The Awakening of Love Ch. 12

-2 months later-

Ashira sat at her desk in her office hoping her flu was really the flu.

Despite bolting after Jake telling her that he loved her, Ashira and Jake had slept together several more times. Ashira bolted out of her chair and into the employee bathroom and made it into a stall just in time. After regaining her composure, Ashira rinsed her mouth out at the sink and headed back to her office, sat in her chair and made a quick phone call as Sunshine walked into the office.

"Are you still feeling sick?" Sunshine asked.

Ashira nodded. "I just called my doctor's office, they can get me in to see the doctor in about twenty minutes. Can you watch Serenity for me?" Ashira wanted to know.

Sunshine nodded. "Of course, do you want me to tell Jake if he asks?" Sunshine asked. Ashira shook her head.

"Just tell him I'm running an errand," Ashira answered, glancing at her sleeping daughter before leaving the office.

An hour later, Ashira returned to the salon and was glad that it had closed for lunch. Using her id card, Ashira unlocked the door, opened it and walked inside. She was just about to close the door and lock it when Jake walked up with a huge bag of food. "Need some help?" Ashira asked, reaching for the tray of drinks.

Jake handed them over with a grateful smile and swiped his own card to lock the door behind him. "Where'd you disappear to?" Jake wanted to know. Sunshine met them at the doorway to her office. "I'm off to my dentist appointment now, thanks Jake for grabbing lunch," Sunshine said, grabbing the drink and bag she knew were for her.

Ashira and Jake always brought food from home and ate in Ashira's tiny office. Ashira waited until they were in the office with the door closed before saying, "I went to the doctors, they were able to fit me in."

Jake looked at Ashira in concern. "Are you okay?" Jake asked. Ashira sighed and ran a hand through her hair as she looked away. "Shira, what's wrong?" Jake asked, reaching out and gently tilting Ashira's face back towards him. Jake's concern grew when he saw the tears in Ashira's eyes. Ashira glanced at her daughter who was still thankfully asleep before looking back at Jake.

Ashira managed a small smile. "I'm pregnant," she said finally. Jake closed his eyes and he mentally cursed himself for being careless.

Ashira studied Jake's face, looking for a reaction. She could feel his panic and sensed his desire to run. Ashira stood up and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Jake asked, so unsure of what he was feeling. Ashira stopped by the pack and play and lifted the sleeping baby out of it. "I'm going home. I'm completely drained. Sunny will be back in a few hours, you guys can handle the shop until closing. Take some time and think about what you want," Ashira said softly before leaving the salon.

By the time Jake and Sunshine returned home, Sunshine was deeply worried for both of her friends. Jake hadn't said one word about what had happened at Ashira's doctor's appointment, just that she wasn't feeling well and had gone home. "Are you hungry?" Sunshine asked. Jake nodded as he headed into the house. "I can make some soup and sandwiches," Sunshine offered. Jake finally smiled. "That sounds great. I'm going to go check on Shira," Jake said softly. Sunshine nodded and headed to the kitchen while Jake walked over to Ashira's room.

Jake opened the door quietly and smiled when he saw Ashira and Serenity fast asleep. Jake quietly walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it. Jake studied Ashira's face, and frowned when he saw how red her eyes were from crying. Jake wiped a remnant of a tear away causing Ashira to wake up and sit up quickly. When she realized who it was, Ashira relaxed a little.

Unfortunately, her stomach hadn't agreed with the sudden movement and Ashira dashed to the bathroom. Jake followed behind Ashira and held her hair and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry," Jake murmured. Ashira stood up, her body shaking as she rinsed out her mouth. Jake led her to his room and Ashira looked at him with tired eyes. "I acted like a doufus," Jake said. Ashira laughed a little at that but sighed, hoping her stomach would settle down soon. "I know it's probably too soon after Serenity, but if you want this baby, then so do I," Jake murmured. Ashira sniffled and Jake kissed her gently. "I know you bolted the last time I said this, but I love you," Jake said softly, reaching into her pocket. Ashira looked at Jake in surprise.

"This was my mother's, and I want you to have it. "Ashira, please say you'll marry me," Jake pleaded, his voice husky with emotion.

Ashira began to cry and Jake held her close. "I love you too Jake, yes, I'll marry you," Ashira whispered. Jake kissed Ashira lovingly and slipped the ring on her finger. Tears streamed down both of their faces as Jake smothered Ashira's face with kisses. Before either one of them knew it, they were both naked and Jake was thrusting gently into her. Ashira came fast and hard, screaming Jake's name, trembling with pleasure. Ashira was exhausted and allowed Jake to clean her up before tucking the covers up around her.

"Get some sleep while I help Sunny with dinner," Jake said gently, pressing one last loving kiss to Ashira's full lips before walking out of the bedroom, closing the door behind.

Sunshine grinned when Jake walked into the kitchen. "Have fun?" she teased. Jake flushed and grinned back. "Be careful with her, she's fragile," Sunshine warned her friend. Jake nodded. "I know," he muttered, grabbing a bottle of water out of the fridge and taking a swig. "Need help?" Jake asked. Sunshine nodded. "Yeah, slice up some bread for the sandwiches," Sunshine said, handing Jake a loaf of rye bread.

The next thing Ashira knew, Jake was shaking her awake gently. Ashira smiled when she saw his face looming over hers. Jake returned the smile and kissed her gently. "I brought you some soup and a sandwich," Jake told her, pulling away. He picked up the tray up from the dresser and placing it over Ashira's legs. Ashira took a hesitant spoonful of the chicken soup. It stayed down so she ate a few more spoonfuls before trying the sandwich. Jake watched Ashira eat while he nibbled at his sandwich.

"Jake, I need you to move the tray," Ashira said suddenly. Jake grabbed the tray and Ashira made a mad dash for the bathroom. On her way back from the bathroom, Ashira bumped into a worried Sunshine. "I'm okay Sunny," Ashira said quietly. She closed her eyes as another wave of nausea gripped her before turning around and heading back into the bathroom. This time, Ashira made it back to the bedroom without further incident.

"You okay?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded and gave a wan smile. "I hate this part," she whispered. Jake smiled gently as he settled down next to Ashira on the bed and kissed her gently.

"Do you want to try eating again?" he asked. Ashira shook her head.

"Not yet, but do we have any 7-up?" Ashira asked. Jake shook his head. "I can get you some if you want," Jake offered.

"No, it's okay, don't make any special trips," Ashira said softly.

Jake rolled his eyes. "Will it help your stomach?" Jake wanted to know. Ashira nodded. "As long as it isn't too cold, then yes," she answered. Jake gave Ashira's hand a squeeze. "I'll be back in ten minutes," he promised, standing up and walking out of the room. Jake had no sooner backed out of the driveway then Serenity started crying.

Ashira sighed and slowly made her way to her daughter's room. Five steps from the room, a wave of dizziness swept over her and Ashira had to grab hold of the door leading to the laundry room to keep from falling.

Sunshine was walking out of the laundry room and frowned as she helped her friend back to Jake's room. "I'll take care of Serenity, you just take it easy," Sunshine said quietly. After helping Ashira back to bed and calming the baby down, Sunshine waited by the door for Jake. When he finally came back with the 7-Up, Sunshine pounced.

"What's wrong with Ashira? I know she had a doctor's appointment, and I know she told you what was going on, but I want to know," Sunshine demanded. Jake sighed and set the bag down on the kitchen counter.

"What did Shira say?" Jake asked finally.

"Nothing, which is why you're going to tell me," Sunshine answered. Jake hesitated and busied himself with pouring a glass of the 7-up for Ashira.

"I'm pregnant," Ashira said from the doorway. Sunshine gasped and Jake turned around. He frowned when he saw how pale Ashira was. "You okay?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "I will be as soon as I stop puking my guts up," she grumbled. Jake chuckled as Ashira sat down in a chair. He slid the glass of 7-up over to Ashira who took a small sip.

Sunshine looked from Jake to Ashira and back to Jake again. "Are you stupid Jake?" Sunshine asked finally.

Jake sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Look Sunny, I know you're upset ..." Jake began and Sunshine snorted.

"If this is what you both want, then I'm thrilled, but it wasn't that long since the attack and ..." Sunshine stopped talking and stared at her friend who was laughing so hard that her laughter turned to tears. Ashira couldn't stop crying and her breathing became sharp gasps. Jake swore under his breath and knelt down in front of Ashira, taking her hands in his.

"Just relax, it's okay," Jake said softly. It took a few minutes, but Jake calmed Ashira down and she shakily took another sip of soda. "I'm sorry Shir," Sunshine murmured. Ashira shook her head and gave her friend a smile.

"It's okay, I'm glad you're worried about me," Ashira said. "That's how I know you're a real friend," she added.

"Are you really okay having another baby so soon?" Sunshine asked. Ashria shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know, but I am, so I guess okay or not doesn't matter," Ashira answered honestly. Those weren't the words Jake really wanted to hear, but he knew where Ashira was coming from.

"At least you know it's Jake's," Sunshine said. Ashira grinned and nodded. "And I'm very glad about that," Ashira said, squeezing Jake's hand. He smiled at her and glanced at Sunshine.

"We good?" he asked. Sunshine nodded and watched as Jake kissed Ashira's hand gently before leaving the kitchen.

-3 months later-

Jake led a blindfolded Ashira through the parking lot and into a building. "Jake, what are you doing?" Ashira wanted to know.

Jake smiled and led Ashira inside a few more feet, closed the door behind him and pulled off the blindfold. "Where are we?" Ashira asked, looking around. Jake grinned and pulled Ashira to him.

"This is our new home," Jake told Ashira. "I figured things would be really crowded with two kids and three adults, so I bought us a house. It isn't huge, only three bedrooms, but it has a really open floor plan and a pretty awesome attic," Jake said. He studied Ashira's reaction before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, tears streaming down her face.