Innocence

“Yeah, I did. Millie reminded me. Never missed a day.”

No antibiotics were taken. Only fever reducer. Everything was fine. I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding. “Okay. She just mentioned the word pregnant because of how off I’ve been feeling and I freaked a little. I should be over the flu by now.”

Excitement danced across Jaxson’s face which confused me. I thought he’d be a nervous wreck talking about babies with everything else we had going on. “You think you’re pregnant?”

“No. I don’t. I haven’t missed a pill. You don’t have to worry.”

Jaxson’s hand went to my stomach causing it to flip-flop. “London, I would be thrilled for you to be pregnant.”

“You would?” The feelings became more confusing. Per previous discussions, we were waiting for a while to adjust to married life.

He kissed me. “Yes, sweetheart. Do you want me to get a test to make sure?”

“Would you mind?”

“Not at all.”

Now, I wasn’t sure what I wanted the pregnancy test to say.

Jaxson and I leaned against the counter while we waited for the test to render its verdict. I stared at the stick wondering what fate it would yield against the black granite countertops. It was like a beacon teasing me with an unrevealed answer.

Ty went to Pam’s to play with Mallory. Jaxson was calm about the entire situation—truly seeming open to the idea of having a kid.

I chanced a glance at Jaxson who watched me. “What’s on your mind, London?”

“It’s just that the thought being pregnant scared me to death this morning. Now as I look at the stick, I’m not sure what I think.”

Sitting me on the counter, Jaxson positioned himself between my legs. His lips grazed against my jaw. “If you’re pregnant, it will be one of the happiest days of my life.” The words warmed me. He nibbled my earlobe. “If you’re not, we’ll keep practicing until we’re ready.” His tongue came out and tasted me. “I have you as my wife. That’s all I need.”

“Jaxson—” My breathy reply was interrupted by the timer going off.

The stick was in Jaxson hand as he tilted it to me.

Not Pregnant

Those damn tears wanted to be known again and I wasn’t sure why. “Now, we get to practice while we’re alone. I fully accept the challenge.”

As Jaxson carried me to the bedroom, the sadness abated quickly. Practicing would be fun.

Pam, Levi, Ty and I all left the hairdresser.

Not knowing where Crystal was had me on edge while we were in town. It was no wonder why I had been all over the place emotionally over the last couple of weeks, with all the additional stress she brought into our lives.

Ty helped keep my thoughts occupied as we passed by a pet store with puppies in the window. He sighed as he touched the glass. “I want a puppy so bad, Mom.”

I ruffled his freshly-cut hair which had him ducking out of the way. “I know, buddy. They’re a big responsibility. We’ll keep talking about it. Okay?”

“Okay. But, it would be funner if we just got it.”

“I know.”

The storefront decorations had a fall-like feel that reminded me of pumpkins and Halloween. Last night, Ty and I convinced Jaxson to dress up with us for Halloween. As what . . . we weren’t sure. Ty and I were going to brainstorm this weekend.

Swinging my arm, Ty gave me a smile. “Can we sip some lemonade on the front porch today?”

“Oh, we could do some warm apple cider since it’s chilly.” Ty beamed at me, still thriving on motherly attention. He would never be lacking in love from me. “You know Granddad and Aunt Millie are coming tomorrow.”

He jumped, nearly taking my arm with him. “I know! I want to go fishing with Grandpa and Granddad.”