*Michael's Point Of View*

"Babygirl.... Wake up..." I lull, poking at the sleeping beauty.

She stirs, swatting her hands sleepily at my index finger. I chuckle to myself at her response and continue poking her until she reveals one, chocolate eye.

"Ah, My Hershey greets me" I smile, watching as she reluctantly rises from her slumber.

"Papa... You're too happy this morning" She grumbles, squinting her eyes at me.

I shrug and plop beside her.

"Well birthday girl, I'm sorry if I'm happy about today" I giggle? Stealing a kiss.

She scrunches up her face and gasps when I pull away from the kiss.

"Papa, you won't to kiss me this early? I haven't brush my teeth yet! And I forgot. I completely forgot about my birthday"

I shake my head at her response. Firstly, I've been married to this woman for nearly twenty years and she's worried about a little morning breath. Sometimes I wonder about this woman. But, nonetheless I love her.

"Babygirl, your morning breath has no affect on me. But, yes my lovely, today is your birthday. You're getting old and wrinkly just like me" I tease, stealing another kiss.

She groans playfully, melting into my lips. Whether she's thirty-nine or forty-nine, this woman is absolutely beautiful. She's still has as much sex appeal as she did when she was twenty. There's no denial in her beauty, but it's her confidence that leaves me hot and heavy.

A woman who can still feel confidence within herself after birthing three children, with one on the way, and including the angel baby we unfortunately lost. She's a strong woman that I cherish with no regret.

"Papa, you're not wrinkly. You look great at forty. Actually I think you're even sexier..." She purrs, her right hand grazing my thigh.

I swear these mood swings for this pregnancy has been the best yet. The mood swings are more positive and quite tolerable. Especially this one.

"Babygirl, this is won't got you the little one in there. I doubt you want twins" I smirk, slowly removing her hand from my thigh.

She giggles mischievously, gently pushing me down into the comforter. My hands willingly find their place on her hips as she crawls on top of me.

Damn this vixen.

"Babygirl... You know we have to be careful..." I sigh as her lips make mockery of my already trembling body.

Rising for a glance of my face, she smirks.

"I'm fine papa. I promise I'll be gentle" She purrs, piercing my lips before I can retort.

Guiltily, I allow her to continue. I know the privilege of being married and having a pregnant wife, that actually takes out time to allow physicality from time to time is rare. Not many married couples can relate to Marilyn's and I physical relationship. I'm a lucky man.

But, I've been warned by her OB/GYN to be careful. With intercourse comes high heart rates and depleted energy. Doctor McKnight stresses that she wants Marilyn's heart rate to be stable, and if that means intercourse will be limited or out of the questions for nine months, then so be it.

I've survived nearly a month without intercourse for the sake of Marilyn's and the baby's health. It has been a physical burden, but it's helping my my family.

That's why I have to put a stop to this now.

"Babygirl, y-you have to stop. No..." I sigh against her lips as her hand slides down my torso.

Why does she have to always tease me?

I'm fighting against every will to not just rip this night gown off of her now and pin her against this bed. But I have to fight it.

Dammit.

"Sh... Let mama take care of daddy. Okay?" She whispers in my ear, just before fussing with the strings of my pajama pant.

I'm cursing myself right now for allowing her to continue. Her hands finally slipping into my pants. Only gasping when she meets my elated member.

"Oh mama... Please... Babygirl" I whimper, forcing myself to remove her hand.

She gives me a quick glance before rolling her eyes and climbing off of me. I sigh and lean up.

"Babygirl, I-"

"No... It's fine. I'm going to go freshen up" She merely whispers, gathering a few clothing items before disappearing into the bathroom.

I wait for a few seconds before deciding to leave her for awhile to finish the breakfast I was making downstairs.

I've been up for awhile now. I awoke around five-thirty this morning. Two reasons. To look into gaining an adoption lawyer and research a few hotels in Europe.

I really want to take Marilyn to Europe as her birthday gift. We haven't traveled outside of California alone besides when we actually moved here years ago, including our honey moon in Miami. There just haven't been time.

She definitely deserves this vacation.

Upon entering the kitchen, a trail of three other Jackson's follow. Jasmine fully focused on her cellphone, Dylan sneaking through the pantry, and Jordyn babbling absentmindedly in her highchair.

I shake my head at the three Jackson's. While their mother is upstairs most likely sulking, they are downstairs acting regulatory.

Only Jackson kids.

"Dad, that doesn't look like it's enough for all of us..." Jasmine examines, glancing between the griddle and I.

Chuckling at her oblivion to today's events, I shake my head and continue preparing Marilyn's plate.

"Yeah dad, where's our breakfast I'm starved!" Dylan chimes.

I place the remainder of the dishes into the sink and reluctantly prepare a few plates for the rascals.

"Yes... Food!" Dylan exclaims, as I place the plate in front if him.

Oatmeal, cranberries, turkey bacon, and almond milk. Only half of what I prepared for Marilyn. We are all on a specific diet of grains and protein. Mainly because of Marilyn and Dylan.

I try to keep Dylan's diet away for
sugars unless it's natural, such as fruit. Between him playing basketball and having ADHD, I have to keep a close eye on his health. This especially goes for Marilyn and the baby as well.

Not even seconds after handing Jasmine her plate, she already begins gorging it down. I watch her carefully as she stuffs spoonfuls of her oatmeal into her mouth. It's like she hasn't eaten for days.

"You okay there Jas? Do you want another helping?" I ask, placing Jordyn's oatmeal in front of her.

Swallowing harshly she forces a smile and shakes her head, no.

"I'm fine. This was just really good dad. Thanks"

Not wanting to push the matter any further, I nod and turn towards Jordyn to feed her.

"Hey peaches, you want some cranberries and oatmeal?" I coo.

"Oats. Oats!" She giggles.

I nod and pretend to be a airplane, zooming the oatmeal into her pouty lips.

"Isn't it moms birthday?" Dylan asks, glancing over at me.

Gasping, I quickly stand from
My chair. I've completely forgotten about Marilyn's breakfast.

"Oh Jesus, Jasmine can you finish feeding Jordyn. I need to feed your mom" I sigh, walking over to the counter.

Jasmine shakes her head and continues where I left off with Jordyn.

"Ooh dads in trouble. Ha-ha poor dude" Dylan jokes as I slip out of the kitchen.

Balancing her breakfast tray in my hands I carefully make my way up the stairs. With each step, I make a silent prayer that she isn't anymore depressed or sad as she was before.

"Mama? I brought breakfast..." I call, stepping into the bedroom.

She emerges from the closet, seemingly happier than before. She smiles as I approach her.

"You know this is supposed to go differently. I'm supposed to give it to you in the bed" I chuckle as she picks at a cranberry.

"I tried, but you rejected me. So... You'll be fine" She sarcastically huffs.

Great, she's still angry.

"Babygirl, I'm trying to make sure you and the baby will be okay. There's enough risks as is. I don't want to be the cause of any repercussions especially if it can be prevented" I stress, following her onto the bed.

"Well excuse me if I miss junior. It's hard that if I have food cravings, you can fully provide, but when all I want is you and junior, it's a huge problem" She sighs, plopping a few cranberries into her mouth.

I giggle.

"Girl, you're freakier when you're pregnant. One touch can lead to the destruction of our bed. Plus, the kids are here. And you need to control your heart rate"

She shrugs and offers a spoonful of her oatmeal.

"It's for you babygirl. Just enjoy it" I smile.

She gives me a look before gently forcing the oatmeal into my mouth.

"Daddy needs to eat too" She explains after I swallow.

Once she finishes her breakfast (I helped as well), we return downstairs and into the family room where the kids, surprisingly greet her with different gifts.

A Pandora bracelet from Jasmine, a pajama set from Dylan, and noodle art and a butterfly necklace from Kay jewelers, courtesy of Jordyn. I watched as they gawked over how hard it was to decide on a gift. I only chuckles to myself as they boasted about who spent more. I'm the one who supplied the funds, but I allowed them to enjoy their time.

The ringing of my cellphone detours my attention as I reluctantly slip away to answer it.

*"Hello?"

"Hey dad..."*

*Marilyn's Point Of View*

Jasmine and Dylan are literally having an argument over whose gift costs more. I love my children, but the petty arguments are not what I need on my birthday.

To add on to my annoyance, Michael just walked out for a phone call. Not only did he reject me this earlier, but now he takes calls in the middle of our family time. I definitely feel the love.

The only two gifting me with joy are my peaches and my little bundle inside of me. They haven't failed to bring a smile on my face yet.

"Mommy's bird day?" Jordyn asks, playing with my tissue paper.

I giggle, carefully sitting on the floor beside her.

"Yes, Mommy's birthday is today"

She claps her hands then points to my stomach.

"Baby?"

"Yes, the baby is coming soon. You'll be a big sister. Are you excited?"

"No. No baby" she pouts, scurrying away.

I sigh and watch her compete for Jasmine's and Dylan's attention.

Michael returns, smiling widely. He approaches me after scolding Jasmine and Dylan. Removing his cellphone from his ear, he passes it to me.

"Who is this?" I whisper, holding the cellphone to my chest.

"Just say hello" he chuckles.

I sigh and dare myself to answer.

*"Hello?"

"Hey mom, happy birthday"

"Brandon? Oh my God, I miss you honey!"

"I miss you too mom. I promise I'll visit you guys as soon as I can"

"Please do. I miss my baby"

"I know... You don't miss me too much if you have another on the way! Uncle Bill is right"

"Ha-ha, right about what?"

"Nothing mom. Look, I have to go, but I will call you a little later. Dad says he has a huge surprise for you. So enjoy Pretty Woman. I love you"

"Awe, I love you too honey. And I'll be expecting that call little boy"

"Mom, I'm a grown man"

"But you're my little boy..."

"And this is where I end the conversation. Love you mom, happy birthday. Bye-bye now"

"Bye honey"*

Ending the call, I look to Michael who walks over to me with Jordyn perched on his hip.

"Mommy's bird day!" Jordyn squeals.

My giggles become more violent at her outburst. She is such a deviant at times, but for the most part she has been behaving fairly well. I think it's absolutely beautiful watching her grow each day. Though she has many thin'g to learn, I'm proud of how far she has come.

"Yes, mommy's birthday is today. Should daddy give mommy her gift now or later?" Michael teases, glancing between Jordyn and I.

"My present?" Jordyn asks.

Michael laughs and shakes his head.

"No... Mommy's present. Give mommy her present, please"

Jordyn glances at me then at the envelope Michael hands her before stuffing a corner of the envelope in her mouth.

"Peaches no. Jesus..." Michael sighs, quickly removing the envelope from her mouth.

He blushes, handing me the saliva filled envelope before setting Jordyn down, who is now fussing through her toddler gibberish.

"Thank you. I love two year old spit on my presents. Nice" I giggle, fussing with the opening of the envelope.

Michael watches anxiously as the rest of the kids join him with curiosity as well.

"I hope you know conversions babygirl" Michael teases.

"Europe? We are going to Europe?!" I squeal, jumping from my chair.

Michael laughs while the kids gasp and even share a few whispers as I gawk over my present.

"Oh hell yeah! We going to Europe! Counting Yen baby!" Dylan exclaims, pumping his fist in the air.

Michael and I quickly shoot our attention on Dylan.

"What did you just say little boy?" Michael asks, stepping over to Dylan.

Dylan quickly calms down, starring up at Michael with pleading eyes.

"We are going to Europe..." He swallows.

"We, aren't going anywhere. You better watch your mouth Dylan. I don't like that and you know it. and secondly, Yen is for Japan, not Europe crazy boy" Michael scolds, rolling his eyes.

Jasmine points at Dylan and laughs at his mistakes as well as finding amusement in his scolding.

"Idiot..." She snickers.

I give her a quick look that ended her giggles right there. I don't tolerate sibling bullying. It's one thing to play with dumb, irrational nicknames, but bullying is a, no-no.

"So this means, we aren't going to Europe? I mean you said We so..." Jasmine lulls, rolling her index fingers for an answer.

Michael sighs.

"Look we love you guys. And because we love you, we want to runaway. Just for awhile. This is my present for your mom okay?"

"But moms pregnant! How is she going to go all the way to Europe?! Dad please tell me you're not planning on abducting her, and returning here with the name Julio Hernandez, then change our names to Gene, Gloria, and Able, so that we can travel to Mexico and live as exchange students for the rest of our lives! What about grandpa Joe! Man don't ruin or family!" Dylan exclaims, falling to his knees.

Oh yeah, his ADHD is definitely spiraling again.

"Boy get up. Jesus, you watch way too much Snapped and Dateline" Michael sighs, shaking his head.

Jasmine and I burst into laughter as Dylan rises from the creme carpet with embarrassment written all over his face. He is definitely a character.

"Well if I can get a word in. Thank you papa. I love seeing Europe on TV I bet it's more beautiful in person" I smile, standing up to properly thank him.

"Ew! Mom, We are right here! Jesus... This is why there is about a hundred of us already" Dylan complains, turning to walk away.

"Awe... One day Derrek will do this for me and there be a hundred little Maddox's running around" Jasmine sighs dreamily as Michael and I break our kiss.

"No ma'am. You need to worry about today. Don't you have a science project to do or something?" Michael questions.

Jasmine shakes her head from her daze then nods.

"I guess Kylie will be coming over. Yay!"

"Uh... Kylie will be staying at her house. Yay!" Michael and I mimic in sarcastic unison.

Jasmine groans.

"Dude, come on. She can help me with this project!"

"I've told you before, I'm not your dude. You were born by yourself, you can handle this project by yourself as well" Michael firmly confirms.

Groaning again, Jasmine looks to me for help.

"I'm with dad, go do your project. You'll never learn if you don't try for yourself"

Rolling her eyes she abides. Once she's out of sight, Michael steal another kiss and begins to walk off as well.

"And where are you going?" I tease, grabbing his hand.

He chuckles.

"Well Yuli and Ryan are coming over. I need to fix enough dinner for two pregnant women. I have to get started now"

"Oh so you're calling us fat, huh?" I challenge.

He shakes his head, no.

"No... Y'all just eat a lot ha-ha"

I swat his arm then pinch it.

"Why do you always have to be an asshole? Hm? Why? Jesus... I swear I should.. God"

"You should what? Eat me too?" He giggles.

Glaring at him, I raise my middle finger and continue walking in front of him. His hands gently find my waist as he pulls me back against his chest.

"Girl, don't be so angry. Daddy is sorry" He lulls, pecking my exposed shoulder.

I ignore him and continue walking as if I'm not clung to him.

"You wanna continue where we left off in our room or the office?" He suddenly growls after a few more minutes of silence.

I pause at the doorway of the kitchen.

"Don't play with me Jackson" I scold.

He chuckles and whispers ever so lightly in my ear. Ending his whispered desire with a kiss on my lips, I happily follow him to the office with the promise to keep quiet.

Who says you're too old or pregnant to receive a little loving?

To Be Continued....

A/N: Sorry for the wait guys! I've finally finished "Inhaling Alongside You"! Lol I know it was my biggest distraction from this story. But, I've decided to continue it! Another BUT, I'm taking this week as a break to fully focus on this story. Anyways, thanks for the patience! I love you.

Now for chapter questions:

Looks like someone has taken notice of Jasmine's behavior and change?
Should Michael approach Jasmine about this acknowledgement? What about his worries about Marilyn's pregnancy? Is he being too cautious? What do you guys think Europe will bring? Lol that's enough questions, BUT I have a bonus!

Bonus: What should the gender of the baby be? What about names?

Well that's all! Again, I love you!

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