Chapter 3

Jake's POV -
I slowly open the front door, careful not to make any noise. The hallway is deserted and I glance at the clock on the wall, it reads five am. I searched for Ruby for almost two hours before finally giving up, admitting defeat. There's something about her I can't quite figure out. . . It feels like I know the mysterious little girl.
I shudder from the cold air and shrug off my jacket, grateful to finally be out of the cold harsh winds outside. The Christmas tree in the living room is lit up brightly, guiding me easily through the dark. I take my shoes off and sigh heavily, running a hand over my face.
Do I talk to Emily or do I go straight to bed?
I'm shattered, exhausted. My body is weak and my mind craves sleep. I silently begin climbing the steps, feeling my body grow heavy with the idea of some much needed rest.
"Jake?"
I snap my eyes up to her as she stands on top of the stairs, dark bags underneath her eyes. I freeze on the step midway and look at her, really look at her. Her long dark hair tumbles past her shoulders, ending just above her waist. The same large innocent doe eyes that captured my heart months ago never fail to do the same to me now. Her eyelashes are thick, dark and long, only adding to her beauty. I breathe in sharply, unable to believe she's mine.
"Hey Muffin," I whisper, giving her a warm smile.
Her shoulders visibly relax and her eyes search mine desperately, looking for an answer. I reach out and travel my fingers down her bare arm, feeling her tremble. My hand travel further down until I intertwine our fingers together and squeeze gently to reassure her.
"I thought you were going to leave me," she whispers, hiding behind her hair. I shake my head, immediately bringing my other hand up to tilt her chin upwards. Sadness fills me from the pain in her words. I stare into her eyes, searching them  —
"I'll never leave you Emily. I needed some space. You did just tell me I'm going to be a father," I chuckle unbelievably, not quite believing how the words sound coming from my lips.
"Does that mean you want to keep the baby?" Emily whispers and I frown, searching her eyes once again.
"That's our baby you have growing inside you. No matter how scared or surprised I am, I would never ask you to give up a healthy child." I say firmly, shaking my head. A worrying thought runs through my mind and I pause —
"Do you want to keep the baby?"
Emily remains silent and I feel an invisible hand wrap itself around my throat, squeezing. I didn't think she'd ever consider an abortion however we never really had the chance to speak about it. I wait patiently for her decision, feeling like my heart is ready to burst through my chest.
"I don't know. I'm so scared Jake." Emily replies eventually, looking at me wide eyed. I can see the terror in her eyes, the fear is practically seeping out of her. I nod silently, completely understanding how she's feeling right now.
"I'm scared too." I murmur, pulling her gently into my chest. She cuddles into me, the warmth of her body heating mine.
"Do you want to talk about it now? It's your choice Emily, I'm here for you."
"Can we sleep and talk about this tomorrow?" She mumbles her response into my shirt and I nod silently, stroking her hair.
"Of course, let's go to bed. We can think more clearly with a rested mind."
Emily nods, agreeing with me. Leading me by the hand, she walks into our bedroom and I use my free hand to shut the door behind us. I breathe a sigh of relief, feeling like I've locked out the weight of the world for just one night.
Tonight will be about us, no-one else.
I lead her towards the bed and she climbs up onto it, following me closely. As I lay back, I gently lie her between my legs and wrap my arms around her shoulders. She inhales deeply, placing her hands over mine as we both stare up at the ceiling. When I have her in my arms, everything in the world seems okay again.
"You're mine, right?" Emily whispers in the dark. I tighten my hold on her, leaning down to plant a firm kiss on the top of the head.
"Always."
She turns to look at me and my eyes flicker down to her full lips. I lean down and press mine against hers, the kiss slow but full of honesty and trust.
We both hold onto each other tightly, fearful that the severity of our problems would eventually tear us apart. They soon became a distant thought as I deepen the kiss, exploring her mouth with forceful passion. When she leans back, her eyes are full of concern and worry —
"What are we going to do?"
"Forget about it for tonight," I murmur, my palm resting against her cheek. She closes her eyes and leans into it. Silence falls upon us, the only sound of our laboured breathing filling the air. Eventually Emily leans up and kisses me again, her lips pressing against mine with force.
I breathe against her, my hands finding their way to caress her body. It's amazing how every night we spend together feels like our first. The electricity, butterflies and goosebumps.
Every single god damn time.