#ofc chris just HAD to come over and gossip with his wife

[thequeencity]

MIKA ZIBANEJAD & REILLY SMITH ( ft. Chris Kreider ) ( NYR @ DET. 11.09.2024. )

[lovesgonnabe]

Love Is Worth It Episode V - We Got The Pandemic Blues Under a New York City Skyline

Characters: Chris Evans x Maya Alonso-Evans (Black OFC)

Warnings: straight fluff, cursing, implied smut.

Word Count: 3485

Summary: What happens in NYC stays in NYC!

AN: The NYC Skyline prompt is by @iguessweallcrazyithinktho thank you so much for letting me use your theme I hope I did it justice. If you haven't read any of her stuff what are you doing get on it!

Disclaimer: There’s only slight edits so there may be errors. Also if you haven’t noticed this series will have many time jumps and things referenced here may make more sense later on in the series when new episodes come out so please bear with me.

Taglist: @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss, @canadian-girl87, @i-just-like-fanfics, @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful​ if you would like to join the taglist message me.

Please leave a note and tell me what you think!

June 13th, 2020

Being with Chris had its many perks but not working was definitely one Maya never wanted to take advantage of.

When Chris first brought it up when they got engaged she looked at him like he had two heads and said “I worked to hard put myself through school to get these expensive ass letters behind my name to just stay my ass at home” and that was the last time they had that conversation.

But fast forward to 2020 If you told Maya that she would have to close both of her dermatology offices in the middle of award season a few months ago she would have laughed at you.

She just couldn’t see herself not working because she loved what she does, but with both New York and Boston putting in place stay at home orders there’s nothing she could do.

It didn't help that it was only Maya in Boston dealing with work and all that entails, Delilah's up in the air school situation, and a whole hoax of things while Chris was in L A being as supportive of a husband and father as he could be on the other side of the country.

At least Dodger was being pretty normal.

Thanks to Chris's family for being so helpful where they could because for a minute Maya felt like she was beginning to drown.

This saga starts with the beginning of the pandemic.

January was chill there were whispers that there was a deadly pandemic on the horizon but no one took it seriously.

February Chris had left at the beginning of the month to LA to promote his new show Defending Jacob and it wasn't like anything out of the ordinary the couple worked, and called each other daily.

Chris told her he'd have to be there through March but would be home in time for Maya's birthday in April.

Her lawsuit against Boston PD was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount that was donated to charity and trust me that lawsuit cost them a pretty penny because Chris was threatening to go to the press and Boston PD did not need anymore negative press.

After finding out that the older officer already had many reports against him for abuse of power he was "let go" by Boston PD and the other officer was demoted to desk duty and sent Maya an apology letter for his actions

She thinks he only did it because her husband is Chris Evans but she tries not to be a cynic.

In mid March with her offices were forced to close and the lives of her twenty employees were in her hands, but sin there was no money coming in she had to regrettably furlough all of them until she could open back up.

This news could come at a worse time because Lilah's school was trying to transition them to online learning for the rest of the year.

So Maya now had to also be her home school teacher for the last 2 months before summer vacation .

Maya does feel blessed because she was still able to teach some derm online classes through NYU, and her family was healthy but Chris still wasn't home.

Because of travel restrictions in LA on April 1st Maya found out that the earliest Chris could be home was in possibly July or Mid June if they are lucky because he need to start filming for Grey Man that was set in Boston.

Then rumors started to swirl that Chris could be cheating on Maya but

She doesn't play that and isn't a dummy

Chris isn't stupid and

He's been in their home in LA quarenting with his brother Scott the whole time so if some foul shit did happen she would be the first one to know and on the first jet smoking to beat some ass.

But hey when it rains it pours.

In interviews Chris would say he was "quartining with his family at home in Boston."

They would try to make the spaces look just like Chris and Maya's homebase in Boston even going as far as strategically moving photos of them in the background to make it look like his office at home.

And it actually work most people thought Chris was in Boston anyways and it was all gossip the others thought he went back home to clean up this mess.

But nope Chris was not in Boston he was 2,764 miles away and this time it all just felt different and he hated not being able to be there with them during this crazy uncertain time and Maya just needed a vacation.

In April Maya and Delilah just had dinner at the house for her birthday they facetimed Chris and once Liliah had gone to bed Chris and Maya had sexytime over the phone.

The rest of the month Maya just went with the flow and did the same through June.

Now we are all caught up and in the present day.

It's Chris's 39th birthday but he was still in LA.

Maya stayed up to call him at midnight in LA because that was their tradition but now it was about 12pm and Chris has not picked up any of her phone calls Maya was annoyed.

Maya and Delilah sat in the Den as Maya was detangling Delilah's freshly washed hair getting ready to put her curly hair into braids as Mulan played on the tv in front of them.

"Mommy can I call dad it's his birthday and I haven't got to talk to him today. Lilah says playing with Maya's phone.

"Go ahead sweetheart maybe you'll have better luck them me." said Maya as she sectioned Lilah's hair.

As the facetime ringtone went Dodger who was laying in his dog bed next to Lilah began to bark and then he ran for the front door Maya looked that way but didn't see anything since the alarm didn't go off either which she found strange.

She shrugged it off only for a second until she heard a bag hit the ground as she quickly stood up the only thought in her head was to protect Delilah helping her to hide under the couch.

As the person entered their den Dodger continued to bark and she grabbed a pair hair scissors about to attack the intruder until she saw his face and exhaled the breath she didn't even know she was holding.

"CHRIS you scared the shit out of me" she said before he could say anything.

He laughed "Baby I didn't mean to scare you" Chris said

Lilah screamed and crawled from under the couch.

"daddy, daddy, daddy I missed you and Happy Birthday." Lilah said running into Chris's arm.

"I missed you to babycakes you been taking care of mommy for me" Chris said holding Lilah and walking towards a still shocked Maya.

He kissed Maya's forehead trying to pull her into a hug but she rolled her eyes and pushed his hand away.

"Chris i thought you weren't coming home till July" Maya asked

Chris shrugged "plans change now are you gonna come and give daddy a kiss you what"

He said flopping on the couch with Lilah on his lap.

Mays sucked her teeth peeked his lips and told Lilah to come so she could finish her hair.

Her saltiness cause Chris to laugh as Lilah moved over to her mom.

They were sitting on the same couch so Chris bent over and began to whisper in her ear. "Stop acting like that baby I wanted to surprise you"

Maya gave minimal response and Chris didn't like that so then he brought heat.

When he walked Maya had on a beige short set the top was fairly tin and the shorts barely covered her ass, he could see her nipples stand at attention on her delicious breast when walked.

It's been 3 months since he's had sex with his wife and boy can he feel it. He gave her tigh a firm squeeze now pecking her spot behind her ear forcing Maya to stop mid greasing Lilah's scalp to take a deep breath.

"if you stop acting up tonight I'll do that thing with my tongue that you like if not daddy won't be letting you cum at all tonight.

Chris said moving his body back to his original position smirking at his shooken up wife whose attitude did a 180 quick, fast and in a hurry.

Chris was no home and with his girls and he couldn’t be any happier.

After braiding Delilah's hair Maya went and they dropped her off at Chris’s moms which was a fight in itself because she wanted to stay with her daddy but Maya had other plans.

The original plan was to take Chris out of the country for his birthday but plans change.

Before Chris showed up today Maya had nothing planned for Chris's birthday because he was not suppose to be home they were just going to the same thing they did for her birthday.

On there way back home my had an idea with there hands intertwined Maya began to speak.

“So birthday boy what do you want to do for your birthday” Maya asked

“You know I don’t care as long as I’m with you my love” Chris said kissing her hand.

Maya giggled “Well we’ve dropped Dede at your moms and Scott said he could take Dodger”

She states looking at the puppy through the rear view mirror as Chris began to rub is thumb over her knuckles.

“It seems you already have a plan for us babe” he smirks

“I know you are just getting home but how about we drop Dodger off and I was thinking maybe drive to New York, I need to get out of Boston and have a bit of a staycation”. She said.

Chris chuckled and looked at Maya as the stopped at the red light.

“Wherever you lead I’ll follow. He said

“You are so corny old man” Maya laughed as she leaned over and peek his sweet lips.

They continued their drive to Scotts and talked enjoying eachothers company for the first time in a while, they were so wrapped up in each other that Dodger had to bark to remind Chris he was about to pass Scoots house .

Maya laughed at the puppy then pet him telling him how good of a dog he is.

“Alright birthday boy Scott has Dodger now let's switch its my turn to drive you around” She said.

They headed home to pick up a few things and then The Evans were off and headed for there trip.

After the 3 and 1/2 hour drive they got to New York and the barren streets shocked them.

They are staying in there penthouse apartment on the upper east side that over looks Central Park and New York's famous skyline.

Before settling in Maya decided to get groceries once she got back Jazz played softly in her ears as the punchy aroma of the candle Slow Burn hit her nose.

“Hey Chris I'm back” she called out to him.

She was met without a response just the smooth stylings of Frank Sinatra.

Maya put the groceries in the kitchen and headed to their master bedroom.

Kicking her shoes off and following the rose petals into the bathroom that revealed Chris who sat in all his glory in the pink tinted bathtub.

Apparently he did not hear her as his eyes stayed closed and his arms outstretched.

And all Maya could do was admire the greek god that was her husband.

His long wingspan encompassed the entire back of the tub as his strong biceps would flex ever deep breath he took. And don't to get Maya started on those baby blues which were one of the only things Lilah did not get from Chris. Those same blue eyes were now looking straight at her.

“I was hoping you’d be back soon” he said

Raising his head to look at his goddess of a wife smirking at him.

“So I’m guessing you would like me to join you?” She asked

Maya teased him as she began to slowly remove her clothes.

“Hey aren’t I the birthday boy that shouldn’t even be a question Maya so you better bring your sexy ass in here” Chris said to her as his arms still laid on the back of the tub looking like a king”

Maya stepped in with Chris’s help the warm water encapsulating her body as she sinks down.

She sighs in satisfaction when her body is finally completely in the water as she lays into Chris’s embrace.

They just sit there and enjoy each other company, washing the dirt off of each other from the day, and stealing kisses from one another.

Maya and Chris were that couple you loved to hate they didn’t show off their love that much with Chris’s anxiety and Maya’s destain for public scrutiny because she’s black woman with a man of Chris stature, PDA was mostly off the table. However behind closed doors they are the cutest most intimate couple you’d ever meet.

Once she was clean from her road dirt Maya left the water first placing a kiss on Chris’s lips as she headed to start dinner and Chris laid back and continued to relax.

Once Chris finally got out the bath he found Maya in the kitchen halfway finished with dinner.

“Jesus babe it smells fantastic in here and I see you changed the music” Chris said

He was now fully dressed in a blue t-shit in matching joggers, his hair damp from the bath as Lauryn Hill's rendition of Can't Take My Eyes off of You played in the background.

She chuckled “only the best for you my king”

"Mhm I like the sound of that" He said as he went in the fridge and grabbed a bottle of white wine and poured them both a glass.

She was at the counter cutting up veggies.

“Ok so how long do I have wait before I can devour all this?” he asked placing the glass in front of Maya.

They took their first cheers of the night tapping the glasses together.

Maya took a sip and moan at the taste of the wine.

“Soon Chris don’t stress it babe you will be fed very soon” she said.

Her hips began to sway to the music as she hummed along.

At long last, love has arrived, and I thank God I'm alive

Chris walked up behind her wrapping her arms around waist swaying with her body and catching the rhythm.

You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off you

Moving her hair to her left shoulder Chris begins to kiss her neck.

"Remember when we first bought this place." Chris asked

"Yes you didn't want to you said my place in Brooklyn was enough for us" Maya said putting the knife down and melted into Chris's strong arms.

"Mmm but you did an excellent job at convincing me why we need this place, 3 bedrooms right in the Heart of the city just for times likes these when want to get away." Chris said with his arms still wrapped around her.

She laughed "I thought it was because you fucked me against the balcony on our terrace is why you said yes"

He smirked at the memory "well that to"

Chris sucked on her neck and moved his down her satin dress but the timer on the pot decided to be a cock block and go off before he could make a move.

He groaned and Maya laughed directed him to get ready to eat.

Just as the food was finishing up Chris set the dining table for two, taking the rest of the flowers from his bath laying them out between the kitchen and there Terrence where they were having dinner overlooking the city.

It was a beautiful night. There was a soft breeze and the city was a glow quieter that usual but still a sight to behold.

Maya brought out the food as Chris poured them another glass, they both sat prayed then rose their glasses to cheers again.

During dinner Chris made some corny jokes that always seemed to put Maya in a better mood as Maya would slyly rub her foot up Chris’s pant leg.

Next came dessert still out on the terrace they shared a slice of cake (more like Maya fed Chris cake) which is how she ended up in his lap enjoying the very expensive yet immaculate view they had from their home.

He rubbed her thigh as he kisses her shoulder just thinking of the fastest way to get Maya out of her dress.

"god you are beautiful" Chris said

His hand now playing with the trim of her panties under her strappy white satin dress.

"Oh no birthday boy you not fucking me out here tonight you gotta come inside for your last present" Maya said.

Chris groaned Maya got up seductively waking back inside her curves just begging him to follow her

“This woman Is going to be the death of me” Chris thought as he came back inside and closed the door that lead to the terrace.

Maya handed Chris his third and final glass of wine of the night.

He raised an eyebrow "Are you trying to get me drunk Mrs. Evans so you can have your way with me?" he asked.

Taking a sip from his glass he smacked Maya the ass and watched it move as she walked towards their living room.

She laughed "I wouldn't have to get you drunk to have my way with you Mr. Evans"

Their living room had floor to ceiling windows that overlook Chris's second favorite city, and that's where Maya stood wine glass in hand looking all the people that looked like ants. But all Chris could think about was how this woman fell for him.

She watched the scenery and he watched her but when that signature trumpet blew he remembered that the music was still playing and so did she.

Maya turned around to see Chris was watching her one hand in his pocket and the other still holding his wine, she made a face at him.

"What are you looking at me like that Chris, you ok?” she asked hand on her hip taking another drink from her glass.

The moon shined off her skin like she was in the sun, her white dress reminding him of their wedding day the way it hugged her figure.

Still speechless Chris walked up to her placing both of their glasses on the coffee table, he brushed her hair behind her ear and she moans nuzzling her head in his touch.

"Baby I am absolutely perfect because I am here with you" he says.

Chris softly pulls her by the waist bringing her flush against her body as raspy voice of Louis Armstrong in Le Vie En Rose brought butterfly’s to Maya’s stomach because this was their song.

His hands lay softly on her waist as her arms lay around his shoulder as they dancer slowly around there living room.

Hold me close and hold me fast, The magic spell you cast, this is la vie en rose.

His cologne sent waves of pleasure and warmth through her body, when Maya laid her head on his chest not wanting to let him go. As their heartbeat became in sync the moonlight casted their sillones on the ground.

They were two lovers who were lost in eachother hoping to never get out and wanting to hide from the world it felt new but familiar.

Once the song ended Chris kissed her so deep and and passionately Maya thought she was gonna cum then and there.

Chris's hands moved from their previously respectable position making circle on her hips to the bottom of her ass telling Maya to jump causing Maya wrap her chocolate legs around his waist.

As Chris walked he kept repeating how much he missed Maya so much while he was in LA.

They couldn’t even make it back to their bedroom for their first round of many.

And Maya was a goner as Chris made love to her all night in every corner of their apartment as the city watched as the couple were engulfed with each other.

But there was a little voice in the back of Maya's head "Well damn how are we going to top 40 next year" it asked.

The preoccupied side of her brain shooed hat thought away so she could just enjoy being with her man at this moment.

Thanking god there was no more space between them like the miles before.

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

Lessons In Love [Part Twenty One]

 Fandom: American Actor, RPF, Marvel Actor, 

Pairing: Chris Evans x Original Female Character, Tom Hiddleston x Origininal Female Character

Characters: Chris Evans, Tom Hiddleston, Original Female Characters, Erin O’Connell, Maria Vega, 

Word Count: 41,176  // Rating:Mature

Warnings: AU, Chris isn’t famous, Friendship, friends to lovers, violence, guns, stalking, jealousy, featuring bad tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Tom Hiddleston, OC, OFCs, Erin O’Connell, Maria Vega, Friendship, Friends, Friends to lovers, Blossoming Friendship, Violence Stalking, AU, Kidnapping, Angst, Fluff ANger BFFS, Guns Gun Violence, Flirting, Established relationship Sebastian Stan, Trust Issues, Lawyers, Slow Burn, Romance, Cuddling

Summary: She’s never been lucky in love and it’s about to get even worse.

Note: Completed Series. Updated 11/2022

Tags: @isaxhorror @patzammit @lilypalmer1987

ALL PARTS // AO3 LINK // PINTEREST LINK

The next couple of days at work were agony. Even though Eve had seemed adamant she wasn’t going to say anything to her husband I was sure she had. The visits had stopped. The phone calls were gone. He’d either got bored or knew she knew what he had done. I had rung Maria straight after she had left and talked it over.

‘So you just let her go?’ she asked.  ‘What was I supposed to do? Pin her down and force her to call him?’ I asked.  ‘I would have,’ she said.  ‘I know you would. Anyway, whatever happens between them, it’s their business. As long as it doesn’t involve me I’m good.’  ‘I suppose. Would be good to get revenge on that douchebag though.’ ‘No doubt he’d bounce back and it’d be pointless.’ ‘You don’t know that.’  ‘I’m happy not knowing.’

As I took my break, I headed to the locker room to get my purse so I could head to the cafeteria. I stood by my locker fumbling around trying to find it inside my bag when I heard people come in. Pulling it out and shutting my locker I turned to find two of the nurses from the next unit had come in. 

‘Hey Erin,’ they greeted me and I said a quick hello. ‘Going to the cafeteria?’ Donna asked me.  ‘Yeah,’ I said, ‘for my sins. I forgot to bring lunch.’ ‘You can sit with us if you want?’  ‘Yeah okay,’ I said as the three of us moseyed down to the cafeteria. We chatted for a bit. About their unit, about mine. I asked them about a bachelorette party they’d been to recently and they filled me in on every gory detail.  ‘Did you hear?’ Donna said as I tucked into my pasta salad.  ‘What?’ I asked with a mouthful of lettuce. ‘One of the doctors has been caught cheating on his wife,’ she sniggered as did her friend Carly. My stomach froze. I sipped on my drink trying to choke down the mouthful of food so I could speak. ‘Oh really?’ I said nonchalantly.  ‘Yeah, and here’s the kicker. He’s been screwing some girl from work.’ ‘Do you know who?’ I asked.  ‘Nope,’ Carly said, ‘apparently it’s that new doctor. The British one but I don’t know who the girl is. My guess is one of the interns that are always kissing his ass.’ ‘Yeah probably,’ Donna agreed, ‘makes me sick. That poor woman moves across the world and her husband does that.’  ‘Awful isn’t it,’ Carly sighed, ‘what do you think Erin?’  ‘Yeah it’s awful,’ I said my throat thick, ‘sorry girls I’ve gotta head back.’ ‘You’ve not even finished your lunch.’ ‘I know but I’ve got a ton of jobs to do, I’ll catch you later,’ I said getting up and walking briskly out of there. Once in the corridor I stopped and rested against the wall trying to will myself not to cry. So people knew. That was no big deal right? They didn’t know it was me. Surely they’d listen if I told them the truth. 

When I got back upstairs I found that this gossip had reached my unit and it was all I heard for the rest of the day. I was on tenterhooks. I felt like a spy who was going to be caught out at any moment. It was unbearable and I knew that the rest of my week was looking the same way. I was finally at ease home time rolled around. I was on my way out walking to the parking lot with the nurses from my unit when I spotted Tom up ahead. He didn’t notice me mainly because he wasn’t looking. He was preoccupied on the phone doing what appeared to be arguing though he was trying to keep it low. He appeared to be arriving for the night shift and more importantly oblivious that he was the subject of today’s news. If he had he would probably have turned back around. The gaggle of nurses I was with took turns ogling him as if getting ready to start gossiping as soon as he had passed. 

‘They’re my kids too Eve,’ he said in a toned-down shout as he passed us, still not taking us on, ‘you can’t take them anywhere. Not without me-’

That was all I heard but it was enough to send the group into a frenzy and to cause my heart to break. I knew it wasn’t my fault. I knew he was to blame and this was his own mistake but I felt for those kids. I felt for Eve. I felt for myself. 

[oddsnendsfanfics]

Fall to Pieces

Genre: Fan Fiction Pairing: Jai Courtney/OFC (Roo) Warnings: Language Rating: PG13 Length: Short Story Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.

A/N: Sorry that this took so freaking long, summer got busy and writer’s block still sucks hairy balls! 

Read:  Pick Me Up

"Honey, are you out here?" Jai called through the darkness, the air was chilled and he didn't recall seeing her in a sweat shirt or even long sleeves.

Shivering in the breeze, Jai made a noise that sounded something like a horse and a wounded elephant, fuck it because he didn't care. Another shiver ran through his body, in a heavy hoodie and sweat pants, surely if she were out here she'd be freezing.

"Roo? Come on, Roo!" Jai called into the dimly lit yard. "Honest to god, I swear th..." He paused when a hint of light caught his peripheral vision. The garage light was on and the small side door swung open. Being the last person in the garage, Jai knew that it had been left dark and all doors were shut tight.

His stride ate the grass as his slipper clad feet marched toward the large out building, silently cursing the situation at hand. Was there ever a moment in this family, where somebody wasn't throwing a tantrum or somebody wasn't pissed off by another person's life choices?

"Babe?" He poked his head inside the garage, relief washing over him, seeing his wife sitting in Denzi's big green wagon with a heavy sweater pulled up around her chin.

"What?" She snapped not bothering to look away from her feet. So that's where his high tops had gone.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright." Jai answered, lowering himself to sit on a kid sized skateboard. The same one that he'd demanded be picked up three days ago, the middle of the garage work space was not where such things belonged.

Grunting, she pulled her knees tighter to her chest.

"Why don't we go back inside, it's freezing out, and we can discuss this. Yeah?" Jai tried to coax her.

Everything had been a roller coaster this week, this evening was no exception, frankly Jai was tired and not in the best state to referee this right now.

"I can't do this," She sighed heavily. Her emotions difficult to read with the blank expression she wore. Her eyes were fixed on her feet and her body still. Jai wanted to fix all of this, to say some magic word and have it all erased.

They hadn't prepared for this, their own misjudgment, and it had been proving more difficult than either one had expected. Inside they had a house full of family, waiting for and no doubt gossiping about the husband and wife. Everything about this had been a risk and they had willingly accepted that, knowing that their actions were their own and in some ways there would be a consequence.

This consequence was beyond something neither had predicted.

Earlier in the day, while playing hide and seek with her grandson, Karen had taken note of a photo hanging in the master bedroom. A room which was never strictly off limits, providing Denzi followed the specific instructions and rules, giving way for anyone – within reason – to enter. The closet in the master was the perfect place to hide, with the shelves and chaos of clothing. Tucked behind a big suitcase, Denzi would be impossible to find. Or hidden under the king sized bed, his faithful Dorito laying on the floor beside him in waiting.

The photo in question was in no way professional, nor was it of the best quality, but they hadn't cared when Jai had taken it to be printed. An assigned witness had managed to capture the photo, via a cell phone, of a happy man kissing his bride. From an objective point, the photo was nothing more than the couple embraced in a sweet moment. From a mother's point, the small details gave it a different story.

"I knew we should have just left that photo in the closet," She grumbled inspecting her finely manicured, sparkly nails.

"Oh come on, Roo," Jai scoffed. "It's the only fucking wedding photo we have. I'm not hiding it in the damn closet, besides how were we to know my mum would see it?"

"It's in our bedroom, on the wall, anyone who walks by can see it."

Naturally, Karen had asked a few questions in regards to the photo. Stating how lovely it was and that she must have a copy, assuring his mother that she and Cora would both get a copy, Jai had given it little to no thoughts.

They were going to break the happy news over dinner, anyway, what did it matter if his mother had saw a photo?

"What photo is that?" She narrowed her gaze in a suspicious stare.

"The one on our wall," Jai cleared his throat, taking a sip from the coffee in his hand.

"The one over the dresser," Karen cut in, "Have you seen it, Cora? I love it! It's just so...them!"

Side eyeing her daughter, Cora nodded, placing her glass of wine on the counter top. "Where was that one taken? I don't remember seeing that dress, I like it though, the purple looked great."

Lightening on her feet, she had found the perfect excuse to feed the prying mothers. A simple dinner of accolades for her boss, a semi-formal evening that called for such a dress, but nothing overly extravagant. Before she could spin another lie, Jai stepped to the plate in what he knew would be an outta the park hit.

Slinging his arm around her shoulder, he kissed her on the temple, beaming as he spoke. "It's our wedding photo."

Easy going, fun loving, always happy to go with the flow Cora had been the one to pitch the fit. Demanding answers and reasons straight away. Hands on her hips, lips pursed, eyes rimmed with tears of betrayal, she wasted no time expressing her anger and upset to her daughter.

If they thought the fit over the wedding was shameful, adding the news of a baby had only fueled the Cora fire.

Assuring her mother that this wasn't the time, nor the place, she had almost reached the end of her rope when Cora insisted this was nothing more than her daughter's typical bullshit. Getting pregnant, getting married, and getting a divorce before the end of next year because that was just how she did things.

People said things when they were hurt or angry.

Jai was trying hard not to take any of it personal.

Furthermore, he was trying very hard not to lose it at Cora, for the upset she was causing his wife.

Cora could be dealt with later. Once everyone had calmed down and the news had settled, then Jai could talk with her. Until then, he knew better than to try and get between the two women engaged in the argument which landed him and his wife hiding in the garage.

"Oh fuck, Jai," she sniffled, wiping her nose on the tissue, "How do we fix this?"

"I have no idea, Roo, but we'll sort it out. Your mum is just a little upset."

"But it's supposed to be your mother, my mom doesn't get upset."

His parents had handled this beautifully. His father had kept all and any opinions to himself, a wise move, directing his attention to his grandson. Announcing it was time to go watch a video, Chris had grabbed some snacks ad ushered Denzi off to the den. Snacks may be the only dinner the little boy was getting, if this went too long.

Then there was his mother. Karen had sat at the table, one hand with a death grip on her wine glass and another on the bottle. She didn't speak, she didn't move unless it was to pour another glass.

"Well," He bit the inside of his cheek, trying to sort his words and thoughts in order to avoid a fight. "My parents have just gotten used to me doing shit and never telling them. You tell your mum everything, babe. It's not a bad thing, I should really tell my parents more, but this is big and your mum has a right to be upset by it."

In no way did Jai want to sound as though he was defending, or justifying, Cora's outburst. Quickly adding that he was less than impressed with some of the snarks at his character.

"I can't believe my mother," She growled with a cold glare at the wall. "She has no right to say what she did, my life is my life. Whatever we choose to do is our choice, it shouldn't matter when or how we decided to get married or have a baby."

Rubbing his hands over his face, Jai grunted. Cora was in shock, that didn't mean he would let her comparison of him and her ex son in law go. Cora knew how Jai felt about his wife's first marriage and her ex husband.

People would assume and talk, when they heard that the pregnancy and marriage happened almost simultaneously, their family and close friends didn't have to be among those gossiping. Jai thought the world of Cora, to hear her belittle him and his loyalty and love had been like a boot to the gut.

"She owes you a big fucking apology," She wiped her hand across her nose, "How dare she! I'm an adult and even if I did want to get married, again, because I was pregnant that isn't her business. Tomorrow, she is apologizing to you and I am going to make sure it happens. Oh, Jai, I'm sorry."

"Babe," He scooted closer, his hand rubbing hers, "You've nothing to apologize for. Your mum has to make her own apology."

"She knows that you're nothing like him, I know that you're nothing like him." Her whispered words floated through the cold air, almost unheard. "Jai,"

"Hmm?" He kissed the back of her hand.

"I love you and you know that I married you, because of that, nothing else. Right?" Her eyes were red rimmed and her tone made her sound like a timid mouse.

"I know," Jai replied with another chaste kiss on her hand, quietly expressing his own love.

"And my dad," She swallowed hard, shaking her head to try and stop the second flood of tears. "My dad wouldn't have said a fucking thing, against this. She can't ask me what he'd think, because I know as long as I was happy, he would be too."

The only thing her father would have disliked about Jai Courtney was his profession. He worked with actors every day and they weren't always his favourite people; she'd heard enough of his complaints on how they were spoiled, ego maniacs, who wouldn't know faithful if it hit them in the dick.

However, if Jai was the man who made his little girl happy, then her father would never speak such opinions.

"He was upset the first time, but really looking back," She huffed, "I probably should have listened to him."

Cora had stepped over a line, throwing her late husband at their daughter, who was Jai to dispute any of those words? Jai hadn't known the man, nor could he speak freely for him.

"We all make mistakes." Jai muttered feeling a heaviness in his chest. "I don't think this, us, as being one."

Between the two of them they would figure all of this out and make the best of it, as they always did. A crisp knock on the side door startled Jai and rattled the window beside it. Beckoning for the intruder to enter, Jai waited with baited breath, to see who their guest on the other side was.

"I don't mean to interrupt," Jai relaxed seeing his mother.

"You're not." Jai assured her.

"Good, um, Jai. Sweetheart, Denzi wants you to read his bedtime story." Karen smiled softly at her son, "Why don't you head in and put him to bed?"

"Get dad to read it, the joey will love that," Jai replied shifting on the skateboard posing as a bench. "I'm a little busy."

"Jai, you should do it. We've all had a big day and I think Denzi just needs his father, right now." Karen's words indicated that she was in no mood for her grown son to back talk her.

"Mum..."

"Jai, your son is waiting. Go."

"Babe?" Jai squeezed her hand tightly.

Wiping her sleeve across her nose, she coughed to release a lump in her throat from all of the crying. "It's fine, just go put him to bed."

"You're sure?" Jai asked, loosening his grip on her hand. A rasped "yes" answered his question. "Okay," He groaned trying to get up from the skateboard. His bones ached in the chill, hating to admit it at almost 32, Jai was getting older.

"Your dad has him in bed, he's waiting for you." Karen kissed her son's cheek on the way out.

In the garage the air remained cold and the short silence was deafening. Secretly, she wished Karen would turn around and follow her son back into the house. The last thing she wanted or needed was a lecture from her mother in law, on how she was some sort of tart. Ugh, what she wouldn't give for a stiff drink, right now.

"I'm sorry about all of this. Whatever you have to say, go ahead. I know, we've fucked up and made a mess, and we've ruined our lives." She mumbled from her seat in the plastic wagon. Might as well get this over with. "My mother is pissed, you may as well be too."

Jai was a mommy's boy, despite what he'd have people believe, and whatever Karen said would be out of love for her son.

"Nobody has said that you've fucked up, and I doubt your mother is pissed. She did leave, though. Richie managed to find a room at the Plaza. He said to give you his love." Karen pulled a clean-ish looking bucket across the floor to sit on. Not missing the eye roll and scoff that met her previous words. "Cora is shocked and that has caused some upset, but I don't know that she's pissed."

"And you? Hmm?"

Was Karen impressed by this? No. Was she mad that her baby decided to get married without her? Yes! Was she pissed, because he'd found someone he loved and wanted to be with? Never. Neither was Cora. Deep down, Karen knew that Cora was just as pleased as she was that these two had finally for their shit together.

"I'm surprised, yes. For fuck's sake, I'm shocked it took him this long." the older woman laughed. "Sweetheart, there is no sense in being mad, what will it change? At the end of all this, you're still going to be married and you'll still be the mother of my grand kids."

"I'm sorry, I really am."

"Sorry for what? For finding a man you love, who loves you? For wanting to start a family and be happy? Oh, for fuck's sake, Love." Karen sighed at the needless apologies. "We've all seen this coming from miles away. I knew when he bought this place," she waved a hand gesturing to the house, "it wasn't because he wanted a fancy place for Denzi to play around. They were happy in that damn apartment, but he knew that place would ever sway you. Not like this one."

"I'm not a gold digger." She furrowed her brow, defending her honour – or what seemed to be left.

"Of course not, I never meant to imply that, I apologize." Karen smiled, "Jai wasn't thinking of money, when he bought this house."

Karen knew her son well enough, she had known all along that this gesture was more to him than preserving some memory of friendship. Buying this house – the place where they'd met – was a tell tale sign that he'd been looking for a lot more.

"Jai has been in love with you for a long time, he may not have said it but the signs were there. Jai has never brought a girl home, who he didn't have feelings for. The trips to visit while he worked, the endless hours talking to and about you, my god he was relentless."

There had never been a more truthful statement. Jai had been like a damn dog with a bone and she had managed to stay blind, how stupid was she?

Slouching on the bucket, Karen tapped her foot on the concrete flooring of the garage. "I'm only going to ask one thing, one thing only, from you." She pointed at the woman in the wagon. "Look me in the eye, tell me that you love my son, and that is all I will need."

Her forehead creased in a solid wrinkle, her brows knit tightly together. "What?"

"Do you love my son?" Karen prompted with a half shrug.

"Are you being serious? Of course I love him, I...I love him and it scares me at how much I do. Jai is one of the best things to have happened."

"Then what does it matter what anyone else thinks?"