Alyssa

“Mommy, mommy, wake up.”

I gripped the covers and pulled them over my face as sunlight hit my eyes with a groan. I heard a chuckle above me then a hand landed on my shoulder, shaking it.

“Come on, Love, you have to wake up eventually.” My husband urged sexily.

“Let me sleep.” Was my grumpy reply.

“But we made you breakfast.” The disappointment in Oliver's voice had me taking the blanket off to show him that I was awake.

“Good morning, Sweetie.” I said, using my elbows to prop myself up.

“Morning mommy.” He kissed my cheek, laying next to me to give me a hug. “Happy birthday.”

I smiled brightly, remembering it was my birthday. “Thank you, baby.”

“I'm not a baby, I'm a big boy.” He declared, crossing his arms with a cute huff.

“No, you're my baby Olly.” I teased, tickling his side.

He squirmed away from me to escape. “No I'm not!”

“Okay, okay, you're a big boy, happy?”

“Yes.”

Nathan dropped the tray of what I presume was food and sat at my other side. His arms circled around me and I leaned into his embracing as he dipped his head to kiss me.

I returned the kiss but pulled away hearing Oliver's loud 'ewwww'. We snickered at his adorable grimace and the way he ran out of the room but I stopped noticing the way Nathan was dressed.

“You're ready for work?”

He pursed his lips with a regretful expression. “Yeah, the meeting got moved up. I have to get going soon.”

“When are you coming home?”

“I'm not sure.”

“But it's my birthday.”

He saw the sad look on my face and sighed. “I know, happy birthday. I'm sorry I can't spend the day with you.”

I felt tears well in my eyes and cursed internally. Damn hormones. I swiped at the tears, leaning into him when Nathan cupped my face brought his hand up to help.

“No need to cry, I promise, I'll make it up to you.” He pulled me into his lap, cradling me to his chest.

We stayed in that position for a while. I soaked up his warmth, wishing he would be able to spend my birthday with me.

A wish that wouldn't come true.

I understand why he couldn't. After the trial, a few months ago, he took up the responsibility of managing Jordan and Co no matter how much I insisted I could do it. I was head of the board of directors and had to do very little while he had the job of restoring the company.

Christopher had made a terrible decision in his time and because of that, the company was losing money, a lot of it and Nathan convinced me to let him handle it. I still appeared at meetings I was needed at but most times I was at home, writing.

The meeting he was attending was to convince some very important investors to not withdraw their investments from us. If he was successful, it would take a huge weight off us.

“I have to leave now, Love.” He spoke just as his phone chimed.

I got off the bed when he finished putting on his shoes and surprised him with a hug. “Thank you for doing this. You didn't have to manage the company but you did, knowing that I'll be able to continue writing and it'll but a lot on you.”

“You don't have to thank me. I want you to achieve your dream and don't worry about how much it's putting on me, it's not a lot, my company basically runs itself.”

He was lying to make me feel better. I knew how much pressure he was under day in day out. Despite his assurance that he was okay, I didn't stop feeling bad about it.

There would he days he would come home exhausted and go straight to bed without even eating and times he would have terrible headaches and shoulders stiff as a board due to the stress. All I could do was give him massages and make sure he ate.

“Make sure you eat enough for breakfast and lunch, you know what the doctor said.” He started. “I'll take Oliver to my mum's and I've already booked your spa day with Ivy. Tell me when you leave the house and be careful when you're out.”

“I know.”

“If you need anything or if something happens, call me, okay?” I nodded, with an amused smile. He, on the other hand, sis not find anything funny and spun me around so my back was against his chest and he could caress my growing stomach. “I'm serious, Love, I do not want anything to happen to you or our baby boy.”

I rolled my eyes at the gender he called. “The baby is a girl.”

“We'll know in a few weeks. It'll be a boy, I'm sure.” I only shook my head at him, walking when he started toward the door.

Oliver was waiting in the living room for us with his bag, ready to be dropped with his grandmother. I kissed them both goodbye and watched sadly as they left.

After successfully stopping myself from crying, I ate the breakfast they made for me and got ready for my day. With my t-shirt and jeans, I wore a pair of sandals, having renounced all forms of high heels since I discovered my pregnancy.

I'm over two months pregnant with Nathan's child, that I am pretty sure is a girl, and though the news came as quite a shock, I couldn't be happier about it. Since finding out, Nathan has been even more protective over me and I've been more emotional about everything.

It's quite annoying actually.

Ivy came to pick me up about an hour after Nathan left and drove us straight to the spa. The attendants greeted me nicely and one of them even wished me a happy birthday, having been told by Nathan.

“I really didn't want to spend today alone.” I complained as Ivy and I settled in the sauna.

“What am I? A dead fish?”

Her reply made me smile for a moment. “That's not what I mean. I really like that you're here but…”

“You'd rather spend the day with Nathan.” She finished softly.

“Yeah. I love spending time with you but I wanted to spend my first birthday away from them with my husband and son.” By ‘them’ she knew I meant Christopher and his family. They've been in prison and I haven't had contact with any of them since they were jailed.

“I understand, Lys. Knowing Nathan and how much he loves you, it's probably killing him to miss spending today with you.”

I shrugged, letting myself relax against the wall as I took in her words. She quickly changed the subject to something that lifted my spirits.

Hours later, a while past lunch time, we were done with the spa and made Ivy drive me to a special place after buying some pink roses. She waited in the car while I walked through the gates of the cemetery my parents where buried in. I stopped at their grave and placed the flowers at my mom's side of the headstone.

Taking a breath, I wrapped my arms around myself and began speaking. “Hi, Mom. Hi Dad. It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm sorry about that, I've been really busy.”

The last time I visited me parent's grave was the day Christopher was convicted. I didn't have to beg Nathan to bring me her and he had the pleasure of meeting my parents in a way and consoled me as I cried, saying how much I missed them. He said a few words about how they raised an amazing person and we left. I've been too busy to visit since then.

“I'm pregnant now, just over two months. Nathan thinks the baby is a girl but I'm pretty sure it's a girl. Can you put in a good word for me with God so it'll be a girl? I don't think I'll be able to handle more men in my house.” I giggled slightly.

“I can't believe I'm twenty-five. I wish you guys were here, I wish you could meet Oliver. Dad, he reminds me so much of you sometimes. It's so weird, the way he and Nathan fight remind me of you and mom. It's always so funny.

I'm really lucky to have them in my life and I was lucky that you guys were my parents. Dad, I know usually I'd ask you why you protected us in the accident and say that I want to be with you but today I'm saying thank you. If you hadn't saved me, I wouldn't have the life I have today.

Sure, I miss you both but I'm happy you're in a better place now. I love you, you were the best parents I could ever ask for and thank you for everything you taught me. Hope you enjoy the flowers Mom, I know pink roses are your favorite.”

I took a step back, smiling at the headstone for a moment before making my way to where Ivy was waiting. She shot me a smile as I settled in the passenger seat.

She took us to Cassy's boutique where she gave me my birthday present. I was sure my eyes lit up at the sight of the beautiful white dress with blue flowers scattered around it. (Dress above)

“I designed this dress especially for you, you have to have it.” She told me strictly, sensing I was about to turn it down. “I know you're not so confident in white because of your hair but that's gonna change today.”

She was right. My hair was the reason I wasn't comfortable wearing a white dress for my wedding. It was just too much of a contrast and I felt awkward but this dress could probably change that for me.

“But nothing's happening today. I have no reason to put it on.” I protested when she said I should wear it for the rest of today.

“Last I checked, today is your birthday and the birthday girl has to have a pretty birthday dress.”

I huffed, knowing that even if I argued she wouldn't listen. I took the dress to a changing room and slipped into it. My baby bump was so small that it didn't show in the dress. When I came out, there were two more people in the room. A hair stylist and a make up artist, as Ivy said.

She brushed me off when I asked why she got people to doll me up which made me suspect of she was planning anything. I went along with it, sitting on a chair so they could work.

An hour later, they were done and Ivy got me into a new pair of sandals which were a gift from her mom. She left suddenly after gushing about how beautiful I was and wishing me happy birthday. The way she left was strange, I didn't even get her excuse before she did.

Weird.

The next place Ivy led me to was my favorite park in New York. Strangely, there was a photographer by some of my favorite flowers and a set up for a photoshoot.

“Ivy, what is this?” I questioned.

“Okay, so I wanted that dress to be part of my collection and I thought you would model it for me.” She explained nervously.

“I'm pregnant.”

“The bump isn't even showing and it's not like I'm asking you to go down a runway, just take a few pictures, please.” I couldn't say 'no' and trudged to where the photographer gestured to.

I was a bit tired by the time we were done and only wanted to go home and rest but of course, Ivy had to drag me somewhere else. Thankfully, it was to have lunch. We ate at a small Italian restaurant that had amazing spaghetti and spoke for a while. The conversation got especially interesting when a man came over to our table to flirt with Ivy. I took the opportunity to text Nathan.

Done with the meeting yet?

I waited for a while before I got his reply. Unfortunately, no. Problems?

A wave of disappointment hit me. I was hoping he would be done and we could still do something together, it was just pat three in the afternoon, the day wasn't gone yet.

No, just wanted to know. I sent and decided to return to our table.

The man had left and Ivy had a giddy smile on her face. She excitedly offered to take me for ice cream which made me feel a little better. We walked to the ice cream place and back, spending the time talking about the guy that approached her.

Her phone started ringing and I waited while she answered it. After the call, she dragged me to her car muttering that we needed to get to our next destination.

I chose to rest during the ride and tried to have a nap. I opened my eyes when I felt the car stop. I sent her an interrogating look when I saw we were in front of my house.

She pulled me through the front door and shouted. “Surpr…! Oh, they're not here.”

“Who…?”

“Let's go to your backyard, I've never been there before.” Before I could say a word, she already grabbed my hand, taking me to the backyard.

I was frustrated at how confusing she was being and about to snap at her when people jumped out from under tables and behind things yelling. “SURPRISE!”

I jumped at the sudden noise, scanning the faces in front. I saw Cassy, Sophia, Nathan's grandparents, Ivy's Dad, Nathan and Oliver smiling widely at my shock.

“What's going on?” I wondered out loud.

Nathan, who was supposed to still be at his meeting, came to my side, putting an arm around my shoulders. “It's a surprise party, for you.”

“Oh.” What do I do now?

“Don't you like it?”

“I do, I really do but…” How do I say this? “I don't really know what to do. I've never had or been to a surprise party before.”

Nathan's eyes warmed tenderly. “Well, that's okay, it's a party with people who love you, enjoy yourself.”

I guess I could do that. The next few minutes where filled with hugs and birthday wishes. I was still well, surprised. It baffled me how he had time to plan this all while being busy with work, I was also grateful he took the time to plan this for me. I understand why Ivy was so keen on getting me made up.

“I want you to meet someone, Love.” Nathan said, pulling me away from the party.

“Nathan, I don't want any more presents, I'm okay with the ones I have, the party was enough.” I objected but followed him anyway.

“I think you'll like this one.” Just as he said that, a woman walked into the house.

She was around Carina's age with white hair and dark eyes. Her skin was on the tanned side with wrinkles on her face. Her eyes met mine and welled with tears, a self-mocking smile on her face.

Am I supposed to know who she is?

“I guess twelve years was enough for you to forget your abuela, wasn't it?” Hearing the Spanish accent in her voice, I threw myself into her arms, memories of her flooding my mind. “Te he echado de menos, cariño.” (I've missed you darling)

“Yo también te extrañé, abuela.” I replied. (I've missed you too, grandma)

“You can still speak Spanish, good.” She spoke with the authority I associated her with when I was younger.

I laughed, thinking of the times I would reply in English to her when she spoke in Spanish and the lecture that came after. “I never forgot. How did you find me, Abuela?”

She peered behind me to Nathan smiling at us. “Te casaste con un buen hombre.” (You married a good man)

I shot him an amused look, when his eyebrows creased in confusion. “Sé.” (I know)

The rest of the day was spent celebrating with my family, just like I wanted to. As it turned out, there was no meeting. Nathan only used that as an excuse to find time to arrange the party and everyone but me knew, even Oliver.

By the time the party ended and we were done cleaning up, it was late and nearly everyone was gone. I was showered with love and gifts, overjoyed at the fact that this was just the beginning of my life long happiness.

Author's Note:

This unfortunately is the end of 'Love Me'. I'm literally crying right now. It's so hard ending a project that you've been working on for months. I wanted to update earlier but that'll mean ending it quicker, that's why I held it off.

Thank you to everyone who started this book with me and have remained till the end. I know I lost a lot of readers on the way so I'm grateful for those who stayed. I love you guys.

This is just the first book of the Graham series and I hope for your support as we continue. The spin off book will be up tomorrow and it will be called 'Graham Family Moments' because as I write the other books, it will be a spin off for them too. Oliver's book will be up in a few weeks and I will announce when it is.

Also, please excuse me if the Spanish in this chapter does not correspond with the translation in brackets. I am in no way Spanish and was just using a translator app. Tell me if I got anything wrong.

Thank you all once again and don't forget to vote and comment ❤️❤️❤️

-E