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The last few months had gone by without much pomp and circumstance. Besides for the party the club had thrown for Grace and Orion that is after they had sneaked off to get married. Jasper spent his time at the club for a while, only going back to the shop to work. And then as he got more orders in, the man had found himself sleeping in the back of the shop. Which just made no sense when he had woken up to find himself laid over the workbench, since there was a bed just up the stairs. Although he was sleeping within his own apartment again, most nights, he hadn't yet fiigured out what he was going to do with that extra bed room.

Of course he had seen Cadence over the last months. Often with Killian or at the club when she was visiting other friends that were there. He had helped her to rearrange some of her apartment, and now was actually working on a piece she had ordered. Thinking of the woman, he looked to the clock noting the time. Jasp went back to work to finish a detail in the furniture, before he texted Cadie, "Will the food be all gone if I'm by in 20?" She had offered dinner to him in a group text with Killian and Lincoln. So free food was better than stew or the frozen pizza alone that he would otherwise eat tonight.

After cleaning up his tools, Jasper's blue eyes fell to the piece of furniture covered in the back of his shop. With a sigh, he turned to go up the stairs to his apartment. On the way he texted Orion,"Hey you and Grace should stop by some time. I've got a piece of furniture I wonder if you two might want for the baby." As he had thought months ago, he'd offer them the crib. All that it needed was to be stained, and that could be done quick enough if they wanted it. In his apartment, he quickly showered, grabbing a beer as he did so and waited for a reply about dinner before going anywhere. Tomorrow he would probably bring that piece he had been working on for Cadie. Just needed the last few touches.

'Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak,
you feel like you wanna just give up

~Cadence Jaycey Sinclaire-Caine~

Cadence walked over to Killian who had grabbed her phone when it went off. He smirked when he saw it was Jasper.
"It's your boy toy Jasper!" He made kissy sounds and Cadence placed her hands on her hips as she glared at Killian.
"He is not my boy toy!" She stated firmly. Her phone sounded again and she made to grab for the phone. Killian jumped up and held the phone up over her head. Lincoln stood up, and moved away so that he didn't get landed on like the last time those two went wrestling about.
"Killy give it here!" Cadence stretched up, and Killian bumped her with his butt right in her lower chest. She staggered back but didn't fall this time. Killian opened the text and read it.

He turned to face Cadence and looked angry. She held out her hand and he pushed it away.
"Who is Ben?" Cadence shifted uncomfortably under Killian's fierce gaze. She hated that he had that effect on her.
"He is a co-worker." She responded. She already knew where the conversation was heading. Accusations, jealousy, and a tantrum followed by a threat or him forbidding her. It was always the same. Killian acted like he was her Father constantly.
"What kind of co-worker tells you, you looked beautiful and he really wish you would reconsider and accept his dinner invitation."
"A co-worker that is friendly."
"A co-worker that wants to f*ck you!"
"Do you like him Cadence?" Lincoln asked, clearly he was not planning on staying out of this situation.
"No. Not like that. Obviously not. He asked me out, I declined. End of conversation."
"No. Not end of conversation! He is flirting with you, and still trying to ask you out! Does he know you are with someone?" Killian demanded.
"Killian, I am not with anyone."
"So Jasper isn't anyone?" Cadence sighed.
"I told you! Jasper and I are not together! We are friends! He has not asked me out, he has not given any indication that he wants to be in a relationship with me!" Lincoln decided to say his piece.
"Killian she is right. Jasper hasn't made a move. Besides she turned the guy down. You can't be mad at her for some guy asking her out. She is pretty, she smells nice and you know how that goes."
"Lincoln!" Killian snapped and he walked away and sipped his beer.
"Were you flirting with him?"
"No! Can we please stop talking about this!"
"You need to let him know you are in a relationship. That his advances are unwelcome. I will be waiting for you after work tomorrow."
"Oh my god! No! I love my new job, I do not want you doing anything that will jeopardize it! Just, trust me enough to handle this situation." Killian went back to reading her texts and she moved closer.
"He has been texting you for a few days now."
"Yes, and you can read the texts. I never flirt with him. I have turned down every invitation. I have told him I am not looking to date, especially not a co-worker." If looks could kill, Cadence would have been dead. He handed Cadie back her phone.
"I don't like this guy."
"No. You don't like that he asked me out, you don't like that I work out of town, you don't like that I am trying to live my life." Cadence turned away from Killian and read Jasper's text. She responded to the text and ignored Ben's text.
'I will be sure to put your food aside, so they don't eat it all.' She sent quickly and handed the phone back to Killian.
"You hold the phone if it makes you feel better."
"Cadie, if you want to be with Jasper just be upfront with him. Jasper is a very to the point person. If he doesn't want to be with you, he will tell you rather then string you along. It is better for you both to know where you two stand. I mean yeah, you say your not interested in this guy but why not? Is it because you still are clinging to the hope that there will be something between you and Jasp? Even if you truly don't like this Ben guy, you might like someone else in the future. You should know whether or not you should accept an invitation or not." Lincoln said and Cadence turned toward him.
"Wow.... Thanks Lincoln." Cadence just walked past him and went to her room. She slammed the door. Killian stared at Lincoln, Linc looked back at Kill.
"What did I say."
"You pretty much just said her affections for Jasp are completely one-sided."
"So...? Didn't she pretty much say the same? He hasn't asked her out. He has not made a move. So, the obvious explanation is he isn't into her. What's the big deal? She has other men interested in her, why waste her time on one who doesn't want her?" Killian shook his head. Lincoln was super logical to the point he had no concept of feelings. Sometimes it was hard to spell things of for him.

"Cadie....? Hey?" Killian knocked lightly on her door. She was laying on her stomach across her bed. Her face buried in a pile of pillows. She didn't respond. Killian knocked again. When he didn't get a respond again, he decided to try the knob. The knob twisted easily and he stepped in her room.
"Lincoln didn't mean it like that." Cadence didn't move, Killian couldn't see it but she rolled her eyes. Of course he meant it like that.
"Don't listen to him." He sat on the bed beside her, placing his hand on her back.
"Cadie, come on out. You should finish up with the dinner preparations before Jasper gets here. He will be hungry." She groaned and pushed away from the mattress.
"Lincoln is right. Jasper isn't interested. That is fine. That is his lost, not mine. I am accepting Ben's invitations. He is handsome, intelligent, well mannered and we're both single." She walked out and Killian jumped to his feet.
"WHAT?! NO!"
"Lincoln made a valid point. Either we are together or we aren't. Right now we aren't. We haven't talked about it, and maybe that is for a reason."
"Cadence, do not go out with Ben."
"I think she should. It will help her and Jasper make a decision. It's either he won't care, or he will care that she is dating someone else. If he cares, and she isn't interested in continuing seeing this Ben guy then great. They figured out they want to be together. If he doesn't care, then she is free to date whoever she wants."
"Lincoln, will you shut the hell up!" Killian yelled and Cadence focused on setting the table.
"We are done discussing my social life, or lack thereof. Next person who brings it up better be fast enough to dodge a damn plate." She threatened and Killian let it drop for the moment.

The table was set and the food was served. She had prepared a roast with small potatoes, carrots, and a large salad. She also made biscuits, which she placed on the table in a small wicker basket lined with pale blue linen. She poured wine for her guests and took her seat at the table. She mainly pushed her food about her plate. She was a bit hurt by what Lincoln said, though she knew he spoke the truth. The guys casually chatted and tried to pull her into the conversation though she didn't take the bait. She continued to ponder the correct course of action to her latest dilemma.

~Candie~

Grace was not so sure about having a baby shower still, but she nodded to Orion just to keep him happy. Sure, it was something that every mother wanted, but it was not necessarily what she needed. Especially given that she did not have a very large circle of friends or family. Once he moved out of the house, Grace went to the bedroom and slipped on her shoes, and made sure to tie up her hair. They keys were in her hand, and as she stepped through the front door, she paused for a moment, furrowing her eyebrows in thought. "You know, I should probably potty before we get on the road..." She turned around quickly and went inside, taking a few minutes to do her business before grabbing herself a bottle of water from the fridge. This time when she came outside, she walked to the door of her car, and paused, patting her hands over her pockets. "I just had the keys...." After a few moments, she flashed Orion an apologetic smile, and held her hand up. "I think I put them in the fridge.." Grace stomped back into the house, and when she returned she had the keys in hand, as well as a slide of cheese.

She held the slide of cheese between her teeth, and moseyed her way to the drivers side, finally unlocking the car and getting in the seat. After placing the water in the cup holder, and taking a bite of the cheese she breathed out a sigh. "I feel like if I get any bigger, I won't fit in this seat. I mean, my stomach is like 3 inches from the damn steering wheel.' After starting the car, she started on her way to the bakery, it was pretty close to where the club, and apartments were that Cadie and Orion had lived in before. When they arrived, Grace was out of the car in a split second, obviously excited to be getting cupcakes. However, when she walked inside she paused for a moment, and frowned. "I left my purse at home..." Her hands were resting on her hips, and it was only when a man approached them, dressed in a grey suit that her head cocked to the side slightly. As he spoke, it was obviously evident that his accent was Irish. "Your brother is Dereck, correct?" Grace blinked a few times, and it was obvious the wheels in her head were turning, trying to see if she recognized this man. "Yes, he is. Do I know you-.." His hand cut her off, and he held out a business card, and with it was a $100. "No, you don't. Let him know I'm looking for him...and here's money since you left your wallet at home." With that, the man moved, leaving the small bakery rather hastily.

Orion watched Grace and did his very best not to laugh at her. She was just too darn cute! He puffed on his little cylinder of death. Amused with his wife. He just could not get enough of her adorable antics currently.

Once they were in the car, he fiddled with the radio immediately. He looked over at her belly. A small smile on his face. He turned his attention back to the radio.
"Grace, you still have quite a bit of time before your due. Hate to be the one to break it to you, you will probably get a bit rounder before then." He settled back in his seat and stretched.
"What kind of cupcakes are you getting today?" Orion grew silent. Just enjoying the ride. It was a quiet day in town, people were out doing their everyday things. Walking their dogs, children playing, old people fussing. The Creek was as boring as ever, and he loved it.

Once at the bakery Orion stepped out of the car. He looked toward Grace and this time laughed out loud. He shook his head.
"Grace, I have my wallet. I will of course buy you cupcakes. That was the plan, so you don't need your purse babe. I will meet you inside. Just going to smoke real quick." He walked away from Grace and the car. Lighting up again.

Orion tossed the butt away and started for the bakery. As he opened the door to the bakery a man hurrying out bumped his shoulder. Orion glared at the man but let it go. Had he known that man had just asked Grace about Dereck he wouldn't have. He would have probably rearranged the guy's face. Orion was fiercely protective of Grace lately.
"Did you decide? We can get a dozen, a couple of each if you want." He asked as he stepped up beside her. His hand easily found hers.

I have the answer
I can take the pressure
I will turn it all around
~Five Finger Death Punch

"What...? That man...?" Orion jerked his finger back toward the door. He dropped Grace's hand and hurried outside.
"Hey!" He yelled but the car door closed and the guy was driving away. Orion didn't even have the opportunity to get a decent look at the license plate.

He went back into the bakery. He tried to wait patiently for Grace to pick her cupcakes. He wanted to go after the guy but it was too late.
"How do you know he was looking for Dereck? What did he say?" Orion was extremely pissed off with the situation. Once again Dereck's bullshit was spilling into his town and his life.

Orion took the keys and was driving home now. He was on the look out for the car. Not that he got a good look at it, or the driver. He was trying to focus on what Grace was saying.
"What did he look like? Why did he give you money?" He glanced over at her.
"The guys are fat asses..." He grumbled though he altered their course, so they could go in the direction of the Club House. Would give him the opportunity to talk to his guys.

Once at the Club, Orion parked and hopped out the car. He walked around to Grace's side and opened the car door.
"C'mon." He gave her a small smile as he noticed the tiny frosting smudge on her chin. He leaned down, kissed the smudge and then wiped it away with his thumb.

He leaned down, took the cupcakes from her, and offered her his other hand. He paused so she could close the car door and then he lead her inside. Smaller group tonight, and Orion was displeased to learn Killian was not at the house tonight. He was a bit curious where most of the men were.

I have the answer
I can take the pressure
I will turn it all around
~Five Finger Death Punch

"Oompa Loompa doompety doo..." Orion sang and smirked at Grace. Moira came over to greet the couple. She patted Grace's belly.
"How is the nursery coming along?" She asked as she straightened up. Moira was extremely nice, and it seemed nearly every woman in the Club house actually had at least one nice thing to say about her.
"Are you going to Shandee's Baby Shower this weekend? I can pick you up, so you don't have to drive if you like. You did hear her baby is a girl right?"

Orion used the opportunity Moira created to wander into his office to get the invitation, and to call Killian. Killian answered and Orion was mildly surprised to hear Cadence's voice in the background. He frowned but did not comment on it. He simply told Kill what had happened, and told him he wanted to see him tonight. Talk to him in person. They hung up and Orion stepped out of the office with the invitation in hand. He returned to Grace and Moira and handed Grace the invitation.

Killian excused himself from dinner, and Lincoln jumped at the opening to leave. The pair hurried away and Cadence cleaned up. She paused as she spotted her phone on the counter. She opened up her texts and selected Ben's text. She quickly texted a message back before she lost her nerve. She accepted his dinner invitation. Then Cadence returned to cleaning up. Trying not to think about Jasper or Ben.

I have the answer
I can take the pressure
I will turn it all around
~Five Finger Death Punch

Killian smiled at Grace and shook his head. "Cadence just fed us. So a cupcake is not going to happen right this second. Thank you though." He patted her belly.
"How is our future Angel doing?" He asked. Orion cleared his throat and Killian walked toward Orion. Lincoln moved closer to Grace.
"Hi. Have you seen Lyn lately?" Lincoln accepted a cupcake happily. He loved cupcakes, cakes, pies and cookies. He decided on a delicious chocolate on chocolate cupcake.
"Mmmm....chocolate!" He said through a mouthful. He smiled at Grace.
"So...." He said before he took another bite, which finished his cupcake off.
"Lincoln, run along." Moira said as she took Grace's arm.
"It's a shame you can't make it to the shower."Moira lead Grace toward the kitchen, Lincoln wandered off after taking another cupcake. This time one with a cookie dough icing.