The Reality Bride's Baby

by Lorana Hoopes

  The Reality Bride's Baby

  Blushing Brides, Volume 2

  Lorana Hoopes

  Published by Lorana Hoopes, 2019.

  This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

  THE REALITY BRIDE'S BABY

  First edition. March 7, 2019.

  Copyright © 2019 Lorana Hoopes.

  ISBN: 978-1386839156

  Written by Lorana Hoopes.

  The Reality Bride’s Baby

  A Blushing Brides Short Story

  Lorana Hoopes

  Contents

  Note from the Author

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  8. Author’s Note

  9. Not ready to say Goodbye yet?

  10. The Producer’s Unlikely Bride preview

  11. A Free Story For You

  12. Once Upon a Star Preview

  The Story Doesn’t End!

  Would you leave a review?

  About The Author

  Note from the Author

  I have been so blessed to meet amazing authors in my journey, and I am excited to be joining with a few of them to bring you The Blushing Brides Series.

  I hope you enjoy this extended story of Laney and Tyler. This story hits close to my heart because I used the details of my first son’s birth. My readers always ask me for more on the characters so this time I obliged. If you haven’t read how Laney and Tyler met, I recommend picking up The Cowboy’s Reality Bride. Details are below.

  If you like the story, please leave a review at your retailer. It really does make a difference because it lets people make an informed decision about books.

  * * *

  Sign up for Lorana Hoopes’s newsletter and get her book, Once Upon a Star, as a welcome gift. Get Started Now!

  * * *

  Read The Cowboy’s Reality Bride

  Order The Producer’s Unlikely Bride

  Chapter 1

  Laney splashed water on her face and dried it off. She hoped she wasn’t getting sick but her stomach had felt funny all morning. Like butterflies flapping around or pancakes being flipped in her stomach. Now dizziness overwhelmed her, but she just needed to make it through the next hour and then she could go home and rest.

  It was probably silly that she had wanted to walk. After all, she was almost thirty, but she hadn’t walked for her certificate for cosmetology and she wanted to hear her name called, shake the Dean’s hand and flip her tassel. Besides, Tyler, Aaron, and Nancy had insisted they wanted to come cheer for her as she received her teaching degree. She just hoped whatever was affecting her stomach would calm down.

  “Hey, it’s about to start,” her friend, Tia, said popping her head in the bathroom. Tia was studying to be a high school math teacher, but the two had bonded during the program and Laney would miss her after they graduated tonight.

  “Right, be right there.” Her mouth still felt funny though like that coppery metallic taste that made your mouth produce excess saliva. She usually only had that sensation before she was about to vomit but Laney hoped it didn’t mean that today. Tossing her cookies while on stage held zero appeal.

  She splashed one more handful of water on her face, patted it dry, took a deep breath and followed Tia out to where the other graduates were lining up.

  “Are you okay?” Tia asked. “You look pale.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know what’s going on but my stomach doesn’t feel right. Maybe I’m just nervous?”

  Tia’s left eyebrow lifted in a quizzical expression. “Girl, you appeared on a reality dating show and got married on national TV. How could you be nervous walking across a stage?”

  Tia had a point but Laney didn’t want to accept the fact she might truly be sick. “A TV show is a little different. There were cameras yes but not hundreds of people staring at us.”

  “All right, graduates, it’s time.” The voice of the education professor kept Tia from responding. Laney stepped into her place in line and prayed she would make it through the ceremony. Just through the ceremony, God, please.

  The filled auditorium sent a wave of warmth rolling over Laney as she stepped through the doorway. Or maybe it was oppressive heat. Beads of sweat formulated on her back and one rolled down her spine. Her mouth began to salivate again. She followed the person in front of her down the aisle and to a chair. Sitting didn’t stop the craziness in her stomach, but it helped a little, and her dizziness ebbed slightly.

  The master of ceremonies stepped up to the podium and tapped the mic lightly. “Welcome friends and graduates. We’ve worked long and hard but our time has now come to an end.” Though he continued, Laney’s brain refused to pay attention.

  She scanned the crowd hoping to find her husband and friends. It shouldn’t have been too hard as Nancy would have baby Sarah with her but Laney saw no sign of a baby or her husband. Perhaps they were too far back. She didn’t want to turn in her seat and draw attention to herself. Laney glanced back at the stage but the MC still droned on. She turned her wrist to see her watch. Only ten minutes had passed. How long had they said the ceremony would be again?

  “Will you stop fidgeting?” Tia whispered at her.

  Right. Focus. Why was she having trouble focusing? She rarely had trouble focusing. Her stomach churned again. Had she eaten? Maybe her stomach was simply hungry because she skipped lunch. No, she had eaten but just a salad. She’d been busy today and hadn’t had time for much else. In addition, her clothes had been fitting a little snugger lately, so a salad seemed like a good way to drop a few pounds.

  “Edward Coburn.”

  Her eyes flicked to the stage. Oh good, they were calling names. She wished she could walk off the stage and to her car after getting her diploma but that would look rude. Could she sneak out using the bathroom as an excuse though? It wouldn’t even be a fake excuse. She felt the need to splash cool water on her face again. Was she having hot flashes? No, she was too young for that. Probably a fever then. Good thing school had ended for the summer.

  “Let’s go.”

  “What?” Laney looked over at Tia who had nudged her in the side.

  * * *

  “It’s our turn. Come on.” She pointed to the left where the rest of the people in the row were standing and filing toward the stage. Laney shot to her feet eager to catch up with them but the sudden movement sent the room spinning. She grabbed ahold of a chair back to steady herself. When the room stayed still she continued toward the stage but the dizziness remained.

  “Jeffrey Hackworth.”

  The man in front of her stepped up the stairs and Laney grabbed the railing. Just a few more minutes. Then she could make a beeline for the bathroom again. She didn’t even care if it seemed rude. It would be better than the alternative.

  “Laney Hall.”

  Laney vaguely registered the cheers and clapping as she forced her feet up the steps. Thank goodness there were only three, but the room began spinning again as soon as she reached the stage. She blinked trying to focus on where to go. The Dean. Yes, he was handing out the diplomas. Her fingers touched the hard black leather bifold and the world went dark.

  Tyler’s heart stopped beating as he watched Laney crumple on the stage. For a moment all he could do was stare as the room gasped and then fell silent. Suddenly, his heart started again and fueled his adrenaline. He pushed past the people in his row and raced toward the front. Before he was halfway there others closer to the stage jumped into action as well.

  “Someone call 911.”

  “Is there a doctor in the room? We need a
doctor.”

  The voices melded together in the pandemonium of the room. Unable to place any except his own, Tyler kept repeating, “That’s my wife. Let me through,” as he struggled to get past people and to the stage.

  By the time he made it to her, Laney’s eyes were open though she was still lying down. Her gaze caught his as he leaned over her. “Laney, are you okay? What happened?”

  “I don’t know. I think I might be sick. My stomach has been churning and I felt dizzy before we entered but I thought I could make it through the ceremony.” Her hands patted around at her sides. “Did I get my degree?”

  Tyler shook his head as he took her hand. Of course that was what she worried about. Not the dizziness or the fact that she passed out on stage. “I’ll make sure you get it,” he said.

  A few minutes later the paramedics arrived and loaded Laney on a stretcher ignoring her protests.

  “I don’t need the hospital,” she said, “I just needed to lie down and maybe eat a little.”

  “Just let them do their job,” Tyler said as he followed them out. Surely, he could get a ride back to get the car from Nancy or Aaron later.

  The short ride to the hospital did not lessen his unease. What was wrong with Laney? Was it serious? It wasn’t like her to pass out. Fall? Yes. She had done that quite a few times around him but that was because she was a bit of a klutz. This was entirely different.

  The ambulance pulled to a stop in front of the Emergency Room and they wheeled Laney inside.

  “This is Laney Hall. Twenty-nine years old. Fainted on stage. Vitals are good. Patient complained of nausea and dizziness.”

  “Okay. Laney, I’m Dr. Choi. We will take good care of you.”

  Tyler watched anxiously as they wheeled Laney into a room. He knew she was in good hands but he found it hard to sit in the waiting room and wait for word.

  Chapter 2

  Laney stared at the doctor as her jumbled emotions fought for control. Though they had been trying, she certainly hadn’t expected this. “I’m sorry. Did you say pregnant?”

  Dr. Choi smiled at her and nodded. “Yes, eight weeks. Did you not realize you missed your period?”

  “I… I was working at a school. It was hectic at the end of the year. I guess I didn’t pay attention.” Pregnant. The word sent tiny shivers of excitement through her. She had developed a bad case of baby fever just before the wedding and it had ramped to a frenzy over the last six months. Laney couldn’t believe she was finally pregnant but then a terrible thought entered her mind. “I fell. Is the baby okay?”

  “Don’t worry.” He patted her hand in a reassuring gesture. “Babies are resilient especially at this stage. Your baby is fine. In fact, you are fine, although you will need to make sure you eat more. You fainted because of low blood sugar so no more skipping meals from now on.”

  “I promise.”

  “Good. I’ll send the nurse in shortly with your discharge paperwork.”

  “Thank you. Is Tyler here? I want to tell him.”

  The doctor nodded. “He’s in the waiting room. I’ll send him back.”

  A minute later Tyler appeared in the doorway. Fear etched his facial features and coursed through his stiff posture. “Are you all right?” He issued the words as he hurried to her bedside and took her hand.

  “I’m fine.” She pursed her lips together to try to contain her smile.

  “So, you’re not sick?”

  “Well, only if you consider morning sickness being sick.” She squeezed his hand and watched his face for the moment he understood.

  His eyes blanked for a moment, and then his face shifted. The muscles relaxed, and a wondrous expression took over. “You’re pregnant?”

  She nodded and let her grin burst forth. “Eight weeks.”

  “Oh my gosh, Laney, that is so… I’m….”

  “Speechless?”

  “And happy.” He placed a sweet kiss on her lips and then jerked back. “Is the baby okay?”

  “The baby is fine and I’m fine. The doctor said discharge papers should come soon. Did you get my degree?”

  Tyler chuckled. “No, I thought it might be more important to ride in the ambulance with you but if Nancy and Aaron didn’t get it, we can check back with the school.”

  “I hear congratulations are in order,” the nurse said entering the room.

  “Thank you.” Laney and Tyler said the words in unison, then grinned at each other and laughed.

  “Take care of yourself. I guess we’ll see you again in about eight months.” The nurse handed over a stack of papers.

  Tyler took the papers and folded them in his pocket. Then he held out his hand to Laney. “What do you say we get something to eat to celebrate?”

  “Absolutely. I’m starving. At least I think I’m starving.” She giggled as pure joy raced through her. “But can we ask Nancy and Aaron to join us? I want to tell them too.”

  “They’ll have to,” he said with a smile. “I left my truck at the auditorium, so we need a ride.”

  Tyler couldn’t help feeling the need to protect Laney the rest of the night. He knew she was fine but now she was growing another life so he had two people to worry about from this point on.

  “Here, let me get that for you,” he said as she reached for the truck handle. He hurried out of the driver’s side and to her side opening the door for her and holding out his hand.

  “Tyler, I’m fine. You don’t have to act like I’m helpless.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry, but you fell. I don’t want to see it happen again.”

  Laney rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I promise I will be careful from now on.”

  “You guys aren’t having a lover’s spat already are you?” Nancy asked as she extracted the baby carrier from the back seat. Nancy and Aaron had rescued Laney and Tyler from the hospital, driven them back to get his truck and followed them to Maggie’s, the best sit-down diner in Fredericksburg.

  “Not if he would stop babying me.” Laney flashed a half teasing, half serious look his direction and Tyler held up his hands.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll try. It’s just I have two of you to worry about now and I can’t very well put a helmet on the baby in utero.” She moved to punch his arm and he caught her hand and pulled her to him instead.

  “Ah, come on you two,” Aaron said joining the conversation, “there’s a baby present. Let’s keep things G rated.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she’s seen worse at your house.” Tyler chuckled as Aaron and Nancy both feigned embarrassment. Even though they’d been married for over a decade, they were still an affectionate couple. Tyler hoped he and Laney would be the same way.

  “All right, can we go eat now?” Laney patted her belly though it was still flat. “I’m eating for two now and I’m hungry.”

  As the group headed inside, Tyler reminded himself to give her space. He might worry about her but if he continued to smother her, he would only aggravate her.

  Chapter 3

  Laney rubbed her hand across her belly. The baby was very active today. It felt like he was turning all sorts of somersaults in her stomach, and even though she had just been an hour ago, the burning need to visit the bathroom again filled her once more.

  The cool air tore through her thin sleeves as she exited the portable. Normally, she didn’t mind not having a room in the main building, but when she had to go outside in the cold to get to the bathroom, it grew much less enjoyable.

  She kept her hand on the railing as she stepped down the ramp. The temperatures had dropped enough this morning that it had been slippery when she arrived and though the custodian had salted it she didn’t fully trust it.

  Her anxiety eased when her foot hit the concrete. It might still be slick but at least it was flat. Slipping was a lot harder on a flat surface.

  She pulled out her key to the outdoor bathroom dreading how cold it would be. The indoor one would be warmer but it was a lot farther to walk and there was only one single stall teac
her bathroom in the building so if one of the other teachers was using it she would have to wait. She wasn’t sure she could wait. At least the outdoor bathroom had three stalls so the chances she would have to hold it were small.

  There was nothing on the ground. At least nothing she could see but Laney found herself falling nonetheless. Was she passing out again? Had she tripped on something and not noticed? The baby! She twisted to try to land more on her side than directly on her stomach and the concrete scraped through her thin sleeves. A hole appeared in her right sleeve followed by tiny red droplets. But she didn’t care about her arm or the ache in her hip which was the second place she had landed. She cared only about the baby.

  As carefully as possible, Laney stood and performed a mental check. Her arm and hip throbbed. Blood dripped down her arm but that wasn’t what worried her. What worried her was that the baby wasn’t moving. Perhaps he had simply fallen asleep though she wasn’t sure how with that fall. But he had just been moving a few minutes ago. It seemed odd he would stop now.

  She should check it out. Take some time and go to the doctor but then she would have to admit she fell. And Laney sure was tired of telling people about her falls. Still, she didn’t want to not get checked out and have it be something serious. She would go but she still needed to use the bathroom first and get her arm cleaned up.