by Vicki Green
I’ve known Dr. Blake Maddison since I was born, literally. She’s in her sixties and was the one who delivered me. She’s mended all my broken bones, scrapes, bumps, hell, whatever I had growing up. She’s like a mom to me.
“Hey, Blake. Nah, I’m cool. My girl’s been taking care of me properly. But, thanks.” I chuckle. She’s always worried about me, doesn’t matter what I say.
“Oh, ok then. So, what’s up?” She asks. I can tell she doesn’t believe me. Worrywart.
“It’s Allie. She’s thrown up several times today and she looks really pale to me. You know she’s had a lot of stress going on lately, but she looks like she’s lost weight too. I’m worried,” I confess. If anyone can help my girl, the Doc can.
“Hmmm, she could be so worn down her immune system might have allowed a bug or virus to penetrate or it could be something else. Want me to stop over? I can be there in about—” She hesitates but quickly adds, “How about an hour?”
I agree and we talk for a few more minutes. Cassie had stopped by and dropped off some homemade Lasagna with salad and cheesy garlic bread. My stomach growls just thinking about it. Allie shuffles into the kitchen as I am putting everything on the table. She covers her mouth with her hand and runs out of the room. Shit! Probably not the best thing to smell and eat right now. I’m an idiot.
I half jog down the hall to the bathroom, my body not able to go very fast, and find my girl washing her face. I put my arms around her waist as I move up behind her. She turns slowly around and lays her head against my chest. “I’m sorry, love. That was stupid of me. Of course you’re not feeling up to eating, at least that kind of food.” She peeks up at me, her frown turned up some. “Hey.” I bend down so I can look her in the eyes. “My long time doctor is going to stop by shortly. I hope you don’t mind me calling her but I’m getting really worried about you.”
Her hand goes to my face and softly strokes my cheek. “You’re so good to me. Here you are hurt, in pain and taking care of me. I love you so much.” She kisses the side of my face. “You go eat, darling. I’m just going to go try to get my book up and running and check out some stuff on my computer. Maybe it will help take my mind off my stomach until the doctor gets here, ok?”
I kiss her back and she lays her head back on my chest. “Ok, love, but you need to take it really easy. Don’t be on that computer too long.” I kiss the top of her head and feel her nod.
I eat in silence, wishing my girl was with me and feeling herself again. I hear the doorbell ring as I finished putting away the leftovers. “Don’t get that!” I yell as I limp, hop, down the hall. Thank God she must have heard me because she isn’t around. I open the door and invite the good doctor in. “Make yourself at home while I get Allie,” I tell her as I wave to the couch in the living room.
I hobble to the office and find Allie staring at the computer. “What’s wrong, love? You look like you’re in a trance.”
She slowly tears her eyes off the screen and looks at me, a huge smile forming. “I did it! I just hit publish!” She jumps from her chair, her arms going around my neck. I hug her as tight as my body will allow.
“I’m so fucking proud of you!” I kiss her so hard, my heart swelling with pride for my girl. I’m the luckiest guy in the whole world. I take her hand, and she follows me out to the living room. I help her sit in the chair, and I sit on the other end of the couch from the doctor.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Doc, my girl just published her first book,” I say with pride in my voice. Blake sits up straight and smiles at Allie. “Doctor Maddison, may I present the love of my life, Allie Richards.”
“So nice to meet you, Allie, and a writer? Congratulations! What do you write, my dear?” Blake asks. Allie proceeds to tell her about her book, her eyes lighting up as she speaks. Most life I’ve seen in her for the last couple of days. I’m so fucking glad. “Well, you will have to send me the link as soon as it’s live. I have to have it. I’m an avid romance reader.” Blake answers. “Now, I would like to examine you while I’m here and maybe take some blood, urine sample as well. Is there a bedroom perhaps we can do that? I really want to get to the bottom of your stomach troubles.”
She follows Allie upstairs while I turn on the T.V. to pass the time. I don’t want to be anywhere near that. I can’t see my girl going through anything that may be painful or uncomfortable. While I sit here, staring at the screen and not paying any attention, I come up with a fucking great idea. Why didn’t I think of that sooner? What the hell is wrong with me? Oh, yeah! I’m fucking in love.
About an hour later the doctor leaves telling us that she will have test results tomorrow as she will put a rush on them. She gave Allie some pills for nausea and told her to try and eat something, but eat light food. While Allie is taking a bath, I make her some chicken noodle soup and warm some crackers in the oven. She joins me in the kitchen, and I give her one of her pills and sit with her while she eats.
Chapter Twelve
I manage to sleep through the night without having to make a mad dash to the bathroom. My stomach feels better this morning. I wake in my favorite position, Shane spooning me with his hand over my breast. What a boob guy my sexy man is. I love it and him. I remove his hand, carefully, and slide out of bed. He doesn’t stir. I’m so glad. He’s been so busy taking care of me he hasn’t been taking care of himself at all.
I head downstairs and into my office, booting up my computer, I sit impatiently tapping my fingers on the desk. I immediately head to Amazon and there it is! My book is live! An instant message pops up from Lana.
Oh my fucking god! It’s there! I’m so proud of you BB!
My smile is huge as I read the message. My heart is beating fast with excitement. I think I’m in shock right now because I can’t seem to write back. I finally break free from my stupor and answer her.
Thanks, sweetie! I’m in shock and excited!
I can see she is typing, so I quickly run into the kitchen, take a pill and get a glass of orange juice and some toast.
I bet you are. Ok, I am sending the link to everyone on the cover reveal and book tour now. You go and start promoting it on your Facebook page and the groups you’re in.
I laugh. She’s such a tasky bitch, but I’m so glad she is.
I’m on it! Thanks so much! Love you!
I spend the next half an hour posting everywhere with a link to my book when my phone rings. I look at the clock on the wall and it’s almost noon. Wow! I didn’t realize I had been working that long. I look at the number on the phone and see its Dr. Maddison.
“Hello, Dr. Maddison.” I listen for a bit, talk some and we end the call. I look over to see Shane sitting in my reading chair. My heart is racing for another reason now. Looking so hot, shirtless with only jeans on. I look at the tattoos on his arm and chest and make my way up to his smiling face.
He cocks his head and winks. “Got something on your mind, love?” I can’t help but let out a laugh. “Damn, that’s a sound I’ve missed. Feeling better this morning?”
I sigh and prop my elbow on my desk, leaning my chin on my hand. “I love seeing my sexy man sitting in my reading chair. Yes, I’m feeling much better this morning, thank you. My book is on Amazon, I just promoted it all over Facebook. Lana is getting everything set up for me and I have the most amazing man that I’m so deeply in love with. I couldn’t feel bad with all this happiness.”
He rises from the chair and limps over to me, and I walk into his arms. He bends down and captures my mouth. “I’m so glad you feel better. You’ve really had me worried. Did you eat and take your pill?” I nod and kiss him again. “Good,” he says against my searching mouth. He leads me over to my reading chair and sits me down on his lap. “Now. Are you able to go out tomorrow night for our New Year’s celebration because if you don’t we can spend a quiet night at home?” He kisses me again. “I mean it, love. It makes no difference to me.” (Kiss) “Besides, I love having you all to myself.” (Kiss)
I giggl
e against his mouth. “Well, Dr. Maddison called and she wants to see us at 3:00. But, I’ll get Pax to go with me. You shouldn’t be out and about yet, you need to heal. Question is will you be able to go tomorrow night? Maybe we should stay home.” I kiss him this time.
“Mmmmm. I will go with you today. You’re not going without me and that’s final,” he says flicking my nose with his index finger. “Yes, I think we should stay home. Paxton can go with Jesse and Cassie tomorrow night. Tuck will be there.” He waggles his eyebrows and chuckles. I’d smack his arm but am afraid I would hurt him. He’s still so weak, and I know he’s still hurting.
I laugh so hard that I have to hold my stomach. “Stop! My stomach isn’t that strong yet. Ok. I’ll call Pax and you can go with me to the appointment.” I get up from his lap and start to head upstairs to take a shower. I turn my head, my hand on the door frame. “But you have to get cleaned up and actually get dressed, if you wanna go with me.” He’s out of the chair before I can blink.
We’re sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, and I swear he is more impatient and fidgety than anyone I know. He’s holding my hand and playing a game on my palm with his finger. Crap that tickles. Finally, my name is called and we go back into the doctor’s office. We wait another ten minutes, and I think that Shane may destroy everything in the room before the doctor shows up.
The doctor comes in and sits in her desk chair. “Allie. Shane, I’m so glad you came too, my dear. I really wanted to speak to you both.” She smiles at us in turn. “First things first, Allie, how are you feeling? Stomach any better today?”
I nod, “Much better, thank you. Those pills are doing wonders.” Shane takes my hand and squeezes.
“Good, good. And the book? Is it on Amazon yet? I can’t wait to get it.” I reach in my purse and pull out a piece a paper and slide it to her on the desk. “Oh, my! Thanks so much for the gift.” She writes down her information and hands it to me. She turns to Shane and smiles. “Shane? Have you been taking care of yourself? How’s the pain level? Do you need anything?”
He shifts in his chair. “I’m fine, Doc.” He looks over at me and gives me the most incredible sexy smile and squeezes my hand again. “I have everything I need.” Oh. My. God! I might start crying.
Dr. Maddison clasps her hand together, laying them on the desk. “Very good. I have some great news for you that I hope will bring you some more happiness into your lives.” She looks at Shane, smiling, then at me. “You all are going to be parents. Allie I would say you are only a week or so along at this point.” She smiles at me and I quickly turn my head to Shane, who is grinning so big I’m afraid his face will crack.
“But— But—” I’m speechless. I can’t be pregnant. I’m on the fucking pill. And Shane and I haven’t been together sexually for that long. What. The. Hell?
“I’m sure this is a bit of a shock but I can assure you, you are pregnant,” the doctor informs me.
I don’t mean to, but I think the look I’m giving her is that she is crazy. “Dr. Maddison, it’s not that I don’t believe you. But— Ok. I’ve been on the pill for years and Shane—” I look over at him, the huge grin still plastered on his face. Looking back at the doctor, I continue, “We—” My voice lowers to a whisper, “We haven’t been sexually active until recently.”
She smiles and lowers her glasses. “My dear. I understand. Some women get pregnant fairly easily and the pill is not 100% effective. Many women get pregnant when taking the pill. Sometimes over the years your body can even become immune to it and a lot of women change to a different one or even a different kind of contraceptive. Did your doctor that prescribed your pill never provide you this information?” I shake my head slowly. “Oh, dear. I hope this isn’t bad news for you?” She stands and gives us a small smile. “Why don’t I just leave you for a few minutes so you can talk?”
As soon as she leaves and the door closes, my hand is squeezed again, and I sharply turn my head to Shane. He leans over, placing his arm on my chair. “Allie. What are you thinking, love? Are you ok?”
I shake my head and then nod. “I— I don’t know, really.” I put my hand on top of his. “What do you think, Shane? We’ve never really discussed kids. I don’t even know if you ever thought of having any with anyone. With me.”
His smile is there again but even brighter, if that is even possible. He cups my face and leans in for a kiss, rests his forehead against mine, and kisses the tip of my nose. “Love, there is nothing more than I would love to do but have a child or children with the woman I love.” He lets me go and rises from his chair, kneels in front of me, with his good leg, and takes both my hands. “I not only want to you to have my kids but I want to be their dad. I also want their mom to marry me.”
I think my heart just skipped a beat. I can’t stop the tears as they cascade down my face. He smooth’s his thumb over them and smiles. “I hope those are happy tears?” He asks shakily.
I throw myself at him, almost knocking him over. He winces and groans. I sit back quickly, my arms still around his neck. “Oh, my God! I’m so sorry! Are you ok?” I yell.
He laughs and kisses me with everything he has. “Only if that was a yes?”
We both are laughing now. I kiss him back with vigor. “Yes, my sexy man. I would be honored to marry you and have your babies. I guess we’ll start now, huh?” I smirk. We are laughing again as the doctor enters her office. She looks at us like we are crazy as she sits in her chair slowly.
I help Shane up and back to his chair. He takes my hand as I sit back down, smiling the whole time. I sit up straight and look at the doctor. “Sorry, but the wonderful daddy of my baby just asked me to marry him and I said yes,” I say proudly.
She folds her hands and sighs. “Well, this is a most happy day, isn’t it? I am happy for you both.” She looks at Shane. “You’ve been like a son to me. I delivered you and doctored you more times than I can count,” she says smiling. She looks at us both in unison. “Allie, I need you to make an appointment for four weeks to see how that baby and you are doing. But, if you need anything you call immediately. Shane, you take care of this wonderful woman and your baby, but I know you will.”
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
My head is fucking reeling by the time we get home from the doctor’s office. What a day! My girl publishes her book, finds out she’s pregnant and agrees to marry me all within a matter of hours. I don’t know how my life can get any better than this. We talked on the drive home about getting our friends together over at the Café on New Year’s just to make our announcement. Allie will call her parents tonight while I call my dad. I feel sorry for Allie having to tell her parents though, especially her wicked mother. I shudder at that. But, she told me she didn’t care what they say, nothing will change her mind. I fucking love her!
Allie went to her office to make her calls. I am sitting in the kitchen, drinking a coke, as I listen to the phone ringing waiting for my dad to pick up. “Son! So good to hear from you. How are you mending? I’m sorry I couldn’t get up there since I will be there in a few days. I was very worried about you and Allie. But, my ticket was nonrefundable.” Shit, now I feel bad that I haven’t called him sooner. I’m a terrible son.
“Fuck, dad. I’m sorry, I should have called earlier. So much has been happening. I can’t even begin to tell you.”
He chuckles. “Not a big deal, son. I just wished I could have been there for you. Hate that I live so far away. Now, tell me what all has had you so preoccupied that you couldn’t call your ole man. Well, other than the obvious.”
“How would you like to be my best man, grandpa?” I say with love. Silence. Loads of silence. I hope he didn’t pass out, or worse not be happy about this, that would suck. “Dad, you there?” I tap the phone.
“Oh, sorry, son. Are you saying what I think you’re saying? I’m gonna be a grandpa and you and Allie are getting married?” He chokes out.
I laugh. “Yes, you got it. I’m so fucking happy, dad. I would l
ove it if you’d be my best man. We haven’t set a date yet, we’re not going to rush. Allie’s only a week or so pregnant and has been feeling ill. But, she’s much better now. She’s seeing Doc Maddison. Can you believe that?” I say excitedly. We talk for quite a while, two cokes worth.
I see Allie coming into the kitchen, with red swollen eyes. Fuck. “Dad, gotta let you go now. I’ll see ya at the airport on Friday. Love you too. I will.” I end the call and get up. She comes to me and folds into my arms and starts crying. “Hey, bad call? Come on, what happened, love?” She proceeds to tell me her dad yelled and told her she needed to come home to straighten out her horrible life. And her wicked mother? She told her she would disown her if she had the baby and married me. Fucking bitch! I take her arms and set her down in a chair and make her some hot tea. I set it in front of her and sit down, moving my chair as close as it would go. I tuck a wayward strand of hair behind her ear and kiss her head. “It’s gonna be ok, my love. I promise.”
She sniffs and looks into my eyes, hers even more red and swollen than they were before. “I know, darling. I’m just sad that they won’t be in my baby’s life. I’m done with their threats and trying to control my life. I just wanted my baby to have both sets of grandparents,” she says with determination. “It’s their loss not to know our baby, to not know the wonderful man I love.” Man, I fucking love this woman!
I rub her arm and kiss her cheek. “If it’s any consolation, dad is ecstatic! He told me to tell you congratulations and he can’t wait to meet his future daughter in law.” She smiles, her eyes wet, her mouth finding mine.
New Year’s Eve comes and goes with a quiet whimper. Our friends were disappointed we didn’t go to the party but they all understood. Well, all but Paxton, of course. She gave Allie the best friend riot act and was pissed that Tuck would be there and she would be alone with him. We spent a quiet evening, just the two of us. It doesn’t seem like we have had any time to ourselves in so long. It was fucking great! Her stomach has calmed down, as long as she takes her pills, which I make her take along with the prenatal vitamins the doctor gave her.
