Throughout the reception, Hayden's lips would brush against my cheek or hair. It amazed me how I could still find new ways to love this man even more. To even think that we would be starting a family of our own here in a few months was mind blowing.

"I think Squirt enjoys when you dance," Hayden slid one hand around my belly and felt him kick in agreement.

"He probably loves anything I do when it comes to you. Your voice he's more receptive to than mine sometimes."

Hayden chuckled and bent down to kiss my belly while some people awed. "Now Ryder, the first rule when you enter this world is to listen to your mother."

"Oh, I think they're beckoning us over to toss the flowers and garter." Hayden led me over to a small platform where I could toss the bouquet without hitting any lights. All of the girls lined up and started chanting "toss" as I laughed and turned around to get ready.

"Here it goes!" I shouted and tossed the flowers behind me.

As soon as I turned around, I saw that Darina had caught the bouquet and laughed along with Hayden and his parents. Who would've guessed.

"Darina, is there something you've been meaning to tell us?" Franklin teased her as she clutched the bouquet in her hands and rolled her eyes. "This is just fate reminding me that I won't be single forever dad."

"Her words, not mine."

Hayden pulled up a chair and steadied it for me while I sat down, already feeling the heat rush into my cheeks. This was going to be the most risque thing to ever happen in public.

"Don't worry love, I won't take too long." Hayden whispered in my ear and I smacked his shoulder.

"If you do, just blame it on Squirt."

"What ironic timing that would be." He winked and slowly slid his hand up under my dress, resting against my knee before slipping his head and shoulders underneath my gown.

I wasn't even sure how to react with everyone watching and the guys hollering. I just prayed that it would end quickly but also last forever.

Hayden kissed the inside of my thigh before grabbing the garter with his teeth and pulling it down ever so slowly. His fingers were caressing near my inner thigh and I had to remind myself that I needed to be quiet in front of everyone.

What seemed like an eternity was over quickly when he pulled the garter off and held it up like the prize it was. Turning to face me he winked before skyrocketing off the garter and waiting to see who would catch it.

Tyson's face somehow turned a shade lighter when he held up the garter in his hand and I laughed until I nearly peed myself. This was definitely unexpected as well.

"Aye Ty! Where's your girl?" Sean joked and looked over at Rose.

"God only knows what she'll think if she sees this in my apartment."

Hayden pulled up a chair next to me and squeezed my shoulders. "You look tired babe."

"It's been a long day, and I can feel my feet swelling even with the shoes off hours ago."

"We'll leave here soon. No one will mind if we retire early while they still party. You definitely need some rest before we continue on with anything else."

"Sorry I need a nap before sex," I teased and kissed him.

"I wouldn't mind one too honestly. I feel old for admitting that."

"No grey hairs just yet, so I think you're in the clear babe."

"You know what the best part is?" Hayden said while holding me close in the hotel room we had for one night.

"What's that?" My eyes were closed while he traced his fingers along my stomach.

"I get to call you Mrs. Blaze. That alone is incredibly sexy."

"Is this your way of trying to get me to go another round?" I teased and kissed him once more.

"Yes and no. I genuinely have been looking forward to this for a long time. Plus I don't want to over exert you, in case that caused issues with Ryder."

Yawning, I pulled the sheet tighter around us and smiled to myself. "I love you Hayden Blaze."

"And I love you Dasha Blaze. Let's get some rest since we need to get up for our drive tomorrow."

We had planned a honeymoon locally within California. Monterey had been a spot everyone had talked about when we asked around for suggestions. It seemed to be just the right amount of beach and city. Thankfully we found a sweet little Airbnb to stay at for four days overlooking the water. They had even mentioned we could bring our dogs but we decided to let Hayden's sisters watch them.

During the night I began dreaming again of when I was in the hospital after Missy and hearing about a baby. It always changed scenarios but one thing remained the same... I would wake up in the hospital finding out I'm pregnant and that I lost the child. That he or she wasn't very far along and there wouldn't have been anything they could've done due to the damage from Missy.

Clutching my stomach, I tossed and turned before opening my eyes. It wasn't real this time. I was pregnant with a healthy baby boy and was out of harms way from everyone who had a vendetta against Hayden or I. But the mere thought of someone creating a hatred towards Ryder made me sick.

Sitting up, I slid out of bed and went to the balcony of our hotel room. Hayden was sound asleep while I rested my head on the railing and watched the stars twinkling above the city lights. Why couldn't things just be more simple? Wasn't there only so much drama a person was required to go through during their lifetime? Because I was pretty positive we had both met our quota. 

Ryder kicked my right side gently while I looked down and smiled. "I know Squirt, I'll get back to bed shortly. I promise that whatever happens, mommy and daddy will always keep you safe."

**As always suggestions are welcome. I'm struggling right now with writing anything it seems. This virus is stressful at my job within the hospital and I don't feel super in tune with any of my characters at the moment. So sorry this isn't super long... but I'll work on extending the next chapter. This'll be coming to a close soon, not too sure how many chapters left but there's still quite a few.**