Chapter 3

When he finally settled with her head resting on his chest, he kissed her. “What am I gonna do with you Jamie?” “I have a couple million ideas,” he joked. “I bet.” “Do you want some champagne?” “That would sorta mean going downstairs.” “Well?” “I don’t want to rub it in Jamie. She’s kinda goin through hell.” “Gotcha. We could just curl up downstairs and watch the fireworks start.” She kissed him. “You need to call your sister.” He shook his head. “Not tonight. You and me time.” He got up, pulled his joggers on and handed Piper a tee. “What are you up to?” He slid his shirt on and walked downstairs with her. The view from the sofa was outstanding as it was, but they’d see every single detail.

When they came downstairs hand in hand, Jamie poured two glasses of champagne, one of them being sparkling cider, and handed it to Piper. “Good plan.” “One glass at the restaurant was enough. I don’t want anything happening to little one in there.” “Is it bad that I’m sorta worried that it won’t stick?” He kissed her. “Us or baby?” “Funny. Baby.” He curled her into his arms and wrapped her up in a blanket. “You don’t need to worry. It’s in God’s hands baby. If it doesn’t then we keep practicing until we’re ready.” “I just have a weird feeling. I don’t know why.” Just as they were getting comfortable, Jackson came in.

“Sir.” “What’s up,” Jamie asked. “Happy almost new year’s,” Piper said. “And you Miss Piper. Your sister is on the line. She said it’s rather important.” Jamie nodded. “Five minutes,” Jamie asked. Piper nodded and he leaned over and kissed her, taking the phone from Jackson and going into the office.

“And what can I do for you sister of mine?” “Are you okay with me staying at your place? We kinda got in a fight and I’d rather not be home.” “What happened?” “He’s being an idiot and he’s drunk.” “If it makes you feel better, go for it. The lower level master is yours. Nice and comfy.” “Thank you. When are y’all home?” “Probably a few more days. Just take it easy in the gym. Take it easy on Piper when we’re back too.” “Whatever you say big brother.” “Love you too sis.” They hung up and Jackson nodded, calling the house in Savanna to let them know she was coming.

Jackson sent off one single text to the doctor, trying as best he could:

Wishing you happy new year’s. Maybe we can get together for coffee next year. Hope it’s a calm night at the hospital.

He leaned back, trying to relax a little then went and got settled in bed for the night, giving Jamie and Piper a little more privacy.

“And how’s Jess,” Piper asked as he curled back up under the blanket with her. “She’s staying at the house in that new master we have. She’s having a bad night.” She shook her head. “I can call her.” Jamie shook his head. “I’ll call her in the morning. She needs a good night of sleep.” Piper nodded and curled back up with him, noticing him checking his watch. “What are you checking your watch for?” “Fireworks over London bridge every year. We can watch the whole thing from here.” “You sure that’s what you want for our first new year’s together?” “Don’t tempt me. Trying to be all romantic and stuff.” She smirked. He took a gulp of his champagne and was almost shaking.

That idiot that Jess was with had screwed up so many times. Putting her in a mindset that she didn’t want to be at the house with him was irritating him. She deserved better. In his eyes, nobody was good enough for her ever. She’d never dated a decent guy.

“What’s going on,” Piper asked. “It’s all good babe.” “Jamie, I know that’s what you want me to think, but something’s going on.” “He disrespected her. Drunk. I leave town and he seriously thinks he can mess with my sister?” Piper shook her head. He knew what she was thinking. He was just as over-protective of Piper as he was of his sister. He’d given the guy a chance. A huge one. At least she had somewhere safe to stay. That was all he wanted. She deserved safety.

“Jamie.” “I love you Piper, but I don’t wanna talk about it.” “You’re almost shaking. Everyone gets in stupid fights.” “I’d never disrespect you.” She kissed him. “What?” “You did when we met.” “When?” She smirked. “Involves that sofa that you love.” “That was low will power.” She smirked and he kissed her. Piper grabbed her cell off the table. “What are you up to?” “I think we need to see the doctor when we get back.” “Good idea beautiful.” Just as he leaned in to kiss her, he heard fireworks. They got up and went outside, as he wrapped her up in the blanket and wrapped his arms around her. “Happy new year handsome.” “Happy new year beautiful wife of mine.” He kissed her and they watched the fireworks. As soon as it was done, they headed in and curled back up on the sofa.

All he wanted was to have some down time alone. Nobody playing third wheel. “What’s wrong,” she asked as she went and got herself an ice water. “Nothing. Come here for a minute.” She put her glass down on the table and walked over to him as he slid her into his lap so her legs were wrapped around him. “Just say it.” His hands slid to the sides of her face and he kissed her. It was more heart felt and passionate than he’d ever kissed her before. One kiss led to making out on that sofa. He curled up with her as he barely managed to let her up for air. The taste of her kiss was addictive. So much so that he barely heard Harley come downstairs. They sat up and Piper looked over, as Jamie knew their alone time was fading.

“You okay,” Piper asked. Harley shook her head and Jamie shook his head. So much for his midnight moment alone. “He left me flowers upstairs. Practically begged me to talk to him.” “And,” Jamie asked trying not to laugh. “How the heck do I know if he lied about that woman or not?” Staying silent was his only option. Even when Piper looked at him to say something, he bit his lip. “Do you trust him,” Piper asked. “I try, but I don’t even know if I do.” “Are you giving him a chance,” Jamie said trying to pretend that he didn’t know the back story to it all. “I don’t even know,” Harley replied. “All it takes is one call. It’s not like he’s that far away,” Piper said trying to help Harley out. Jamie wanted to tell her that Carter hadn’t stopped cheating since the beginning, but he had to stay quiet. “What do you mean,” Harley asked. “He’s in the hotel next door,” Jamie said wishing he’d just shut his mouth. Harley looked at Piper. “Girl, it’s up to you,” Piper replied as Harley headed upstairs to think it through.

“Now, where were we,” Jamie asked as he kissed her again, pulling her back to him and wrapping her leg around him. “What,” she teased when they managed to come up for air. “20 minutes.” She shook her head. Not 2 minutes later, Harley came downstairs in a sweater dress. “We’re here if you need anything alright,” Piper said. “If I walk in there and he’s with her, I’m flying home tomorrow.” Harley headed out with Andrews at her side.

As soon as the door closed, he devoured her lips again and they slid to the fluffy carpet. “Fireworks?” “Making them instead.” He kissed her again with a rough kiss that turned him on. “Mine.” “Jamie.” He kissed her again and barely managed to let her up for air. “What?” He smirked. “Jamie, say it.” “Is it bad that we need to christen the balcony?” She shook her head. “You need to behave.” “Never.” He smirked. “Don’t you even think it Jamie.” He kissed her again, picked her up and walked out to the balcony, sitting down on the chaise. “You are so bad.” He kissed her and he kicked his joggers off, pulling the blanket from the other chaise. “You need to quit. It’s freezing out here.” He kissed her, wrapping them among the blankets. When she was about to object, they were having insane, mind-blowing sex. Things went from the chaise to the table to against the railing. When they came up for air, he kissed her, grabbed his joggers, sliding them on, and carried her inside to curl back up by the fire. The minute he laid her on the carpet, he devoured her lips all over again, curling her legs back around him. “Now this is how we should’ve been celebrating,” he teased.

When Jamie heard footsteps, he almost dreaded what they meant. He kissed Piper. “Sir.” “Yep,” Piper chimed in. “Miss Harley is on her way back. She’s quite upset. Andrews said that when they arrived, he was with that same woman.” Like he couldn’t have just stopped being an idiot for a few days. Jamie was irritated. Piper getting up to go solve Harley’s problems was out of the question. He wanted her to himself. “Jamie.” “Not even an inch.” “We could just go tonight.” “Or we could just go in a day or two. I only have 2 meetings left.” “I can go back now and just hang with her at the house.” He shook his head. “I love you more than anything in the world, but no. I wouldn’t be able to sleep, and you know what I’m like when I can’t sleep.” “Didn’t ask,” Piper teased. “If something ever happened to you and I was all the way here, I’d never forgive myself.” “Jamie, I wanted to go see the doctor anyway. You don’t have to go with…” “I’m not missing an appointment like that.” She kissed him and slid out of his arms, knowing that she would be back any second. They got up, Jamie put the blankets on the sofa and turned the gas fireplace off.

Just as they started heading upstairs, Harley came inside with Andrews. He was carrying her while she sobbed. Piper kissed Jamie and went in to make sure Harley was alright. Jamie shook his head and went into his office, closing the door. Within a matter of minutes, Carter was on the phone. “Happy New…” “What in the hell are you doing?” “Meaning?” “What part of either break it off or stop flaunting the other women in her face did you not get?” “Dude, quit. I was having a New Year’s moment.” “And?” “She’s gone anyway.” “And what were you doin when she showed up?” “Enjoying the sofa with Angel.” Jamie shook his head. “First off, it’s a hotel. Ew. Second, if you don’t want to be with Harley then stop playing games. Either break it off or I’ll do it for you. She’s a good person. Stop playing her like a fool. Next time you do something this stupid, I’m letting my sister whoop your butt. Did you even find out who that woman is?” “Just quit. It’s my life.” “One that affects me. It affects Piper. We’re her support system or did you forget you moron.” “I can do whatever I want. I’m a damn adult. Go screw around with your wife and leave me alone,” Carter said as he hung up. Jamie shook his head and walked upstairs, walking past Harley’s room. Hearing her cry was almost as bad and as painful as hearing Piper cry.

When he got upstairs, Harley was nodding off and he walked into the master and closed and locked the door. He heard Piper in the shower, kicked his joggers off, throwing them into the laundry and grabbed two towels. He put them both on the warmer and slid in with her. His arms slid around her and kissed her neck. “What’s wrong?” She shook her head and he turned her to face him. He leaned her against the wall of the shower and wrapped his arms around her. “What’s wrong,” he asked. She shook her head and he kissed her, giving her a hug again. “Tell me.” “We’re going.” He shook his head. “Please just say you can stay until I can go with you. First thing on the second, I’ll do the meeting and we can leave. Just 48 hours.” “I love you Jamie, but she’s miserable. Way past it actually. I’d be just as….” He kissed her, devouring her lips until he was past hot and bothered. When she leaned against him and he picked her up, wrapping her legs around him, he knew.

The sex was so beyond hot, they were steaming up the bathroom. When she was almost screaming, he shivered and sat her on the bench, grabbing the hand shower to rinse her hair. Their legs were both jelly at that point. “Jamie.” “I can’t. It’d kill me being that far apart. 48 hours. I can move him to a different hotel away from here or something. I’ll do whatever I have to.” “You realize that at some point we’re not gonna be able to be side by side right?” “As long as it isn’t that many time zones.” She kissed him. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow. Just be prepared. See if you can move the meeting up.” Jamie nodded. “I sorta told the pilot he wouldn’t be needed until the 2^nd anyway. I’ll figure something out.” “She’s gonna be a mess.” “I know. I have a solution sorta,” he teased. “Which would be,” she asked as she leaned into his arms. “Paris.” “Jamie, we aren’t just gonna go somewhere else to get her mind off it silly. She wants his stuff out of the house.” “That I can arrange.” “Jamie” “Tour of Versailles?” She shook her head and kissed her.

They turned the hot water off and wrapped each other in the warm towels and after one more kiss, he gave her shoulder a quick peck. “We’ll figure something out to get her mind off.” “When it was me, I needed home.” “I promise you. If I have to move the meeting up, I will. As long as I can. Technically it’s a holiday. I’ll check in the morning.” She went and slid on a satiny chemise, walked into the bedroom and leaned onto the bed. He came into the master and closed the curtains, sliding into bed with her. His arms slid around her and he slid her along the satiny sheets so she was in his arms. “You are the one and only thing I can’t be without. You know that right?” Piper nodded and turned to face him. “If it were me, I’d need a real vacation. I can’t sit there and watch her cry without doing something Jamie.” He kissed her. “We’ll talk it through tomorrow.” “Jamie.” “Please don’t just leave me here.” She saw how worried he was, knowing that he was hiding something. “We can figure it out. Come up with a compromise.” “Okay. We’ll talk in the morning.” “I love you.” “I love you back handsome husband of mine.” They both curled up and fell asleep, but at 4am, Jamie was wide awake again.

He propped himself up with his elbow and watched her sleep. Even when she was worried about Harley, she managed to get actual sleep. Jamie got up, sliding on his jeans and a tee and went downstairs to his office. He messaged Amanda, his assistant, and asked her to bump the meeting up to that morning at 10 UK time. When his phone buzzed in his pocket, he grabbed it. “Sir,” Amanda said. “I know that normally it’s a holiday, but is there a way to move tomorrow’s meeting to this morning so I can head home today?” “I’ll check sir, but it is sorta a holiday.” “Completely understood.” “Alright. I’ll let you know within the next half hour. Backup option would be video call right?” “Yes.” “Alright. I’ll look into it, and happy new year sir.” “And to you. I trust you got your gift that I sent?” “I appreciate that so much. It was a beautiful surprise.” “Glad you enjoyed. I’ll see you when we get back.” “Thank you.” Jamie hung up with her and messaged the pilot about heading out around noon or around then. If it meant cutting their trip a little short, it was fine. He just wanted her safe.

Once he went through important emails, he started yawning and got up to head back upstairs to be, checking in on Harley on his way. She was out cold. Jamie smirked and walked into the master, closing the door behind him. He kicked his clothes off, putting them on the chair and slid into bed with her. He tossed and turned, doing his best not to wake her up. When she did wake up, she rolled over to look at her. “Morning handsome.” “Morning beautiful,” he replied as he slid her tight to him. “What?” “Nothin.” Until he knew if they could move the meeting up, he didn’t want to say anything. “We’re getting up and doing a workout.” “I have a really good workout planned,” he teased. “I bet sexy husband of mine. We’re still going to the gym.” His hand slid up her torso and she shook her head with a smirk.

“We’re getting up.” He slid her tighter to him. “I know what you’re up to Jamie.” He smirked and kissed her shoulder. “Oh really?” She nodded. “Jamie.” He snuggled her to him and she knew exactly what he was up to. He had that look. He kissed her, leaning into her arms. One kiss and he was lost. He was falling long and hard into the bottomless pit of Piper. He wanted her so badly it was almost funny. The morning sex was so hot that he was overheated in minutes. When she smirked, he shook his head. “Trying to outdo me?” “I can’t even move,” she joked as they both tried to catch their breaths. “You’re in a good mood,” Piper teased. “All your fault. You were my sleeping angel.” “That much of a temptation,” she joked. He kissed her and leaned into her arms, devouring her lips. “This is how New Year’s should start.” “Oh really?” He nodded.

“We still sorta have to get up there handsome.” “Nope.” “Jamie.” “You’re being a party pooper,” he said teasingly. She kissed him. “I’m getting up. You can stay and chill in bed and get your beauty sleep,” Piper teased. “Fine. Quick workout.” She smirked, slid out of the bed, kissed him again and got changed. “You know, normally, I’d say that we should stay in bed all day,” he teased. Jamie watched her change into her workout gear and head down to the gym. As soon as she was out of the room, he called Amanda back. “Anything,” Jamie asked. “They can move it up, but not everyone can attend,” Amanda said. “We’ll figure it out. They can always video call in.” “Agreed,” Amanda said. “Thank you. Let me know what the end decision is?” “Yes sir.” They hung up and Jamie got up, sliding his joggers on.

Jamie came downstairs and saw Harley and Piper at the kitchen counter. “Morning sexy husband,” she teased as he leaned in and kissed her. “Sir,” the housekeeper said. “Back in a second,” Jamie teased as he picked Piper up and carried her upstairs. He could hear Harley almost laughing. At least that was a good sign. “Took way too long,” he teased. She shook her head and he leaned into her arms. “What?” He peeled her clothes off little by little. “What are you up to husband?” “All mine,” he teased. “You are so bad.” “I love you too sexy.” He kissed his way up her body as her clothes were thrown to the floor. “What are you up to?” “I have the most amazing wife on the planet. Just reminding you,” he teased as her legs instinctively wrapped around him.

He kissed her again and the heat in the room felt like it went to lava levels. He was beyond just hot and bothered. They kept going until every ounce of energy was gone and he collapsed into her arms. Even when they heard a knock at the door, he wouldn’t move a muscle. “Jamie.” He shook his head. “Then let me up,” she said almost laughing. “Nope.” She leaned him to his side and got up. “Party pooper.” She smirked, slid the blanket to him and pulled his hoodie on, opening the door. “Miss Piper, I thought you might want breakfast,” the housekeeper said. “Thank you. Is Harley okay,” Piper asked as Jamie shook his head. “She’s relaxing and having extra pancakes.” Piper nodded. The housekeeper headed off and Piper closed the door, bringing the tray over to the bed. “Wow,” he joked.

“You do realize husband of mine, that if we’d waited downstairs…” He leaned over and kissed her. “No coffee?” “Funny,” Piper replied. “Just eat.” They had breakfast together, curled up among the blankets and pillows. “Odd question, but how far along do you think?” “We were maybe 6 before Christmas. The doctor told me before not to announce anything until we pass the 3 month point.” “And we’re going to see Doc Cartwright.” “She’s an ER doctor Jamie.” “Fine. I’m going with you though.” “Fine.” She leaned over and kissed him, and he snuggled her to him. They got up a few minutes later, got undressed and slid into the hot shower alone together.

“Hey sexy wife.” “Hey yourself. Why are you not sleeping in?” “Did already. Was up at 2.” “Jamie.” “By the way, we can pack if she’s feeling better. We can leave early afternoon tomorrow. I got the meeting moved up but I can’t do it until tomorrow.” “Jamie.” “That way she can go home early if she wants to go today. We’ll be going home tomorrow early afternoon.” She shook her head and kissed him. “And so we don’t have to be in separate time zones right?” He nodded. “What am I gonna do with you Jamie?” “I have a few million ideas wife, but all of them involve staying in bed,” he teased as he leaned in and kissed her, washing her shampoo out. She washed his back for him and kissed his shoulder then slid her arms around him. He shook his head and pulled her to him. “Taunting.” “Thought that rule only applied to the house in Savannah,” she joked. He shook his head. “You are so bad.” “Thought that was one of the things you loved about me.” “Oh, it is. That and a few billion other things.” She smirked and he kissed her. She slid out of the shower, wrapping a towel around her as she watched.

When she walked off into the bedroom, he turned the water off and wrapped a towel around his waist, walking in towards the closet. One look. The wincing he saw and he went into emergency mode. “What’s wrong,” he asked. “Nothing. Just a twinge.” “Babe.” She shook her head and slid into leggings and a tee. “Just say it.” “I don’t know Jamie.” He shook his head, slid his boxers and jeans on, calling the doctor. “Jamie.” “Something’s wrong with Piper.” “My colleague is in London. I’ll get her to head up to the house,” the doctor said. “Grow wings and get here fast.” “Done.” He hung up with the doctor and picked Piper up, laying her on the bed and messaging Jackson. He pulled a tee on and shook his head. “I’m fine Jamie.” Within 15 minutes, the doctor was running up the steps.

Jackson followed with the ultrasound machine the doctor had brought. He stood in the doorway, pacing while the doctor checked her. “There may be an issue Miss Piper. How far along did you think you were?” “6 or 7 weeks.” Jamie got a twinge in the pit of his stomach that things hadn’t worked. “There may be an issue. You need to follow up with your doctor. I don’t know what’s happening, but something isn’t exactly right.” Jamie shook his head, running his fingers through his hair. They’d finally got past the Colt stuff. Her stress level had finally gone down and she was pregnant. This wasn’t how things were supposed to work. He almost felt like he was going to be sick. “Thank you,” Piper said as the doctor headed out. “You may want to stay off your feet,” the doctor suggested. Piper nodded and Jackson showed the doctor out.

“We’re going home tonight,” Piper said. “I’ll figure something out. We can leave in the morning.” “Jamie, if something’s wrong I need….” He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. “We’re okay. I promise you we are.” “And what if we lose it?” “Then we try again. We have time. We can adopt if we have to. All that matters right now is that you’re okay and we are. If we have a baby on our own, we do. If we can’t, it’s not the end of the world.” “Jamie, I’m defective. I told you that I probably couldn’t. Now this proves it.” He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. “You aren’t. If something is happening then it’s just not the right time. We’ll be alright.” She shook her head. “This isn’t gonna wait until tomorrow night.” “I know. We are going back and as soon as we hit the tarmac, your doctor is gonna be there. I promise you.” “I can’t just sit here all day.” He kissed her and picked her up, walking downstairs and leaned her on the sofa.

When Jamie saw Harley coming downstairs, he wanted to tell her to go home alone. He also knew that even mumbling the words under his breath would be a huge mistake. “What’s up with the doctor coming,” Harley asked. “Wasn’t feeling that great. I’m good,” Piper replied looking at Jamie. “And you’re carrying her around why,” Harley asked. “She was kinda dizzy. Just making sure she’s alright.” “This mean that we’re heading back early,” Harley asked in a little too happy of a tone for his liking. “Tomorrow after lunch at the absolute latest,” he replied. She looked at Piper. “What’s the real reason,” Harley asked. He wanted to kick her so badly. “What’s the real reason?” “Girl, it’s fine. You want to go home, and Jamie doesn’t have to stay any longer beyond tomorrow. If we can go earlier, we will.” “You sure it’s alright,” Harley asked. “I’ll figure it out. Y’all can go home and rehearse, but I’d still like to be there.” He was irritated. Getting that meeting changed was now a necessity.

“By the way, I had the locks changed at your place. That way, if things with you and Carter don’t work, he can’t get in without you letting him in.” “I appreciate that,” Harley replied. She gave Jamie a hug and went upstairs to get packed.

“You sure you wanna go,” he asked hoping she’d stay. “When you’re finished your meetings we can head home. If I did lose it, one day won’t make a difference.” “Baby.” She shook her head. “I don’t want…” He kissed her. “You sure it wasn’t something we did?” She shook her head as her eyes welled. “If it was, we can’t go back and change things. If it didn’t stick, then it didn’t. Like you said, we just go try again.” He kissed her and slid onto the sofa behind her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his arms. Jackson came in a minute or two later. “The pilot said he’s in town. If you want to fly back just let him know.” Jamie nodded. “Harley’s going tonight I think.” “Yes sir.” “And we’re heading out tomorrow.” “I’ll get the arrangements done.” Jamie nodded and kissed Piper’s neck. “No more worrying Jamie.” He nodded. “We’re taking it easy tonight.” She smirked. “What?” “Jamie, we’re living our lives. I love you. We’re good. I’m not gonna just up and vanish on you. We can try again.” He kissed her, nuzzling her neck.

“Whatever you want,” he whispered as he kissed her neck again. “What time is your meeting?” “2. Honestly, it’s gonna be a little long, but I’m not leaving the house.” “We’re gonna hang here. Movie day or something. Following the doctor’s orders.” He held her a little tighter trying to hold back the extreme fear that was reeling through his mind. “Jamie.” “I know. It would kill me if something happened.” She linked fingers with him. “Just means that it’s not time yet right?” “How are you so dang calm Piper?” “Because if I start worrying and getting upset, it’s just gonna make it worse. We both need calm.”

“So are you gonna come back with me,” Harley asked as she headed downstairs. “I’m relaxing. Honestly, I’m just good with a day to just chill and watch a movie or two. We can get packed.” “You sure? I mean, I know something’s going on that you don’t want to say.” “It’s nothing. I was starting to feel a little run down,” Piper said as Jamie kissed her shoulder. “Then we should hold off on going back out on tour.” Jamie got up before he actually agreed with Harley, kissed Piper and went into his office to try and get the meeting moved up.

“Amanda?” “Moved to 3pm London time. Best I could do.” “Thank you. Is everyone still out here?” “Yes. I told them it would be video call only so you could be home with Piper.” “Thank you.” “Most welcome sir.” Jamie hung up and went into Jackson’s office. “Sir.” “She needs to be home safe. I need the doctor there when we hit the tarmac.” “Is there anything you need?” “Other than Jack and a little prayer, no.” “What time is your call?” “20 minutes. The second one is 3 today.” “Are we heading back today?” “In the morning unless she starts feeling worse. I don’t think Harley is going back today.” “Understood. I’ll make sure she has everything she needs.” Jamie nodded, thanked him and went into his office to check emails then came into the TV room. “I’m gonna head into my office and do the meeting. They’ve moved it up,” he said as he leaned in and kissed her.

Jackson made sure Piper had everything she needed, and let Miss Jones know that they needed a few things for their return. Trying to get Harley out of the penthouse was a whole new thing. “Did you want to go anywhere Miss Harley?” “I’d kinda like to see the sights, but if Piper needs me here…” “I’m good Harley. Go and enjoy,” Piper replied. “You could come in the car,” Jackson suggested knowing that Piper would turn him down. “I’m good. I’m just gonna have a chill day.” “You sure,” Harley asked. Piper nodded. “Alright, but I’m not going out long.” Harley hugged her, heading out with Jackson.

Jamie poked his head out not long later, seeing Piper heading to the stairs. Luckily, he slid his AirPods in and carried her upstairs while he was still on his call. He went into the other guestroom to finish his call. When he came back in, she was curled up among the blankets and working on lyrics. “You feeling any better,” he asked as she shook her head with her eyes welling with tears. “Tell me what’s wrong.” “Jamie, I said that this wasn’t gonna be easy. If I can’t have a baby, then what?” He shook his head and kissed her, curling up behind her. “That’s not even it. Please don’t start worrying.” “If I can’t, then what the heck are we supposed to do?” He kissed her and she turned and leaned into his arms. “I love you. That’s not changing no matter what. We can adopt. We can just be you and me. We can get dogs or cats if that’s what you want. You don’t need to worry about this.” She shook her head and it almost broke his heart.

A little while later, his phone buzzed with yet another call. “Yep?” “Construction will be done in the next 3 months for the rest of the offices. Everything you wanted is set. It’ll be almost an exact duplicate of the offices in LA. Did you need anything else,” Amanda asked. “As long as it’s safe, then I’m good. I’m heading home after that meeting later. Keep me posted if there is anything else. Once things are fully done, we’ll fly back for the grand opening.”

“And what was all of that?” “I got background checks on all of the security that Carter wanted to hire. Jackson wanted to get all the background. Something just seems off.” “And what did you find out about the crazy lady?” “No idea. You don’t need to worry about it. She’s not your problem.” “I know, but I think something is off. He’s not himself. I’ve never seen him treat Harley like that.” He kissed her. “I get that she’s like family to you, but you need to stop worrying about her. Just take care of you and baby and let Jackson and I handle the rest of it.” “I don’t want her at the house alone.” He took a deep breath and reminded himself to pick his battles. “Her stuff is already at our place. Security is keeping an eye on both houses and staying with her so she’s safe if she goes back.”

“I love you,” she said. He kissed her, kissed her forehead and snuggled her. They’d even managed to have alone time for a while until Harley headed back. “Am I coming to the grand opening?” “Depends on what the doc says. I’m not making any other plans.” “I think I lost it. Either that, or something’s really wrong.” “I’m doing the other meeting late afternoon. We can go in the morning.” “Whatever you want. I do know that I’m not working out tomorrow.” They curled up together, talking everything out. Good, bad or ugly, they were talking through the whole baby plan. When he got a call that his morning meeting for the following day was being moved up to 2pm that day, he smirked. “What?” “We’re flying back tonight. I want you home so the doctor can make sure you’re ok. Once we have a definite answer, I might be able to sleep.” “Jamie.” He kissed her. “Like I said. I need to know. If we lost it, then I want to know that you’re alright. You’re my main concern.” “Should we call her?” “Jackson did. She’ll meet us at the airport if need be.” “Jamie.” “Her choice. I told her that we could wait, and she said she’d be there when we got to the house. Sooner the better.” When he saw her get up, still wincing, he knew. He messaged Jackson that they were all leaving asap. She came back into the bedroom, and he saw the look on her face. “Piper.” She shook her head. “What?” “We lost it.” “Meaning what?” “Meaning we lost it.” He looked at her in a form of shock that he’d never felt before. “Baby?” She shook her head and her eyes started welling up. He got up, ran over to her and kissed her, picking her up and carrying her back to the bed. He called Jackson and the housekeeper came upstairs, packing the suitcases.

When Harley came in a little while later, she saw everyone scrambling and saw Jamie carrying Piper downstairs. “What’s going on,” she asked. “We’re leaving in 20.” “What’s wrong,” Harley asked again. “Pack.” “Jamie, seriously, we don’t have to rush.” “We do.” Jackson rushed the bags downstairs, putting them into the SUV. He put the laptops, chargers, notebooks and everything else they’d brought and put them into the carry on bag. “Are y’all gonna tell me what’s going on,” Harley asked. “When we get an answer at home,” Piper replied. They headed to the airport and once they were on board, Jackson messaged Doc Cartwright:

Minor sort of emergency. On way back from UK. Can you meet us at the house?

They took off within a few minutes. As soon as they were at cruising level, Jamie wrapped Piper up in a blanket. “I’m okay,” she said. He shook his head and got up, grabbing a ginger ale and handing it to Piper, then went into the office area to do his call, keeping a close eye on Piper. He barely managed to concentrate on the call. His accountant had decided that he needed less security and he almost snapped. “There are people threatening our lives. It’s not like I don’t have the money.” “Sir, I get that, but we’re trying to be smart with it.” “What’s the balance?” “Sir?” “Answer.” “862 million as of the end of this month.” “Then we don’t have to worry do we? I haven’t even given you the other banking accounts that I have in Georgia and the UK accounts. That’s just the business one. I’m fine.” “Just try to be reasonable about overspending.” Jamie shook his head and hung up a few minutes later. He came back in and saw Piper, sliding onto the sofa behind her and curling her into his arms.