Downtown, one floor of a glass high-rise now carries the name Helm Analytics on frosted glass. Inside, the office hums with quiet intensity. Rows of ultrawide monitors glow with tickers and real-time graphs. A wall-sized screen streams live market heatmaps, updating every second.
Jake strides through as engineers and data scientists glance up from their terminals. These aren't kids on internships or friends, he's poached them from hedge funds, FAANG, even a couple of PhD students from MIT's.
"This isn't about playing catch-up with Wall Street," Jake explains during a team huddle, his voice steady.
"It's about building something Wall Street doesn't even know it needs yet. Adaptive capital. Prediction with execution built in."
He taps the whiteboard behind him, where a sprawling flow diagram maps everything
"Every millisecond matters. We're colocating servers in Secaucus and Chicago. I want trade latency under five milliseconds. If Twitter sentiment spikes on oil, we're long futures before CNBC even reports it."
Alex visits sometimes, watching from the glass-walled meeting room as he commands the floor. Haley tags along too, usually teasing Jake about how the office looks like a movie set, though she secretly loves the energy the feeling that she's standing inside the start of something world-shifting.
By night, when the office quiets and the hum of machines takes over, Jake sits alone at the main console. The prototype already trades small test portfolios, learning with every micro-win and loss. The numbers on the screen are modest now thousands, tens of thousands but Jake knows where it's heading.
And for him, that's the thrill, not the money itself anymore since he's already made millions, but the game of building a new thing.
[ Two months later ]
Alex notices first not because she's looking for it, but because she always notices patterns. Two mornings in a row Haley pushes her coffee away untouched. The third, she excuses herself mid-sentence and disappears into the bathroom, pale and tight-lipped when she comes back.
That night, when Emma is asleep and the house has settled into its usual hush, Alex stands in the doorway of their bedroom holding a small white stick in her hand.
"Don't freak out," Haley says immediately, sitting cross-legged on the bed. Her voice wobbles despite the attempt at calm. "I mean- I'm freaking out enough for both of us."
Alex doesn't answer right away. She looks at the test, then at Haley, then down at her own hand, where another identical stick rests.
She laughs short, breathless, disbelieving.
"Okay. Statistically speaking… this is improbable." She says softly.
Haley's eyes widen. "Wait. You too?"
Alex nods.
"I took three. Different brands." She exhales, then sits beside her. "They all agree." She adds.
Haley presses her palm to her stomach, half-protective, half-incredulous. "It's awesome !" She says enthusiastically .
She hesitates, then adds, more quietly, "I just wanted more time. To finish. To plan."
Haley reaches for her hand. "You still can."
[Later that evening]
Jake is in the kitchen later, barefoot, scrolling through something on his phone when they both appear in the doorway at once.
He looks up, immediately sensing it. "Okay," he says slowly. "That look means either something very good or very bad."
Alex steps forward first, because that's how she's wired. She places the tests on the counter, lined up with almost absurd neatness.
Jake stares at them. Then blinks. Then looks up again. "Is this—"
"Yes," Haley says, her voice trembling now. "And not just me this time."
Jake's breath catches. He looks between them, disbelief giving way to something raw and open. "Both of you?"
Alex nods.
For a second, Jake doesn't move at all. Then he lets out a shaky laugh and runs a hand through his hair, eyes glassy. "I— wow."
Jake pulls them both into his arms without hesitation, holding them tightly, like anchoring himself.
"I'm here," He says, voice thick.
Alex presses her forehead to his chest, relief washing through her. "Good," She murmurs.
Haley lets out a small laugh, her eyes a bit puffy and red. "I'm calling dibs on naming rights."
Jake laughs too, kissing the top of each of their heads.
"Looks like our family's getting bigger. Again." He says softly.
[Some times later ]
The months settle into a new rhythm. Alex's pregnancy unfolds differently from Haley's had. Where Haley leaned into the glow and the outward joy, Alex approaches it with a mix of fascination and guarded awe, like she's living inside an ongoing experiment.
At first, the changes are subtle. Her clothes fit a little differently. She pauses more often when climbing the stairs. Jake notices before she ever mentions it how his hand lingers at her waist longer, how he instinctively slows his pace to match hers when they walk.
"You don't have to treat me like glass," She tells him, mildly annoyed as he reaches to steady her when she stands.
"I know." He replies calmly.
By the fourth month, her belly is unmistakable. Rounder than she expected, firmer too. She catches herself studying it in the mirror late at night, one hand resting there
"It's strange…" She admits once, not looking away from her reflection.
Jake steps behind her, resting his hands over hers. "You're doing amazing," he says softly. "You always do."
Her breasts change too fuller, heavier despite their original generous size, sensitive in a way that makes her hyper-aware of herself.
As the months pass, Alex grows more comfortable. She lets him feel the baby move, presses his palm to her belly while explaining the science behind it, her voice softening despite herself.
"You realize this is the least efficient biological system imaginable," She mutters one night, even as her eyes shine.
Jake laughs quietly. "And yet… here we are."
At night, when sleep comes harder, she and Haley curls into him, one of his hands resting protectively over their stomach.
[ Some times later ]
Snow dusts the long driveway in a soft, careful layer as cars begin pulling in one by one. The house rises behind it wide, modern, all glass and warm light already glowing with Christmas lights that trace the roofline and the tall windows. Inside, the air smells like pine, cinnamon, and something rich roasting in the oven.
Haley stands in the living room, one hand braced against the small of her back, the other resting instinctively on her belly.
"Okay, reminder: if anyone says 'you look ready', I'm banning them from dessert." She says.
Alex, equally pregnant but carrying herself with more rigid determination, looks up from the couch where she's been reviewing something on her tablet.
"I support your ban." She says dryly.
"You both look incredible," Jake says. "And we're stocked on desserts. Multiple redundancies." He adds.
The doorbell rings.
Haley's eyes light up. "They're here."
Chaos follows immediately. Phil bursts in first, arms wide, already emotional.
"This house ! This house has echo…" He says, spinning slightly. "Do you know what that means? Room for magic. And Christmas songs."
Claire follows, carrying a perfectly wrapped gift in one hand and pushing her son William in his stroller, taking everything in with sharp, assessing eyes that soften almost instantly.
"Wow," She says. "Okay. This is… a lot." She steps forward and hugs Haley carefully, then Alex. "How are you both feeling?"
"Enormous," Haley says.
"Tired," Alex adds.
Claire smiles. "Sounds about right."
Luke trails in behind them, staring openly. "So this is where billionaires live now?" He points at the ceiling. "Is that real wood?"
Jay and Gloria arrive next, Gloria already fussing over Haley and Alex in rapid succession, switching seamlessly between admiration and concern.
"Ay, look at these bellies! Jake, you are very productive." She says smiling widely at Jake.
"That's not how- never mind." Jay snorts before shaking Jake's hand.
The house fills with noise quickly, coats dropped, laughter bouncing off high ceilings, Phil wandering off to inspect the smart lighting system Jake installed for fun. Emma darts through it all, clutching a tiny Santa figurine.
Later, they gather in the living room, fire crackling low. Haley sinks onto one end of the couch with a relieved groan. Alex sits beside her, posture precise but clearly grateful to be off her feet. Jake stands for a moment, just watching them his family spread across this room, in this house that still sometimes feels unreal.
Claire notices his pause and softens. "You did good," she says quietly.
Jake smiles, small but genuine. "We all did."
Phil raises a glass. "To family," he declares, voice already thick from the red wind. "And to… very successful children."
They clink glasses, laughter following, the snow falling steadily outside.
For a moment, everything feels still, warm, bright, full. Two sisters nearing the end of their pregnancies, surrounded by family.
The fire pops softly, sending a shower of sparks up the chimney. Outside, snow keeps falling in thick, patient flakes.
Phil reappears from the hallway, holding a mug with both hands.
"Okay, serious question," He starts. "Do we live here now? Because I could really get used to a thermostat that knows my emotional needs."
Jake laughs. "It's programmed to adjust when you start crying."
"Worth every penny," Phil says solemnly.
Near the tree, Gloria is crouched down with Emma, helping her hang an ornament far too low on one branch.
"There," Gloria says proudly. "Perfect."
Emma nods, very serious. "It's for luck."
Haley watches them from the couch, smiling, her hand circling her belly absentmindedly.
"I swear, every year this gets louder." She says.
"That's called family," Claire replies, settling into an armchair nearby. She adjusts William against her shoulder with practiced ease, his small hand clutching at her sweater as he nurses, half-asleep. "And you're about to double the chaos."
Alex exhales slowly. "Triple, if we're being precise."
Claire's eyes flick to both of their bellies, something tender passing across her face. She glances down at William, brushing a thumb along his cheek.
"Having kids…It changes you. In good ways. In ways you don't expect."
Jake, standing nearby, watches the scene with a softened expression. When William's eyes flutter open briefly and lock on him, there's something instinctive, wordless. Jake smiles gently, giving a small wave. William responds with a sleepy sound and burrows closer.
Haley notices, nudging Alex lightly. "He does that every time Jake's near."
Alex hums. "Attachment patterns form early," she says, then adds, softer, "It's sweet."
The room fills again with chatter. Jay argues with Luke about whether snow is actually romantic or just inconvenient. Phil insists on everyone gathering for a group photo in front of the tree.
"Okay, squeeze in," Phil says, gesturing wildly. "Jake, you're tall, anchor the back. Haley, Alex, center stage. Bellies forward."
Haley laughs as Jake settles behind her, one arm instinctively around her shoulders, the other stretching to rest behind Alex as well. Alex leans back without thinking.
Claire shifts closer too, William cradled against her, and for just a moment, her shoulder brushes Jake's. She gives him a quiet smile, warm, grateful.
Phil launches the timer before joining them before the picture is taken.
The flash fades, leaving them all blinking and laughing, the fire still burning, the tree lights glowing softly.
"Okay," Haley says, stretching carefully. "Who's ready for dessert?"
Jake grins. "I've been ready since noon."
[ Later that evening ]
The house has finally gone quiet. Jake wanders into the kitchen, cheeks warm from wine, movements loose but careful. The lights are dim but enough to see Claire standing, methodically loading the dishwasher.
She glances over her shoulder when she hears him.
"You should be sitting," She says lightly. "You've done enough work for tonight."
"Probably," Jake admits, leaning against the counter behind her, watching her work in that tight black dress.
Then Jake exhales, voice softer. "You know… I don't say it enough."
"Say what?" Claire pauses, a plate still in her hands.
He shifts, pushing himself against her, his hand holding her hip while the other circle around her to cup her pussy.
"Thank you," He says quietly. "For William. For… giving me a son."
Her breath catches, just barely. She turns slightly to face him, eyes searching his.
"He's a good boy," She says softly. "Strong. Curious."
Jake smiles, something tender in it. "He's perfect."
They stand there for a few seconds too long. Claire separates herself, straightens the collar of his shirt, grounding the moment.
"Go get some water," Claire says gently. "Before I do something I'll regret."
"Yeah. That's probably wise." Jake chuckles under his breath, nodding.
As he steps away, Claire watches him go, her expression warm, longing.
[ One Month Later ]
Early spring light slips through the tall windows, pale and quiet. The house is awake before it realizes it is.
Nate lies stretched across Alex's chest, warm and solid for someone so new. His breathing lifts her sweater in small, steady rhythms. Across the room, Haley sways slowly near the window, Alice tucked against her shoulder, whisper-singing something off-key but affectionate.
Jake stands at the kitchen island, pretending to read emails on his tablet.
In reality, he's not reading anything on the screen.
His mind is elsewhere, steps ahead, carefully hidden behind normalcy.
"Can you grab me a burp cloth?" Haley asks softly.
Jake does, brushing her elbow as he hands it over. Their eyes meet for a second. Nothing in his expression gives him away.
Alex shifts slightly. "You're hovering again," She whispers without looking up.
Jake smiles. "My two baby mama gave birth to two magnificent boy and girl barely two weeks ago. Of course I'm hovering."
Life looks settled from the outside. Two newborns. A house that runs smoothly. A family who could spend the rest of his life coasting if he wanted.
But Jake isn't coasting.
Later, when the house goes quiet babies asleep, Haley showering, Alex dozing on the couch, Jake slips into his office and closes the door.
The lights stay low.
He opens a laptop. Vermont keeps coming up.
A state small enough that ideas still move person to person. Where family law has always been treated as something living, adaptable. Where reform happens through committees and conversations, not grandstanding. Where support can be cultivated without attention.
This isn't about politics. It's about love.
He closes the laptop when he hears footsteps. Haley appears in the doorway, hair damp, wearing one of his shirts.
"You coming to bed, or are you conquering the world again?"
"Just finishing up," He says easily, shutting the screen.
She smiles, sleepy and trusting. "Don't be long."
When he finally lies down between them, the house is dark and full in that particular way it only is when everyone is home. Alex shifts closer in her sleep, instinctively. Haley's hand finds his without looking.
Jake stares at the ceiling for a moment, heart steady.
Soon, he thinks. Not yet but soon.
First, the foundation. Then, the question.
And when he asks them when he finally proposes it won't be a promise the law can't keep.
[ Months later ]
Claire's car disappears down the drive just as twilight settles in, the sky streaked with soft blues and fading gold. Inside the house, everything feels unusually quiet.
Jake closes the door and turns to Alex and Haley.
"They're good," he says gently. "Fed, bathed, asleep. We're officially off duty for the night."
Alex smiles, already intrigued. "That sounds suspiciously planned."
Jake doesn't deny it. "Come with me."
They drive without music, windows cracked open to the cooling air. The city gives way to coastline, the road narrowing as it curves along the cliffs.
Finally, Jake turns through wrought-iron gates that open silently onto a long, lantern-lit drive.
The estate sits high above the ocean, old stone, sweeping terraces, arched windows glowing warmly from within. Beyond it, the sea stretches endlessly, dark and alive.
Haley stops short as they step out of the car.
"Jake… this place is unreal." She says.
"It's just for us." Jake answers.
Inside, the house opens onto a vast terrace. Hundreds of candles line the stone balustrade. White roses trail along the railings, red petals scattered like snow across the floor. At the far edge, overlooking the water, a string quartet plays softly, not visible at first, tucked discreetly below the terrace so the music seems to rise straight from the sea itself.
Alex's breath catches. "You hired a private orchestra."
"Just for tonight," Jake says. "Just for you."
The sun slips beneath the horizon as he leads them forward. Below the cliffs, boats sit anchored in the bay, their lights reflecting across the water like constellations.
As the sky darkens, fireworks bloom in the distance, bursts of gold and white, reflected perfectly in the ocean below.
Haley's eyes fill instantly. "Oh my God…"
Jake stops at the center of the terrace and turns to face them. The music softens.
He takes both their hands.
"I have everything I ever thought I wanted success, freedom. But none of it matters without you." He looks at Alex first. "You challenge me, ground me, see through me. You make me better by refusing to let me be anything less."
Alex swallows hard, her fingers tightening around his.
Then Haley. "And you," he says softly, smiling through emotion, "you bring warmth and life into everything. You make this family joyful. You make it whole."
The music fades entirely.
Jake steps back and lowers himself to one knee.
"I didn't want to ask you something the world couldn't honor," he says. "So I made sure it could. Properly. Because I want a future where we never have to explain ourselves."
He opens the box.
Two rings with different designs, clearly chosen with care, bound by the same subtle engraving along the inside.
"I don't want to choose between you," Jake says, voice steady but thick. "I choose both of you. Every day. For the rest of my life."
He looks up at them.
"Will you marry me?"
The first firework blooms just then, lighting the sky in white and gold.
Haley looks at with a laugh that breaks into tears. "Yes," she says immediately. "Yes, Jake. Always yes."
Alex stands frozen for a heartbeat, overwhelmed by the care, the intention, the patience behind all of it. Then she nods once, fiercely.
"Yes," she says, her voice shaking. "I choose this. I choose you. Every time."
Jake rises, pulling them into his arms as the fireworks continue to bloom slowly over the sea, reflected endlessly below.
The three of them, wrapped in candlelight, music, and happiness.
— PS: okay, it was complicated to get here and frankly im not overly fan of that ending but a least its a conclusion. Maybe there will be an epilogue but don't get your hopes to high
As i said before this story was just going to be a smut with Alex but well…. Things got a bit out of hands. Anyway thanks to all of you for the support.
I think one-shot could be simpler for the future so don't hesitate to give some ideas. Fandom rarely used are preferred.