Love Never Fails Read online

  As he nods; she carries him to the table, sits him on his booster, and turns on the television. Flipping through the channels, she stops on his favorite show.

  “Bawn-ee”

  Monica and Eric eat together on nook. She loves moments like this. This is the stage he needs her most. Enjoying their time, she decides it’s time to get him ready for his party. While he brushes his teeth, she starts to feel sick again. As she vomits everything she ate, Jake and Ella hears her and gets up.

  Rubbing her eyes and wondering why her mom is hovered over their toilet, “Are you ok mom?

  Monica grabs toilet paper to wipe her mouth. “Yes sweetheart.”

  Not convinced her mother is ok, “So why are you throwing up?”

  Monica looks at Jake, hoping she had a little more time to eventually tell Ella.

  Jake spills the beans. “Your mom is pregnant.”

  “Oh my god. That’s good news.” Ella bends down to hug her mom; excited to have another sibling.

  “You’re happy I’m having another baby?”

  “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

  “I don’t know. I just figured with all the stuff that happened.” Monica pauses, not wanting to relive the past. “I thought you just wanted it to be you and your brother for a while.”

  Tilting her mother’s chin and with sincerity. “Mom I’m happy for you.”

  Monica grabs her daughter’s hand, lightly squeezing. “Thanks sweetheart.”

  Everyone turns their attention to Eric as he announces he’s done brushing his teeth. Showing them his pearly whites, everyone starts to sing him happy birthday. His face lights up.

  “Why are we all stuck in this bathroom?” Ella wondering why they’re all congregating in there.

  Jake heads back into the bedroom while Monica takes Eric to his room to put his swimming trunks on. Once she was done, Ella takes her brother from her mom, and goes downstairs. Not knowing Eric already ate, she gives him another piece of cinnamon roll. He devours it as they watch Barney on the nook.

  Jake is really taking advantage of Monica’s pregnancy. Knowing how horny she is during this time, he joins her while she showers. He grabs her closer to him, kissing her neck. His soft kisses make her quiver inside, so she lets him do what he wants to her.

  After showering, Jake grabs two fresh towels. Quickly drying himself, he wraps the other towel around Monica. He pulls her and standing on her tippy toes, he leans over promising her with a kiss that he will behave today. He knows today is a special day and doesn’t want it to be ruined with his temperament. Jake slips on a white t-shirt with cargo shorts, and flip-flops. He watches as Monica tries on different swimsuits to see which is appropriate for the guest. Giving him a fashion show, he gets aroused as she models different swimsuits. Noticing what she’s doing to him, she waves her finger in the air telling him not to think about it. Their time is limited today and they can’t have sex again. Jack puckers his lip in disappointment. She giggles before deciding on one piece. She finishes the look with a tube-top beach dress. Pulling her hair in a ponytail, Jake begs her not to wear any make-up. He sees no need for her to wear it. And he wins.

  Why are the kids so quite? What were they up to Monica wonders? Jake and Monica enter the kitchen happy as can be. Ella and Eric look up at them.

  “Honey he already ate a piece of cinnamon roll. He is going to be so hyper.”

  “Today is his day. I think he can have as much as he wants.” Ella touches the tip of Eric’s nose.

  “Well when he’s bouncing off the walls, you will be responsible for him ok?”

  Ella agrees, before heading upstairs to get ready. Jake pours coffee into two cups while Monica wipes Eric down. Jake gobbles one whole cinnamon. Then another. It amazes Eric when Jake does that.

  “Do you want to help Mommy and Daddy with the balloons or do you want to jump on the moonwalk?”

  Eric thinks for a minute with his finger on his chin, contemplating. “Jump mom-e.”

  After the moonwalk fills with air, Jake helps Eric in, and he bounces away. One by one Monica would inflate a balloon, tie it with a string, and hand it to Jake so he can tie them around the chairs.

  Good thing everybody will be swimming because it’s scorching hot today. Monica didn’t notice her mom behind her. She quickly turns when Eric calls out for his grandma. Pleased but still hurt Monica smiles at her mother.

  Lauren sticks her head inside the moonwalk, “Happy Birthday my big boy,” then she faces Monica.

  “Dear!”

  Acknowledging and respecting her mom, Monica nods, “Mom.”

  “Hello Jake.”

  Jake walks over to Lauren, showing his respects, he hugs her. “Hello Ma’am.”

  “Monica dear may I have a word with you?”

  As Monica hands the rest of the balloons to Jake, he lands a kiss on her cheek, letting her know everything will work out. Lauren sits opposite from Monica on the island bar in the kitchen. She can see the hurt in her daughter’s eyes. This was not her intentions. Her heart aches knowing Monica is in state.

  Lauren clears her throat. “How are you doing dear?”

  With a very low tone, Monica’s eyes glisten with moisture. “Well today is my son’s special day, so I’m actually doing great.”

  Lauren notices Monica’s are getting wet. She can’t stand to see her daughter hurt. Pursing her lips, she looks outside at Eric jumping. “Can we talk about the other day? Or is today not a good time to talk about it?”

  Slouching back on her stool, Monica waves her hand at her mother. “Talk.”

  “When Reese came over, I was pretty shock just like you were. I didn’t know why in the hell she was over. And when she told me that she needed to live with me for a while because she lost her job and place, I thought to myself, I don’t give a shit what she was going through. I knew how much she hurt you and I would never pick anyone over you.” By now, Lauren’s eyes are filled with tears, but she forces herself not to cry. “Before I could tell her no, you walked in and told her and me how you felt. Which I totally understand why you went off like you did. I want you to know that I love you, and your family. And I would never jeopardize me being able to be a part of y’alls lives. I didn’t have a chance to explain to you how I really felt about her just popping up like she did and I didn’t have a chance to tell her to go to hell. So when you left, I told her no and to never come by ever again. I told her that I am not the person she should be asking help from.”

  Monica is shocked her mother is speaking like she is. She has never heard her mother talk like that. Lauren was always reserved and laid back. Her mother would fuss if Monica said shit. Never once has she ever cursed liked she did with hate in her voice. Lauren is really disgusted at how Reese intentionally ruined Monica’s life. Never seeing Reese again will be such a blessing Lauren thought. Monica didn’t know what to say. She assumed her mom went against her, but actually she was siding with her. Now she feels like a total idiot. Here is she complaining of Jake acting first, and then thinking later. But she’s the one that acted out before getting the full story.

  “I’m so sorry that I screamed at you like that.”

  “Dear there’s no need to apologize. I totally understand your frustration towards Reese. I figured you would have done more to her than scream.” Lauren shaking her head, giggling. “But remember you are my child. You come first before anybody else.” Lauren wipes the only tear that managed to slip.

  Monica stands and wraps her forgiving arms around her mother. “I love you so much mom.”

  “I love you too dear.” Taking a closer look at her daughter’s face, studying her. “Are you feeling ok?”

  With a crooked smile, Monica questions. “Why wouldn’t I be feeling ok?”

  “Dear I am your mother. I know you too well.”

  “I have some good news.”

  “Oh really?” Lauren already knows. She can see it in her daughter’s glow. “What is the news dear?”

  “I’
m pregnant.”

  Lauren screams in happiness, “Oh my god. Dear, I’m so happy for you.”

  “The doctor says I’m five weeks.”

  “Have you had morning sickness yet?”

  “Have I? That’s an understatement.”

  Back to their normal selves, they head back outside. “You’ll get over it soon. Just look at the blessing you will get in return.”

  Jake watches as Lauren and Monica giggles together. Taking a deep breath, he is relieved things worked out for his wife and mother-n-law. Lauren offers to help but Monica pleads she makes sure Eric doesn’t get in the pool while Jake and she finish getting things ready. His parents Aaron and Erin arrive, entering through the backyard gate. Jake breaks the news to his parents. Thrilled, they rush to Monica, giving her hugs and kisses. At first, his parents never understood the love Jake has for Monica, until she proved to them the kind of woman she is.

  The doorbell rings. Jake answers and its two caterers with the barbeque. The aroma from the honey smoked barbeque lingers the living room and kitchen. One worker sets up the tables while the other one prepares the food warmers. Texans love their barbeque. They have barbeque for every occasion. Whether it is for weddings, birthdays, graduations, even funerals. After setting up all the food, they stand by the tables; ready to serve the people coming to the party.

  The doorbell rings again, and its Sarah, her husband Jerry, and their daughter Lisa. After Lisa hugs Monica, she skips upstairs to Ella’s room. Everyone exchanges their greetings.

  “Well here’s the cake. I made it specifically for little man.” Sarah is so pleased with herself. “I hope he likes it.”

  The cake really depicts the dinosaur era with its intricate detailing. The brachiosaurus which is known as the long-necks eats the leaves from the very top of the tree. The triceratops which has three horns drink from the bright blue pond, and the tyrannosaurus which is the t-rex chases the stegosaurus which is a bird-like dinosaur. Sarah even used cake balls for the rocks. While Jake releases the cake from Sarah’s hand, everyone follows him into the kitchen. Monica asks her mom to bring Eric over to see the cake. Ella and Lisa come downstairs to see what all the fuss is about.

  “Wow mom-e. I like cake. Can I eat now?”

  “No baby, we have to wait till after we sing you happy birthday ok.”

  “Tank you Aunt Sah.”

  She gives him a kiss on the top of his head. Delighted Eric liked the cake and she was very impressed with her hard work. Wrapping his tiny hand around his grandma’s finger, she takes him back to the moonwalk. Sarah studies Monica and knows something is up. It’s a womanly instinct.

  “Monica you have a glow about you?”

  “A woman can tell right?” Monica smiling trying to see if Sarah can figure it out.

  “Oh my god. You’re pregnant?”

  “Yes.”

  Sarah hugs Monica and Jake, congratulating them, “I’m so happy for you guys.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How far along are you?”

  “I’m only five weeks.”

  “Well your glow is radiant.”

  “Thank you. That’s sweet.”

  Jake and Jerry mingle in the background as Monica and Sarah explains how she did the cake. The doorbell rings. Ella jumps and rushes to open the door. It’s Luke with his family. As Ella lets them in, she looks at her dad begging him to please be nice.

  Inhale and exhale. Jake repeated those steps in his head over and over again. It’s now or never he thought. A father hates moments like this. Meeting his baby girl’s boyfriend is such a horrible experience. Always trying to please his family, he intimidated. What if he doesn’t like him? What then? His baby girl will hate him again like last time. Ella ignored him when he scared Paul away. Not showing he’s scared of the what ifs, he puts on the intimidation look.

  “Hi sir, my name is Luke,” he shakes Jake’s hand, and then introduces his family.

  “This is my dad Lance, my mom Zoe, and my little brother Zach.”

  This is very awkward. First Jake hires Lance. The guy he hated in high school. And now he finds out his daughter is dating his son. He kindly greets everyone. “Welcome to our home.”

  Jake watches closely as Lance and Monica shakes hands, never taking his eyes off Lance. She wonders is Lance knew who Ella’s parents were. Monica glances over at her husband, knowing he’s staring at her. Monica’s heart beats rapidly. Lance is their new financial advisor, and now they just found out his son is dating their daughter. Oh my god Monica thought. What if he does the same thing the other guy did. Yes, Jake let the other guy get away with it, but fool Jake once shame on him, fool him twice, and you will feel his wrath. And if Lance does the same thing, Jake will go crazy, especially since Jake already has a thing out for Lance. And that might ruin Ella’s and Luke’s chances of being together.

  6

  Monica tries not to think about it anymore. She’ll pop a blood vessel. She offers them something to drink, and tells them the food is ready if they are hungry. Luke tenses as Ella crosses her fingers with his. The look Jake gave him worried him. Giving Luke a tour of the house, Lisa follows. As she’s walking away, Ella gives her father a stern glare indicating for him to behave himself. Just as everyone starts to walk out back, Monica too gives him the look. Jake arches his eye brows up and tightens his lips, slightly nodding to answer Ella and Monica.

  “Your home is so beautiful.” Zoe loves their home.

  “Oh thank you. I designed it myself.”

  Surprised. “You designed your home? You did an excellent job.”

  Monica guides Zack to the moonwalk. Helping him up, he jumps in excitedly. With him only being a year older than Eric, they quickly get acquainted. In the kitchen, Jake asks the other father’s if they wanted beer. Throwing them their cans, they pop there beers open. They take their swigs walking out back. Football season will be starting so, giving the men something to talk about. Football seems to always crack the ice, making it easier to have something to discuss amongst new people.

  Knowing he eventually needed to have a conversation with Luke, he gives him some time to get more comfortable. Plus Jake needs more time, because he too is nervous. He can’t mess this up for his baby girl. She really likes this boy.

  More people start showing up, filling up the back yard. When they planned to get their home built, Monica was the boss when it came to planning their home. But she gave Jake the decision on how their backyard should be. He had it designed like a cabana with the gazebo, palm trees, built in barbeque pit, plush lounge chairs, a water slide, and a water fall in the middle of the pool. This is how a Texans’ barbeque birthday looks like. People are eating, drinking, laughing, gossiping, listening to country music, and enjoying each other’s company.

  Building up enough courage, Luke walks up to Jake to finally talk to him. He guessed it’s now or never. Luke knows how much it means to Ella for him to get along with her father so he tries. Jake is moved by Luke’s effort to make things right. Luke wants him to know exactly how he feels about Ella. He really likes her. He promises to never hurt her and will always treat her right. With a sense of relief, Jake now knows what Monica was talking about. Luke does resemble Jake when he was younger. His mannerisms are exactly like Jake’s. Jake just hopes Luke isn’t the way Jake was before he realized what he had. Before he started dating Monica, he was a player. Her player hard to get showed him how much of a damn fool he was.

  “So I hear you play football. What position do you play?”

  “I’m the wide receiver.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes Sir.”

  “I used to be a running back.”

  “I tried out for that position, but the coach wanted me to be a wide receiver.”

  The other fathers walk up and join in the conversation.

  “I have season tickets for the Houston Texans, maybe one day us guys can go to a game?”

  Sounds like a plan. Ella grabs Luke’s arm and wraps
it on her shoulder.

  “What sounds like a plan?”

  “Your dad invited us to a Houston Texans game.” Luke very excited.

  “Yeah he has like twelve season tickets.” She walks away to get some food, and Luke follows.

  Monica checks on Eric, and he’s having a blast. He has so much to do with so many kids running around, he’s on autopilot. She is glad he’s having a wonderful birthday. Jake’s heart melts as Ella walks over to him giving him a kiss on his check, thanking him for being a wonderful daddy. All he ever wants is for his baby girl to be happy. And for Jake, meeting his daughter in the middle made her the happiest teenager. She gets to be with her boyfriend, without her father killing him.

  Slowly creeping up to Monica, Jake holds her by her waist, and then pecks her neck. “Baby how are you feeling?”

  Caressing his face in her palm, “I’m ok.”

  “Have you eaten anything?”

  “I tried, but I couldn’t hold it down, so I just ate a banana.”

  “Luke came up to me to talk to me about Ella.”

  “Yeah I saw that. How did that go?”

  “I just told him to treat her right or I will have to kick his ass.”

  Her mouth drops, “No you didn’t.”

  Jake laughs, “No I didn’t but I should have.”

  Monica hits him in his stomach. “What did you tell him?”

  “Just to treat her right and he promised me he would. Then we started talking about football.”

  “Did you invite him to a Texans game?”

  “Yes. I think I’ll take him, his dad, Jerry, and my dad.”

  “Sounds like a plan. That way you guys can talk and get to know each other more. Why didn’t you tell me Lance is Luke’s father?”

  “I didn’t know. I was surprised as much as you were.”

  “Please keep an extra eye on his dad. Just make sure he doesn’t try to screw you over. Let him know you’ll be keeping an eye on him though. I just don’t want him doing the same thing the other guy did and then Ella’s and Luke’s relationship will be put in jeopardy and it will be really awkward for everyone.”