Asher

The salty breeze carries the scent of the ocean through the open windows of the beach house Max arranged for me, a welcome reprieve from the sterile hospital air.

I watch Emma from the kitchen as she gazes out at the waves, her expression a mix of tranquility and lingering worry. We've been through so much in the past few days, and I can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her and our unborn child.

My shoulder and arm ache from the cast and the stitches, but I push the discomfort aside, focusing on making this weekend as relaxing and enjoyable for Emma as possible. The doctor had assured us she's fine, but I can't shake off the worry completely. Not after everything she's been through.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask as I walk up to her, wrapping my good arm around her waist.

"How did you find this place?" She turns to me, her eyes searching mine. "We were together at the hospital the whole time."

"Max helped me," I say, holding her a bit tighter. "Do you like the house?"

"It's beautiful..."

"It's for sale."

Her eyebrows arch in surprise.

"We could buy it..." I bite my lower lip, enjoying the way she looks around at a loss.

"We are in North Carolina, Ash." She chuckles softly. "It's too far from home."

"We got here in less than two hours..." A wide grin spread across my face as I envision the incredible memories we will create with our kid in this little piece of heaven.

Emma chuckles, her gaze softening as she looks out at the ocean. "I do love it here."

"That's all that matters," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I want us to have moments like this, away from everything else."

"I know..." Her voice is a whisper. She meets my eyes, gratitude, and uncertainty mingling in her gaze. "It's just... I can't stop thinking about what my father said. About you being accused of murder. It's like a dark cloud hanging over us."

I sigh, my own worries resurfacing. It does feel like a shadow that follows us, cast by the unsettling accusations her father threw at us in the hospital. He claimed I killed Zack, a malicious attempt to sow doubt and fear.

"Emma," I say softly, taking her hand in mine. "You know what your father said isn't true. He's just trying to get under our skin."

She nods, but I can see the uncertainty in her eyes. "I know, but it's still unsettling. What if..."

I cut her off gently, not wanting her to spiral into unnecessary anxiety. "There are no 'what ifs,' Emma. We're here, together, safe."

Emma tries to pull away, heading towards the couch, but I have other plans. I tug her gently back towards me, pulling her onto my lap so she's straddling me. She protests, trying to scold me for overexerting myself, but the way she fits against me, her warmth and softness, erases any trace of pain or discomfort.

"Asher, you're hurt..." Her voice trails off as I silence her with a lingering kiss, a silent reassurance that we're okay, that nothing else matters at this moment but us.

She melts into the kiss, her fingers threading through my hair, holding me close. It's a moment of intimacy and connection, a reminder of the love and passion that binds us together through every trial and adversity.

When we finally pull apart, Emma's cheeks are flushed, her eyes filled with a mix of desire and affection. "You're impossible," she murmurs, but there's a smile playing on her lips.

"I prefer 'irresistible,'" I tease, brushing my thumb across her cheek.

"You would..." She laughs softly, leaning in to rest her forehead against mine.

I kiss her again.

In a second, a fire of passion spreads through every fiber of my being. Emma's lips move against mine with a hunger that matches my own, and for a moment, there is nothing else in the world but the electric current that courses between us. Her hands wander to my shoulders, tracing the contours of the cast and the bandages, a gentle reminder of our recent trials.

I pull her closer, relishing the warmth of her body against mine. The salty breeze from the ocean carries with it a sense of freedom as if the vast expanse of the sea mirrors the boundless love and possibility between us.

Our breaths mingle, a shared rhythm of desire and tenderness. God, I love this woman. So much it consumes.

"I missed you," Emma whispers between kisses, her voice a soft melody that stirs something deep within me.

"I missed you too," I confess, my words laced with longing. "More than you know."

Her fingers trail down my chest, sending shivers of anticipation down my spine. Each touch, each caress, is a testament to the depth of our connection, a silent promise of forever etched in every heartbeat.

"I love you," she murmurs against my lips, her eyes locking with mine in an unspoken sense of devotion that humbles me.

"I love you more," I say, my heart swelling with emotion. "You're everything to me, Emma. Everything."

As Emma's fingers glide over the bandages; her touch a soothing balm to the ache of my injuries. I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude and tenderness wash over me. The warmth of her body pressed against mine is a reminder of our shared strength and resilience. Despite everything we've been through, she remains by my side. We're together. We're safe.

And we're having a baby.

Jesus.

I kiss her deeper. Harder. 

I kiss her until the part of me that terrified I'd never see her again is somehow soothed.

The rhythm of the ocean outside provides a backdrop to our intimate moment, its constant ebb and flow echoing the steady beat of our hearts. The scent of salt and sea breeze fills the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of Emma's skin, creating a sensory symphony that envelops us in a cocoon of love.

Her lips leave a trail of soft kisses along my jawline, igniting a trail of fire wherever they touch. I tilt my head back slightly, savoring the sensation of her lips against my skin. Our breaths mingle in a dance of desire, the air crackling with unspoken passion and longing.

"I need you," Emma whispers, her voice husky with emotion.

"I'm here," I say, my fingers sifting through her hair. "Always."

"No, stop..." She cups my cheeks, putting some distance between us. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Baby..." I laugh, pulling her into a quick kiss. "Shouldn't I be the one worried about you?"

She raises her eyebrows. "You're hurt."

"And you're carrying my baby..."

She gasps. "Oh, can we have–"

"I've checked with the doctor." I cup her nape. "We're good."

Her lips curl into a smile.

"Come here." My grip on her nape tightens, gently urging her to me. "Take off your clothes."

With a sexy smile that goes straight to my cock, she stands up slowly, taking her time as removes her summer dress.

"There" She keeps her eyes on mine.

"Panties too."

As Emma slowly removes her dress, her eyes never leaving mine, desire pulses through my veins. The anticipation builds as she teasingly discards her panties, revealing her nakedness to me. The sight of her, vulnerable and beautiful, stirs a primal hunger within me.

I reach out and pull her towards me, our bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. The warmth of her skin against mine ignites a fire that burns with an intensity I've never felt before. Our lips meet in a searing kiss, tongues dancing in a frenzy of passion.

As our bodies meld together, I can feel the weight of responsibility and love intertwining. The knowledge that we are creating a life together fills me with awe and a deep sense of connection. It's a reminder of the strength we possess as a couple and the resilience that brought us here.

We are no longer just two individuals, but a united force, bound by love, strength, and the miracle of life growing within us.

"Aren't you too overdressed?" She bites my jaw playfully as she slides her palms beneath the hem of my T-shirt.

"Is that so?" I trace my thumb over her nipple and her eyes close as she swallows hard.

"Yes, I think you're definitely overdressed," Emma whispers seductively, her breath warm against his skin.

"What are you gonna do about it?"

Smiling, she lifts my shirt, pulling it over my head.

"There." Emma's eyes darken with desire, locking onto mine with an unspoken challenge. But there's no hesitation on my part; I crave her just as fervently, and nothing will quell the rising passion between us.

"Kiss me," I say, unable to contain that moan that follows when, without a word, she leans in closer, her lips brushing against mine in a tantalizing tease.

Reaching between us, she unties the drawstrings of my waistband pulling the elastic down enough to free my cock.

"Fuck!" I close my eyes. "Em..."

"Like this?" she murmurs, her head tilting to the side to study me.

"Like you mean it."

_____

A/N: Aw, my heart! I've missed them together! Are you guys ready for the next chapter? coughs it's so hot coughs

Please remember to vote and follow me here @CelesteABrookfor news and updates.

XOXO

Celeste