"Maisy, can you wake up for me?" a distant voice says to me, and I try to open my eyes, but I feel so tired.

"I'm tired," I moan to myself, but I think I say it out loud. I try to open my eyes, but they feel weary, like the rest of me.

I hear voices in the background as I drift off to sleep again. 

"May, we need you to wake up." I hear the soothing voice of Seb and feel someone stroking my cheek. I open my eyes to see Seb’s face close to mine, filled with worry.

"Hey, what happened?" I ask as I look around and see that I'm in the hospital.

The room is a bright-yellow with a matching, yellow curtain pulled around. I panic, rubbing my hands over my bump, and feel relieved when I feel him kick me. The smell of disinfectant floats through the room, and I have the urge to pull Seb down closer, so I can hug him.

"He kicked me, our son is all right." I sigh, and Seb smiles as he helps me sit up.

"You passed out, they said your blood pressure was too high, and the doctors have ordered you to have bed rest for a week, in hospital. The baby’s heartbeat is good, but they want you to rest from now on. God, May, when your dad called to say where you were, I freaked out.” He pulls my hands to his and rests his head on them as he talks.

“I can't lose you or this baby. I love you," he says, looking up at me.

I take his face into my hands and pull myself up to kiss him. At the moment our lips meet, we both sigh and melt into the kiss. I run my fingers down his neck to his shoulders as he takes control of the kiss. I break away with a smile.

“I love you,” I tell him, and his eyes widen. I press a finger against his lips as I talk. "I told my parents I love you, and that I'm moving in with you. That's why I was stressed because they weren't happy with the idea, but I don't care. I want you, Sebby, if you still want me," I tell him, and I chuckle as he lights up with a massive smile.

"Thank god, May," he says, pulling me up to his chest in a crazy kiss. 

"Excuse me, Miss Reynolds should be resting," an older women’s voice interrupts, and Sebastian pulls back from me with a wink and turns a devastatingly sexy smile on the nurse.

"I was cheering her up, miss," he says with a cheeky grin, and the nurse laughs as her cheeks go red. Seb could charm anyone, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

The curtain is pulled open and a middle-aged Asian man walks in. It’s clear he is a doctor, and he gives me a friendly smile as he walks over.

"How are you feeling?" he asks when he gets to the end of my bed and pulls out my notes. 

"I'm feeling tired, but all right. The baby is moving well," I tell him, and he nods as he reads. The nurse takes my blood pressure and heartbeat, and the doctor writes them down as she reads them out.

"That's good. Well, as I'm sure your partner has told you, it was your high blood pressure that made you pass out. The baby’s heartbeat is good, but we are keeping you in for a week to keep an eye on you. Let us know if you feel any headaches or extreme dizziness.” I nod at him in response, and Seb squeezes my hand.

“We will be doing four-hour checks on you, just in case," he tells me as he writes in my notes.

"Okay," I say, and look up at Seb, who still hasn't said anything about how he feels. I know we were interrupted, but I need to know he still wants me in his life.

"I will leave you to rest. The nurse will bring you some lunch in soon," the doctor tells me as he and the nurse leaves. They pull the curtain closed as they do.

"All this worry for you, little man,” I say to the bump under my breath and look back at Seb, who is staring at my bump.

What if he only wants to be with me for the baby? Would it even work in the long term? I try to hide my thoughts as Seb looks down at me and runs his hand up my arm.

"I love you, May. I don't know how else to tell you how much you mean to me. I can't say I won't make mistakes, but I'll never be anyone else's but yours, for however long you'll have me," he tells me as we stare at each other. My voice catches as I see his bright-green eyes are looking at mine with such passion that it's hard to breathe. 

"I thought about us a lot. I think we both made mistakes. I shouldn't have left like I did,” I tell him, clearing my throat when he shakes his head in denial.

“I want a new start for us and our baby. I want you, Sebby, because I've always been yours." 

He rests his forehead against mine and kisses me gently. "Get better, May, so I can take you home with me," he mutters.

"I like that idea," I say, kissing his throat gently. He groans, and I see his hands tighten on the bed. I run my hands up his shirt, feeling his chest as I kiss up his neck and suck on his earlobe before he pulls away. I watch in confusion as he practically jumps to the end of the bed and holds onto to the bar.

"May, you can't do that when I want you so fucking bad. I'm close to removing that hospital gown and devouring every bit of you, but I won’t in here. The first time I'll take you again will be in our bed, in our home," he says, breathing hard to calm down. 

"I like that idea. I remember how amazing you were, like no one else. You have no idea how much I want you," I say, more to myself, and Sebastian's mouth tightens when I look over at him. What did I say wrong now?

"Were you with anyone else when you were away?" He struggles with the question, and I struggle more with trying to answer. 

I look down, not wanting to answer this, but I know I need to so we can move past it. "Yes, I met a guy not long after I left you. It was just a rebound. I regret it now, but it only lasted a few days because I found out about the baby, and I ended it," I say quietly, though I know he heard every word.

Seb slams his hands into the bed before walking out, and I want to cry, but I don't. He did far worse to me by sleeping with dozens of girls. Being with that guy was a bad idea from the start, and I only liked him because he was nothing like Seb.

I eventually fall back asleep, and when I wake this time, it's to Allie’s face as she paints my nails. I sleep like the living dead, at least that’s what Allie has told me before, so it doesn’t shock me that she manages to do this while I’m sleeping.

"Err, hi," I say, trying to keep my hand still. It’s hard not to chuckle that she has my hand on a book and is painting my nails a bright red. 

"Oh, you’re awake. I've painted your toenails too. You can thank me later. How are you feeling, and where the hell is Sebastian?" she asks, and I chuckle as I look down at my red toes peeking out of the end of my blanket. I love that Allie has no idea of personal space when it comes to me and the people she cares about.

"I'm all right, but I could use a drink, and don't ask," I say, sitting up a little.

"Hold on, I'll get you one when I finish this last nail," she says and paints my pinkie finger before getting me a bottle of water. I'm finishing my drink when Luke walks in, without knocking, but I can’t be too mad at his cheeky face.

"Hey, Seb says he will be back in half an hour, but he sounded mad. What happened?" Luke asks as he takes the seat by Allie, who waves hello.

"I don't want to talk about it," I say, looking away with tears.

I'm guessing he’s going to end it with me. I knew he would hate me for this, it's why I didn't say anything before. I try to distract myself by looking at Luke. He looks older these days, and I think it’s because of his tattooed arms and the slight beard he always has.

"Hey, don't cry. Whatever he has done, I can say sorry for it," Luke says, and Allie takes my hand.

“Do I need to kick his ass?” Allie asks, being deadly serious, and it makes me smile.

"It wasn't him," I say quietly, still sobbing. It hasn't escaped my notice that my parents aren't here, and they most likely don't care. I've just had enough of everyone walking away from me. I hear the door open and hushed voices, but I don’t bother looking away from the pillow that I’m currently crying into.

I feel a hand stroke my arm, and I look up to see Elliot smiling down at me, actually smiling. It shocks me out of crying for a second. I then notice he is holding a ‘get well soon’ balloon and a motorbike helmet under the other arm.

“You’re not alone, remember that, Maisy. I never thought you were right for my brother, but I know you are now. He was a fucking mess without you, and it’s like seeing a different man now,” Elliot tells me sternly, and I nod my understanding. I watch as he gives Luke the balloon and walks toward the door. Just as he opens it, he looks back at Allie for a second before leaving.

"Did he really just smile?" I ask Allie, who seems as surprised as me.

"He is a strange man to understand, but I believe he did." She laughs it off and takes the balloon off Luke to tie at the end of the bed.

"Can I feel the bump?" Luke asks, and I nod. He feels all over, but the baby doesn't kick for him. I can feel him shifting a little, but no kicks.

"It's amazing," Luke whispers, leaning over to rest his head on my bump.

"I would be insanely jealous if my girl wasn't pregnant," says a voice from the doorway. I look up to see Seb holding a bundle of balloons and a large blue teddy in his other arm. I can't help but smile at the massive man holding a teddy bear. 

"Can I have a second alone with Maisy?" Seb asks, setting the teddy down at the end of my bed and tying the balloons to the end, too, next to Elliot’s. I’m surprised the bed doesn’t start lifting from the amount of balloons. I hope they don’t bring this many when the baby is born, I'll start having enough to float a house away like in that Disney film Allie made me watch once.

"Sure," Luke says, getting up.

"Is that all right with you, Maisy bear?" Allie asks without moving.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I promise." She squeezes my hand before walking to Seb.

"Don't make her cry again, or I'll make you fucking regret it, pretty boy," she threatens, and Seb nods, looking scared of the tiny, blond girl, who winks at me before leaving. Honestly, Allie can be a little scary sometimes, but I know she means well. I don’t doubt her promise, though.

"My whole family are taking turns being here over the next week, so you won't ever be alone," Seb says, sitting on the end of the bed like he doesn't want to get near me.

"Thanks," I mutter, curling up on my side and deciding to look away before he sees my tears. He is going to tell me he doesn't want to be with me, I know it. 

"May, look at me," Seb says, kneeling down in front of me. I look up, and he frowns, wiping my tears away. 

"Damn, Allie is going to hurt me now," he says, making me smile a little, despite feeling like crying more.

"I'm sorry I left. I was so angry at myself for letting you go. To know that you went to someone else for comfort hurts me, but it's worse because it was my fault. I can't be mad at you because I understand it. I did the same thing, and I regret every girl. I want a fresh start with you, too, and if you can move on from my past, then I'm going to try and forgive myself for letting you leave this town and not chasing you down," he says gently.

"It wasn't anyone's fault, but you’re right, we need to move past this if we are going to have a future. Can you do that?" I ask, covering his hand with mine on the bed. He turns my hand, then entwines our fingers.

"Yes, I love you, my beautiful May," he tells me with a sigh of relief.

"I love you, too." I smile, and he kisses me gently. 

"I received the house keys today. I'll have one cut for you tomorrow. I thought we could look at furniture together if you’re not too tired," he says, pulling out his phone and handing it to me.

"I'm a little tired and hungry right now, but later?" I ask with a yawn, pushing the phone back, and he nods.

"I'll go and get you some food, so stay awake. In fact, I'll send Allie in, she will do that. If she and Elliot haven't killed each other yet." He grins, muttering the end part.

I can't help but laugh, and he kisses me once more before leaving.

I get up slowly and use the bathroom while no one is here. I wash my face and check my phone, but there are no messages from my parents. I shake those thoughts away and remind myself, looking down at my bump, that I'll never be like my parents. My child will know love. I'll make sure of it. 

"Hey, Maisybear, let me help you." Allie rushes to my side, slipping her arm around my waist and helping me back into bed.

"I'm really all right," I say, tucking myself into bed. 

"I know, but you scared me. I can't lose you again, you’re the only sister I have," she half-whispers with silent tears running down her face. 

"Oh, Alliecat, I'm not going anywhere again. I shouldn't have run or let my parents take over my life. It was crazy, and I'm finally where I'm meant to be," I tell her, and she holds my hand in hers.

"So, is everything okay with you and Sebastian?" she asks.

"Yes, we are having a fresh start. I love him," I say with a big smile.

"Hot damn, the sex is going to be awesome." She fans herself, and I can't help but laugh.

"There is no way is he going to want to sleep with me while I look like I have a balloon up my top," I say with a sigh.

"You’re joking, right? That guy will jump you the minute you’re home." She shakes her head at me.

I roll my eyes, deciding to change the subject. "So, are you dating anyone?" I ask.

"No. Men are pointless. I've given up." She pouts, and I laugh.

"Oh, Allie, you'll find someone who you won't be able to push away," I tell her, and she shakes my comment off with a joke.

"Depends on how good he is in bed, then I’ll see about it." She waggles her perfect eyebrows at me.

"Hey, can I come in?" the sweet voice of Izzy comes from the open doorway. 

"Sure," I say with a smile. We have been messaging each other a lot recently. I know she has been buying baby clothes because she keeps sending me pictures. 

"How are you feeling? I know high blood pressure can cause early labour, you should tell a doctor if you feel anything," she says, and I smile at her.

"How do you know that?" Allie asks as Izzy sits on the end of my bed.

"I've been reading pregnancy books. Sebastian has them lying around everywhere," she says with a smile.

"Blake walked in on me reading one last week and had a panic attack before I told him I was reading it for you. It was so funny." She laughs, and we do too. 

"I didn't know he had been reading up on pregnancy," I muse with a small smile. 

"Oh yeah, he keeps bringing up random baby facts in nearly every conversation. Elliot looks bored out of his mind," she says with a laugh.

Allie snorts with laughter and then messages someone on her phone.

"I have to go, but I’ll be back tomorrow morning," she tells me.

"Is everything okay? You look worried," I say, noticing the frown on Allie’s face. 

"It’s nothing." She glances away from me as she says it, and I turn to see Izzy is watching her closely, too. 

"Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow," I say, pulling her in for a brief hug. 

Izzy and Allie talk for a second before they hug goodbye, and Izzy comes back to sit next to me. 

"So, how are you and Blake?" I ask, noticing how her whole face lights up at the mention of his name. 

"I couldn't be more in love if I tried." She smiles.

"How about you and my brother?" she asks gently, but only an idiot would miss the protectiveness in her voice. I know it's a warning not to hurt him, or I’ll have her to deal with.

"I love him, and I plan to have a future with him," I tell her, running my hands over my belly. Feeling a kick, I quickly grab Izzy’s hand, placing it on my bump so she can feel the kicks.

"Hey, little nephew," she says with a cheeky grin, looking so much like Sebastian.

"Uncle Blake and I are going to spoil you." She smiles at me. 

"I think he might be a little spoiled by all of his uncles and aunties," I say. 

“He will be, I’ve already bought all those clothes I sent you pics of and put them at your house.” She smiles.

“Seb told me you were over at our place a lot, I remember something about Blake watching vampire shows all the time.” I giggle, and Izzy snorts in laughter.

“The Vampire Diaries. I love the show, and Blake is trying to catch up to where I am, without too many people seeing. Don’t say anything, but I saw Elliot watching it with Blake the other day. They are total geeks.” She winks at me, and I laugh.

“I might have to watch it. I’ve wanted to watch that Twilight film for a while now.” I laugh.

"Hey, how are my two favourite girls?" Seb asks, walking in and carrying a tray with what looks like a roast dinner and chocolate cake. He also has a bag, which he sets on my table with my favourite iced tea bottle sticking out. 

"You remembered that I'm craving it," I say, blushing. 

"I never forget anything about you." He winks. "What movies do you have then?" Seb asks, moving the wall TV and turning it on as I start eating.

“It’s that Twilight film, a girl’s got to love a man that sparkles,” Izzy says.

Izzy winks at me as she puts the film on. I laugh as Seb looks between us, confused, but eventually just gives up to watch the vampire movie.

I fall asleep happily, somewhere in the middle of the film, dreaming of perfect vampires.