by Faye Byrd
“I only did what any real mother would do,” she replies, leaning back into her relaxed position, her eyes closed. “That woman …” She trails off with a headshake, leaving me to only imagine the cause, and it’s probably as bad as I fear.
I entwine our fingers and relax beside her as we silently wait for Easton to be called. She looks slightly better now but not well enough. About ten minutes later, a nurse comes through a door and calls Easton’s name. I follow her back, while Harold stays in the waiting room.
Once we’re settled into the small, curtained cubicle, the nurse performs the standard admission stats; blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, things like that. After they’re complete, she hands Easton a small, clear cup and directs her to the closest restroom. I assist her down the hall and wait patiently outside the door.
After we return to the cubicle, the nurse steps in to collect the cup. “The doctor should be with you shortly.”
Shortly isn’t very accurate, as it takes him at least forty-five minutes, but he finally enters with a practiced smile in our direction. He performs some basic checks before leaning back on his stool and making a few notations on her chart.
“Mrs. Ashby, it seems everything is okay as far as the fainting and nausea are concerned,” he says, pulling the chart to his chest and look at my wife. “We’ll give you a prescription for an anti-nausea medication before you leave tonight, but you’ll need to follow-up with your OB/GYN as soon as possible.”
I’m just dumbfounded, but Easton’s studying him with furrowed brows. He didn’t tell me jack shit with that whole diatribe. “Excuse me, doctor, but I must be missing something here. Could you tell us why she fainted?”
Easton’s nails dig into my arm to an almost painful point as the doctor lifts his brow in my direction. “Oh, my. I’m so sorry.” He focuses his attention on Easton, who looks both shocked and elated, her nails breaking my skin at this point. “Mrs. Ashby, you’re pregnant. I assumed you already knew.”
My jaw drops open, and I stare at the doctor in confusion. “P-pregnant?”
Eaton releases the death grip on my arm and yanks me around to face her. She’s transformed from the frail woman who entered this room only a little while ago. Her eyes are bright with emotion, and her cheeks are filled with color. It’s enough to assure me that what the doctor said is true.
Easton’s pregnant.
We’re going to have a baby.
Together.
Silent tears stream down both of our cheeks as we revel in the news. I’m filled with joy and awe as I hold her close, whispering words of love and wonder. This is an idea we had on hold, but something we both so desperately wanted, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“When? How?” I whisper, pulling back to take in her beautiful, tear-stained face. “We’ve been careful.”
Easton glances away shyly as she wipes her cheeks, but I’m having none of that. I brush aside the curtain of faded-purple hair she’s placed between us and say, “What is it, baby? Don’t be shy. You know this is something I’ve been ready for.”
Her watery blue eyes meet mine. “In the shower. When Cam was first admitted. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it before now, but it was kinda pointless since it was too late.”
I snort at her cute, embarrassed self. “Yeah, because it is so your responsibility to remind me when I failed to wrap it up.”
She shrugs. “No, it’s probably not, but I did realize it later and could’ve mentioned it.”
“You had enough to worry about at the time,” I say, a large smile forming. “But look how it all worked out. Fucking perfect timing! We’re done with the Kennedy mess, and our son is coming home.”
The doctor, who we’ve forgotten is in the room, clears his throat. “Be sure to make an appointment soon.”
Easton nods, and she actually beams at him. “I will.”
“Okay, Mrs. Ashby. I’ll get the nurse working on your discharge papers,” he says, returning her smile. “Congratulations.”
I have to clear my throat before I can speak, the overwhelming joy threatening to choke me. “Thank you.”
“Trystan,” Easton says as I stare at the doctor’s retreating back. I snap my gaze to hers at the softness in her voice. “We’re going to have a baby.”
Day 36
“When we goin’, Mama?” Blake asks, completely exasperated that we’re still sitting here.
“As soon as the doctor comes in and says it’s okay for Cam to leave, sweetie,” Easton replies, walking over to tweak his nose.
“Cam’s ready to go,” he pouts, crossing his arms.
“Look, dude, we get it. We’re ready to get out of here, too. But we have to wait until the doctor gives us the all clear,” I say in a stern but understanding voice.
He looks to his brother apologetically but doesn’t respond, so I’m hoping he’ll chill. Easton, feeling guilty I’m sure, sits beside them on the bed and offers to read to them to pass the time. Their faces light up with this news.
“Can we sit in the chair, Mama?” Cam asks, pointing to the chair that converts to a sleep spot for parents.
Easton’s brow furrows. “If you want.” She eases them from the bed and goes over to the chair. She takes a seat first and helps as each boy crawls into her lap.
Once they’re settled, Cam says, “Thank you, Mama. I tired of that bed.”
My chest cracks wide open at his simple statement. At any other time, the small handful of words might not mean much, but right now, it’s enough to break me. Our son has endured so much in this room, and all I can hope is that as time fades, so does the memory.
My wife is fighting back tears as she glances my way, so I go to them like I always have. “Dude, we’re sorry you’ve been here so long,” I say, grabbing his knee and giving it a squeeze. “But it’s something that had to be done. It’s over now, buddy. You’re going home and, as long as you keep getting better, you’ll never have to do it again.”
Blake focuses his attention on Cam. “Yeah, brother, you don’t gots to come back.” He shrugs and turns to Easton. “Are you gonna read?”
Cam nods along with Blake, the heavy moment―which must’ve only been heavy for Easton and me―completely forgotten. Easton blinks a couple more times and clears her throat. She opens the book, and I take a chair and pull it closer to listen. Easton’s soothing voice lulls us all until Dr. Andrews enters the room. David is only seconds behind her.
Easton stands and instructs the boys to put the book away while we go to greet the doctors. “Dr. Andrews, David, we’ve been waiting for you. Cam’s ready to get out of here,” Easton says as she shakes their hands.
“We all are,” I agree, taking my turn.
Dr. Andrews goes over Cam’s medications and the schedule of when they need to be taken before turning us over to David to explain his weekly visits. “Basically, they’re the same as before the transplant. He’ll have bloodwork weekly to start, and the further into his recovery we move, the further apart we can make his appointments. If something unexpected or unusual occurs, notify me immediately.”
“Oh, you can count on that. We want Cam to continue to heal and remain healthy. We aren’t taking any chances when it comes to his recovery,” I respond, shaking my head once.
He claps me on the shoulder and takes my hand again. “That’s good to hear, although I already knew it. Call my office in a day or two and have Mrs. Sanders set up his first appointment.”
I nod and put my arm around Easton. “We will, David, and thank you both for everything you’ve done.”
Dr. Andrews smiles. “This is the most rewarding part of my job. Watching a patient go home, knowing that he’s only going to keep improving.”
“So he’s ready to go?” Easton asks, her excitement barely hidden.
“I’ve already left his discharge papers at the nurse’s desk. Just stop and pick them up on your way out,” Dr. Andrews replies.
Easton reaches over and gives her a quick, unexpecte
d hug then moves over to David for a slightly longer one. When she pulls back, she looks to me. “Gather the troops.”
I smile, because fuck, this is it. “All right, dudes. You heard Mama, we can go.”
Both boys hoot with a fist pump and run over to us as a nurse strolls in with a wheelchair, cart thingy. I load Cam’s bag before picking the little guy up and settling him on it to be escorted to the entrance.
“Why I not get to ride wif Cam?” Blake asks, giving me the stink-eye for not loading him on, too.
“They makin’ me ride,” Cam explains. “I’d rather walk wif you.”
“Oh, okay,” Blake says, accepting that answer easily enough.
As we load everything into the car, I’m smiling like a loon.
For the first time in forty-six days, my family is together.
Away from the hospital.
Going home.
12 Baby On Board
Trystan
Christmas Eve falls eight short days after Cameron’s discharge from the hospital, but we’re just happy he’s home and doing well. Those two little munchkins fell back into their roles as if our life hadn’t been torn apart and put back together again since Halloween. They’re so fucking resilient, and I’m so fucking thankful.
My heart swells with love as I think about all they’ve been through in the past six months. Not once has it ever mattered to them. They took to each other like long lost best friends and accepted everything we told them without hardly a question. Their entire worlds have been rebuilt, and they’re happier for it.
Since coming home, we’ve shared a lot of slow, happy time together. With both of us at home, we’ve had lots of family time to give them, but Easton’s decided to return to work after the New Year. With the pregnancy, which she confirmed with her OB on Friday, she’s sticking to part-time, and she and Ryder intend to explore the idea of bringing another designer into the fold.
With our first Christmas as a family upon us, we’ve decided to combine our traditions to create one that belongs to all of us, and that starts today with Christmas Eve lunch at David and Charlotte’s. It’s something Easton and Cam have shared for the past three years, and now we’re adding my whole crew to the mix.
We arrive about eleven, and David greets us with a beaming smile as soon as the door is open. “Trystan, Easy, so glad you could make it,” he says, stepping back and ushering us inside. “Charlotte’s in the kitchen, Trystan.” He gives me a pointed look.
I reach out and shake his hand before leaning down to kiss Easton on the cheek. “I think I’ll go see if she needs any help.”
My wife smirks. “You do that. I’ll take the boys to the basement and let them play.”
After handing off my coat to David, I make my way to their expansive kitchen that’s nestled in the back corner of their impressively large home. Charlotte is standing at the bar, muttering to herself, so I make my way to her side. “Anything I can do to help?”
She jumps and clutches her chest. “Oh, Trystan, I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. So where do you want me to start?” I ask the very flustered woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so out of sorts.
“You’ve done so much already. I don’t want you to spend all day in the kitchen,” she says, waving me away.
“Pfft, I made a few desserts. I know there will be more people this year than you’ve had before. I don’t want you so stressed by the time we eat that you can’t stomach looking at the food.” I roll up my sleeves. “Now, where are we in the prep?”
She takes a shaky breath and releases it. “Thank you, Trystan. I don’t know if lunch would be on time without your offer.”
“No problem, this is what I do.” With a gentle smile her way, I listen attentively as she points out what has already been done and what’s left to do on the long list that is Christmas lunch.
An hour or so later, side dishes are coming together and the ham is almost ready to come out of the oven. “Why don’t you go find David and have him fix you a drink? I’m perfectly fine in here now.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, even though there’s not much left to do.
She reaches up and gives me a warm hug. “Very sure. Now scoot.”
I chuckle as I make my way from the room, only to pass Easton and Melissa at the door. “Hey, baby. We were coming to relieve you. Coop and his family just arrived. Thought you might like to hang with the men for a bit.”
“Sounds good.” I toss my thumb over my shoulder. “Everything’s under control in there, but I’m sure she could use the company.”
“Everyone else is in the basement,” Melissa says, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Harold’s been waiting for you.”
My brows rise. Not that Harold and I don't get along or anything, but rarely is he ever waiting for me.
Easy giggles and pushes my arm. “Just go before your brother has a fit.”
I lean down and give her a kiss, and as I lift my head, our eyes connect with secret excitement. “Sure thing. See you when everything is ready.” With a wink, I’m headed for the stairs.
Before I make my full descent, Coop is already standing at the bottom step. “What's up, man? I was beginning to wonder if I’d see you at all today.” He claps me on the back as he does that side arm hug men do.
“Don’t be a smartass. It was asking a lot of Charlotte to feed us all, and she was swamped,” I tell him seriously. “But she’s got it under control now. Now, tell me, did you get a closing date on the house?”
Kari slides in beside Coop, and I reach over and give her a kiss on the cheek. “Hey, Kari, where’s the little angel?”
“She’s napping upstairs. I promise you can get your hands on her as soon as she wakes.”
“It’s a date,” I say, giving her a smile. Violet loves her some Uncle T. “I was just asking Coop for an update on the house.” Her expression falls. “What is it?”
“Our current landlord won’t let us break the lease early,” she replies, and I can see where that might disappoint her. “So I guess we’ll stay there until February.”
“At least that’s better than not finding a house before your lease was up,” I say, pulling her into my side. “Just know that it makes me fucking ecstatic that you’ve decided to stay. Hell, that Dad even went for it.”
Coop barks a laugh. “I didn’t give him much choice. He could either allow me to expand into Atlanta or he could lose me. It was as simple as that, bro.”
Kari bobs her head along with him. “He’s right. We love it here.”
“Yeah, me too,” I say, twisting from her reach as her fingers move to pinch me on the side.
“I bet.” She snorts as she drops her hand and rolls her eyes.
“Hey, what can I say.” I spread my arms wide. “My wife and children have changed my life in ways I never imagined. And now, knowing you guys are joining us here? I feel like this is where we were meant to be all along.”
Coop claps me on the shoulder. “No doubt, man. No doubt.”
Loud voices from the boys cause our heads to swivel toward them, but after watching for a minute or so they seem to settle down. “Are the kids excited about Christmas?”
“Eh.” Coop waves his hand in a so-so motion. “Blaine asked a few questions about Santa not knowing where they were, but he accepted the answers pretty easily. What about yours? How’d they take the news?”
I shrug. “Like everything else. Easy as pie. Besides, Blake’s used to opening presents with Carson and Blaine. I think he’d been more upset if we didn’t do it together.”
“And Easy?” Kari asks, her eyes questioning. “Are you sure she’s okay with it?”
“Pfft.” I wave my hand. “Do you think I would’ve suggested it if she wasn’t?”
Kari shakes her head. “Not at all, but I do think you put her in an awkward position to say no, since you made the offer before discussing it with her.”
“Trust me, guys,” I say. “Easton isn�
��t like that. She’s easygoing and cares a great deal about family. I wouldn’t have made the offer if I thought my wife would have issues with it. The woman I love thinks this is a great idea.” I shrug. “Maybe even a new family tradition. We’ll see how it goes.”
Coop chuckles. “Yeah, let’s see how this year goes before we start making plans for next year.”
Kari rolls her eyes and grabs Coop’s hand. “Let’s go check on Violet and let Harold have a go at Trystan.” She leans closer. “He’s been eyeing you since you came down the stairs.”
Once they’ve moved off, Harold motions me over. “I've been wondering when you’d make an appearance,” he says, holding out a beer.
I grab it and take turns shaking first his and then David’s hand. “How’s it going, guys?”
“Did you and Charlotte get everything squared away?” David asks, brow raised in question.
I chuckle. “Yeah, it’s all under control. We should be eating pretty soon.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen her in such a state before,” David says. “She prides herself on her party skills, but I think this was just a bit much for her to handle alone, even though she won’t admit it.”
“Her secret is safe with me. I was just the sous chef. She had it under control … mostly.” I lock my lips and toss the key.
David throws his head back and laughs heartily. “Works for me. Maybe I should go see if the women would like a glass of wine after all their hard work.”
My heart thunders as I scramble for a way to stop him from offering Easton wine. If she turns it down with others around, they may get suspicious. “Probably not a good idea,” I finally manage to say. “Dinner will probably be ready any minute, and we wouldn’t want them to spoil their appetite.”
Harold side-eyes me. “Is that so?” I bob my head casually while he stares into my mind and pulls out what he wants to know. “I imagine it’s a little more complicated than that, but we’ll let it slide … for now.” He turns and claps David on the shoulder. “How about we all go up and see what’s happening.”
