Bayli kicked her legs and waved her arms. “Oh, you too, huh? I knew I liked you for a reason.”
An hour later I found myself standing in Libby’s bathroom staring down at a pregnancy test. The plus sign was like a flashing beacon. A warning sign that kept saying over and over, Pregnant. Pregnant. Pregnant.
The soft knock at the door caused me to jump and let out a gasp. “Grace? Can I come in?” Alex’s voice was soft and gentle.
Reaching over, I unlocked the bathroom door as Alex slowly opened it. Looking over at her, a single tear rolled down my cheek. “Oh Grace. I’m so sorry honey. I thought for sure you were.”
Wiping the tear away, I held the stick up to her as her mouth dropped open and she let out a gasp. Then her smile faded. “Grace, are you not happy about this?”
Nodding my head, I said, “No. I mean, yes! I guess I’m just in shock. Why don’t I feel pregnant? Shouldn’t I feel it?”
Alex took my hand in hers and smiled sweetly. “Oh, Grace honey. I didn’t know either the first time. I think most women probably think they’re sick, just like you did. I’m so happy for you!” Alex pulled me to her as I wrapped my arms around her. Libby walked up and started jumping and pretended to scream. One of the girls must have been asleep.
When Alex let me go, Libby took her turn with the hugging. “Call Dr. Johnson’s office right now and make an appointment. He’s starting to cut back on patients. My mom said he’s retiring this year. Grace, he has to deliver your baby. He’s delivered most of us! It’s tradition!”
Nodding my head in agreement, I pulled out my phone. “Oh wait! I need to tell Noah!”
Well fell into a fit of laughter until Libby put her hand up to her lips. “The girls are both napping. Come on, I’ll grab the monitor and let’s go sit on the front porch. Grace, you can call and make the appointment at least!”
Alex agreed and shoved my phone into my chest.
I spent the rest of the afternoon with Alex, Libby, Mireya, and Bayli. It was one of the best afternoon’s I’d had in a long time. It was full of laughter, chasing my precious little niece and holding Bayli until Alex demanded I give her back.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I saw Noah had sent a text.
Noah: Hey babe! I’m exhausted from helping Will and Luke today. Jesus how do they do this whole cowboy shit every day?
Grinning, I hit reply.
Me: My poor baby. I’ll treat you right tonight. Let’s head into Fredericksburg for dinner. I have a surprise for you.
It didn’t take Noah long before he called.
“Hey, handsome.”
“Surprise huh? What is it? Something sexy?”
Standing up, I made my way down the porch steps as I purred back into the phone. “Yep. Very sexy.”
“I’m five minutes from home. Where are you?”
Giggling, I said, “Libby and Luke’s. I’ll leave now. See you at home.”
Hitting End, I turned and saw Libby and Alex both standing there with silly looks on their faces. “Oh for Pete’s sake. The both of you clearly need to get laid.”
Alex shook her head and said, “Well we know who will for sure tonight!”
Giving them a wink, I said, “Hell yeah, I will be. I’m going to head home. Bye y’all.”
“Love you, Grace. Be careful and tell Noah congratulations!” Libby called out.
Happiness bubbled up inside of me, but for some reason, doubt plagued my thoughts. Could this really be happening? I had wanted a baby so badly, but I’d kept it to myself for so long. Then when Noah mentioned it, I didn’t want to be a freak and tell him I’d wanted one since the moment his eyes looked my body over. Now, my dream could very well be coming true. My entire body broke out in goose bumps and I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face if I tried.
Climbing into my car, I took a deep breath in and exhaled it as I calmed my nerves down.
I knew Noah was going to be beyond thrilled.
I’m pregnant.
I’m having Noah’s baby.
The closer I got to home, the more excited I was to tell Noah.
Noah’s hand was on my lower back as he led me into August E’s. It was one of his favorite restaurants in Fredericksburg.
The hostess asked if we were celebrating anything and I had to bit hard on my lip before I busted out and screamed to the world that I was pregnant.
“Nope. Just a night out with my beautiful wife,” Noah said as he slipped his arm around my waist. My heart was beating so hard in my chest I was sure everyone could hear it.