“Take me home, handsome. Tomorrow will be a better day. We’ll call the doctor, and I’ll rest until we figure things out.” She nuzzles into the crook of my neck. I rest my hand on her lower abdomen, knowing that soon, she’ll not only have my last name, but we’ll also have a child.
Twenty-Two
Emerson
The next day, Saint and I went to the obstetrician. Saint asked for the full work-up, not leaving any stone unturned. The doctor said for the most part, things will subside as time progresses, and he doesn’t think this episode was caused by the vestibular neuronitis. Nope, that would be our little peanut causing all the trouble. That’s why we decided to have a family get-together. Everyone happened to have a spare weekend and made time to come over for a Saturday afternoon. The only people who couldn’t make it were Saint’s parents. So, we decided to FaceTime them with the news today. To say they were ecstatic would be an understatement. Which I’m sure will be the case once everyone is here later today.
“What are you doing? This isn’t exactly taking it easy, you know?” Saint’s arms wrap around me while I’m standing at the kitchen counter cutting up the vegetables and fruit for the platters.
“Whatever. You act like standing at the counter, cutting a few things up is some big deal. If I start to feel sick, I’ll sit on the stool or take a break. You’ve already done everything else.” I’m not even kidding. He made chicken, steak, shrimp, and vegetable skewers. Talk about over the top making sure everyone had a choice. My mom is making dessert. Misty is making some kind of dip that has chunks of salsa, cheese, and ground meat. Fox and Melanie have been in town the past few days, same with Jax and Sloane. Cruz and Luna will be here with the rest of the crew. The only one missing is Ace. Apparently, he couldn’t make it down. Something about being too busy gambling in Monaco and then going to Las Vegas. He’s one of those who will never settle down.
“I don’t want you feeling bad, sweetheart,” he rumbles in my ear before nipping my earlobe.
“I won’t, but if you keep doing that, we’ll be too busy to answer the door. And you know what Josey and Mack will do.” I move my head to meet his lips. The kids will literally beat the door down until one of us answers. Not just to see us. Nope, that would be them using us for the back deck and fishing more and more.
“I don’t know what they like more, us or the backyard,” Saint says.
“I’m going to say it’s pretty darn equal.” I finish setting the platters up and spin around, my arms going around Saint’s neck.
“You ready for today?” he asks me just as the doorbell rings.
“It’s open!” I holler out, so I don’t have to move from where I’m standing. I figure it’s my parents—they’re usually early to everything—but imagine my surprise when everyone walks in, giving hugs, greeting us, and laughing.
“Can we tell them?” I ask Saint.
“The floor is yours, sweetheart.” I’m wrapped up in his warmth and scent.
“Attention, everyone, Saint and I have some big news to share with you.” It takes them a few moments to settle down, but I get their sole focus once they’re not talking over one another, that’s the hard part with this big of a group.
“Is it wedding bells, Auntie Em?” Josey asks.
“Yeah, will Saint officially be our uncle?” Mack laughs.
“That’s a given. We’re working on a date next, but that will be happening, and soon.” His hand on my hip is firm, squeezing me closer.
“Yes, Saint is right, bu we’re also pregnant!” I throw out, chaos ensues, and it’s the best feeling ever. Even when I’m being pulled away from Saint and hugging everyone, this right here, with all of our family surrounding us, there’s no better place to be.
Twenty-Three
Saint
“You happy, sweetheart?” The two of us are lying in each other’s arms, both sated from the way Saint worked me over. Of course, that’s what happens when you have a wedding full of friends and family, and it’s all pulled off without you even knowing, down to the dress. It was another one of those surprises Saint had up his sleeve. The best part was seeing his parents come down too. I’m not sure who has a wedding on a late Sunday morning, but we did. All of us there, the sun casting a shine over the water, lush flowers on tables, and Saint… Jesus. My knees went weak when I saw him in a white button-down shirt, dark slacks, and a coral flower in on the front pocket, but it was the smirk and the heated gaze that slid down my body that had me practically purring. Not to mention my dress. It had my mom and Misty written all over it with its lace over chiffon fabric, a sweetheart neckline, fitted at the waist, then flowing down the length of my legs. It was definitely a dream come true. And I wasn’t even upset that I didn’t get a chance to help plan my wedding. No, if truth be told, it was a major reprieve and stress relief to have it all said and done.