Estrella felt a wave of relief wash over her as she caught Jason’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “Besides you, I wouldn’t trust anyone else with myself,” he said with a soft grin.
Estrella chuckled, “Oh, you charmer.”
Moments later, when they returned to Waterfall Acres, Jason gently placed a sleeping Isaac into bed, whispering, “Let’s not disturb him now. He can take a bath when he wakes up tomorrow.”
Estrella leaned over and kissed Isaac on the forehead, “Sure, that works.”
She grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe and headed to the bathroom. By now, she had gotten used to being at Jason’s place, and so had Isaac. He often playfully claimed it as his own home, much to Autumn’s jealousy.
Fresh out of the shower, Estrella’s phone rang on the bed. It was Erik calling.
“Hey, North,” she greeted, flopping onto the bed.
On the other end, Erik sounded perplexed, “Smoke, am I really going to marry Bryce? It just doesn’t feel real.”
Estrella laughed, “Well, try imagining marrying someone else besides Bryce.”
Taking Estrella’s advice, Erik closed her eyes to imagine, then quickly shook her head, “Nope, can’t do it. Bryce is far better by comparison.”
She had never planned on marrying anyone, but now, except for Bryce, she realized she hardly knew any other men.
Estrella reassured her, “Bryce’s looks and charm have won over many hearts. He’s a simple guy, hardworking, and he’ll take good care of you.”
After all, if Bryce ever dared not to protect Erik, would she stand by idly?
Erik nodded vigorously, “Yeah, Estrella, you’re right. Thinking about it, Bryce is really not bad at all, and he’s been pretty good to me.”
Estrella continued, “Familiarity breeds contempt. Even the most extraordinary people will seem ordinary once you get used to them. That’s why it’s important to appreciate and discover the good in those around us. It makes life more enjoyable.”
Curious, Erik asked, “So, what are some of the good things about your Jason?”
Estrella teased, “He’s handsome and quite the performer in bed.”
Erik burst out laughing, then said, “But Smoke, speaking of which, after Bryce and I, you know, I feel different about him, kind of embarrassed.”
Before Estrella could respond, Jason leaned over her from behind, planting a kiss on her cheek, “I thought I heard someone singing my praises.”
Estrella glanced at him, “You should consider getting that scar removed; it’s quite unsightly.”
Jason retorted, “No way.”
That scar was a badge of honor.
Noticing Jason’s wandering hands, Estrella whispered, “I’m on the phone, didn’t you notice?”
Continuing her conversation with Erik, Estrella said, “Feeling embarrassed is normal. After a few more intimate encounters, the emotional bond between a man and a woman strengthens.”
Erik, catching on, suggested, “Maybe I should get a wig tomorrow?”
Estrella encouraged, “Sure, go for big, wavy locks.”
Estrella kissed him, “I love it.”
And with that, they were tangled in the sheets once again.
Afterward, Jason held Estrella close, “Honey, you’ve been sleeping a lot lately. Maybe we should check it out at the hospital tomorrow.”
Estrella, known for her fertility, had mentioned she wasn’t on birth control, and with her excessive sleepiness, Jason couldn’t help but wonder.
At Jason’s suggestion, a groggy Estrella said, “I checked a few days ago. Not pregnant.”
Understanding his concern, Estrella reassured him, “Ever since Isaac, my body hasn’t been the same. It’ll probably take more than one try.”
Jason insisted on a check-up, “Just to see why you’re always tired.”
Estrella replied, “Probably just worn out,” but promised, “If I am pregnant, I won’t hide it from you.”
Jason asked, “Can I hold you to that?”
Estrella, closing her eyes, gently patted his face, “You can.”
With that, she cuddled the pillow and drifted back to sleep, leaving Jason smiling in the dark.
He watched her for a while, then carefully adjusted her from her stomach to her back, kissed her, and turned off the light.
The night was serene, Estrella nestled in his arms, with Isaac slumbering in the bed beside them. It brought an undeniable sense of peace to Jason's heart.

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