“Good.” I wait until she’s buckled in to shut the door.
“Who’s coming today?” she asks once we’re on the road.
“Your parents, Ridge, Kendall, Knox, other than that, I’m not sure.” I feel bad lying to her, but it’s a surprise. It’s not like I’m being malicious.
“It’s nice we can all spend the holidays together. Although it does feel a little weird having Thanksgiving a week early.”
“Yeah. Your mom didn’t mention why?”
“Something about working around everyone’s schedules or something like that. I’m not really sure. To be honest, I just made sure I had the date right and asked what I could bring. She tried to say since I was pregnant, I got a free pass. Then I talked to Kendall, and she said she was bringing pumpkin roll. I called Mom out on it as you already know,” she says.
“Babe, you’re having two babies.”
“I know, but Dr. Hatfield cleared me to do a little more, and you helped me because you’re husband of the year. I’m able to do things. I just move a little slower and these guys often limit my reach.” She laughs, rubbing her belly.
I reach over and rest my hand on her bump. “We make a good team,” I say, changing the subject. Keeping this a secret is harder than I thought it would be when our moms suggested it. One thing’s for sure, she has no idea it’s coming.
Pulling into my in-laws’ driveway, I’m not sure what to expect. I see Ridge’s truck as well as my parents’ car. That’s it. I don’t know how they pulled it off, but they nailed it. I park behind Ridge and reach behind the seat to grab the cake carrier and the container of cookies.
“I’m starving,” Reagan comments as we make our way to the front porch. “I can’t wait for Mom’s broccoli casserole.”
“I’m sure she made it just for you,” I tell her. That I know is not a lie. Reagan has been talking about her mom’s broccoli casserole for weeks. I sent Heidi, her mom, a message earlier in the week telling her Reagan would be disappointed if she didn’t get it this weekend. She assured me she would make a batch just for her.
“Mom, Dad, we’re here,” she calls as we enter the house.
“In the living room, sweetheart,” her mom answers.
My hands are full of our desserts, but I walk close beside her into the living room. As soon as we enter, a round of “Surprise” rings out. I look over at my wife to see tears shimmering in her eyes as she takes in the scene before us.
“It’s your baby shower,” I whisper into her ear.
“You guys,” she says, her voice gruff with emotion.
“Come sit.” Her mom guides her to a chair next to Kendall, who is due any day.
“How are you feeling?” Reagan asks her.
“Well done.” Kendall laughs.
“I feel that way now, so I can’t imagine what I’ll feel like in twelve more weeks.” Again, I see the worry flash in her eyes, but it’s gone before anyone can take notice. I notice because she’s all I see.
“You have two though, so I’d say we’re pretty even,” Kendall replies.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Reagan asks her, looking around the room with a giant smile in place.
“Hey, I’m not for spoiling surprises. I can tell you that we started planning this two months ago at my shower.” She shrugs unapologetically.
“All right.” My mom stands and joins Heidi at the front of the room. “We’re going to eat first, then play a few games before we get to gifts.”
“Right, so go on into the kitchen and make yourselves a plate.”
“Hey, man,” Kent greets me. “How’s it going, Momma?” he asks Reagan, touching her belly.
“Good. Thank you for coming. All of you.” She peers around him at Seth and Mark, who are waiting to say hello. “I know this isn’t really a guy thing.” She smiles up at him. I know the effect of that smile.
“You’re family, Reagan, even before this guy and his super sperm,” Seth chimes in, making us all laugh.
“Go get something to eat.” She waves them off and they do as they’re told.
“Stay put. I’ll go make you a plate,” I instruct. I’m expecting her to tell me she can do it on her own, but she simply nods, accepting the help. Leaning in, I kiss her softly on the lips. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For these two.” I place my hand over her belly just as one of the boys kicks, and I can’t hold back my smile. “For loving me, for being my wife. I can go on and on.”
“Right back at you, Justice. Now food. Damn,” she mumbles.
“What?”
“I really wanted broccoli casserole.”
I throw my head back in laughter. “Good thing your mom made it for you.”
“She did?” Her eyes light up. “Go, before it’s all gone.” She pushes me away, both of us laughing at her antics.
“Thank you.” Reagan wipes a tear from her eye. “Today has been incredible. Thank you all so much for the gifts for the boys and for being here with us today.”
My hand that’s resting on her lap gives her thigh a gentle squeeze. I pulled my chair right up next to hers as we opened gift after gift from our friends and family. I can’t imagine there is anything that we’re missing for the boys.
She turns to look at me. “How are we going to get all of this home?”
“We got you, Reagan,” Mark assures her.
“We’re going to start loading up the trucks now.” I give her a quick kiss and get to work.
The cargo area of our Explorer, as well as the back seat, is fully loaded. Mark’s back seat of his truck is loaded down, as is Dawn’s car. Ridge puts the two high chairs and the two bouncing seats into the back of his truck. We say our goodbyes and head home. I can see that Reagan is tired, and I know she’s going to want to go through all of this stuff. Her next-door neighbor growing up, Amelia, was there and it had been years since they’d seen each other. She was nice enough to make a list of who gifted what as we opened our gifts so that we can write thank-you cards.
By the time the guys and I get everything carried into the house, my wife is sound asleep on the couch. I want to curl up with her, but instead, I unpack the high chairs and bouncing seats. She can tell me where she wants them when she wakes up. Looking around the living room, I’m amused to see our house has turned into baby central, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Twelve more weeks, God willing, and we get to meet our boys.
Chapter 21
Reagan
* * *
I startle awake when I fe
el wetness coat my legs. I lie here for a few minutes, making sure I’m fully awake before climbing out of bed. As soon as I stand, more fluid rushes to the floor.
It’s time.
I’m thirty-nine weeks today. I send up a silent prayer that I was able to make it this far. This pregnancy has been a bumpy road, filled with fear and worry. Dr. Hatfield kept reminding me that multiple births deliver early, but here we are. The last couple of weeks, I’ve been back on bedrest. My husband and our family made sure I followed orders. Kendall and Knox, and their new baby girl, Everly, have spent many days with me. My mom and my mother-in-law have also been here every step of the way. I’m so grateful for all of them. I don’t know how I would have done it staring at the same walls every day without their company.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I reach back for Ty, but he’s too far away. “Tyler.” I tug on the cover.
“Yeah, baby,” he asks groggily.
“Ty, it’s time.”
“Time for what?” he asks, and then it must sink in because he’s jumping out of bed and slipping on the hardwood floor as he steps in front of me. “Are you sure? Are you okay?” he asks in a rush.
“I’m sure. My water just broke,” I say, my voice cracking.
“Hang on, guys.” He caresses my belly tenderly. “Take it easy on your momma today.” He leans in and presses a kiss to my belly, and then my lips. “Tell me what you need, Reags.”
“I need to change clothes. Our bags and the boys’ bags are packed and by the front door.”
“Right. Okay. What do you want to wear?”
“Just grab a pair of leggings and clean panties.”
“Got it.” He rushes around the room, gathering my clothes and then helps me get dressed.
“Grab a few towels for the seat in the car,” I suggest.
“Not worried about the car, Reagan.”