

  I can’t help but wonder if my happy little bubble is going to burst. Surely not. Dylan is locked away, and Kade is by my side. That is all that I need in the world right now.

  It has been two months since Princess Crystal was born. The time has flown by, and I have insisted that Pete take Emma out for a romantic baby-free dinner.

  I offer that Kade and I will happily babysit. I am so goddamn excited, to be honest, I don’t care if she pukes on me or if I have to change stinky nappies; I just want to experience it all first-hand.

  And I really want to see the way Kade handles it all as well.

  We arrive at their place at five-thirty, making a noisy entrance in Kade’s white beast.

  Emma has given me a run down on Crystal’s routine, and how after her bath she should have a bottle then she’ll pretty much fall asleep.

  Well, that’s the plan at least.

  What do they say about babies and animals being unpredictable?

  “Thanks so much for doing this Roxy. A night out without Crystal is just what we need,” Emma admits to me smiling widely as Pete grabs her hand and squeezes.

  “Don’t you worry at all Emma, seriously Crystal is in good hands. You enjoy a lovely romantic evening with Pete,” I reassure her that I will take good care of her baby.

  “Promise me you will try not to think about her too much and just appreciate each other’s company,” I add.

  “Yeah guys seriously, haven’t you seen the way your daughter calms when I hold her,” Kade adds his two cents in. Who does he think he is, the baby whisperer or something?

  I see Pete shake his head and chuckle, knowing his best mate all too well.

  “These hands are magic, just ask Roxy.” He smirks at
me and I can’t help but smirk back. I feel a little embarrassed by his comment, so I avoid eye contact with Pete and Emma. Maybe it went over their heads.

  Not like we would sneak into their bedroom once Crystal falls asleep.

  “Okay, I trust you guys, but seriously if there is anything, even the tiniest question, please just call me, I don’t mind,” Emma tells us sounding slightly more at ease.

  “Okay, if we need you we know how to reach you. Off you two lovebirds go and don’t come home before ten or later,” I say to ease her tension, even if a little.

  There is nothing worse than worrying yourself when you are trying to indulge in a nice dinner. Hopefully, they eat slowly and make the most of the peace and quiet.

  “Bye angel, Mummy and Daddy will be back very soon. We love you,” Emma whispers sweetly to Crystal and kisses her forehead as she sits happily in her bouncer. Then Pete does the same and ushers Emma out the door.

  “See you guys later,” Pete calls out and Kade gives him a high five as the door closes.

  I busily lock the door behind them and by the time I turn back around Kade has Crystal snug in his arms. I could stare at the two of them all day. I swear to God, they are a vision of cuteness.

  “Let me get a photo of you and baby Crystal. Such a great shot,” I announce as I quickly grab my phone and take a pic of the sweetest thing in the world.

  “Let’s get this little princess bathed and into this cute little pink pyjama suit,” I remark in my high-pitched little voice. What is it about babies that make you talk like a fruit loop?

  “Okay, do you want to undress her and I’ll run the water Roxy?” Kade questions me thoughtfully.

  “Sounds like a plan, I’ll undress you little girl, and we will get you into a nice warm tub, okay,” I whisper pleasantly to Crystal.

  “Oh and the water needs to be just warm, not too hot, Kade,” I remind him hopefully not sounding too bossy, but I hate the thought of burning the sweet little girl.

  “Well, I wouldn’t be that silly now would I Roxy? Too hot for my hand id too hot for Miss Crystal,” he tells me as he fills up the pink little baby bath and I smile at his caring words and nickname for Crystal.