“Wow.” Adam’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts. He held up a heavy package her mom had brought. He set it in front of Faith. “Don’t try to pick it up, sweetheart.”
Faith leaned back in her chair and rubbed her lower back. “Okay. You open it, Adam. My back hurts too much to lean on the floor.”
He nodded and gave her a sympathetic look. Her stomach was fully round now and her feet and back often ached. He unwrapped a car seat and held it up for Faith to see.
“Oh Mom. I haven’t had time to buy one yet.” Faith grinned, giving her mom a huge hug. She included Ted. She was grateful he kept her mom on the straight and narrow path. “Thank you both. To have you here means so much to me.”
She gave Ted a hug and blinked back some tears. She looked around the room and realized she did have family in all these people. Alana’s family had adopted her into the fold with no questions and Adam admitted they had done the same for him and Liam. For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel like that poor little girl who had no one but herself to depend on.
Liam picked up a yellow bag and handed it to them. “Open mine next.”
Faith grinned at his enthusiasm. She was getting to know him better and she was touched by the bond the three brothers had with each other, like hers and Holly’s.
Inside was a tiny gray T-shirt with the words “Red Hook Medical Services” and a pair of tiny jeans.
Adam laughed and high-fived his younger brother. “Yes. My daughter can’t always wear pink frilly dresses. Not if she is going to hang with the big boys.”
Everyone laughed. Noah shook his head and complained. “Liam stole my idea.”
He handed Adam another bag. Inside was a blue T-shirt that said “Red Hook Sheriff Department.” It came with a matching baby-size c
ap and bib.”
Alana hugged her husband. “That is so adorable, Noah. You shopped without me.”
“I had to do something when you, Alicia, and Holly were gone all the time.” He pouted.
Alana kissed his cheek. She looked at Faith. “I ordered the crib you wanted. It will be delivered to your house.”
Faith stood up and hugged her. That was an expensive piece that she had been waiting to buy. “Oh my god, Alana. I am so lucky to have you in my life.”
After they were done unwrapping the many gifts they sat down to eat.
Adam rubbed her lower back as she leaned against him. She kissed his cheek softly. Her heart was overwhelmed with contentment.
“Happy?”
She nodded, swallowing down some tears. “Very happy and surprised. Did you know?”
He moved her bangs out of her face and winked. “Alana told me a few days ago. She wanted to make sure I wasn’t on duty.”
“When we get home, I’ll give you a massage.” When he was off, he often stayed at her house.
Faith blushed. His massages always led to him exploring her and making sweet love to her. She couldn’t wait.
She spent some time talking to her mom and Ted along with Adam.
“We’ve been wanting to visit with you,” Adam assured them both. “Faith works so hard though and she is exhausted by her days off. I worry, but she says it is normal.”
Her mom gave her a worried look. She held Faith’s hand. “Oh honey. I am so proud of your success and Holly, too. She is going to be a great nurse, but I worry about you, too.”
Faith gave her mom a smile. Her mom was so different now that she was sober. It was unreal, but nice. “I know, Mama. I have a great manager and Adam talked me into hiring another two employees so I can take it easy. I feel huge and I bump into things behind those narrow counters. I will still go in and check up on things, but I won’t work my normal shifts.”
“Faith has two great guys starting Tuesday. Plus Jenny is a great manager. Faith can sit in a chair and give orders,” Adam teased, making Faith laugh.
“So when is the wedding?” Ted asked with curiosity. Rebecca also looked interested in the answer. Faith felt like the whole place got quiet as everyone waited for the answer. Noah had been pushing for a wedding. Adam was willing and ready, she was the one that held back. She had to stop being a coward. Adam had been great. He introduced her to his friends as his girlfriend. He spent all his time with her. What else did she need? He told her Liam already moved downstairs and he was ready to paint the nursery pink or lavender.
She grabbed Adam’s hand and squeezed. “I look like I swallowed a beach ball and I feel awkward, not pretty. Maybe after the baby is born.”