✰ Jon's POV: ✰
"Whenever I'm done healing and everything after giving birth, we totally should do matching tattoos! Not our names since you never know what can happen in the future. What do you think of that, handsome?" Ashland asked, her smile growing brighter than it ever has before.
Honestly, the conversation topic about tattoos kind of came out of nowhere, but it didn't bother me in the slightest- it excites me to have someone to discuss tattoos with! Ashland is also obsessed with getting her fix of ink, so that could lead to trouble as our lives go on. Ha, did that accidentally slip out of my mouth at the wrong time?
"That would be so fantastic! We could get somethin' simple like possibly the date we had got together- March 10th, 2020 and alongside the date, we could add a little heart or some other unique shape next to it? I don't suppose you already have some ideas in that pretty mind of yours, do you?" I suggested, keeping my arm around her neck as the two of us were cuddled up on the couch.
I finally have a day off from the studio which is rare come to think of it, haha. That, and I haven't been to Freya's jewelry place out in Gallatin in about two-ish weeks. Making that long drive to and from there every day took its toll on a person like me, without a doubt.
But the reasoning on why I haven't been out there in the last two weeks is because I had finally picked out the one! The one, ring-wise! Man, it's a stunning rock! Whenever I plan on popping the big question to Ash, I've gotta make sure it's special for the both of us, but mainly make it special for her since this is such an important moment in her life. It's an important moment in my life too, but again, mainly for her.
Some say it'd be too soon to be thinking of settling down as we have only been together for only seven months, but in my honest opinion, if it's true love, then who is it for anyone to judge? Exactly! It's absolutely no one's business when or where it'll happen.
Being with Ashland for the last seven months has been the most amazing thing that's probably ever happened in my life. If anyone would have told me at the beginning of this year, before the Signed Sober You Tour that I'd be dating my girl best friend, I totally would've laughed and said you were full of shit. This is a life that was only in my dreams- or so I thought. A very thankful and blessed man is exactly what I am!
"Well, no, not really. I have been thinking a lot about it though and just now brought it up! Anyway, Halloween is coming up next week on Saturday! Can we pretty please get matching costumes?! Please? I know it's cheesy and definitely not your thing, but wouldn't it be cute? If your answer is yes, I will show you screenshots and you choose your favorite!" Ash then began talking about Halloween costumes.
It made me giggle over the sole fact that she was able to go from talking about tattoos to costumes within a minute or two of us talking. We certainly hop around when it comes to conversation topics. But hey, that's just one of those things that make a human unique, yeah?
"Sure," I answered shortly. "What kind of ideas for costumes did you have in mind? If it's somethin' cheesy, then my sure will become a no very quickly. Just a little FYI for you. But in all seriousness though, which ones do you have saved on your phone?"
Ashland smiled brightly after the word sure had rolled off of my lips, "Eek! See, I knew I could convince you! Anyway, I am so super glad you asked! I have silly and fun ones, then I have pretty and cute ones; which would you like to see first, handsome?"
"Uh, let's do this silly ones. I'm not getting prettied up this Halloween, definitely not. No thank you," I chuckled as Ash leaned up to grab her phone from the coffee table.
The first screenshot she shown me was a dude dressed as a farmer and the woman was dressed as a cow. It's a cute idea, me and Ashland could totally pull it off. It's sweet, it's innocent, it's a bit silly, yet nothing that would kill me to wear or dress up as for one night.
Then came the second screenshot- it was a variety different colors of M&M's. It's a bit cliché, yes, but hey, it seems like a simple costume idea. Definitely up my alley! Easy, cool, and straight to the point. Nothing too wild, which is totally okay with me, without a doubt, haha.
She had shown me at least four others after the cow and farmer and M&M one, that was until she had stopped at one of the last few screenshots and it was yet another pregnant Halloween couple's costume. But it wasn't just any old costume, it had the guy dressed up as The Cat In The Hat himself, the pregnant girl has a red dress on that says Thing 1, then on the baby bump, it says Thing 2.
However if we were to go with that one idea, we would have to change it up just a tiny bit since we have two babies in the womb! So at the end, it'd be Thing 2 and 3 for us. It seems extra, yeah? Honestly, costumes really aren't my thing, but if dressing up for the holiday makes Ashland happy, then so be it. Gotta keep the baby mama happy, right? Kidding, kidding.
Ash is more than just my baby mama; she's my whole fucking world. Her and our twin girls. I will be fucking damned if anything ever happens to them. I'll make absolute sure that nothing hurts any of them. All three of them are mine and I'll do whatever it takes to protect them from the bad in the world.
Obviously, it isn't humanly possible for me to protect them from absolutely everything, but just as long it seems like I'm doing a half-ass job, then there's nothing more that I can really do, ya know?
After she had got finished showing the ideas she had thought were silly and everything, her phone was turned off and set onto her lap. She then gazed into my eyes for a second and after doing so, she had began staring at me.
Of course, I had to ask her what it she was staring at; why on earth would she be glaring at me. I'm a hot mess express today, so it isn't like she's looking at anything good looking. Then again, she just things of me looking good every single second of every day, more than likely. I wouldn't put it past her, ha. She's so adorable, so it makes up for it!
"Hey, Mama, what are you staring at me for? Do you need somethin'? 'Cause if so, I'm all ears," I laughed within my words, raising my eyebrow down at her.
Ash giggled as she cuddled into my arm since it was still around her, "Because I'm admiring my handsome and out of this world talented boyfriend who's also the father to our twin girls! Is that such a problem for you?"
I blushed, "Aww, how sweet.. Thanks, baby girl. I love you and our two girls more than words could ever describe. Anyway, no, it's far from a problem. Do whatever it is that makes your heart happy. Even if it means staring and admiring my stupid ass."
Ashland gasped and gave me a faint slap on my forearm. It only made me laugh even more than the stupid ass remark that I had just said.
Every time I speak negatively about myself, Ash absolutely hates it! It gets on her nerves so damn bad, it actually makes me laugh to see her all riled up and angry. She's too cute- and way outta my league, too. How I was able to score a dime like her? I'm not entirely sure, but I'll never ever stop thanking the good Lord for that blessing. Oh, and the surprise blessing of not just expecting one baby of ours, but getting to have two! There's definitely a lot to be thankful for this year.
"You are not stupid, come on! You are a very, very sweet and intelligent man. You just can't see that because of all the bad stuff that's happened in your life. Don't sweat it, J. You really are smart; you are an amazing guitar player, a fantastic songwriter, and probably one of the most wonderful musicians in country music. Keep your head up, sweetheart. I love you to the moon and back, love-bug."
The love-bug nickname is one of my favorites that Ashland calls me. It's not often that she calls me that, but when she does, you best believe that my cheeks flare up like crazy. She's the damn sweetest, I'm the luckiest man alive because of that woman.
"Aww, thanks again, darlin'. You're the most sweetest and kindest person. You're so out of my league, Ash. You could literally have settled down with anybody and you chose me," I paused. "You chose me, my stupid ass! And it makes me so damn happy and blessed beyond measure."
She had smiled for a split second and then heard that I had called myself stupid yet again, in turn, she had rolled her eyes sassily.
"If you don't quit callin' yourself stupid, I'ma smack you into next week! Now then, let's try this conversation again," Ashland giggled cutely. "But in all seriousness though, there's no one else I'd rather settle down with rather than you. I'm the blessed one here!"
I rolled my eyes right back at her and ruffled her hair in my hand, "You're lucky I love you, Ashland Leigh. Anyway, you've got anything planned this evening?"
"I honestly am so lucky that you love me. I never thought you'd have the same feelings as me. Anyway, no, never. Unless you count me peeing excessively every hour or two," She joked, giggling like crazy. "Do you have something planned, sir?"
After she had said something about her frequent urination, it almost made me laugh, but then realization hit me; that would be rude. And to be fair, the reason why she has to go to the bathroom often is my fault.. I did undoubtedly impregnate her, but it wasn't intentional. Protection was just something that I had accidentally forgot- in fact, it slipped my mind. Nonetheless, I'm aware of my actions, and it's totally okay with both me and Ash that we're going to have not one but two babies in the next couple of months.
Her due date is in January; the third of the month, to be exact! However, it could be a little bit before or after that, as due dates are sometimes hit or miss. But at least it isn't another April birthday, both mine and Ashland's birthdays fall on that month, so it'd be overwhelming if the babies would've been born then. But then again, we conceived them in April or sometime in that timeframe, so it wouldn't make sense for them to be born in that month. Damn, that was quite stupid of me, oops, ha.
It's getting more and more real as the days pass on. Knowing that they'll be out in the real world soon actually has me pumped! Being a dad has always been something that wasn't really in my plans, per se, but now that it's actually happening to me, it definitely has my whole world flipped upside down.
I'm scared in a few different ways because I've never raised a little one before, much less two little ones. Neither has Ashland, so this is going to be a long, hard, fun journey for the both of us. Maybe we can get some pointers from our parents? Ugh, it's nerve-racking to say the least. And if Ash is anything like me, then she's definitely worried about bringing the twins into the world also. But hey, there's a first time for everything, right?
I smirked playfully, "Maybe I do have somethin' planned! Do you wanna go and test that theory, little Miss thing?"
Ash poked her bottom lip out and then began speaking, "Well if you do have something planned like you're saying, then we best hop to it. It's damn near five o'clock in the evening."
Her words made me chuckle. What she doesn't realize is that where I am wanting to take the two of us is out to Percy Priest Lake, it's in Nashville and it's a beautiful lake. That, and I want us to be there long enough for the sun to set and everything! The view is extraordinary and gorgeous! There's no way that she'd say no.
Besides, alone time at a lake always does a mind, body, and soul good. We've both been struggling mentally with everything that's been going on in our lives, it'd just be best if we pause our minds and get out, get some fresh air, and spend much needed one-on-one time like we used to do before my crappy studio hours got in the way.
It may be a like breezy, yes, but if it gets too bad, then we can leave and then head downtown or out somewhere in this huge city to get food if it comes down to that- regardless, we're getting food no matter the outcome. Here to hoping this date idea doesn't fail me like the last one did months ago.
Yeah I'm still a little butt-hurt over that one time where I was going to serenade Ashland at this lake/river thing and it got rained out. However, the things that happened afterward was definitely unexpected yet addicting.. Mmm, yes sir! Anyway, that's probably enough of me daydreaming about the wonderful time back in April. It was a very nice time even though we didn't get to spend that much alone time outside, but hey, it's all said and done, so no need to dwell on the past, I suppose.
"Well, well, you're in a lot of luck because I do happen to have somethin' planned; however, it don't matter what time we get there. The sun don't set until 7pm, we'll be fine for a little while. It's only, uh..." I trailed off while checking the time on my watch that was on my left wrist. "Yeah, we'll definitely have plenty of time! It's only 4:35. It isn't damn near five o'clock like you were just sayin', girl!"
"Okay, so maybe I was over exaggerating with the whole damn near five o'clock thing, but don't pick on me about it!" Ashland laughed, clearly not upset about the remark. "Also, I pick up very well on your sarcasm. That's something I've always admired about you; your humor and sarcasm. Both of those things are good human traits and you have both of them, luckily. I truly am the luckiest girl alive..." Ashland grinned, kissing my cheek then all the way down to my neck.
I sucked in my breath, shutting my eyes lightly, "Mmm, don't stop.. Please, baby girl.."
After softly muttering those words, she cheekily pulled away with a smirk present across her lips. Fuck, she teases me at least a hundred times a day. It definitely seems that way, honestly. She loves to tease me especially right before it's my time to head to the label to the recording studio.
Man, oh man, her lips though... Mmm, they sure do drive me a whole other kind of crazy. Whether she's kissing my lips, my neck, my cheek, anything like that, it's enough to make me fall more in love with Ash than before... Who even knew that love could grow this much and be this deep? Not me, that's for sure.
"I told you not to stop- why did you?" I growled, my dominant side started to take over.
Trouble can definitely be brewed with that side of mine, oops. Not like I'd admit that out loud or anything like that, haha. Nobody has to know except for me, myself, and I.
Ashland had heard my change of tone and after seeing the playful smile she had on her face, that all on its own told me that she was definitely going to be playing along with whatever it is that's about to go down between the two of us. No complaints here, just saying.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" She put a huge emphasis on her apology. "I didn't think I was entitled to listen to you. You're not the boss of me, now are you?"
My teeth sunk down deep onto my bottom lip as I just rolled my eyes, "You're right, I'm not the boss of you, however, I can kindly tell you to do somethin' for me and you'll do it 'cause you're just that amazing! Now isn't that right, baby girl?"
Ashland just laughed at what I had said, shoving my shoulder in a silly, painless way, causing me to fall flat on my back on the couch. Just because she had pushed my shoulder in a funny way didn't mean she didn't do it hard. She put force into that shove, for sure, ha. That girl is strong as hell!
She cocked an eyebrow at me while she then helped me out with sitting back down on the couch. I smiled at the kind gesture she had done for me.
"I don't necessarily have to do what you tell me to do. You need to stop making something outta nothing, sir. Besides, aren't we supposed to be goin' out?" Ash asked, slowly getting off of the couch.
Mentally, I was groaning but then I got over myself and nodded my head to answer her question, "Yeah, we're supposed to be heading out. Now would be preferred, just depends on how you're feeling."
"I'm doin' alright. I should be okay to go out though," She answered back softly, caressing her stomach.
After she had rubbed her tummy for a second or two, she gasped and giggled, which made me smile from ear to ear. The twins must've moved in the womb and that's why she was laughing. Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing! My excitement is through the roof; I just know that getting to see and watch Ashland become a mother is going to be one the most best things in life. I just know it.
Her mother instincts are already instilled in her head because of me, so she'll definitely be an amazing mommy to our girls. It still shocks me to the core that we're having not one but two girls! Twin girls, wow! A lot of my buddies have little girls and they say that they change a man's world; I definitely don't doubt that fact. But I'll know when it comes that time.
A couple weeks after we found out that the twins would be girls, the two of us hurriedly picked out names for both the girls! The nursery has been a work-in-progress for the both of us, but we finally got it finished about a week ago. It looks very nice, very fit for our two sweet little girls, that's for sure!
While admiring how beautiful Ash was, I had shot up from the couch and stood behind her, my arms snaking around her waist while placing my hands on her stomach. Feeling the bump makes it feel ten times more realistic- like holy shit! This is real life! This is actually happening! There are nerves about having two kiddos are once, but there's also a lot of excitement that's coming along with the anxiety, as well.
✰ Ashland's POV: ✰
A huge smile crept upon my face as Jon had got up and put his warm arms around my waist. The icing on the cake was that he put his hands on my tummy, it's the cutest thing! He loves our little girls. He's constantly all up on me- that's nothing new, but now that we're coming in the homestretch of the pregnancy, he is all over me ten times more. It makes me melt, it's literally way too adorable!
Honestly, if anyone would've told me that I would be this happy and in love at the beginning of this year, there would've been no way that I would have believed no one who'd say that to me! But now that this is legitimately real life and everything, it definitely has me smiling a lot more these days than ever before these past ten-ish months; I'm so very thankful..
Softly though, Jon pulled away from our embrace and gave my cheek a kiss, "Now go on ahead and get ready, beautiful girl. You can wear whatever you'd like- preferably somethin' you don't mind gettin' wet. The place we're headed to is Percy Priest Lake! We went there a few years back, yeah?"
"Percy Priest- what?! No way! We did go there a few months after we had met. And stuff I wouldn't mind getting wet... Hmm, does that mean I can wear one of your sweatshirts or hoodies? Pretty please, handsome?" I asked, the biggest smile on my face had to be more than enough to make him say yes.
"Well... That depends, is it one of my farm hoodies or one of my Georgia ones- y'know what? Just wear whatever article of clothing you want to. Besides, who am I to stop you? A meanie, that's what I'd be if I was to stop you from wearing one of my hoodies or sweatshirts," Jon answered complexly, laughing like crazy. "But yeah, just wear whatever it is you'd like, beautiful. It don't matter to me. What's mine is yours."
Hearing the way his southern accent was stressing some words more than others was way more than enough to make me smile and melt in the smooth sound of his words. Ahh, his accent is just so relaxing sounding! It's enough to make me want to fall asleep, honestly. Especially whenever he's singing when we're in bed. You betcha it knocks me into a good sleep every single damn time!
With a smile, I had rushed into mine and Jon's bedroom, thumbing through his clothes that were in his closet. I'm so endlessly grateful that we got to have separate closets; he has a shit ton of clothes, and so do I. It just makes living here ten times sweeter. Living with one another is the best decision that we ever agreed on!
Being in love with your best friend is one thing, yes, but being in love, having two babies, and living with your best friend who is also your soulmate is literally the most amazing and unbeatable feeling, sometimes when I'm getting lost in a book or in a tv show, this one little thought crosses my mind randomly.. It isn't an often occurrence when the thought comes to me, but it does come upon me sometimes.
The thought is that how on literal earth did I manage to score someone as amazing, wonderful, and loving as J? Like this kind of stuff is only in dreams. There are times where I secretly pinch myself because of my luck and the happiness that's been given to me in my life. To be honest, I'm not sure what I had done right to have all of this good, but I'm never ever letting it go... At all.. This is the most blissful part of my life, I'm holding onto it as tight as possible.
After picking out a hoodie of his that had Mac Miller's name on it, I slipped it on after taking off my oversized t-shirt that had Sublime's sun logo on it. It's literally one of my favorite t-shirts!
I've seen Jon wear the hoodie a select few times, but not enough times where he would truly care if I stole it just to wear for the evening.
There were so many different options to choose from when it came time for the leggings. Honestly, that's all that really fits and feels comfortable to wear; leggings. I really don't even remember the last time I wore a pair of jeans or anything like that. Pregnancy isn't the most stylish thing in the world, but it is nice getting to have two little lives grow inside of me!
As I was putting my right leg into the pant hole, my sweet and beyond handsome man came walking into the bedroom, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind. That action made me laugh softly.
"And who's that handsome man?!" I squealed with excitement. "What brings you up here?"
The tip of Jon's nose had moved along my neck, the action earning a little shiver going to my spine. Damn, he can do absolutely anything and everything to me and I'd totally be okay with that. If he would just start kissing on my neck, I would totally say screw the lake and have some fun shenanigans with J. Oops, did I say that out loud? Kidding kidding.
He laughed as he then pulled away from the embrace for the second time today, "Before I answer that question, I must know, who is this pretty woman I'm in the presence of? Gah damn, lookin' hot as hell! Mine, all mine! I just came in here to see if you were just about done with changing clothes."
"Aww, you're way too sweet, bubs. I love you so much, but let's be real, you're the more attractive one in this relationship!" I stated happily and blushed. "But yes, I am done with changing; just gotta put some shoes on and then we can head out- not unless you need or want to change?"
He was wearing a green Carhartt t-shirt that had a pocket on the front of the shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a hat that had his farm's name and logo on it; Ozora Farms to be exact. The infamous Z that had a deer and some sort of bird that's on the letter. Jon sure does have a sense of style, for sure! He's just a handsome down home boy. He makes me so happy and feel so lucky, but that's nothing new.
"Here, I've already got you some shoes, baby girl.. The first pair of shoes I had grabbed were your Luke Combs Crocs! Do you feel like wearing those or do you want a pair of tennis shoes? 'Cause if so, I can grab different shoes for you, my sweet girl. You just tell me what to do," Jon replied sweetly.
"No! Those are perfect, thank you, my sweet boy!" I answered excitedly.
He knows that those Crocs are my favorite shoes to wear that aren't Vans, booties, or any other shoes that I normally wear. J remembers such tiny details about me, it's enough to actually make me tear up- or perhaps it's the hormones? No? Yes? Maybe? Either way, having someone who remembers those tiny and unimportant details is arguably one of the best feelings in the whole wide world.
"No problem, gorgeous. Now then, we're ready to go out. C'mon, my hot Mamas," Jon muttered softly to me as he then sat me down on the bed and put my shoes on both of my feet.
"Aww, thank you for putting my shoes on for me. You didn't have to do that. You're being extra sweet today, aren't you?" I teased, giggling a bit.
He chuckled and nodded his head slightly, "Just let me be nice, damn! Don't be so stubborn, Ashland. Anyway, let's go 'fore it actually starts gettin' dark out."
With that, the two of us soon walked down the stairs, out of the house, got into Jon's truck, and made our way to where it was we were going to be headed off for the evening..
~ zammnn it's already almost October 31st in this series. i started the book out on the day before the first show of the "Signed Sober You Tour", which was January 1st, 2020. we're really about to be in 2021 in this book. time flies, doesn't it?? 😂🥲 no, but it really FUCKING does fly by fast. sometimes i wish time would slow down!! not just with book writing but in general. idk i'm just weird that way and think of that stuff quite often. 🤣
~ I was going to add a tiny 18+ thing, but then decided against it because it didn't seem like it'd fit with what was going on lol. but anyway, sometimes whenever writer's block hits me HARD, so adding a little, uh, what I like to call "✨razzle dazzle✨" scene always manages to help me get back on track with staying active with my writing schedule. just look at how chapter 26 of forever girl book 2 went down😂💀 anyways hopefully you guys enjoyed this chap, perhaps a spicy scene will come upon these two later!😛
~ which halloween costume do you guys think J & A will choose for the ✨spooky day✨? i actually have no clue which one they will choose only because i'm not prepared for the halloween chapter (yet!), but i do have a good idea in mind for that chap when that time comes so that justifies it, right? 💀 anyways, i won't lie, pregnant couple costumes are actually so adorable. i was melting gathering up ideas from pinterest! 😫 i'm OBSESSED!!😍
~ also the next chapter will pick back up where i left off since my word count is like SUPER high rn haha so hopefully you guys will be there to read the next chapter (and possibly my author's note, too! i love you guys, here's to hoping you all are having a good day/night! 🤍
~ if you guys enjoyed this chapter, lemme know, vote, comment and add this story to your library. thank you in advance!! 🤍💕
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