Built for Love

by Ella Goode

  “You’re forgetting one thing, bro.” Beck fills my glass to the brim. “That barista was pregnant. She just didn’t want to admit it because her parents were religious nuts and would’ve exiled her to some church camp where they take away the baby, give it to someone else and then revirginize her.”

  Damn. I had forgotten the end of the story.

  17

  Pepper

  “Are you ready?” I jerk at the sound of Abel’s voice. I didn't hear him walk into the office. He was supposed to be with Beck at the place next door for happy hour. I told him to check on him before we headed out for the night. Beck doesn’t really need to be checked on. He needs a 2 x 4 to the back of his head to wake his dumb ass up when it comes to Marist. I mean, the man has to be blind not to see how in love with him she is.

  I really sent Abel there to get him out of the office so he could stop watching my every move. “Furniture?” I reach down next to my desk and pull the power cord in my moment of panic. Everything on my desk is powering off, thanks to my bright idea. Well, that was overkill.

  “Yeah, I got that insurance check for my place,” I rush to say. I was looking at baby furniture when he snuck up on me. An ad had popped up on my screen and I might have clicked on it because it was so nice. And I thought he was tending to Beck and wouldn’t see. I wonder if he knows that I’m lying? It's not entirely a lie.

  “Do you always shut your computer down like that?”

  “It’s effective.” I really hope there wasn't something I needed to save. My screen on my phone lights up. I see a text from Marist flash across it.

  Marist: Got it. Coming in hot.

  I grab my phone, flipping it over so it’s lying face down.

  “What does Marist have?”

  “I have no idea.” I shrug. Yep, that one was a flat-out lie.

  “What are you lovebirds doing?” We both turn our heads to see Beck standing in the doorway of our office.

  “How many drinks did you have at this happy hour?” I say under my breath to Abel. It only takes a glance to see that Beck is two sheets to the wind.

  “I’m in love. Did you know that?” He steps into the room. My mouth falls open as Marist fills the doorway next. I don’t know if I should tell Beck to shut his mouth or to tell Marist to abort the mission she was on to get me a pregnancy test. I thought there would be enough time after I pushed Abel into checking in on Beck. Obviously I was wrong.

  Now, I have an even more suspicious Abel and a drunk Beck to deal with. Let’s not forget the fact that Marist is standing in the damn doorway with a pregnancy test in a bag while listening to Beck profess his love.

  “I think everyone can see that. It’s not a secret, Beck,” I say because no one else seems to be speaking up around here. That seems to get his attention. It’s so clear how much he loves her. They belong together, and I’m not going to let this drunken moment be how he tells her that he loves her. “Speaking of love. Hi, Marist.”

  Beck whips around so fast he almost falls over. Marist holds up her hand to give a small wave, the plastic bag in hand. I watch in what feels like slow motion as a few pregnancy tests fall out of the bag and hit the floor. The bag in her hand is still full. How many did she get?

  Marist's face turns red as she looks down at the floor. What the hell do I do?

  “Marist?” Beck whispers her name, looking suddenly sober.

  “I. Well-” she starts.

  “It’s okay. I’ll be here with you.” Okay. Some of my insides melt.

  “Maybe I could have been yours months ago,” she snips back. It clearly didn't have the same effect on her as it did me.

  “I’m sorry. I was stupid. Do you”—he drops his head—“love him?” he finishes.

  Her lips part, but no words come out.

  “They’re mine,” I say. I’m not going to mess up whatever it is they have going on because I can’t talk to my own man. Maybe I should give Beck a break. “I asked Marist to get them for me.”

  I glance over to Abel, who doesn't look shocked in the least at the news I just spilled.

  “I got them.” Abel walks over, picking them up off the floor before taking the bag from Marist. “Thanks.” He sticks the others back into the bag. “I thought you only needed one of these things?” he asks me.

  “I think we should give them a moment,” Marist says, motioning for Beck to come with her.

  “You’re not pregnant?” He doesn't move.

  “No. Now come on.” She gives him a look that goes right over his drunk head.

  “You want babies?” Her face softens a little. “You’d make beautiful babies.” She’s not even knocked up and Beck is better at this than Abel, which is shocking because it’s freaking Beck!

  “Come here,” she orders him with more force, holding her hand out. He walks over, taking it, and she yanks him from our office.

  “Maybe they’ll finally talk.” Abel shakes his head like Beck is the crazy one. “Are you ready?” He wraps a hand around my waist, pulling me into him and dropping a kiss onto my mouth.

  “Am I ready to--?” Take the test? What is happening here.

  “To go home. You let Marist steal your breakfast and pick at your lunch. You need a full dinner.”

  “You realize I think I’m pregnant.”

  “Well, I hope so,” he says as he starts to move me toward the door. “I’ve been working on it for a few months now.” If he wasn't holding me up, I might have fallen over due to his revelation.

  18

  Abel

  She doesn’t look thrilled that I know.

  “Sorry I ruined the surprise, babe.” The traffic going out of the city is surprisingly heavy and slow going. Maybe we should stick around town until dinner time and then head home.

  “You didn’t ruin it. The tests fell out of Marist’s bag.”

  “You’re right. It was Beck’s fault.” I whistle cheerfully. “Since it’s out in the open, do you want to do some baby shopping? Clothes, diapers, shit for you. I was reading up and there’s some kind of vitamin for pregnant women. We’ll need to get you that stat. What else?” I drum my fingers against the wheel.

  “I want to go home.”

  “Sure. Should I stop by and pick up some pizza or maybe tacos? We haven’t had those in a while.” If I make a right up on 94th Street, I think I can get to Jimenez’s in about ten minutes.

  “No. I’ll get my own food.”

  “We don’t have to have tacos. We’ll get whatever you want.”

  “I want to go home. Thanks.”

  It’s the abrupt thanks that finally breaks through my thick skull that Pepper is really unhappy. “Home it is.” I turn the blinker off. I’ll run her a bath and massage her feet. She’s been working hard this week. I bet she’s tuckered out. She’s got another little body inside her.

  “Not your home, mine.”

  “Yours?” I’m confused.

  “The apartment is done, isn’t it? That’s what we’ve been waiting for. I’d like to go there.” It is. A few units need a few more small things, but anyone who was living there before the units were finished are allowed to move back in.

  “To see what it looks like? Sure. Let’s do that.”

  “Not just to see what it looks like but—“ She stops herself. “You know what? Yes. I want to see what it looks like today.”

  After that baffling exchange, she falls silent. Another thing my internet research revealed was that pregnant ladies can have mood swings which, again, is completely understandable when you’ve got another human inside of you. That’s crazy in my opinion. Biology is a wild motherfucker. I salute her.

  We pull up to the newly renovated building. The parking lot is filling up as the workday is coming to an end. The white painted lines look fresh, and the concrete sidewalks don’t have a single crack. The boxwoods and small pines dotting the landscape make the big building look more like an estate home than a collection of apartments. It’s inviting but elegant. My chest puffs up with p
ride. I’m glad we came so Pepper could see the benefit of her hard work.

  I tuck her hand in the crook of my elbow. “The outside landscaping is awesome, babe. You did a great job.”

  “I did, didn’t I?”

  “Yep. I gotta keep you a secret or firms are going to try to steal you away. Marist has been getting head-hunted for years. Beck’s always on edge she’s going to leave.” I help her up the stairs and hold the door to the building open for her.

  “Maybe he should get his head out of his ass and let her know how much he loves her.”

  “I think he’s doing that right now.” I punch in the code to override the security. The door pops open and we go through. The antique chandelier that Pepper found at the flea market brightens up the lobby and serves as a perfect accessory to the paneled walnut walls. The interior says stately old school but everything about this place is modern, from the high efficiency appliances to the double-paned windows. Energy costs won’t be very high, and the residents won’t be calling the management company with complaints about noise. “What do you want to check out first? Units 3, 4, and 7 aren’t rented out yet.”

  “Mine.”

  At the end of the lobby, a new resident comes around the corner. We both frown at him. Pepper steps up. “Hi, um, I’m Pepper.” She holds out her hand. The man smiles because who wouldn’t smile if Pepper was standing in front of them looking like a delectable cupcake? But she’s my dessert and I’m not having anyone touch her—not even her hand—so I slide in front of Pepper.

  “And I’m Abel.”

  The man looks at my hand and then over my shoulder at Pepper. “Eyes on me, dude.”

  “I’m Peter and I live in Apartment 9.”

  Pepper pushes me to the side. “Apartment 9? That’s my apartment.”

  “Really? It’s quite lovely and there’s room for another per—“

  I have my fist up before I know it. Pepper grabs my arm. “Stop, Abel!” she cries.

  “Dude. I didn’t know she was your girl.” Apartment 9 raises both hands in surrender. “Sorry. I’ll just be on my way.”

  The man steps nimbly by and skates out the front door. Pepper releases me with a sigh.

  “Were you really going to punch him? You’re so easygoing and then sometimes you go off the deep end.” She shakes her head.

  “I wonder what the common theme is here.” I frown at her. “You’re pregnant now. You can’t be touching other men.”

  “You mean men I don’t know.”

  “I mean any men.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Come on. I want to go see my apartment.”

  I pull her back. “Pepper...there is no your apartment. The only non-leased units are upstairs.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I kiss her shoulder. “I mean, babe, that your home is with me. I guess if you want to be in town, we can have a place here, but I like being out in the country.”

  Pepper twists in my grip so she can face me. Her pretty mouth is frowning. “How long ago did you rent the apartment?”

  “I don’t know. A couple of months.”

  “So before you knew I was pregnant?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  Her lower lip starts to quiver.

  “Oh no, babe. What’s wrong?”

  “So you’ve wanted me to live with you all along?”

  “Of course!” I thumb away a tear that’s about to drop. “Don’t cry. The country sucks. We are moving to town. Let me call Beck and find out the best location for us to build.” I reach into my pocket and fumble with my phone.

  Pepper laughs. “No. That’s not it. I thought you didn’t want me. I mean, I knew you wanted to sleep with me, but I thought that’s all it was.”

  “All it was?” I blink at her in complete shock. “Pepper, if I could lock you up and throw away the key, I would. Fuck, I nearly killed that guy for even speaking to you. I love you, babe. Don’t you know that?” I cup her face and press a kiss against her lips. “I’m glad you’re pregnant because now you can’t leave me.”

  “You can’t leave me either,” she whispers.

  “Those are the second best words to come out of your mouth.”

  “What are the first best ones?”

  I kiss her again. “You haven’t said them yet.”

  “You haven’t either,” she teases.

  “Babe, I love you.” She’s laughing as I sweep her up into my arms and carry her out of the apartment. It’s the prettiest sound on this earth.

  Epilogue

  Pepper

  Months later

  “I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful bride.” I meet Marist’s eyes in the mirror.

  “Liar. I was at your wedding.” My smile grows bigger thinking about that day. We got married in our backyard. We both wanted something low key. I love that our home is going to hold so many special moments like that one. I can see our kids getting married out there too.

  “This wedding has been years in the freaking making.” I shake my head. Thank goodness Beck finally pulled his head out of his ass and went for it. Once he did, there was no holding back. He bulldozed his way right into Marist’s life. He had a ring on her finger and a baby in her belly at rocket speed. I was happy that I didn't have to be pregnant alone.

  “It has. As crazy as it drove me, I’m not sure I would change it. It’s our story.” Marist’s eyes fill with tears. She is finally getting the happily ever after she deserves with Beck.

  “Don’t cry.” I turn her. “We just did your makeup.” She is done up and ready to go. Unlike Abel’s and my small wedding, Marist and Beck’s is a classic wedding with over a hundred guests. All of whom are waiting for us.

  “I’m not going to.” She blinks away the tears as quickly as possible. “I can’t wait until I have a bump.” She places her hand on my small baby bump.

  “I swear it popped up overnight.” If Abel is near he is always rubbing my stomach. That man can never keep his hands to himself. Not that I am complaining. My husband is attentive. He has been since the moment he met me and basically tricked me into moving into his home. Some people might disagree, but I think it’s romantic that he went through such great lengths to have me.

  I have no doubt he’s going to be a wonderful father. I still don’t know how I got so lucky for him to find me and steal my laundry basket. He pushed himself right into my life. He knew from the very start we were meant to be together. It was silly that I ever doubted what he wanted from our relationship. I’m going to blame it on the pregnancy hormones messing with my head.

  We both look toward the door when there is a knock. “You ladies ready?” Abel asks. I glance back to Marist. She picks up her bouquet that is filled with classic white roses. She looks stunning, and I know Beck is going to lose his mind when he sees her in that dress. I’ll be surprised if they make it through the entire reception without disappearing to be alone somewhere together. Knowing Beck, he’ll try to skip the reception altogether.

  “I’ve been ready far too long.”

  I laugh as we walk out together. The wedding goes off without a hitch. Unless you count the waterworks that Beck and I gave at the altar.

  “How are you feeling?” Abel kisses my bare shoulder. My bridesmaid's dress is strapless. Abel’s hand rests on my stomach. He pulled me down into his lap ten minutes ago, and I don't want to go anywhere. The heels are killing me.

  “Bloated. Look at this!” I hold up my left hand. “I can’t get it off.” I pull at the giant wedding ring on my finger. It’s stuck. Not only is my stomach swollen, every other part of me is too. I am clearly not one of those women who just look like they swallowed a basketball.

  “I don’t see the problem.” Abel gives me a confused look. I roll my eyes. Of course he doesn’t. God, I love my husband, but sometimes he can drive me bonkers.

  “I’m the marshmallow man.”

  Abel licks his lips. “I love marshmallows. Again I don’t see the problem.” He nips at my neck, making me wiggle
in his lap.

  “Abel,” I warn. My nipples go tight. It doesn't take much these days to get me worked up. I turn in his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.

  “Yes, my wife?” I never get tired of hearing him call me that. “Do you want more cake?” I wet my lips.

  “Can we get a piece to go?” I suggest. I’m pretty sure Marist and Beck slipped out a few minutes ago. Seeing them together always makes me smile. I’m so happy they are finally getting their happily ever after.

  “I’ll take the whole cake if you want me to.”

  I lean in, kissing him because I know he would. Abel would do anything for me. The man had built a life for us before he even found me. It’s as if he knew and in true Abel fashion wanted to be ready.

  When my husband wants something there is nothing that will stop him. The wedding ring on my finger and this baby girl in my belly is proof of that. He’s made dreams come true for me that I hadn’t even realized I wanted.

  “I don’t need the whole cake. A piece will suffice. Not a little piece though.” That has him giving me that gorgeous smile of his.

  “I want something sweet too.”

  “I’m not sharing, so get your own.”

  “I wasn’t talking about cake.” His finger trails up my leg. I clench my thighs together, wondering how far we are from our house. I lean in, brushing my mouth against his. Abel groans against my mouth, deepening the kiss.

  This man had known me all of five minutes and he’d moved me in with the intention of me never leaving. I’m sure some will think that’s crazy. Maybe it is but I don’t care. He fought to make me his and I know he’ll always fight for us. What more could a girl really ask for?

  I pull my mouth from his. “Get the cake and we’re out of here.” He laughs against my mouth before standing up and putting me in his chair.