Just Eternity | ✓ |

Twenty Eight.

Ellie POV

I sat on the floor of the empty tattoo parlor that was now mine. All I could do was hold my knees to my chest enamoring at the bare brick walls. Something about recently, about today seemed more brighter than others. The sun was shining from above through the skylight, caressing my bundled up body with its warmth.

I held my stomach tightly, feeling the little bump that was starting to form. No one but I, and maybe Max, could notice it. Maybe it was just our imagination running wild, already planning our lives for a child. Our child.

My mind still second guessed myself. A part of me wanted to be absolutely sure it was Max's before I could feel a hundred percent certain about everything.

The little bell I installed to the door chimed, sending a smile to my face knowing this was the first time I heard it, but it wouldn't be the last. I couldn't wait to hear that ring throughout the days.

Max approached with his own smile, taking in my relaxed position on the ground surrounded my all natural cleaning supplies.

Dixie came running from the back, her paws tapping against the wooden flooring until she was practically in Max's arms.

"Ohh, what'd you bring?" I asked, bouncing to me feet and running up to him, much like Dixie just did until the bags of food were almost in my hands.

"Nuhuh." Max teased, raising them in the air, way above my head. "I think you owe me some sort of payment. I had to drive almost to the New Jersey line just to get this very specific Philly cheesesteak you were craving this morning."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, but I was anything but annoyed.

"How did you manage that on your lunch break?" I raised a brow, knowing he had to be bluffing.

"Kiss first." He pouted his lips and leaned forward, waiting for me to do the same.

I placed my lips to his, feeling his mouth curve upwards with a smile. His free hand wrapped around my body, bringing us into another world with just a simple touch.

"You're amazing." I hushed while my fingers ran through the stubbled to his jaw.

"Hmm. I know you are." He hummed, guiding our bodies towards the counter. He set up our food and drinks then pulled Dixie's bed into the same room as us and set up her food as well.

"So, I was thinking," I started, only to stop talking completely once that delicious array of cheese and steak strips touched my lips. Satisfying a pregnancy craving is like tasting food for the first time.

Max chuckled and placed his hand to my stomach while he ate.

"Does our baby like that?" He smiled harder, rubbing in small circles.

I placed my food down at his question. It was something we needed to do. I had to know for sure. "I was thinking we should do a paternity test." I blurted out, the words tasting awful on my tongue, even with the amazing food in front of me.

"Okay. But I know she's mine." Max shrugged, still keeping his hand to my stomach. "And even if not, I'm the Daddy."

I couldn't help but lean on the table, resting my cheek on my palm to look at his seriousness.

Max saw and placed his sandwhich down. "Chris doesn't want kids, Ellie. Even if it is his child, I'd still raise her with you. I'd still want to be called Daddy and watch her grow. I'm with you and whatever comes with that, forever."

"Even if that's the sweetest thing you've ever said, I still want to know." I whispered with a sigh.

Max nodded in agreement then began shaking his head. "I don't. If you find out she isn't mine, I don't want to know."

I looked down to my stomach where a pit seemed to be growing beside the fetus.

"I don't think I'd be able to handle it. Knowing I pushed you away, that I was the reason we didn't have your first child together. There's already a lot on my conscience, I can't add that to it." Max spoke softly and so honestly, his eyes trained forward in a daze of sadness at the thought.

"Okay." I hushed. "It's a boy though."

Max reached over and placed him hand to my tummy again. "Definitely a girl. She's going to be a beautiful and talented as her mother."

I shook my head. "With my attitude. Imagine a toddler with the ability to form sassy sentences."

He laughed and leaned his lips to my cheek. "I love that attitude."

The smile that seemed permanently stuck on my mouth just seemed to grow with each moment I spent with him. It was something I didn't have to get used to, I had dreamed about these spontaneous lunch dates for years. Wishing I could have him all to myself.

"I have to get back to work." Max sighed as he cleaned up the counter.

"I'll stop by the office at my way home and we could walk together."

Max shook his head with disapproval. "No. I'll probably have to stay late again. Sam or Chris could pick you up. I don't want you walking the city streets alone and pregnant."

"I'm not alone. I have Dixie. Plus, your office is only a ten minute walk from here." I argued, not willing to deal with neither boy just yet.

Especially Sam.

But every since I found out about the two of them, it seemed wherever Chris was, Sam was nearby.

"Ellie." Max groaned.

"Fine. I'll see you at home later." I kissed him, knowing damn well I was still going to walk.

***

I spent hours cleaning the entirety of the shop. The windows and floors were spotless and ready for the sign to be put up. I had already picked a name and couldn't wait to show Max and my Dad once it was up.

And as I walked the streets of New York City, I felt at home even if it had changed so much from the last time I was here in my teens but it still seemed so lively.

Even if Max told me to go straight home, I stood in front of his office. I held the leash for Dixie in my hand tightly with a pit in my stomach.

Between the emptiness of the parking lot and the dimness of the building, something wasn't sitting right with me. I held my phone in my free hand, debating on calling him but he told me just an hour ago he was still at work.

I took it upon myself to enter the building and saw no one at the receptionist desk. Not a single soul with in sight. So I continued venturing back into the halls until I saw a single office light on.

Then I heard a woman's voice that sent a chill down my spine.

***
A/N: this will be the last book of the series unless I do a spin off of some sorts. The next chapters are going to be finishing up loose ends, so I just want to be sure I get everything. I think there's going to be twenty or so more? Give or take bc of the smut.

I know Mason is one and I have something planned for that. Any others things you guys are thinking are still unanswered?

I plan on posting again tomorrow since I left you with a cliffhanger.

Much love xx
LaneFields