“Something I should know?”
The other man shrugged. “BJ and I are going out to dinner.”
“I see.” He hid his smile and turned to find BJ walking down the hall.
Justin whistled appreciatively, and she chuckled. “Thank you, Justin.”
He looked at the couple, shaking his finger. “You two don’t stay out too late. Remember, you’ve got a curfew, and I expect to see you home before midnight.”
They laughed at him and watched him continue on his path to the den to watch movies. Lance looked at BJ, his eyes wandering over her.
“You look beautiful, BJ.”
“Thank you, Lance. You look quite handsome yourself.”
He smiled and held out his arm. “Shall we?”
Nodding, she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and followed him out to the Lexus. They drove to Giuseppe’s, where they were seated in a quiet corner of the restaurant. Although they ate together almost every night, there was something magical about their dinner that night. BJ and Lance talked and laughed and shared tiny kisses in between bites of their dinner.
After a leisurely drive home, they ended up at the kitchen table sharing a bowl of ice cream. Lance took off his jacket and tie, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt while BJ took off her shoes. Justin popped in once to grab another beer and get more popcorn, but he didn’t stay long. Lance put their bowl in the dishwasher, wiping his hands on a towel when he finished. BJ stood up and smiled, looking at the clock.
“Are you going to walk me home?”
He chuckled and offered his arm, escorting her out of the kitchen and down the hall to her room, As she leaned against the door, she stared at him.
“Would you like to come in for a moment?”
His heart quickened, and he smiled. “Yeah, I would.”
Following her into the room, he closed the door behind him and watched as she stepped over to the dresser to take off her necklace and earrings. He moved behind her, running his hands down her shoulders to her hands. She leaned back against him as he slid his hands over her belly. Nuzzling into her neck, Lance heard BJ moan softly, and his cock swelled as she rubbed against him.
“BJ.” He turned her around and looked into her eyes, cupping her face.
“Yes.” She smiled at him, seeing the worry in his eyes.
“But…”
She chuckled, pressing her fingers against his lips. “Do you love me?”
“Yes.” He answered her without hesitation.
“Do you want me?”
“Yes,” Again, his answer was sure and quick.
Sighing a little in relief, BJ moved closed and wrapped her arms around him. “Then make love with me and show me what it’s supposed to be like.”
She breathed the words against his jaw, and he clenched her hips in response. Unbuttoning his shirt, she pulled it off to kiss his chest. He slowly unzipped the dress, helping her out of the garment and laying it across a chair.
She was nervous, tempted to cover herself because of the way her body had changed as the baby grew. She liked what she saw in the mirror, amazed at the thought of a baby growing inside her. She could still remember her mother complaining when she was pregnant with the twins, as well as the words her mother had thrown at her while trying to convince her to have an abortion.
Lance looked at her, amazed at how beautiful she was. Her skin glowed in the pale light of the bedside lamp, and her eyes sparkled with laughter.
“You are so beautiful.”
“Really?”
He heard the uncertainty in her voice and stepped close. Trailing his fingertips over her face, he let them sweep down between her breasts.
“You are incredibly beautiful.”
Smiling, she closed her eyes and just enjoyed his touch on her body. Feeling the brush of material against her legs, she opened her eyes and looked at him.
“I think you’re wearing too many clothes.”
He grinned at her. “You might be right.”
Stepping back, he unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned his slacks, then unzipped them. Sliding the material down, he let the material pool at his feed. BJ looked him over, admiring the strong legs and the way his boxer-briefs hugged his thighs and crotch. Her eyes wandered up, over the solid chest and arms up to his angelic face where a wicked smiled greeted her.
She couldn’t help returning the smile, moving towards him as he crooked his finger at her. Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her waist and slowly began to sway as he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, moving her hips with his. Within moments, she felt the hard edge of the mattress against her leg. That nudge brought her back to reality, and she looked into Lance’s eyes.
“We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, you know that, right?” He whispered the words in the dim light.
BJ nodded slowly. “I guess I’m just a little nervous. I’ve only ever been with two guys, and this is so much more important.”
Lance smiled and kissed softly. “That’s because this is the real thing—everything we’ve ever dreamed of and hoped for and wanted.”
“You certainly do have a way with words, Mr. Bass.” She chuckled as she climbed onto the bed and sat in the middle of it.
“Why, thank you, Miss Carter.” He followed her up, sitting close to her.
BJ looked at him for a moment then reached around to unhook her bra. She pulled the material away and tossed it to the side. Before the bra had even landed, he was reaching out to touch her. Cupping her breasts, rubbing the nipples gently, he tried to remember what he read in the book.
“What are you thinking about?” She whispered the words at him, not bothering to hide her smile at the intense expression on his face.
“I’m just remembering what the book said.”
“What book?”
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” Looking into her face and seeing the smile made him blush a bit.
“That is so sweet. How long have you been reading it?” BJ held her hands over Lance’s as he continued to caress her.
“About a month. I wanted to make sure I didn’t do anything that would hurt you or the baby.” He looked down at her belly as he spoke.
Her hand reached out and touched his face, bringing it up so she could see it. “Thank you for loving me.”
Grinning, he leaned forward and kissed her, pushing her gently back on the mattress to lie on her side. They lay face to face on the pillows, touching each other as they kissed. When he slid his fingers under her waistband, she lifted her hips so he could slide the panties off her body. Not willing to be the only one naked, she slowly tugged his underwear down until it slid easily over his legs. She tossed it over her shoulder and looked at him.
BJ brushed her fingers across his chest, lingering over each nipple before sweeping her hand down to his bellybutton. Rimming it gently, she let her finger stroked the soft trail of hair leading down to his erection. She slid her hand over his cock, feeling him quiver at her touch. That gave her such a feeling of power, she closed her eyes at the thought she could make him quake at such a simple gesture.
“Sweetheart…” Lance breathed the word out on a moan, his hips arching towards her as she stroked him.
Reaching out, he slid a finger between the soft folds and touched her clit. She gasped, her gentle stroke faltering for a moment as he rubbed her. They continued touching each other, with his finger dipping into her every other minute to feel her. Her hand rubbed harder, and he gasped.
“Stop.”
Looking at him, she raised her eyebrows in question, her hand stilling on his cock.
“I wanna be in you when I come.” Pulling his hand from between her thighs, Lance licked his finger.
Rising to her knees, BJ swung her leg over him, hovering above him as she rested her hands on his chest for balance. Slipping his hands between them, he held her open as she slowly sank down onto him.
“Oh, God.” His eyes closed, and he breathed out in a rush as she surrounded him in wet heat.
Opening them quickly at her moan, he looked up at her. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, moving her hips slowly and leaning forward. “Yeah. I am.”
His hands danced over her, stroking her thighs, brushing her hips, smoothing her arms and belly; cupping her breasts, tugging at the hard peaks and listening to her gasp with pleasure. She controlled their pace, speeding up as he continued to touch her. When he rubbed her clit, she dug her nails into his chest and rocked faster as he lifted his hips to meet hers. Shuddering, BJ let her head fall back as her back arched with the pleasure rumbling through her. Lance pumped into her two more times before he came, filling her with warmth.
Her belly wouldn’t let her stretch out on top of him, so he held her up until she could crawl off him. Settling against his side after she moved, she draped an arm across his chest and snuggled close. He wrapped himself around her, their hearts slowing as they calmed. Lying in his arms, she chuckled softly.
“What?” He brushed the dark tendrils away from her face.
“And they say you can’t dance.” Looking into his eyes, the breath caught in the back of her throat at the intense expression of love.
“I just needed the right partner.” Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her mouth.
Pulling her a little closer, Lance wrapped his arms around BJ and snuggled close. As they lay there, the moonlight shimmering through the patio doors, he felt a tiny thump against his side. Thinking it was just his imagination, he was startled when he felt it again. He just looked down at BJ in confusion.
“It’s the baby.”
“The baby?” He was surprised, moving away so he could look down at her.
Taking his hand, she held it to the front of her belly so that he could feel the tiny thumps against his palm. The awed expression on his face filled her with joy.
“That is so cool!” Sliding down, he kissed the smooth skin and laughed as he felt the baby kick again.
BJ ran her fingers through his hair, staring down into his eyes when he looked up and smiled at her. Then he looked back down and placed his hand on the swell, singing a lullaby. She couldn’t stop the tears that slipped from her eyes. When Sam had left her, she thought she would be alone, never having anyone to share these moments. Lance had been a surprise, and she had fallen in love with him before she even realized it. Seeing him rejoice in the baby was such a blessing that she was afraid she would explode from all of the happiness in her heart. Lying there in bed, listening to him croon the soft lullaby, she closed her eyes and welcomed the future.
**~~**
The next morning, Lance rolled over and looked at the woman lying next to him. Gently brushing his fingers across her face, he smiled.
Life is *so* good.
As she stirred, he watched her eyelids flutter before she woke up. Looking into his eyes, she smiled.
“Good morning.”
“Morning, sweetheart.” He gently kissed her forehead, her eyelids, her nose, and each cheek before kissing her lips.
“I love how you say good morning.” BJ smiled and chuckled softly.
“That’s how I’ll say it every morning, then.” He held her close, enjoying the warmth of their embrace.
The knock on the door interrupted them.
“Just a minute.” BJ called out as she sat up, pulling the sheet over herself.
Lance looked around for his underwear, not seeing it anywhere. “I was wearing them when I came in here last night.”
She laughed. “Guess you’ll need to make sure they’re put in the dresser drawer so you’ll know where they are.”
Hearing her words, his eyes opened wide. “Dresser drawer?”
“You don’t want to?” Biting her lip, afraid she had thought something she shouldn’t, BJ just stared back at him.
A slow grin spread across his face. “Do I get closet space, too?”
“Whatever you want.” She sighed in relief.
“How about an incredibly sexy pregnant woman in my bed every night?” He finally located his boxer-briefs and pulled them on.
“I think that can be arranged.” She chuckled as Justin knocked again.
“C’mon, BJ.” His voice was muffled by the door.
Lance walked over and opened the door, surprising Justin. The young man looked at Lance, disheveled and only slightly dressed, and BJ, obviously naked in bed. He blushed bright pink.
“I think I’ll just go back to the kitchen now.” He turned and walked down the hall.
Lance waited until he closed the door before he started laughing. BJ grabbed a swimsuit and went into the bathroom to perform her morning ritual of peeing, brushing her teeth, and washing her face. She slipped into the bathing suit.
He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her. “I love you.”
“Love you, too.” She twisted her head and kissed his jaw before he released her and used the bathroom.
She walked into the bedroom and grabbed a sundress to cover up her bathing suit, noticing that Lance had laid his clothes on the chair with her dress. He came back out and opened the door, heading for his room. As he passed the kitchen, he caught a glimpse of Justin staring into the refrigerator. Slipping into his room, he grabbed a pair of swim trunks and changed into them then walked into the bathroom to splash water on his face and run wet hands through his hair.
When he strolled back into the kitchen, he found Justin trying his best not to stare at either of them. Winking at BJ, he grabbed the juice pitcher from the refrigerator and poured everyone a glass. The young man opened his mouth a couple of times, but closed it quickly. BJ grabbed a bagel and wandered out onto the patio with her juice after giving Lance a kiss.
He watched her leave then headed to the counter to fix a bowl of cereal.
“Um…”
“Yes, Justin?” Lance sat down at the table with his bowl, waiting for his friend to say whatever was on his mind.
“Uh…”
Biting the inside of his lip, Lance continued to eat his Cheerios.
“That doesn’t hurt the baby, does it? I mean, you won’t poke it or anything.”
The older man choked a bit on his cereal. Coughing a bit, he put his spoon in his bowl and looked over at the other man. “No, it doesn’t, and no, I won’t.”
Wide blue eyes looked at him. “You sure?”
Grinning, he nodded. “I’m sure.”
“Okay.” Justin got up and fixed his own cereal. When he sat back down, he kept shooting glances over at the older man.
“Got any more questions?” Lance drank the milk from his bowl.
Stirring and eating his cereal, he was quiet for a long time. “What’s it like?”
That question was so unexpected, Lance did a double take. He didn’t laugh though, seeing the downcast eyes.
“Beautiful, funny, warm and cuddly, hot, earth-shattering, amazing.” Stopping for a moment, he looked outside and caught a glimpse of BJ as she danced to the music that could heard from the stereo outside.
“With the right person, it’s absolutely breathtaking.”
Justin looked up and caught the look of love that radiated from his friend’s eyes then followed his line of vision to BJ. Smiling, he got up and grabbed their empty bowls.
“I think someone’s waiting for you.”
Standing, Lance looked over at his friend, catching the young man’s arm. “We okay?”
The other man nodded. “We’re cool.”
**~~**
Lance and Justin walked out to the patio and joined BJ. Lance sat down on the double chaise, curling up beside her as she basked in the sunshine. He trailed his fingers along her thigh as he stretched out, and she grinned.
They played outside on and off the rest of the day, the three of them fixing a light dinner that evening. After dinner, BJ helped Lance move his things into the master bedroom. Justin caught them walking back and forth as he walked out of the kitchen with a bowl of ice cream. He didn’t say a word, just finished his bowl as he leaned against the wall and watched them move between the two rooms.
**~~**
Justin sat on the other side of the den, watching as Lance chuckled at the baby kicks he felt. BJ caught him watching, and she tilted her head as she studied him.
Ever since she had arrived, she noticed that the young man seemed almost lost, as if he were missing an important part of his heart. She knew it didn’t bother him that they were together, and she wanted him to be as happy as she was, so she tried to make sure they included him in some of their activities.
Holding out her hand, she wiggled her fingers. “C’mere, J.”
Moving towards her, a questioning look on his face, he was surprised when she tugged him down next to the sofa. Taking his hand, she held it on her belly. The surprise on his face as he felt the baby kick was enough to make her laugh out loud.
“Wow! That is so cool!” He giggled as he felt the thumps against his palm.
“Isn’t it though.” Lance looked over at his friend and smiled before looking back at BJ.
Justin got close to her belly, resting his arms on the sofa so he could talk. “Okay, kid, this is your Uncle Justin. Let me tell ya, ya got it pretty sweet. Snuggling in mama, just chilling, listening to daddy sing lullabies. He’s got that real deep voice, you know. Tell ya what, I’ll sing to you sometimes, too, so that you don’t think everyone sounds like him.”
At Justin’s words, Lance and BJ looked at each other, surprise on their faces as Justin called Lance daddy. She reached out to him, hooking her fingers through his as they continued to listen.
Lance felt as if he was going to explode. In his heart and mind, he had begun to think of the baby as his—daydreaming about teaching his son how to walk and ride a bike and play football. Being referred to as daddy made his heart sing, and he wanted to shout from the rooftops.
As they were settling in to sleep, Lance felt he needed to talk about Justin’s words.
“BJ.”
“Yeah, baby?” She was settling herself into her nest of pillows, waiting for him to join her.
“About what Justin said earlier.” He slid under the covers next to her, lying back as she draped herself across him.
“Calling you daddy?”
“Yeah.”
“Does it bother you?” She bit her lip as she waited for his answer, unwilling to look at him.
“NO! I love it. I think of this baby as mine, and I want to be there when it’s born and first steps and everything else. I just don’t want you to feel like you don’t have a choice or that I’m trying to run your life.” He brushed his hands over her back.
Sitting up and looking at him, BJ smiled at him. “I can’t think of anyone else I’d want to have my son call Daddy. You’ve given me such love, been there with me through all of these changes, and you don’t bitch when I get hormonal. I love you, James Lance Bass.”
Lance sat up, leaning toward her to kiss her gently. “I love you, Bobbie Jean Carter, and little baby Carter.” He pressed his palm to her belly, loving the feel of the baby against his hand.
Sharing kisses, they stretched back out on the bed, the sun and fun of the day’s activities sending them into an early sleep.
**~~**
Lance picked up the phone and dialed. He smiled when he heard the voice on the other end.
“Mom? I want to tell you about this girl.”
He spent the next hour telling his parents about BJ and how much she meant to him. When he told them about the baby, they were silent for several moments.
[Are you sure about this, honey?] Diane’s question was gentle.
Lance nodded, even though they couldn’t see him. “Yes, I am. I may not be the reason she’s pregnant, but I’m going to be the one that little boy calls daddy.”
He could hear the smile in his father’s voice. [Sounds like you know just want you want, Lance.]
“I do, Dad. She’s the one.”
Diane chuckled softly. [Well. I can’t wait to meet her then. You tell her we’re looking forward to it and welcome to the family.]
“Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I love you, guys.” Lance smiled as he hung up after their goodbyes.
Leaning back in the chair, he spun towards the window and looked at the sky. It was going to be a beautiful day.
Table of Contents
Chapter One