Chapter 46

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian took Jayda to an art gallery owned by his high school friend. After that, they went to the movies. Sebastian had booked a whole theater for himself and Jayda with VIP treatment.

Their final stop was at the park not far from Jayda’s apartment. They bought ice cream, sat on a bench to enjoy it while talking, and took a stroll around the park before they headed back to Jayda’s apartment to prepare for her birthday dinner.

Sebastian took a shower and got ready in the guest room while Jayda got ready in her room.

When he was done, he went to Jayda’s room to find her already dressed in the new gown. She hadn’t yet put on her shoes, and he rushed to her.

“Let me help you,” Sebastian offered even though she could very much do that herself. He knelt in front of her to slide her feet into the high heels one at a time. Then he helped her stand.

His heart wanted to burst with love and pride at the sight of her. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to tame such an amazing human being. Her sexy new dress clung to every curve, especially the well-defined baby bump. Incredibly, that small bulge only made her look even sexier. Her pregnancy glow shone on her face with such beauty, and she wore only a little makeup.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and looked into her gorgeous blue eyes. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on, Jayda.”

She blushed. “The same goes for you, and I’m proud to call you mine.”

Sebastian smiled and kissed her mouth. They lost themselves in each other for a few moments before Sebastian reluctantly pulled away.

“We have to get going. Our guests are waiting for us.”

“Will Aaron be there?” she asked hopefully.

“Yes! He also has a gift that he can’t wait to give to you.”

Jayda smiled. “I love receiving gifts from him. I can’t wait to see what he drew this time around.”

JAYDA

“Where are we having dinner?” Jayda asked as she and Sebastian walked out of her apartment with his hand on her lower back.

“You’ll see.” He kissed her lips before opening the front passenger seat for her.

Jayda decided not to ask him any more questions about her birthday dinner. She decided to just go with the flow and enjoy her night. She was with him, so she was safe. They chatted during the short car ride until he pulled up in a very strange but beautiful place.

Sebastian turned to Jayda to say something before he got out of the car.

“Getting a venue for tonight was quite difficult, because I wanted us to get the perfect place for the perfect night. That includes a beautiful, well-secured, and press-free venue. I invited my family members, your family, and a few of your colleagues. I hope you have fun tonight, my love.”

He kissed her hand before getting out of the car and assisting her out.

They both walked into the venue with their fingers intertwined.

It was an outdoor birthday dinner, beautifully decorated and already filled with guests who were either family or close friends to Sebastian or Jayda.

Jayda stopped in her tracks to look at him. Her eyes shone with gratitude at the effort he’d made. He’d really gone out of his way to make this birthday wonderful.

“This is beautiful. Thank you.”

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian laughed softly and wondered when she would learn that she didn’t have to keep thanking him for all the things he did for her out of love.

“Anything for you, babe.” Taking her hand, he walked with her to the waiting guests and excused himself for a minute while she greeted her parents.

JAYDA

“Mom, I was mad at you this morning for not calling to wish me a happy birthday. But I’m happy you’re here.” Jayda pulled her mom into a hug.

Grace giggled. “There’s no way in hell I’m going to forget my princess’s birthday. Happy birthday, my love.”

Jayda hugged her dad next.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” David greeted. “You’re looking very beautiful tonight, dear.”

Jayda’s cheeks flushed pink. “Maybe it’s because of the dress.”

“It’s a gorgeous gown, but that’s not all. You’re also glowing and radiant. Sebastian is taking great care of you and my grandbaby,” Grace said.

“I agree,” David said and sipped his wine.

“By the way, I met Aaron earlier, and he’s the most adorable kid I’ve ever met.” Grace smiled. “He told me he wants to be a fireman when he grows up.”

“He told me he wants to be a doctor,” David said.

“Oh, and he told your brother he wants to be a police officer,” David added and they all laughed out loud.

Just then, Jayda heard Aaron call her name.

She saw Sebastian carrying the little boy toward her.

Aaron stretched out his arms to her. She took him from Sebastian and showered his face with kisses while he giggled.

“I missed you, Jayda.”

“I missed you too, my love.” Jayda kissed his cheek.

“Happy birthday to you. I brought you a present.” He smiled.

“Thank you, dear, and where is the present?”

“The gift corner.” He pointed, and Jayda noticed a small gift corner almost filled with presents.

“It’s a picture of me, you, and Daddy. You’ll love it.” Aaron smiled.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” She kissed his forehead.

***

JAYDA

“Mom, Dad, I officially introduce you to Jayda. Jayda, these are my parents, Vanessa and Albert Miller.” Sebastian introduced them all.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Miller,” she greeted shyly.

“No need for formalities, my dear. You can call me Vanessa or Mom,” Vanessa said, pulling Jayda into a motherly hug. Heaven knew she had been dying to meet her. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Jayda.”

“And you too, Mom,” she replied.

“You’ve been a star in our family even before you and Sebastian reconciled. Olivia just couldn’t stop talking about you. It’s nice to finally meet you, dear,” Albert said before hugging her.

“My son has been the happiest he’s ever been while with you. Thank you for loving him unconditionally,” Vanessa said.

Jayda looked at Sebastian with adoration shining in her eyes before turning back to his parents.

“He makes me really happy too. I’m so grateful to have him in my life,” she confessed.

***

JAYDA

It seemed that everyone Jayda knew and loved had shown up for her birthday dinner. Her brother, Lucas, and his wife, Christine. Her nieces, Lydia and Kristie, were also happy to see their aunt Jayda with her baby bump.

Jayda also greeted Lilian, Roman, Olivia, Amelia, Caleb, and his girlfriend, Michaela.

Sebastian introduced Jayda to some of his business partners, and she was happy to show him off to Mr. Tucker and her colleagues from the firm. She’d always preferred to spend her birthdays quietly, but Sebastian’s surprise made her realize how many people in her life loved her and wanted her to be happy.

SEBASTIAN

None of them wanted that more than Sebastian did, and he had one more surprise waiting for her.

When Sebastian saw that the time was getting closer, his palms started getting sweaty. He was surprised at how fast his level of confidence could drop.

“Wow, the great Sebastian Miller is nervous,” Caleb teased.

“You’re not helping, man!” He rubbed his sweaty palms together.

“I promise you, she’s going to say ‘yes,’” Roman reassured.

Caleb, Roman, and Sebastian were together while Jayda was telling Lilian, Michaela, and Sebastian’s sisters about all the amazing gifts and surprises her man had given her that day.

“I hope so! The last thing I want is to scare her away,” he replied nervously and took in a deep breath. “Wish me luck, guys.”

“Good luck!” Caleb cried.

“You have my blessing,” Roman said.

Mentally preparing himself, Sebastian crossed the room to take Jayda’s hand and get her attention from the other women.

“Sorry to disturb you, ladies. I need my woman for a while.”

“Sure, we’ll be right here waiting for her,” Lilian said excitedly, getting her phone ready to record everything.

JAYDA

Curious about what he had planned, Jayda let him take her hand and lead her to the middle of the gathering. She couldn’t help but notice all attention was on her and Sebastian. Her heartbeat quickened as she wondered what he was going to do.

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian straightened his shoulders and linked their fingers as he turned to look deeply into her eyes. His nervousness fell away.

“Jayda, in my thirty-two years of existence, I’m proud to say you’re one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I was living a reckless life before I met you, and there is no doubt you’ve changed my life for the better.”

“You’re kind, beautiful, gorgeous, you have a heart of gold, you’re amazing, you help people in any way you can, and most importantly, you’ve loved me for who I am despite my imperfections, and I wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life with a woman that isn’t you.”

Jayda already had tears in her eyes by this time.

“I know you love me, and you know how madly in love I am with you. But I want more! I want to make us official, Jayda. I want you to be my other half, my wife, and the mother of my children. I want to wake up beside you for the rest of my life and spend every second of my life putting a smile on this beautiful face of yours.”

Sebastian reached for the black velvet box in his pocket and opened it, revealing the very beautiful ring he’d had made especially for her. He gently went down on one knee.

“Jayda Isabella Wright, will you marry me?”

JAYDA

Jayda was an emotional wreck. It had never crossed her mind that she was going to end her day being engaged. She’d known he was definitely going to propose, but she didn’t see it coming today.

Jayda wept joyful tears. “Yes, Sebastian. I’ll marry you.”

Everybody cheered, and those who had tears in their eyes started wiping them off.

Sebastian slipped the ring onto Jayda’s finger and stood so he could wipe away her tears with his thumb. He kissed her passionately while their families and friends cheered louder.

“I never expected this tonight, Sebby.” Jayda smiled as she admired the ring on her finger.

“I’ve been wanting to pop the question for a while. But there was just too much going on. I’m glad I finally found the perfect moment. Thanks for saying yes. You made me the happiest man in the world.” He kissed her again.

“Wow, wow, my BFF is engaged,” Lilian said in a sing-song voice as she hugged Jayda. “Congratulations, girlfriend.”

Jayda laughed. “Thanks, Lily. Though I have a feeling you knew about it before today.”

“Yes, and so did everyone else in this garden. But Roman, Caleb, and I knew way earlier. You and Sebastian are so perfect for each other, and I wish you guys all the happiness this world has to offer. You guys have been through so much, and I have no doubts so many good things await you two.”

“Thank you, Lilian, you’re truly a friend indeed.” Jayda hugged her.

***

JAYDA

“Congratulations Jay!” Olivia gave Jayda a careful hug, being mindful of her small bump.

“Thanks, Liv.” Jayda smiled.

“I’m so happy for you and Seb. You make him so happy. Thank you for loving him.”

“He makes me happy too,” Jayda said.

“I’m so excited to call you not only my boss and my mentor but also my sister-in-law. Like, how cool is that?”

Jayda blushed at Olivia’s praise. “I’m honored.”

She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see her brother.

“Congratulations, baby sis.”

“Thank you, Lucas.” Jayda hugged her brother back.

“He’s a good man, you know?” He gestured toward Sebastian, who was busy accepting the congratulations of other guests.

“I know. I don’t know how I got lucky to have him in my life.”

“I’ve always told you that you are the lucky one in the family. I hope you believe that now.” Lucas grinned.

“Anyway, he asked Mom and Dad for your hand in marriage. He wanted their blessing before he asked their princess to marry him. He also met with me and told me of his intention to make you his wife.” Lucas hugged her again.

“He loves you so much, Jayda, and I have no doubt he’s going to fulfill all his promises to you. Always love and cherish him too. No relationship is perfect. Christine and I do fight sometimes, and so do Mom and Dad who have been married since, like, forever.” He gave her a serious look.

“Good communication and trust is the key to every relationship, and there are times when you two will be overwhelmed about everything, but love him and always be there for him, okay?”

Jayda nodded. Her big brother had always been there for her. If he trusted Sebastian, she knew it meant something. She was so happy and grateful her family loved her man as much as she did.

“I wish you all the happiness in the world, baby sis,” Lucas said as he hugged Jayda once more.

Everyone at the party congratulated Sebastian and Jayda on their engagement.

Sebastian approached Jayda with Aaron in his arms.

“Congratulations, Jayda and Daddy,” Aaron said excitedly.

Jayda chuckled while Sebastian corrected Aaron with a smile. “It’s ‘congratulations,’ buddy.”

Aaron ignored his father’s correction and spoke to Jayda. “Grandma said you and Daddy will get married.”

“Yes, my love. Daddy and I are getting married.” Jayda kissed Sebastian’s cheek first, then Aaron’s.

“So that means you’ll be my mommy too?” Aaron grinned.

Jayda and Sebastian looked at each other, surprised.

When Aaron got no reply, he continued talking.

“My mommy says if Daddy gets married to Jayda, then Jayda is my mommy too. So, I have two mommies.” He raised two fingers.

“Mommy says Jayda loves me, so I should obey Jayda and love Jayda too.”

“I told aunt Olivia, and she said I’m a lucky boy for having two mommies that love me very much. You love me, right?” Aaron asked Jayda, who couldn’t stop smiling with tears in her eyes. “But should I call you Mommy?”

Jayda took Aaron from his father and gave him a motherly hug. “I love you more than you can ever imagine, my prince. How about you call me Mama, and your mommy will stay Mommy.”

She gave him a long kiss on his forehead.

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian’s heart swelled with so much joy and happiness. He eventually joined the hug. He couldn’t be more proud of his little family. He’d wanted to give Jayda the best birthday of her life. Surrounded by their family and friends, he hoped she would always know how much he was willing to do for her to make every day special.

Even so, he couldn’t wait to get her home and have her all to himself. There was still so much more he wanted to do for her.