Chapter 25

Max and Mia stepped onto the front porch of Jessie's house, the warm glow from inside spilling onto the quiet evening. The scent of roasted chicken and baked potatoes wafted as Mia rang the doorbell.

The door swung open almost instantly, revealing Jessie with a broad grin. "Hey! You're right on time," he said, pulling Mia into a quick hug before shaking Max's hand.

"Smells amazing in here," Max said as they stepped inside.

"That would be Heather's doing," Jessie chuckled. "She's been in the kitchen all day."

Heather appeared from the dining room, brushing her hands on a dish towel. "Don't listen to him. He helped—by taste-testing everything," she teased, hugging Mia before greeting Max.

Before they could take another step, three energetic figures barreled into the room.

"Aunt Mia!" Matthew, the eldest at ten, tackled her with an enthusiastic hug.

"Hey, buddy!" Mia ruffled his dark hair before turning to Ryan, who was only a couple of years younger but just as lively. "And look at you! You've grown!"

Ryan grinned before pointing at Max. "Is he strong?"

Mia laughed. "Very strong."

"Can he lift me?"

Max chuckled and exchanged a glance with Mia before bending down. "Only one way to find out." In one swift motion, he scooped Ryan up, making the boy squeal with delight.

"Me next! Me next!" Stella, the youngest at five, clapped her hands excitedly.

"Alright, one at a time," Max said, lifting her as well, much to the kids' delight.

Heather shook her head, amused. "You might regret proving that, Max. They'll have you carrying them all night."

They went to the dining room, where the long wooden table was set. A platter of golden-brown chicken sat at the center, surrounded by mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked rolls.

As everyone took their seats, Jessie poured wine for the adults while the kids fought over who got to sit next to Max. Eventually, Stella won the spot, beaming proudly.

"So, Max," Jessie started as he carved the chicken, "how's life next door with my sister?" His tone was light, but the big-brother protectiveness was evident.

Max glanced at Mia, smiling. "Couldn't be better."

Mia rolled her eyes. "Jessie, don't scare him off."

Jessie held up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, just making sure he knows that if he ever—"

Heather groaned. "Jessie, not at the dinner table."

"I was just going to say if he ever needs help fixing anything around the house, he can call me," Jessie finished with a smirk.

Dinner continued with laughter and stories. The kids insisted on showing Max their latest Lego creations while Heather filled Mia in on the latest neighborhood gossip. The warmth in the room was undeniable—good food, good company, and the unmistakable comfort of family.

By the time dessert rolled around—Heather's famous apple pie—the kids were slowing down, their energy finally spent. As they lingered over the last bites, Mia squeezed Max's hand under the table, silently asking if he was enjoying himself.

Max squeezed back. He wasn't just enjoying himself—he felt at home.

With the kids off getting ready for bed, the adults settled into the cozy living room. The fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room. Mia sank into the couch with a contented sigh, rubbing her belly absentmindedly. Max sat beside her, his leg propped up on the ottoman, his new walking boot visible beneath the cuff of his jeans.

Jessie leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass of wine. "Alright, now that the chaos has settled, how's my soon-to-be niece or nephew doing?" He nodded toward Mia's belly.

Mia chuckled. "Kicking like crazy. I think this one might be a soccer player."

Heather's eyes lit up. "Oh, I remember that phase. The never-ending kicks. It's cute until they use your ribs as a punching bag."

Mia groaned. "Oh, trust me, I know. Max felt it the other night—almost knocked a book out of his hands."

Max laughed. "It was like getting sucker-punched from inside." He reached over and rested a hand gently on her stomach, as if expecting another kick on cue.

Jessie smirked. "You are handling all the pregnancy cravings, okay?"

Mia sighed dramatically. "Let's just say Max has made a lot of late-night grocery runs."

"She wanted pickles and chocolate chip muffins at two in the morning," Max said with a grin. "It's a miracle the store clerk doesn't know me by name yet."

Heather laughed. "Oh, you're officially in the 'errand-runner' phase of fatherhood. Congratulations."

Jessie gestured toward Max's foot. "And how's the new boot treating you? You getting around better?"

Max adjusted slightly. "Yeah, a lot better than crutches. I can move without feeling like I might wipe out."

Mia gave him a look. "That didn't stop him from trying to do too much too soon."

Max held up a hand. "In my defense, I was just trying to carry a bag of groceries."

"And almost tripped over the doorstep."

Jessie chuckled. "Man, you better take it easy. You've got a house to build."

That smoothly transitioned the conversation to the much-anticipated home and backyard plans.

"So, how'd the meeting go?" Heather asked, tucking her legs under her on the couch. "Did the architect finally give you something you liked?"

Max nodded. "Yeah, we finally nailed down the layout. The open-concept kitchen flows into the living area, and we added bigger windows for more natural light. The backyard will be perfect for our growing family—big enough for a play area, pool with lazy river, and outdoor kitchen for a chef."

Jessie raised a brow. "And a man cave?"

Max grinned. "Oh, it's happening. Detached, plenty of space, and finally, a spot to store all my treasures for playing football to my travels and a place to do man things Mia doesn't want out for all to see."

Mia rolled her eyes playfully. "You mean without cluttering up my future home."

Heather clapped her hands together. "That sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it all come together."

Jessie leaned forward. "So when do they break ground?"

"Two weeks," Max replied. "We wanted to get started sooner, but with the baby coming, we're pacing ourselves."

Jessie nodded approvingly. "Smart move. No need to stress yourselves out. But hey, you know I'll be there to help with whatever you need."

Heather nudged his arm. "And by 'help,' he means supervise while holding a beer."

"Hey," Jessie defended, "moral support is important."

Mia laughed, resting her head on Max's shoulder. "We'll take all the support we can get."

The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter, teasing, and excitement for the future. Family comfort surrounded them as the night stretched, making even the most significant plans feel less overwhelming.

The night air was crisp as Mia and Max stepped out of Jessie's house, the soft hum of crickets filling the quiet. The porch light cast a golden glow over the yard, and beyond it, the dark silhouette of their guest house stood under the moonlit sky.

Max helped Mia onto the 4x4 parked just outside. "Comfortable?" he asked, ensuring she was settled before starting the engine.

Mia sighed, leaning back against the seat. "Very. I feel like I ate enough to hibernate."

Max chuckled as he steered the vehicle down the short path to their guest house. The ride was smooth, the cool night breeze brushing against their skin. Mia rested a hand on her belly, feeling the baby shift gently.

When they reached the guest house, Max parked and hopped off first, coming around to help Mia down. She shot him a look. "I can still get down by myself, you know."

"I know," he said with a smirk, "but humor me."

She rolled her eyes but let him take her hand anyway.

Inside, the house was quiet and inviting. Max flipped on a dim lamp, casting a warm glow across the cozy space. He turned to Mia and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Go sit down. I'll run you a bath."

Mia blinked in surprise. "Really?"

Max smiled. "You've been on your feet all day. You deserve to relax."

Not one to argue with that, she kicked off her shoes and sank onto the couch while Max disappeared into the bathroom. A few minutes later, the sound of running water mixed with the soft notes of instrumental music drifted from the speaker Max had turned on. The scent of lavender filled the air as he added a touch of bath oil to the water.

He returned to the living room and offered her his hand. "Your spa awaits."

Mia grinned, letting him help her up. "You are the best, you know that?"

"I've heard rumors."

She laughed softly and entered the bathroom, sighing as she dipped her foot into the warm water. Max lingered by the door, watching as she sank into the tub, the tension in her shoulders melting away almost instantly.

Mia tilted her head back, closing her eyes. "Mmm. Perfect."

Max leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "Good."

She peeked at him through one eye. "You joining me, or just supervising?"

He smirked. "Tempting, but I'll let you have your moment."

Mia chuckled and closed her eyes again as the music played softly in the background. The warmth of the water, the scent of lavender, and the knowledge that Max was right there, ensuring she was cared for, were everything she needed.

As she relaxed, Max crept through the house, tidying up and ensuring everything was set for the night. When Mia finally emerged, wrapped in a fluffy towel, he was waiting for her with a fresh glass of water and a blanket draped over the couch.

She smiled at him, her heart full. "I love you, you know that?"

Max brushed a kiss against her forehead. "I love you more."

And with that, they settled in for the night, wrapped in warmth, love, and the quiet promise of everything yet to come.

The soft golden light of early morning filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Mia stirred slowly, stretching her legs beneath the sheets as she blinked awake. She felt genuinely rested for the first time in a while— no tossing and turning, no midnight trips to the bathroom, just deep, peaceful sleep.

She sighed, shifting slightly, and that's when she felt it—an unexpected warmth curling through her, slow and simmering. Her body felt languid, sensitive, and undeniably aware of the man sleeping beside her.

Max lay on his side, his arm draped over her waist, his breath slow and even against her shoulder. He looked so relaxed, his features softened by sleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. Mia smiled, tracing lazy circles over the back of his hand as a familiar ache stirred inside her.

Blame it on the pregnancy hormones, blame it on the way Max had taken such good care of her the night before—but right now, all she wanted was him.

She shifted slightly, pressing her back against his chest, letting his warmth seep into her. Max stirred at the movement, his grip tightening around her waist as he nuzzled into her neck.

"Mmm," he murmured, voice thick with sleep. "You okay?"

Mia smirked, tilting her head slightly to give him better access. "More than okay."

Max's lips brushed against her skin, and even though he was half-asleep, he knew. He could feel how her body responded and how her breathing had changed. He pulled her closer, his fingers splaying over her belly before trailing lower, teasing.

"You're up early," he murmured against her ear.

Mia turned in his arms, pressing herself against him thoroughly. "And you're not up yet," she teased, husky.

Max let out a low chuckle, his eyes darkening as he ran his hands over her curves. "I am now."

The morning had only just begun, but neither of them was in any hurry to get out of bed.

Mia melted into Max's embrace, her body fitting perfectly against his as they lay tangled in the sheets. His lips moved slowly against hers, unhurried and deep, as if savoring every second. The warmth of his body pressed into hers, his hands roaming lazily, tracing soft patterns along her back, over the curve of her waist, and then down to her hip.

She sighed into his mouth, threading her fingers through his tousled hair, pulling him closer. Max responded with a quiet groan, his lips leaving hers only to trail soft, teasing kisses down her jaw, across her neck, sending shivers through her already sensitive skin.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep. His hand skimmed over the curve of her belly, pausing there, a gentle caress that sent warmth through her.

Mia's breath hitched as she ran her hands down his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. "I love waking up like this," she whispered.

Max chuckled softly, his lips brushing against the hollow of her throat. "Me too."

His touch was slow and deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world to explore every inch of her. His fingers traced along her arm and down her side, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. She arched slightly, pressing closer, her body aching for more.

Max lifted his head, his deep blue eyes locking onto hers. He cupped her face, his thumb stroking her cheek. "You okay?" he asked, his voice laced with tenderness.

Mia smiled, leaning into his touch. "Never better."

Their lips met again, softer this time, full of love and quiet passion. Wrapped in each other's arms, neither of them was in any hurry to let the morning slip away.

Their kisses become more intense as their mouths move against one another. Max takes the shirt and panties Mia has on and throws them to the floor.

Max then slid his underwear down his legs, careful not to hurt his leg. Feeling his hand guide down the slide of my breast sends a trill through my body.

"I'm going to make love to you this morning, beautiful."

"Please make me feel good."

Max positions himself about me and gently slides inside me, all the time making sure his weight is off my growing belly.

With one arm, he bares his weight, and the other hand softly cups my breast, and I feel my nipple being softly rolled between his fingers.

I gasp from being filled up by the man I love. With each thrust in and out of me, my body grows wetter.

Max kisses me deeply, his tongue tangling with my own, as he slides in and out of me.

My body reacts and I feel myself clamping down on his cock. The sensation going through me makes me tighten my grip, my legs wrapping around his waist. This helped me bring him closer.

He continues to pummel my pussy over and over. The ache I feel is so intense, and I can feel myself losing control.

"Do you want to come, baby?"

"Yes, yes."

With that simple answer, Max twisted my nipple and picked up the pace of his thrusts. The sounds of the headboard hitting the wall drown out the moans from our mouths.

My pussy stretch and swallow all his length, over and over. However, it's not enough for me; I want to drown in his juices. I wrapped my legs tighter.

"Fuck baby, you are going to milk me."

"I'm so close, Max."

The emotions I'm feeling make me dig my face into his neck. Max takes this to thrust in and out with no mercy for me.

My body jerks and I feel my pussy clamp down on his cock and I release all the come I have and this makes Max's body tense and then you hear a colossal groan and he empties himself inside me. 

Max eases his body off mine and lays next to me, stroking my face while he nuzzes against my neck. 

Our bodies lay there, satisfied, and I felt my eyes closing, and I gave away to sleep again.