His Secret Obsession
Chapter 121

(Jack)

I turned off the nozzle to the shower as I let out a deep breath before stepping out and grabbing a towel..this was it..this was my only chance to show Lacey that I was all in. Not just with the baby, but with trying to make this work with her too. I was getting ready for our date and the conversation I had with my brother Allen a few days ago kept running through my mind as I tried to keep up this confidence.

"Jack, are you going to tell me what's going on?" Allen asked while I filled my bowl with the Chili Carson had just finished making. The kid was a pretty damn good cook I will give him that...let's just say we haven't ordered pizza in a while. "What do you mean?" I froze..I had been trying to avoid Allen up to this point..knowing the moment he really looked at me he would know something was seriously up. I just wanted to have some of this figured out before I told him officially. "Little brother..do you seriously think I don't already know 90% of whatever the hell you are hiding? I just need to know if you are going to take responsibility or not.." Allen stated, making me almost drop the damn bowl of chili as I began choking on the rush of air I inhaled.

"How..how did you know?! Did Em.." I began, making me turn towards him as he shook his head no. Damn..he looked really pissed right now.

"Even though she can't lie worth shit..it wasn't her that said anything. I connected the dots..plus you have been moping around since you saw Lacey last week." He explained before sitting down and crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I fucked up Al..Lacey..she told me the baby is mine and I fucking ran. I tried to go back but it was too late and I have been waiting for her to call. I don't know what the hell is wrong with me..I ran just like he did..like our own fucking dad. What if..what if I fuck her up like mom was? I can't do that to my own kid Allen..not my own damn kid." I broke the f**k down..not sure where all this shit was coming from. How can Allen pull this crap out of me? I just wanted to eat my f*****g chili in peace god damn. Before I could even move, Allen was now standing in front of me. He quickly grabbed my bowl from my hand and placed it on the counter before pulling me into a hug. Allen was never one to shy away from affection..he was the first to say he loved you and didn't give a shit about whoever heard. He truly was the greatest man I have ever met..

"Jack..you are not going to fuck this up. That's not who you are..you fucking take responsibility..you show up every damn time and you prove not only to others but to your damn self that you are worth this. You deserve to have a family..you deserve to be happy. And if it doesn't work out between you and Lacey..then you give your all to your kid." He whispered, making me break down even more as his words hit me deep. Did I deserve this? I just don't want to f**k up..I don't want to fail..I saw how bad Mom got..What if that happens to me?

"I know you will be a great dad..we have already seen that with Em..but Jack, you have to really give it your all with this. Lacey has been through a lot more than you know and you can't play any games..she is a good girl and I think she is exactly what you need. But you have to tell her because right now this is a make or break moment. There is no holding back Jack. You already got the damn girl pregnant, so it shouldn't be that awkward right?" He joked, making me laugh and nod my head as we finally pulled apart. Allen smiled at me thoughtfully before patting me on the back affectionately.

"But...how do I even do it? I've never really dated..I know Lacey is different..I just don't want to screw up again." I confessed..the past few days I had a lot of time to reflect and I'm tired of being like this.

I want my own family and someone I can take care of. I want that special person in my life to love and laugh with..to go to bed at night cuddling and wake up kissing..and every damn time I close my eyes, all I see is Lacey..she is the one I want to do it with. I know if I don't try this, then I might regret it for the rest of my life..because Lacey is a catch..I know without a doubt someone will try to swoop her up down the road and that mere idea pisses me the hell off.

"Take her out to dinner..tell her how you feel and be honest Jack. Then you can go from there if she agrees to continue on with it. Which I have a feeling she will..the fact that she is moving back says something. You got that charm, Jack..must've gotten it from your brother." He winked, making me roll my eyes as Allen laughed and slapped me on the back again.

"Now, don't ever keep something like this from me again..Carson seems to be the only one who tells me shit.." He grumbled, making me raise my eyebrow in confusion as I looked over at him.

"What is Em hiding from you..well besides this.." I asked curiously, making him smirk to himself.

"Oh..I'm sure we'll replace out soon enough." And with that, he sat back down at the table and began eating. Soon after, Carson joined us and to be honest..I felt a hell of a lot better.. That shit was eating me alive and of course, my brother knew just what to say. So after that conversation, I began to prepare myself with what to say when and if Lacey called. Allen was sure she would and told me not to give up hope and a day later she did.

I could tell she was nervous through most of it and kept trying to give me an out. But I wasn't going to take it..not this time.

I never fully got over what happened with my mom and how she practically abandoned us..but then I saw what a real family was like and I realized..sometimes the parents that brought us into this world aren't always the people we learn from. We aren't destined to repeat the same mistakes they did and inturn should use their lives as an example. I won't leave my child no matter what..and with Lacey..I want to give her all that I have to give, and if that isn't enough for her, then that's okay. We will co-parent and raise this kid to be even better than we were. I guess now it's up to her..I want her to have the choice and I refuse to force her to do anything..

Another thing Allen had relayed to me was how much of a dick Mitch truly was..I guess he heard some shit from Luke and wanted to warn me that Lacey had been through the wringer..

That's why after this date..I might have a little word with Mitch..one that will make it so he never bothers Lacey ever again..because even though it's not official, Lacey is mine now and he is going to regret ever hurting my girl.

I walked over towards the closet, pulling out a dark blue long-sleeved shirt and dark wash jeans. I quickly combed my brown wavy hair and sprayed on some cologne before slipping on my boots. I have never been so damn nervous in my life..like seriously..my palms were sweating and everything.

I decided to pick Lacey up because suddenly a pregnant woman couldn't drive in my mind..I have never felt this overprotective over someone besides Em..it's weird..but I feel like I want to be with Lacey all day just to make sure she isn't overdoing it or getting too tired. Earlier when I heard her groaning from the baby kicking her it made my stomach twist into knots..that's how bad I've got it.

I pulled down Patrick's road and made my way to their house..the whole way over I began brainstorming about our possible future. I have been thinking of moving for a while now..Patrick was going to show me some land that he had for sale but now I am including Lacey in those plans. Would she be willing to move in together? Fuck this is moving fast..I just don't want to freak her out..but that's where my mind is already.

I parked the car and quickly reached over the seat, grabbing the bouquet of tulips I picked up at the store..I don't know why the hell I picked tulips, it just reminded me of her with the beautiful white and purples..I hope she likes them.

I made my way to the front of the house as I stepped up to the porch and knocked on the door. I ran my hand through my hair nervously before swallowing every anxiety that tried to bubble up. I was just about to knock again when the door suddenly opened and I swear the breath was knocked the hell out of me..Fucking hell..She looked gorgeous.

Lacey wore a light yellow sundress with small white butterflies on it. Suddenly the image of her naked body rushed through my mind as the memory of her tattoo hit me. I will have to remember she likes butterflies..

Her hair was up with beautiful golden curls framing her face. She wore light makeup and her eyes were the clearest blue..she was gorgeous...I couldn't help but stare at her pregnant belly as I took a step forward and handed her the flowers. "You look beautiful Lace." I breathed, making her cheeks turn a shade of pink I had only seen once before..the day she was sneaking out of my place.

"Thank you..you are too..I mean, you look nice as well..too.." She stumbled out, making me smirk as I reached down impulsively and took her hand. She seemed surprised at first but quickly intertwined her fingers with mine as she stepped forward and closed the door.

"We better go before Pat comes out..he wanted to grill you before we left..said something about getting the shot gun." She teased, making me burst out with laughter as she gave me a sultry grin. Fuck..she is seriously the most beautiful woman I had ever met. The sad thing is I don't think she even realizes it..I swear half the time she looks at me she doesn't understand what she does to me..

"Well, ready to get that burger, beautiful?" I asked, making her nod her head yes as I walked her towards the car..

This was it..this is one of the most important nights of my life and I am just going to lay it all out there..no holding back..it's time I show Lacey how much I really want to do this.