Updated Mar 22, 2026 • ~3 min read
Chapter 19: Moving In Together
MAREN
Living with Jasper is… different.
Good different.
We’ve been secretly dating for months.
But living together?
That’s real.
Permanent.
And surprisingly perfect.
***
He makes breakfast every morning.
(Still badly, but with enthusiasm.)
Leaves notes on the fridge.
*”Have a great day. Love you. – J”*
Sets alarms for my vitamins.
Reads pregnancy books while I’m sleeping.
And talks to my bump.
Every night.
“Hey baby girl. It’s Dad. Just wanted to say goodnight. We love you.”
It melts me every time.
***
But it’s not all perfect.
We’re stressed.
New agency. Industry backlash. Family drama.
And I’m hormonal.
Pregnant. Emotional. Overwhelmed.
We fight.
Over stupid things.
Dishes. Space. Decorating.
“Why is there baby stuff everywhere?”
“Because we’re having a baby, Jasper!”
“I know. But maybe we don’t need seventeen different pacifiers.”
“The book said to have options!”
But we always make up.
Because at the end of the day?
We’re in this together.
***
Week twenty-four.
Third trimester approaches.
We’re setting up the nursery.
Jasper’s second bedroom.
Now painted soft yellow.
Gender neutral.
(We went gender neutral for now. Save the pink for later.)
Crib assembled.
(After two hours and many curse words.)
Changing table. Dresser. Rocking chair.
It’s real.
We’re having a baby.
In four months.
And despite everything—the scandal, the backlash, the family drama—
I’m happy.
Really, truly happy.
***
JASPER
I’ve never lived with someone before.
Not like this.
Sure, I had roommates in college.
Nadia spent nights occasionally.
But this is different.
Maren is… everywhere.
Her books on my shelves.
Her coffee mugs in my kitchen.
Her pregnancy apps pinging constantly.
Her belly growing bigger every day.
And I love it.
All of it.
Even the fights.
Even the stress.
Because she’s MINE.
And in four months, we’ll have a daughter.
Our family.
***
Ross-King Agency is growing.
Seven clients now.
Revenue increasing.
Sienna handles creative.
Emmett handles operations.
Maren and I co-lead strategy.
We’re scrappy. Hungry. Innovative.
Everything our old agencies weren’t.
And clients are noticing.
“You’re the future,” one tells us. “Ross and King working together? That’s revolutionary.”
Maybe it is.
Maybe we’re building something better than our parents ever imagined.
Not enemies.
Partners.
***
That night, I propose.
Not planned.
Just… happens.
We’re on the couch.
Her feet in my lap.
(She has terrible pregnancy swelling.)
And I look at her.
Pregnant. Beautiful. Mine.
“Marry me.”
She looks up.
Surprised.
“What?”
“Marry me. Not because of the baby. Not because we should. But because I love you. And I want forever with you.”
Tears stream down her face.
(Everything makes her cry these days.)
“Jasper—”
“You don’t have to answer now. Just… think about it.”
She’s quiet.
Then:
“Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
I don’t have a ring.
Didn’t plan this.
But I kiss her.
And it’s perfect.
My fiancée.
The mother of my child.
My future.
Everything.
END OF CHAPTER 19
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