by Anne Stone
After the perfunctory introductions, Ryne cleared his throat. “So the real reason why I called this little soiree…”
“I didn’t realize we were celebrating,” Rowena chimed in.
“Grandmother Rowena, can you please stop and let Ryne speak.”
Rowena pulled her lips in seemingly angry at her granddaughter. “Sorry about that, dear. Ryne please go ahead with why you called us all here other than to wish Rose and Wilford happy holidays.”
Rose stepped in. “Honey, how are you feeling? You look a little pale.”
“That’s what this call is all about. We had to rush Jen to the ER today.”
“Oh honey, what’s happened?”
“She was violently ill. We thought it was the flu but it turns out…” Ryne clasped her hand and with a half-smile nodded at her.
“I’m pregnant.”
“You’re pregnant?” Rowena asked.
She nodded.
“I knew it.” Rowena leaned into Miles. “See, I told you so.”
“How did you guess?” Jen asked.
“I’m definitely not blind. I knew it the minute you walked through the doors.” Rowena smiled broadly at Jen. “I am so happy for you.”
“We were a little surprised. I didn’t give it a thought when I started getting sick a few days ago. Each day it got worse and today…Let’s say I hope I don’t have a repeat. But…”
“But what, honey?” asked Rose.
“The doctor thinks I may have hyperemesis gravidarum. It’s a severe type of morning sickness. He was being nice, but he prepared me that this could last longer than I’d like. He’s concerned about dehydration so I have to be careful. I’ve already called my doctor and have an appointment for the day after tomorrow.”
“You need to take care of yourself and not overdo it.”
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t,” Ryne said. “I’ll be home rehabbing for at least a month, so I’ll be watching her closely.”
They spent a few more minutes discussing the baby, Ryne’s hip, and the holidays. By the time they headed off to bed, both were whipped with exhaustion. “I can’t wait to get home.”
“Neither can I,” Ryne said as he pulled her close.
What had started out with a tragedy of sorts had turned into a miracle. Jen was expecting her first child. She was excited and scared all at the same time. Deep down, she wanted her mother by her side during her pregnancy, but she had the next best thing, Jacklynne.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Once again Philippe was waiting for them at the airport. Ryne had phoned him the day before, requesting that he pick them up. For some reason, he wanted his brother to learn about the baby before the rest of the family, including his parents.
Philippe met them right outside the terminal. They’d avoided baggage claim and were happy to be home. They’d secured a wheelchair for Ryne since it had been a long flight, and he hadn’t wanted to overdo it with the crutches.
Philippe leaned against the wall, waiting. He noticed Ryne first because of the wheelchair. When his eyes found Jen, he did a double take. She looked sicker than all get out. She was pale and appeared absolutely exhausted. If he wasn’t mistaken she’d lost weight too. He was taken aback as he’d just seen her a few days ago.
As they approached, he couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Jen, are you sick? You look like you don’t feel well.”
“About that,” Ryne stated. He stood, thanking the attendant for the wheelchair, then steadied himself with his crutches. Philippe took his suitcase and flung Jen’s carryon over his shoulder. “Can you wait till we get to the car, and we’ll fill you in?”
“Sure thing.”
Philippe had been lucky and had found a parking place close to the doors. They waited while he went for the car. “Are you sure you’re okay with telling Philippe first?”
“Definitely. I know he’s come a long way, but I want him to know first. Don’t ask me why but I just do.”
Ryne and Jen settled into the backseat of the car. “So, I guess I’m the chauffeur?” Philippe chuckled. “At least that’s how I feel.”
“So Mr. Chauffeur, we’d like to stop and get something to eat before going home. Are you okay with that?”
“I am if you are.”
Philippe jumped onto the interstate and headed towards the ranch. A few exits before he turned off for home, they stopped at a local family-style restaurant. It was relatively empty, and they asked for a table towards the back where no one would overhear them.
The waitress delivered their drinks and while they waited for their meals, Philippe asked, “So what’s this about? I take it you don’t want anyone to hear us.”
“Right on.” Ryne took a sip of his coffee, cleared his throat and shared their news. “We wanted you to know before anyone else…”
“Know what?”
“We’re pregnant.”
“What? You are? Congratulations,” he high fived his brother.
“Thanks, Philippe,” Jen added.
“I’m a little surprised, though. Were you trying?”
“Ah, no, not really,” Jen spoke. “But we’re thrilled just the same.”
“Of course you are. Am I the only one who knows?”
Ryne went on to describe the events from the prior day. “So no you’re not. Jen’s family knows. We haven’t decided when we’ll tell Mom and Dad and everyone else.”
“I think you better as soon as you can. Don’t take this the wrong way, Jen, but I have to be honest. You look like you’ve been through the wringer.”
She ran her hand across her forehead. “I know I don’t look too good. This morning sickness is a bear. I was lucky not to get sick on the plane today and I’m not sure how.”
“But you’re feeling better.”
“I am for the moment and I can’t wait to eat. Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep it down. We’re not too far from home, are we?”
“Only a few exits.”
“Good.”
They finished their meal which Jen relished. She felt a bit better but didn’t want to think too positively, or her luck might run out. And it did. On the way home, not fifteen minutes later, she asked for Philippe to pull over. She practically ran into the hollow alongside the road where she got sick.
She eased her way into the backseat beside Ryne, resting her head against him. “Feeling better?” he asked.
“Um hmm,” she sighed and snuggled closer.
Philippe drove them directly to their house and carried their bags inside. Jen kissed Philippe’s cheek and thanked him, then headed to the bedroom. “She looks like hell, Ryne.”
“I know. I’m really concerned. The doctor said she could fight this her entire pregnancy, and I’m not sure how much more she can take. She’s been sick morning, noon, and night. She’s lost weight, and I’m concerned that she’s heading towards dehydration again.”
“Didn’t you say she has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll take you.”
“Thanks, Phil. I know that would mean a lot to Jen.”
“I’m going to head out. If you need anything let me know. By the way, Mom hasn’t a clue that you’re home today. Last time I talked to her she seemed confused as to when you were returning. Just so you know, I didn’t tell her.”
Philippe gave his brother a quick hug and walked out the door. He was happy for them but was also concerned about Jen. He appreciated being one of the first to find out. He and Annabelle had planned on starting a family right away. His thoughts went to her. He still thought of her daily, but he wasn’t as sad as he once was. Jen had helped him turn the corner on his grief, and every day he fought that battle. Now he had something else to be happy about. He was going to become an uncle, and he was thrilled beyond words.
Jen pretty much slept the rest of the day. Ryne checked on her hourly. He tried to take her something to eat, but it was a lost cause. A cup of soup and crutches definitely didn’t mix
. He became frustrated that he couldn’t take care of her in the way she deserved. The best he could do was hold her and that was about it.
Philippe checked in that evening. “How’s it going?”
“She’s slept most of the day. I tried to take her a cup of soup, and I’m sure you can imagine how that turned out.”
“Yeah, on the floor.”
“Good guess. Phil, I wish I could do more for her.”
“You’re doing your best. I’m sure as soon as Mom finds out, she’ll be whisking you both up to the house.”
“More than likely, yes, but I don’t think Jen will go for that. She likes to be independent although I’m sure she’ll want Mom’s help at some point. She’s going to need her advice, that’s for sure.”
“You know Mom will be over the moon about this baby, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I know. I just hope Jen starts feeling better soon. It’s so hard to see her lying on the bathroom floor.”
“I’m sure it is. How about I stop by tomorrow morning and check on the both of you. I can even do shopping if you need it.”
“Thanks, Phil. You’re a lifesaver. And thanks again for picking us up at the airport.”
“Not a problem. Try and get some sleep.”
Ryne thanked his brother again. He sat on the couch, contemplating what the best thing for both of them would be. Maybe they should move to the big house temporarily. That way, his mother could take extra good care of Jen.
With that in mind, he decided they’d tell his parents about the baby.
Ryne phoned his Mom early the next morning. “Hey Mom, how are you?”
“I’m good. Where are you? Are you still in Greenwich?”
“No, we came home yesterday.”
“Yesterday? How come you didn’t stop by?”
“That’s what I’m calling about.” He knew he probably scared his mother and added, “Everything’s alright but could you and Dad come by around ten? Jen and I need to talk to you.”
“Oookay,” she said drawing out the word.
“It’s nothing serious, but we don’t want little ears overhearing our conversation just yet.”
“Gotcha.”
He’d just hung up when Jen appeared. She had a tad more color in her face. “Feeling better?”
“Don’t jinx me but I am for the moment.”
“Good. I just spoke to Mom and asked that she and Dad come by around ten. I thought we’d tell them here without having to worry about Emma interrupting us.”
She sighed deeply as she nestled into his side. “I’m glad. You know I love Em to death, but I don’t think I could take her exuberance right now.”
“I understand and that’s why I arranged it. Philippe’s coming by in a little bit, so if you need anything from the store write it down.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“Not really. He’s the one who offered.”
“He’s a good brother. I think he took our news pretty well, don’t you?”
“I do. I also think he appreciates that we told him first. It allowed him to digest it without hearing the congratulations and having tons of eyes on him. He and Annabelle were planning to start a family right away. I’m sure the news hit home, but I also think he handled it well.”
“He did. He seems to be dealing with his grief a little better. I’m going to take a shower and dress before your parents come by.”
“Call if you need me. I’ll be right here although I’m not sure how much help I’ll be.”
“Just knowing you’re here is all I need.” She kissed him softly and headed off to their bedroom.
She’d barely left the room when Philippe knocked. “Come in,” Ryne called, knowing it was his brother.
Philippe came in carrying a tray from the local bakery. He had hot coffees, bagels and cream cheese. “I thought I’d bring these by as I wasn’t sure what you had around here.”
“Thanks, Phil. That coffee smells out of this world.” Phil handed him a cup, grabbed one for himself, and set Jen’s on the counter along with the bag of goodies. “So, how’s my favorite sister-in-law feeling this morning?”
“I think better. She definitely doesn’t look like death warmed over. She had a little color in her face. She’s in the shower right now. Mom and Dad are coming over in a little while.”
“Then I’d better scamper out of here. I don’t want her knowing that I know you’re home.”
“She knows we came home yesterday.”
“And she wasn’t upset not knowing?”
“I think she was perplexed, but I told her we’d explain when she got here.”
“You know she’s probably getting all upset wondering what’s up.”
“Probably, but isn’t that what moms do?”
“I guess you’re right. On that note, I’m going to head on out of here. Text me what you need, and I’ll run to the store.”
“Thanks again, Philippe. I owe you one.”
“Just get better and take care of your lovely wife. You know she’s one of a kind.”
“I do and I’m the lucky one. She’s certainly changed my life.”
Not a half hour after Philippe left, his parents knocked. It didn’t surprise him that they were a half hour early. He knew his mother wanted answers. He grabbed his crutches and hobbled to the door. He also wasn’t surprised by the look on his mother’s face. “Oh dear, you’re on crutches. Ryne, how are you making it?”
Before Ryne could speak, Jen entered the room. “Jacklynne, Jacques, come on in. Would you like something to drink?”
“We didn’t come for social hour, my dear. We’re here for answers, such as why you didn’t let us know you came home yesterday.”
Ryne was taken aback with his mother’s tone. His dad raised his eyebrows as Jacklynne sat down. Jacques slipped his arm around his son. “Ryne, how’s the hip? It seems your mother forgot to ask that all-important question instead focusing on why her married son neglected to tell her he’d come home.” Jacques eyed Jacklynne, putting her in her place.
“It’s getting better every day.”
“That’s good to know.” Jacques sat down beside his wife. Ryne settled in the oversized chair adjacent to the couch, and Jen perched on the arm of his chair.
“So what did you want to speak to us about?” Jacklynne asked. “Is your injury more severe than you thought?”
“It’s not that, Mom.” He reached for Jen’s hand and laced their fingers. He looked up into her eyes not sure exactly who should share the news. Since he’d called this meeting, he took the lead.
“So, we came home yesterday as we intended. We wanted to be here to celebrate New Year’s.”
“I certainly thought you would have stopped by especially since you weren’t here to celebrate Christmas with us.”
“That was our plan originally but…”
“What changed?” Jacques asked.
Ryne grappled with his thoughts. Sharing the news with Philippe had been much easier. He didn’t know why he couldn’t formulate the words. He cleared his throat and Jen tightened her grip on his hand.
“The reason we came straight home is because Jen was sick.”
“Oh honey, are you feeling better? You do look a little pale and have you lost weight?”
“Mom, Jen’s pregnant.”
“Pregnant?”
“That’s what I said,” he glanced up at Jen. “And she has severe morning sickness.”
“Oh honey, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, the ER doctor thinks I have hyperemesis gravidarum.”
“ER doctor?” Jacques interjected.
“Ryne took me to the hospital when I couldn’t stop getting sick.”
“Isn’t that pretty serious?” Jacklynne stated with concern in her voice.
“It can be, Mom. We have an appointment this afternoon with her doctor. I think one of the main concerns is dehydration. She’s already had one IV plus I assume there’s a whole host of other things we
need to be concerned about as well.”
Jacklynne looked at her husband and then back at Ryne and Jen. “I think you should move up to the house for a little while— at least until you’re more mobile, Ryne. You can’t cook and clean on crutches and…”
“I was hoping you’d insist on that,” Ryne said interrupting his mother. He glanced back at Jen and noticed a look of relief cross her face. “I, we, appreciate it.”
“Think nothing of it. We need to make sure you’re both being taken care of.” Jacklynne hopped off the couch and went to Jen, pulling her into a congratulatory hug. “I’m sorry dear, I didn’t congratulate you. I am so excited for you.” She looked at Jacques, beaming and said, “We’re going to be grandparents.”
“Sounds like it,” Jacques replied and joined Jacklynne in congratulating them.
They arranged for them to move up to the house later in the afternoon after her doctor’s appointment. “Would you like me to drive you?” Jacklynne asked.
“I’ve got that covered. Philippe is already on chauffeur duty.”
“So he already knows.”
“Yeah. We thought it would be a good idea to tell him first. He took it well and seems happy for us.”
“Your brother’s come a long way in the last year. I hope he decides to take a chance and find someone to spend the rest of his life with.”
“So, do we,” Jen added. “Now let’s discuss why we’re moving up to the house. I don’t want to tell the rest of the family about the baby for a little while. I think we can use the excuse that Ryne’s having difficulties navigating the stairs, and we’re going to use the first-floor guest room.”
“I think that sounds reasonable.” Jacklynne reached for both of their hands. “I need to apologize for the way I spoke to you, son. I had no idea what you were going through. Just know we’ll keep a good eye on Jen and you. I promise not to coddle you. When you need something, just ask. We’ll focus on Ryne and not Jen, or else Emma will get wind that something’s afoot. You know how relentless she can be when she feels left out.”
Jen stood and wrapped her arms around Jacklynne. “We know you have our best interests at heart. Depending on what the doctor says, we’ll decide when to tell the rest of the family.”
