chapter 2.64

Jackson

We were on the home stretch and I was about to go home. It was a month before our daughter’s due date and I couldn’t wait to get back into Winter’s arms.

I’d gotten into a pretty good rhythm on the road. It was almost unbearable being away from Winter, though, but when the music’s beat jumped and the crowd roared, I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else at that moment.

​It was such a freaking rush.


But just like a quick high, the concert was over and I was back in my empty hotel room, missing my wife. She wasn’t off work yet, I knew, so to pass the time, I’d strum my guitar and work on some melodies and chords.
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But I couldn’t think straight today. I only had two days left on this tour and then I’d be with her and before we knew it, we’d be cradling a baby.
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My mind wandered to the last night we’d spent together nearly six weeks ago.

Sitting up at our kitchen counter, I slid my arms around her and whispered, “If you don’t watch it, I’m going to jump you here.”

“In the kitchen? You wouldn’t dare. I’m ridiculously pregnant, Jackson,” Winter scolded, but her voice said she liked it.

“Let’s go,” I murmured, knowing full well she knew what I meant.
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She nodded and practically ran to the bedroom.

After I showered, she was waiting for me on our bed.
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“God, I think pregnancy makes you even more sexy.”
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“Yeah,” she said, sarcastically, “what with these stretch marks and varicose veins?”

“Gorgeous. All of it.” I kissed the hollow of her neck, down to the swell of her belly, enjoying every moment with her.
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Shivering at her touch, my heart sped up as our bodies slid together.
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After we’d finished, I cuddled her close. Winter’s breathing slowed, and I knew she’d fallen asleep. But all I could do was worry about her being alone in the worst time of her pregnancy.

I hated that I’d be away from her for so long.

I decided then that I’d tell the band I was taking a break for a few years. I didn’t know if that would be enough to tear us apart, but I couldn’t do the road away from my family anymore. It wasn’t worth it.
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Jerking me out of my thoughts, my phone buzzed.

Winter!

“Hey, Angel, how was work?”
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Paxton

Snuggling with my wife as we watched a movie, I got a call out of the blue from Jackson.
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“Hey, what’s up, Jackson? I thought you were still out of the country.”
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“Dude, I need you to go to my penthouse and check on Winter. She’s in pain but she won’t listen and go to the hospital.”

“She’s due in four weeks, right? Is she having contractions?”
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“I don’t know, man. Would you just go over there and take a look? It would make me feel better.”

“Sure, man. Don’t worry. I’ll go right over and then give you a call.”
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Hanging up, Luci asked, “What’s that about?”

“I guess Winter is in a lot of pain, so I’m going over there to see if she’s okay.”
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Luci asked, “Do you want me to go with you?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s okay. Just stay here with Crystal. She’s asleep. There’s no need to wake her.” I kissed her then headed for our elevators hoping everything was all right.
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When I got there, I found Winter collapsed on the floor. Pulse quickening, I bent down, slightly shaking her. “Winter. Are you okay? Hey...Winter?”
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Drowsy, she blinked. “I-I must have passed out. Maybe I’m not eating enough.” Then she doubled over and moaned.

“Are you having contractions?” I asked.

“I-I think so.”

“Can you stand? I’ll take you to the hospital.”

She nodded as I pulled her to her feet gently.

“What about Jackson?” she asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll let him know. I bet he’ll be here on the next flight out before you even have this baby.”
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She sighed heavily. “I hope so.”
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Note: I want to give a shout out and special thanks to RABOOSKI for designing Winter's Penthouse. It made a Maxis fav and has over 7400 downloads already! Wow!