“Thanks for coming.”
“For you anything and I guess for Trevor too,” Taylor said playfully. “How was the ceremony?”
“It was really nice and he didn’t even trip.” Elle said with a laugh.
“I’m glad it went well…trip?” Taylor asked almost confused.
“No clue why but for weeks he’s been harping about how he was going to trip at some point and everyone would see, including me and his family and it would be my fault since I made such a big deal about inviting everyone to the ceremony.” Elle laughed after she finished explaining.
“Well I guess everyone’s nerves go somewhere but tripping would never have occurred to me. Glad he stayed on his feet.” Taylor said sarcastically as she laughed.
Taylor looked at her watch and said, “Is the table almost ready? I don’t want to stay too long.”
“I think they’re cleaning it and I know you don’t but please don’t rush out.”
“I won’t but I can’t stick around too long either, being around Jake sometimes reminds me how much he only sees me as a friend, when that isn’t how I see him and it just sucks but…whatever.”
Changing the subject Taylor said, “Trevor’s brothers look exactly like him, it’s almost crazy!” as she studied them.
“I know and his sister looks nothing like them. She jokes around how she’s not just the only girl but the black sheep too. But his family really is amazing.”
“She really doesn’t. Wonder what it was like for her growing up with three brothers? They seem to be great guys, I get why you like them so much.” Taylor envied Elle the slightest bit that she had found her guy and that his family was awesome too.
“From what she’s told me, not easy at all. They either scared off her boyfriends or followed them around. And her friends wanted to always be at her house because they had crushes on one or all of her brothers. I think I’m lucky I only had one brother.” Elle said with a laugh.
“That might even make me glad I just have V.” Taylor added with a laugh of her own. Jake looked at her with a longing look deep in his eyes.
The dinner went incredibly well and Trevor’s family even loved Taylor too. Trevor’s brothers told Jake if he didn’t go for Taylor then they would. Elle laughed when Jake practically growled and his jaw tightened, while poor Taylor just turned red and sank into her seat. When Trevor’s family left after dessert, it was just Elle, Trevor, Jake and Taylor.
The waitress brought Trevor and Jake another beer and Taylor another glass of wine. When she walked away Trevor said, “Well that went well.” he put his arm around Elle to bring her closer to him and kiss her on the temple.
“It really did.” Elle said.
“I’m happy for you man.” Jake added in.
“Congratulations Trevor, you deserve to celebrate you worked hard for it.” Taylor said. She lifted her glass of wine as a sign she wanted to cheers with the others. “What are we toasting to?” Elle asked.
“Umm…How about to…new beginnings?” Taylor said hesitantly.
“Works for me!” Elle chimed in.
They all lifted their glasses in a toast.
“Cheers!” they all said in unison.
“You sure you don’t want anything else to drink, something to celebrate with?” Trevor asked Elle gesturing to her glass of water.
“No this is fine. I have a little bit of a headache and figured it would be better if I only drank water.”
“Okay. Do you want to go?”
“No, I’m fine right now. Let’s stay and enjoy it.” She said with a smile.
“You sure? You didn’t really even eat your dinner.” Trevor said sounding more concerned.
“I’m good, promise. You know me; sometimes headaches make my stomach weird too.”
“Okay, if you’re sure. But we can leave any time you’re ready.” Trevor said as he pulled her in closer.
They sat and talked with their friends for a while longer before Taylor said, “I think I may get going. Do you guys mind?”
“No it’s fine we should probably get going too.” Elle said as she waved to the waitress for the bill.
“Thanks for coming out with us.” Trevor said to both Jake and Taylor.
“Thanks dude and congratulations.” Jake said as he slapped Trevor on the back.
“Aww man, you’re so mushy I might cry.” Trevor joked with his friend.
The waitress brought the bill and Elle insisted she was going to pay since it was a celebratory dinner for Trevor and his graduation.
“Thanks for inviting me; I know this was a family thing.” Taylor said to Trevor as the four of them walked out the door.
“You don’t have to thank me, you make it sound like I didn’t have a choice. I wanted to invite you and clearly you’re part of Elle’s family so your part of mine too, and from what I could tell with my brothers you’re in girl.” Trevor teased with Taylor but he heard a low growl from Jake that made him chuckle under his breath.
“Thanks.” Taylor said smiling as she turned to hug Trevor.
Trevor and Elle were driving home he could feel something wasn’t right with her but didn’t know what it was. He knew she had a headache but she was being too quiet. The more he thought about it the more he realized the past few weeks she hadn’t really been herself.
“Thanks for everything tonight baby. I really appreciate it, I had an amazing time.” Trevor said at the same time he reached for Elle’s hand.
“You don’t have to thank me I wanted to do it, today was for you. Are you going to frame your degree and hang it up?”
“I don’t know, I hadn’t thought about it.”
“You should, you worked hard for that and should show it off.”
“Maybe I will, I’ll think about it.”
“So much for us pushing our friends together and making them awkward with each other. We didn’t have to do anything for them to end up that way.” Elle said as she looked out the truck’s window.
“Yeah that was pretty painful tonight. He’s never been like this, it’s like he’s fighting his feelings for her. Did you hear him growl when I mentioned her with my brothers?”
“You should have seen his face too. He looked pissed. He better figure it out soon because Taylor’s hurt and she won’t keep waiting for him.”
The rest of the ride home Elle sat there quietly looking out the truck’s windows, while Trevor agonized over what could be wrong or bothering her.
When they got back to their house Elle went upstairs and changed into her pajamas. Trevor decided he was going to ask Elle what was going on, she was not herself even though she was trying to act like it, but he knew something was off.
He looked down at Bruiser and said, “Since she won’t tell me what it is I guess I have to go drag it out of her. Wish me luck.”
Bruiser barked and nudged Trevor’s leg as he stood up from his seat in the kitchen.
“Thanks. I might need it.” Trevor said as he pet Bruiser’s head and walked towards the stairs.
Elle sat on the bed in their room not feeling great and hoping that it would pass because now wasn’t the right time to talk to Trevor. Everything was happening so quickly as it was; this new development was just too soon. She knew he was curious and worried but she was scared and didn’t want to talk.
Trevor walked in their bedroom Elle was underneath the blankets, leaning back against the headboard staring at an unopened magazine.
“Are you okay?” He asked as he approached the bed and sat on the end of it by her feet.
“I’m fine.”
“Then why are you staring at an unopened magazine that’s upside down?” Trevor asked confused.
“I was deciding if I wanted to read it or not. But I’m not feeling all that great so I think I might just go to sleep instead.” Elle rolled over shutting down the conversation, but he wasn’t giving up that easy.
“What’s going on?” Trevor asked her filled with concern.
“What are you
talking about?”
“Why are you being distant and acting different? Did I do something? Is something wrong?”
“You didn’t do anything and no nothing’s wrong. I’m just not feeling great.” Elle said as she pulled the blankets tighter to herself.
Elle knew she should be honest with him. In truth she wasn’t sure if she had the energy for the conversation and the possible argument the truth could bring so she decided bed was the best idea, but the look on Trevor’s face told her he was going to be giving up anytime soon.
“What is it that’s not feeling great? Did you go to the doctor?”
“I have an appointment Monday morning. I haven’t been feeling so good lately. Sleep might be all I need.” Elle said nonchalantly.
“Okay if you’re sure that’s it. I’ll go get you a glass of water in case you need it.”
“Thanks.” Elle said as she settled further into the bed.
Trevor brought the water back but when he walked in he didn’t see her in the bed. But he thought he heard her throwing up in the bathroom, he walked over to the knock on the door but Elle opened it and almost walked right into him.
“Oh! Sorry. I thought you were still downstairs.” Elle said as she sat back on the bed and took a sip of the water Trevor put on the one nightstand beside the bed.
“Are you sick?” Trevor asked, now very concerned.
“My stomach’s just not right.”
“Do you have some sort of virus or something?”
“No.”
“You’re starting to worry me.”
“You don’t need to be worried. It’s okay.” Elle said trying to reassure him.
“Okay, so you haven’t been yourself or felt good for a few weeks, you have a headache, you might be sick but haven’t been to the doctor and you tell me it’s okay, don’t worry. How am I supposed to do that?”
“Because it’s nothing bad or life threatening,” Elle said as she tried to sound reassuring.
“Well then what is it? It seems like you know. Don’t say “nothing” because I am tired of you not telling me and I’m not leaving until you do.” Trevor said with a stern voice as he crossed his arms over his chest for emphasis.
Elle took another sip of water and a deep breath before saying quietly, “I’m pregnant.”
There was silence for several moments, you could have heard a pin drop. The only thing audible was Elle’s breathing because it seemed Trevor had stopped.
After a few minutes Elle finally said with a shaky voice, “Say something.”
Trevor sat on the edge of the bed but still said nothing; he just sat there with a shocked look on his face.
Elle crawled down the bed and sat right in front of him and lightly shook his arm. “Are you okay?” Her voice was now filled with concern and worry. She wasn’t sure how he would deal with what she just told him.
Finally Trevor found his voice and said, “Say that again.”
Elle looked confused and said, “Are you okay?”
“Not that.” He said irritably.
Elle repeated it but just a little louder than the time before, “I’m pregnant.”
“I’m guessing that’s why you didn’t want to drink at dinner and only picked at your food or do you really have a headache?” Trevor said flatly.
“That’s why.” Elle said quietly.
“You’re pregnant?” Trevor asked, his eyes briefly showed his awe this time around but he was still careful to not show too much emotion.
Elle had no idea what Trevor’s reaction was going to be but he usually showed her some emotion and just as quick as she saw a glimmer of awe and excitement it was gone. So she just answered his question.
“Apparently so. The three pregnancy tests had plus signs and when I told my doctor I was three weeks late and not feeling quite right she said more than likely I am, but Monday is when she checks for sure.” Elle said more in a rush to get it out than anything else.
“Can I come with?”
“To the doctor’s appointment?” Elle asked confounded.
“Yes.” Trevor said still barely showing any emotion and breathing shallow as if air wasn’t coming in quick enough.
“I’d like it if you came with me, but if she checks me then maybe turn around because that might be a little awkward if you watched.”
“Okay, deal.”
Another few minutes passed in silence as he absorbed what she had told him, then Trevor asked curiously, “You said you took three tests and already have a doctor’s appointment, how long have you known?”
“I had to be sure they weren’t wrong so three seemed good, you know best two out of three? But they all said yes. That was the longest three minutes of my life! I’ve known about two weeks.”
“Two weeks?! Why didn’t you tell me? Wasn’t I allowed to know? I would’ve waited with you while you took the tests.” Trevor stood up and began to pace.
“Yes you were supposed to know. I didn’t tell you because I knew you had a lot going on with the graduation and work. I didn’t want to add to your stress and make you have to deal with another thing. Guess not telling you backfired. Plus it’s not exactly like this was planned. I mean we haven’t even seriously talked about marriage or kids since we were first together and this was a shock. We’ve already moved so fast with everything in our relationship. Hell I didn’t know how I felt about all of this, I still don’t know, I mean of course I want kids but…now? I wasn’t sure I was ready, if we were ready, if you’d be okay with it.” Elle said as she took a deep breath.
“Another reason I didn’t tell you when I found out was because I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about all of this, she said gesturing to herself and her belly, “you just barely got moved in. I guess I was scared.” Elle said as she took in a few more deep calming breaths.
Trevor finally opened his mouth to speak after a few minutes but his voice was so quiet she had to strain to listen, “It doesn’t matter about the when, I wanted kids with you and it looks like it’s going to happen. Huh?”
Elle handed him the glass of water and just sat there waiting for him to say more. Hoping that he would say more….
When he didn’t continue Elle wasn’t sure what to do so instead she asked him, “How are you with this, really?” He sat back down on the bed and faced her.
“I’m not going to lie that just threw me on my ass, talk about a surprise…but I’m also kind of excited too.” He said finally finding his normal voice after drinking the rest of the water she offered him.
“Excited? Really?” Elle said sounding so unsure. “You’re not mad especially about the timing?”
“Yes excited…why would I be mad about the timing.”
“Just that it was too soon for all of this.”
“We’ll take it and by the way I think it’s perfect timing.” Trevor said as he brought Elle to his side.
“It feels so good to finally tell you. I’m sorry I made you have to drag it out of me and that I didn’t tell you sooner. I was just….”Elle dragged in a deep breath and said, “I don’t know I guess I was a lot of things and not saying anything made it not real for a little while but I should have said something; it’s your baby too.”
“Don’t be sorry and you’re right you probably should have told me when you found out but I’m glad I finally know what is really going on. You had me worried. Are you excited?” Trevor asked.
“I guess a little but I’m more scared I think than excited, so I am definitely glad you’re so excited. I’m glad that we’re doing this together.”
“Don’t be scared baby, we totally have this.” Trevor said with so much confidence she started to believe it. Now he’d have to be the one telling her that from now on.
“I guess now you can make that empty room down the hall into a baby’s room.”
“I guess so. I never thought that would happen, at least not anytime soon.” Elle said with a smile as she put her hand over her still flat belly. Trevor pulled her tighter and p
laced his hand on top of hers.
Elle couldn’t believe the turn her year had taken. Not only was everything in her professional life going like gangbusters, her personal life had brought her such peace and joy. She met the man of her dreams and of course fell in love with him and now they were living together and having a baby. Holy crap! She was so relieved by his reaction to the news. She rubbed her hand over her stomach and couldn’t believe a person was in there and that it was their baby, she was going to be a mom. Ohmygod! She felt like she really was going to have it all with Trevor. She leaned into his arms and smiled.
Elle and Trevor sat in an embrace for a long while before he got up, went to a drawer in the dresser and said, “I wanted to wait until we went snowboarding in the Poconos over New Year’s with Jake and Taylor but I think I should do this now.” With that he turned back around with a small box in his hand, got down on one knee and said, “Elle will you marry me? Make me the happiest guy and have a couple babies with me?” As he glanced quickly down at her belly.
Elle sucked in a deep breath and stared at Trevor for a second waiting for someone to wake her and tell her this was all a dream. But she saw the look on his face; the happiness and love etched into it and the box with a beautiful square diamond ring surrounded by little baguettes on the sides in his hand and knew it was real.
“Yes of course I will.” Elle exclaimed as tears started to roll down her cheeks, she threw herself into his arms while he was trying to put the ring on her finger.
“You had this planned before? It’s not because of what I just told you?” she said to him with such question in her voice.
“I’ve been planning this for two months. I wanted it to be a surprise.” Trevor said then he got that she was afraid he’d only ask her to marry him because of the baby.
“What am I Houdini? Where would I have gotten a ring if I wasn’t planning it?” He said jokingly, as he pulled her to him and kissed her.
He then said a few breaths later, “We’re really having a baby!?” he was now allowing himself to feel the full weight of what was happening and his excitement with it.
“It looks that way.” Elle said smiling at the love and excitement in his eyes.
“I think it’s going to take a while to sink in. Let’s not tell anyone.”
My Missing Puzzle Piece (Creekside Falls #1) Page 22
