Surviving (Surrender 2)

Declan’s hand goes to my stomach and rubs gently. He watches the screen as Dr. Johns takes measurements and pictures print. When she removes the wand Declan scoots me over and gets on the table with me. He holds me close and doesn’t say anything or a few moments.

“Raven, I’d say you’re eight to nine weeks along. I’m going to give you a prescription for prenatal vitamins and an iron supplement. Your blood work showed low iron, which is common with twins. You are a very healthy young lady, but I’d like to see you gain a few pounds. Get plenty of rest and make an appointment to see your OB/GYN as soon as you can.”

We shake her hand, and she leaves us alone. I roll over as much as I can on the tiny table and look at Declan’s face.

“Sweetie, you okay?”

“Fucking thrilled.”

“Twins.”

“I hope God isn’t out of favors for me. I need another one”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve asked him for so many things regarding you, now I’m going to pray they aren’t both girls.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ll be screwed. I’ll be dead of a heart attack or in jail if they’re anything like you.”

Chapter 59

Last Concert

It’s a great coincidence our last concert of the summer tour is in Nashville. I’m so glad to be home, and I think everyone feels the same way. As soon as I get the safety reports and tie up a few loose ends, I’m going to the house. I have the whole afternoon before I have to be back at the stadium tonight. Our entire group of friends and parents are coming to the show. We’ve only told the band, my parents and David about the pregnancy. We’re trying to wait until the second trimester when we’re in safer territory to tell the others.

Even though I’m only ten weeks pregnant, I can totally tell. My boobs have grown, and my clothes are tight. I’ve read that, with twins, this is normal. My sex drive is out of control, which has been hard the last week on the bus. I still get sick, but not too often now. All the vitamins and supplements are helping.

The organizers switched the lineup tonight, so Sayge goes on last. Since it’s a hometown crowd, and they have the number one song in the country, I asked for the change. No one argued with me and rumor has it there are going to be several huge recording artists backstage tonight. Jay is bringing a few of his new artists that are huge fans. We coordinated to have backstage passes and invited them to the band room before the show.

I check to make sure I have everything I need and go to tell Declan goodbye. They are adding a few songs to their set, and he won’t be home for a few hours. He kisses me hard before he lets me go, and there are catcalls and whistles from all the crew around us. Even after all the weeks I’ve been around them, I still get embarrassed when Declan gropes me.

Robbie is waiting next to his bike when I walk out. After greeting me warmly he hands me a helmet, and we take off. This is only the third time I’ve been on his bike, and I love it. I’ve decided Declan is getting one for Christmas. There’s a car waiting in our driveway with all our bags, and the driver helps Robbie take everything in the house. When he leaves, I make Robbie sit down and tell me everything going on since I left. Apparently, he’s done screwing around with Ember and told her she was moving in next month when her lease is up.

Finn and Tripp are moving into the condo next to Robbie since Gabe and Jimi moved out. He isn’t dating the girl that Abbi met anymore. When I bring it up, Robbie tells me she turned out to be a clinger and would never make it long term.

We’re in the middle of discussing all the things that happened this summer when Declan storms into the house. He looks at both of us, and I swear he’s grown three heads.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

“Tell me you didn’t ride Robbie’s bike home.”

“Um yeah, you knew he picked me up.”

“Yes, but I thought it would be in his truck!”

“Man, what’s the fucking problem?” Robbie gets up and looks between us.

Declan looks at me, and I know he’s about to blow. His overprotective streak is showing through.

“You didn’t tell him?” he asks me ignoring Robbie.

I shake my head trying to tell him silently to shut up. He ignores me.

“Sorry, man, but obviously I need to keep a watch on her all the time. She has no business on the back of a bike. She’s pregnant.”

Robbie looks at me and whistles through his teeth. “Fuck me walking. You didn’t think to tell me that?”