Eden’s POV:
I led them inside the house, my eyes flowing towards everything. The lights, the pathway to the kitchen, the stairway.
“Yeah,” I breathed out. “He’ll be more than happy to let you look around.”
I finally pulled my eyes to the direction of the kitchen, where my parents were currently.
“Make yourself at home. Do you guys need water?”
(I guess we should wait now, huh?)
(Yeah)
(Sorry… sigh I hate the restrictions I have on this…)
Kenzie’s POV:
I smiled softly as Hunter pulled me into his side and kissed the side of my head. “Yeah. I’m so glad she’s getting better… It was so hard seeing her that way,” I said as I let out a somewhat shaky breath, leaning into my husband further. “So hard…”
Lucas's POV:
The Carters and I joked the entire way to my family's house. We'd actually started making discreet pregnancy jokes, but at the moment, they didn't catch on to anything. I didn't think they even noticed the ring on her finger.
Finally, Uncle Leo parked his car and we exited the car, stretching.
"Ah, it's been so long!" I exclaimed as I stretched. "I could sleep all day. Night?"
Ashley’s POV:
I laughed a little at Lucas’s words. He thought he was tired? He wasn’t the one carrying a growing human being in his stomach for the next… seven months.
“You think you’re tired?” I questioned with another small laugh. “You hardly have reason to be tired. If anyone does, it’s me.”
Lucas's POV:
I stared at her for a while before nodding in agreement.
"That's right," I mused. "You're the host here."
Her parents just gave us an amused look before we entered the McArthur household. The dishes were already on the table, covered by either tissues or their own bowl covers.
"Is everyone here yet?" I inquired, stretching my arms above me. Noting the absence of the Ainsley's, I sighed. I was so hungry… I seriously missed my parents' cooking.
Sterling’s POV:
We drove up right as the Carters and Lucas walked inside. We may or may not have gotten a little lost on the way there… I blamed the fact that my dad was driving and my mom was trying to give him directions. You would think that after twenty years of marriage they would have realized by now that that is not a good combination. Needless to say, we were laughing at it as we finally walked into the house.
Eden’s POV:
I sat myself down on the couch, Lucas taking his seat next to me. I shifted slightly, resting my head on his shoulder.
“So, I take it you’ve yet to tell mom and dad,” I murmured and Lucas nodded.
“We’re planning to sort of prank them,” he chuckled, reaching out to mess with my hair. “How are you, E?”
We talked like this for a few more minutes right after the Carters and Luke did, catching up on anything that we could, until I noticed the Ainsley’s coming in, amusement present on their features. I raised an eyebrow, but otherwise didn’t say anything.
“After everyone’s gone,” I whispered to Lucas. “We’ll bingewatch again. Like old times.”
“Thought that was obvious, E,” Lucas laughed. “Now come on, pick your head up so we can head off to the dining table already. I’m starving.”
(Should we skip?
Idk when to, but… shrugs)
Gray’s POV:
The dinner was actually really nice. The McArthurs made such delicious food—I ate a lot, and I also made sure Violeta did, too.
After we were done, we put the dishes away into the dishwasher.
“Gray and Violeta, Henry will take you to your hotel,” Mr. McArthur told us with a smile. “Anyway, get some rest today. You’ll have a exhausting day tomorrow.”
I nodded at him and thanked him once again.
Eden’s POV:
Finally, it was time for the others to leave. We bid each other goodbye and I walked up to Sterling with a small smile.
“Well,” I looked up at him. “See you tomorrow at the ball. Text me when you get home, okay?”
Lucas’s POV:
I kissed Ashley’s forehead, my hands on her waist.
“Be careful,” I whispered. “Call me when you get home. Sleep early, and take care. Okay?”
(Henry!!! He’s the best~!)
Sterling’s POV:
I smiled down at Eden before gently connecting our lips. “Of course,” I murmured as I pulled away. I can’t wait to see how you look. I’m sure you’ll be even more beautiful than you already are, and that’s difficult because you’re already gorgeous.”
Ashley’s POV:
“Of course. I’ll be fine, Luca. Don’t worry about me,” I assured him quietly, smiling up at him. “Just because you’re not there doesn’t mean I won’t be without you, remember? I’ve got something to remind me of you every day.”
(He is, isn't he? I love that man!! It's like he didn't age at all~)
Eden's POV:
I wrapped my arms around his neck, standing on my toes as I kissed him back, not wanting to pull away. I let out a soft sigh when he pulled away, already missing the feeling of his lips on mine. I wondered how I would survive the night without his arms around me.
I turned pink at his statement.
"I hope you'll like it," I murmured. "I chose that dress to impress you, so hopefully it'll fit your taste. I can't wait to see you in what you've chosen as well."
Lucas's POV:
"That's true," I smiled softly, kissing her lightly. "I can't believe we didn't make even one pregnancy joke at the dinner. God, I'm nervous letting them find out…"
(He’s so great. Lol. I miss Henry, too… 😭
The parents are just ignoring their kids basically making out in the middle of the room. Lol.)
Sterling’s POV:
“I’m sure I’ll love it. And if I don’t, you have full permission to punch me in the stomach,” I joked with a soft chuckle before playfully flicking her nose.
(He’s going to have a really hard time keeping his hands off of her. Lol.)
Ashley’s POV:
I sighed a little, leaning into him more at the thought. “I know… I’m nervous. What if they’re upset?” I wondered in a whisper, glancing around to make sure that no one was listening to us.
They weren’t, of course. Everyone was too busy making googly eyes at their partners. Including our parents, which, admittedly, was both weird and cute to watch…
(Henry is not human. xD
Lol, that's so true~)
Eden's POV:
"You shouldn't have said that," I grumbled, rubbing my nose. "I punch really hard. And because of what you just did, I'll punch you harder."
(I'm glad to hear that. xD)
Lucas's POV:
"They won't," I promised Ashley. "They won't be upset. They love us, so they'll be happy for us."
(Definitely not. Lol. He’s immortal. His last name must be Ambrose. 😂)
Sterling’s POV:
I chuckled softly and quickly kissed her again. “I think I can handle it. After all, I’ve been handling you for the past year or so, haven’t I?”
(No, Sterling, you have not. It’s been, like, six-ish months. Lol.)
Ashley’s POV:
“Right… Of course,” I sighed, smiling up at him again. “In that case, I can’t wait for them to finally figure it out. They’ll be so shocked.”
(We'll never know… :P)
Eden's POV:
"Hey, are you saying I'm hard to handle?" I accused, jabbing my finger in his side. "Rude, Sterling. Rude."
I darted my eyes, wanting to kiss him properly without any prying eyes, so I linked our fingers together and attempted to discreetly guide him over to the kitchen since everyone was in the living room. Everyone was busy in their own conversations, so I was glad about that.
Lucas's POV:
"I can't wait as well," I chuckled. "Can't you and the Carters stay for a while longer? You guys don't live that far off. We can get them to guess."
Sterling’s POV:
“Hey! That was uncalled for,” I laughed when she poked my side. “Where are we headed, love?”
Ashley’s POV:
I hummed a little and glanced around, noticing Eden leading Sterling away butbthinking nothing of it. “I don’t see why not… You’ll have to talk to our parents, though. Mine are kind of my ride, and yours are he hosts.”
Eden's POV:
When we were away from prying eyes, I pushed Sterling against the counter, grabbed a hold of his collar and pulled his head down, pressing our lips together. I tried to increase my height by standing on my toes, but I was sure it didn't make much of a difference.
Lucas's POV:
I laughed.
"All right," I agreed. "I'll talk to Uncle and Auntie Carter."
(Someone walks in on them: Whelp… I’m just gonna… hurries out)
Sterling’s POV:
A small sound of surprise came from my throat when I was suddenly pulled into a hard kiss. When my brain finally registered what was happening, I wrapped my hands around Eden’s waist and tugged closer. I leaned down to kiss her better, letting her lead this time. If I did, we would need to go somewhere else…
(Or if it’s Hunter…: Oh my God, not in the kitchen! We cook in here!)
Eden’s POV:
I slowly let go of his collar to snake my arms around his neck, grateful to have the opportunity to kiss him better and easily. I was surprised that he was letting me lead this time, but I didn’t care. I liked it, having him pressed against something instead of me.
Our lips moved together slowly, yet hard at the same time. Even though we’d just be one day apart, I still kissed him like we wouldn’t be seeing each other for a long time.
(Lol. Should he? 😂)
Sterling’s POV:
“I’m going to miss you…” I murmured against her, enjoying the feeling of letting her lead. It wasn’t as intense as it usually was, but that was okay. I liked the slower pace she set. It gave more of an opportunity for me to really feel her lips against mine, to taste the mouth kissing me.
(I don't know, should he? xD)
Eden's POV:
"I'll miss you, too," I whispered, his soft lips driving me insane. Our usual kisses, the ones he used to lead, were always heated and passionate, so this soft kiss drove me insane. I could actually feel the softness of his mouth on mine, so that was a plus, but I also wanted to kiss him hard. We couldn't here, so that was upsetting. All in all, I decided I liked it better when he dominated me. When it concerned Sterling… I think I have much more fun when he's the one leading. "Just one day with the family. Then we can join Violeta and Gray in the hotel. In our own rooms, of course."
(Yes, definitely. Lol.)
Sterling’s POV:
I smirked a little and kissed her hard again before pulling away slightly. “Sounds great. I’m sure they’d love to see more of us, but we have a hard time being separated, it seems.”
(All right. xD What If one of Sterling’s parents come in instead? XD)
Eden’s POV:
At the absence of his mouth on mine, I whined a little before I managed to control myself. I did not want to give him more opportunities to tease me. He had enough as it is.
“Thanks true,” I murmured, sighing softly. “Text me when you get home, okay?”
Suddenly shy, I gave my sleeve a little tug and cautiously approached Hunter McArthur.
"Sir? The food was delicious, thank you for your hospitality. And, um, Eden showed me some of your paintings—I'm studying art, they were amazing."