by Vicki Green
“Sadie? What’s wrong?” Tina rushes over and grabs my arms, looking concerned.
“I…” I close my mouth, sweat quickly forming on my forehead.
“You’d better come here and sit down before you fall down.” She puts her arm around my shoulders and leads me to the chair at the desk. I sit down and bend over, leaning my arms on my legs, my head down. I can see her squat down in front of me, her hands on my legs. “Now. What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Am I okay. Am I okay? I lift my head slightly so I can look at her. “I don’t know, Tina. I mean… I’m beyond thrilled that I’m pregnant but it’s been seven years and I’m older. I’m already so tired and I have so much to do and I’m older and…” She smiles and lets out a laugh. I lower my eyebrows. “It’s not funny.” She clamps her lips together as she pats my leg, trying to console me. She’s not very good at this.
“It’s a baby, Sadie. It’s not like you haven’t had one before.” She picks up some of my long hair and places it over my shoulder. “Now. What’s really bothering you?” She knows me too well.
I let out a long breath, blowing some of my hair that’s hanging down on the other side and sigh. She pushes that hair over my other shoulder. “Evie jumped Sparkles over a bale of hay and I had this bad dream and I think I found a gray hair.” Tears that I didn’t realize were there start falling from my eyes.
“She did what?” Tina gasps.
I nod quickly, my head feeling like a bobble head doll. “Yeah. She could have been hurt or killed.” I swallow thickly, thinking about the terror of seeing her jump. Visions of Sparkles stopping as they reached the hay, throwing Evie off and her falling. Falling. Falling. I’ve heard the saying that life flashes before your eyes when something bad is happening. But all I saw was her flying up in the air on Sparkles’ back, my heart lodged in my throat. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.
I look up as she begins rubbing my arm. “Thank God nothing bad happened.”
“But I had a dream last night.” I swallow, hard. “Tina, it scared me.”
She reaches over and hugs me. I lay my head down on her shoulder, loving the soothing. “I’m sure it was just from the fright of seeing that happen.” She pats my back and leans back, smiling. “You’re gonna have another baby. How exciting! I wonder if it’ll be a boy or a girl. Oh! Maybe it’ll be twins again!” She claps her hands as she rests back on her heels.
“Shut your mouth.” I laugh. “Did you not just hear me say that I’m older and I found a gray hair?”
Her smile turns into a smirk. “Sadie. You’re only twenty-seven.” She rolls her eyes. I hope they get stuck like that.
Sitting up, I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m almost twenty-eight and I don’t want my boobs sagging and bags under my eyes by the age of thirty. Humph!” She grabs one of my arms and pulls me up. Putting her arm around my shoulders, she starts guiding me to the door.
“And you’re hormonal. Happens every time.” She tries to pacify me. “Memphis worships the ground you walk on. You have two amazing kids and one – or more…” I give her a mean look. “Another one on the way.” She stops at the door and turns me around to face her, putting her hands on my shoulders. “You have everything you’ve ever dreamed of so stop being a whiny-ass.” I open my mouth to speak but she leans in and kisses my cheek. She’s smiling when she leans back. “I love you, Bestie.”
I smile. “I love you too, Bestie.”
She turns me around and opens the door.
“Now go. Be happy.” She gently pushes me through the door.
I feel a bit better, even though the remnants of last night’s dream still lurks in the crevasses of my mind. I take two steps and stop, turning towards her quickly. “Wait! Where’s my pastry?” She lets out a laugh and walks out the door. A laugh escapes me as I watch her walk behind the counter and over to the display case. I turn and look across the room, my eyes moving directly to my family sitting by the window. Memphis is laughing at something Jared said. Jared is waving his hands around, talking animatedly as Evie eats her pastry, her shoulders shaking from her own laughter. My family. God, Sadie. You’re being so stupid. You have everything you could ever want or need right here. I look over at Tina and smile. Stop being a hormonal whiny-ass. I feel so much better as I walk to the counter, meeting Tina there. Smiling, I pick up my plate and bottled water she set down and walk over to my family. We had a great time laughing and being silly.
After tucking in our very tired but still excited kids, we went to our room to get ready for bed. Memphis is already under the covers as I walk into the room from the bathroom, the sheet riding low around his slim waist. My eyes follow up his tight abs to his broad chest, my heart beating harder as I gaze at his tanned skin. He still makes me weak looking at him and I’m so thankful he’s mine.
“Come to bed, baby,” he whispers, lifting the covers for me.
Smiling, I walk over to the bed, climbing in beside him. He brings the covers up over me as I snuggle into his side, laying my head on his chest. I feel his arm move around me, his free hand grasping mine on his stomach. “I missed you,” he says as he kisses my forehead. So sweet. So tender. “Are you okay, Darlin’? You’ve got me worried lately.” I look up into his concerned eyes. “I know you’re probably a little frightened.” He knows me so well. He squeezes me and smiles. “Know I’m always here for ya. Always will be.” He leans his head against mine, lovingly. “We’re gonna have a baby,” he whispers, and he instantly removes all my apprehensions and fills my heart. I relax in his arms and close my eyes, feeling his love, his warmth, all around me.
The next day, I start renewed. Chores, cleaning, baking, and so much laughing with my family. Memphis left after lunch with the kids, taking them into town and then to a ranch in the next town over to look into getting Evie riding and eventually jumping lessons. To say she was excited would be such an understatement. I got bored while they’re gone so I decided to roll out some dough to make some homemade rolls for tonight. I’m covered in flour when the doorbell rings. Who could that be? I grab a dish towel and wipe my hands as I walk to the front door. I look through the peephole, force of habit after all the scares we went through, and smile. “Shiloh!” I open the door and she steps forward. As she puts her arms around me, mine spread around her. “Follow me into the kitchen. I was just making some rolls for dinner,” I tell her as I shut the door. I start walking to the kitchen, hearing her footsteps behind me.
“Rumor has it that you’re pregnant.”
I stop in my tracks.
Tina.
I take a few deep breaths, knowing she’s more than likely hurt that I hadn’t told her but hold my head up high and start walking towards the kitchen again. “Tina has a big mouth,” I whisper as I walk straight to the breakfast bar. Grabbing the round cutter, I dip it in a heap of flour and slam it into the dough, twisting it so the edges will cut all the way through. Pulling up the cutter, I set it down, sprinkle some flour on the palms of each hand and pick up the round dough, forming it into a ball.
“Sadie. I’m not mad.”
I look up and see Shiloh sitting at the kitchen table, her legs crossed, her hand laying on her big round stomach, and a smile on her face. “Don’t blame Tina for being excited for you. You know she loves you and just wants the best for you.” I set the ball of dough in the bowl. Grabbing the dish towel, I walk around the breakfast bar and sit down next to her.
“I’m sorry I hadn’t told you yet, I…”
She reaches over and places her hand on my arm. “You and Tina have been best friends all your life. But…” She sits back, sadness spreads across her face. She lays her hand on the table, a small smile on her mouth. “So, what’s going on?” She’s gotten to know me so well over the years. She can always tell when something’s bothering me. I lean back into my chair and let out a sigh.
“Oh, I think it’s just my normal hormonal craziness.” I let out another sigh as I wipe my hands on the dish towel then I wave my hand in the air. “You know how I get.” I try to laugh it off but really it’s driving me crazier than anyone. I remember fondly how insane I was, at times, during my pregnancy with the twins. Of course, back then, we were also going through the horrible experience with Shiloh. That definitely didn’t help. I had written off my craziness to that but now, I’m not so sure that was all that was going on with me.
She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest, smiling. “Come on, Sadie. I know you better than that.” Her smile falters. “What’s really going on?”
I give in and tell her everything from Evie jumping Sparkles to the bad dream. “It’s probably just motherly concern I’m sure. Only – Memphis had a bad dream about it too.” Her brows raise. “Weird, huh?” She seems to think for a long time. Too long. Making me more nervous than I already am. Finally, she leans her arms on the table and smiles.
“I’m sure you were both really upset and worried about Evie. It doesn’t surprise me that you’d both have bad dreams.” She leans back again. She could be right. I mean we were both so frantic with worry. Of course she’s right. I stand and lean over, kissing her on the cheek, then sit back down.
“You’re so right.” I laugh, waving it off. “I’m being so silly. Of course you’re right.” Her smile is back, brighter. God, I hope she’s right.
“Here. Let me help you with the rolls,” she says as she struggles to stand. “I could use a distraction.” I stand up quickly, grasping her arm and help her. She’s really big this time. I wonder if she’s having more than one baby.
“Are you sure? You look kind of uncomfortable.”
I follow her around the breakfast bar. She places her hand on the counter and turns to me. “Oh.” She laughs. “I’m definitely uncomfortable and I’m sure I need a distraction.” She looks down at my mess and smiles. “Now, what do you want me to do?”
We had the best time catching up while we made dinner rolls. It was something I really needed. A good friend to get my mind off things.
Chapter Five
Memphis
As I was leavin’ for town with the kids, Colby called me and asked for a ride. Said somethin’ about a part he needed for his truck. So, I stopped by his place and he and his kids loaded into my truck. I’m lucky to have such a good friend and even luckier our kids get along so well. It ended up bein’ a really good day. Dropped Colby off at the parts store and I took all the kids to a ranch on the other side of town to talk about settin’ up ridin’ lessons for Evie. The people I met were really good people. She starts next weekend. She was so excited, I thought she’d have a heart attack with her jumpin’ and clappin’ her hands so much. I chuckle just thinkin’ about it now. I then took the kids and met up with Colby. We ended up over at the park so the kids could play. Colby and I bought them lunch from one of those hot dog vendors there and sat at a picnic table. Won’t be able to do this much longer with fall comin’ in. When I was droppin’ Colby off, I ended up stayin’ and helpin’ him with his truck. The kids went out to play as we worked on it. It was nice to have some “guy time”. Don’t get that very often anymore.
“So, another baby, huh?”
I look up from my bent position over the engine, shake my head, and chuckle. He looks at me and smiles. “You know Tina can’t keep her mouth shut ‘bout somethin’ like that.” He laughs and looks back down as he puts the new part in. “’Course it’s none of my business but – not sure why ya’ll want to keep it a secret anyway. Not like you haven’t had kids before.” He grunts as he twists the wrench hard and I bear down harder, keepin’ the part in place. I can’t stop my chuckle.
“Yeah, I know. But Sadie’s – well, ya know, Sadie.”
We finish and he stands, laughin’ and shakin’ his head. “I guess. It’s a baby. Another miracle. Her pregnancy before wasn’t bad, right?” I shake my head, wipin’ my greasy hands off on a rag. “Then what’s she worried ‘bout?” He tilts his head at me. I follow him into his house, watch him walk over to the fridge and take out a beer for us both. We take them over to the kitchen table and sit down. I take a long pull from mine, and then set the bottle down on the table.
“Whelp, we had a scare with Evie the other day.” His eyes widen. “She’s okay but she tried jumpin’ Sparkles and ever since then Sadie can’t get it outta her head and had a bad dream.”
“Sheesh, that’s scary. Glad she’s okay though.” His face is full of concern. Blood may be thicker than water but the things we’ve been through together, not to mention he and Shiloh are the twins Godparents as well as we are to theirs, well – that makes us more than family.
I take another drink and look at him with my own concern. “Guess I kind of had a bad dream about it too.” He raises a brow. “I didn’t tell Sadie how it shook me up pretty fierce. I know hers did too.”
He leans over and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Sorry, man. Just enjoy life and don’t worry about it. Maybe it was just the anxiety of everythin’ that had just happened. You know we’re always here for you if and when you need us.” Dang, I must be tired ‘cos I swear I feel tears in my eyes.
“Back ‘atcha, man. You know we’re always here for ya’ll too.” I put my hand on his arm and squeeze. We sit there for a minute and realize we’re lookin’ and actin’ like girls. He walks back out to the garage and releases the hood of his truck, and I walk over to his work table to set down the rag I’d been usin’. Damn, Sadie’s got me feelin’ like a mess of emotions with her pregnancy already and she ain’t even that far along yet.
By the time I get the kids home, Sadie’s got supper ready. The smell of homemade rolls fills the kitchen and my stomach rumbles. She cooked pork chops out on the grill with corn on the cob, and a salad. Must be feelin’ better since we left earlier. The conversation at the table was fun, with plenty of laughter and love. It’s been a tense couple of days so this is just what we needed. Some family time. After supper, she goes up with the kids to make sure they take their baths as I offer to clean the kitchen. Once done, I decided to walk down to the barn, checkin’ on Clancy and Sparkles. This year we need to get Jared a pony but he hasn’t seemed as interested as Evie did. He needs to learn how to take care of them and ride them, and also be the man I know he’ll be. I love how he tends to the flowers and plants, lovin’ the land like I taught him. Like Pa taught me. It’s what Pa instilled in me and I’m grateful for it.
I’m exhausted by the time I reach the house. I turn off the lights as I go upstairs. Taking a left at the top, I walk to Evie’s room, peekin’ in her door to find her snuggled in bed sound asleep. Turnin’, I step across the hall and look into Jared’s room. His covers are at the foot of the bed. I try to hold my chuckle as I creep inside, pull them up and over him. I stand there for a minute and watch him sleep, rememberin’ when I was a youngin’ and sleepin’ in my bed feelin’ loved, safe, and secure in this house. I think Pa’d be right proud of me, teachin’ about the beauty of the land, and the family I have. Here I go gettin’ a little teary eyed missin’ Pa, but I’m so proud of my kids, my wife. I lean down and brush away his hair from his forehead. He lets out a sigh and turns over in his sleep. I smile as I walk out of his room, closin’ the door but a crack.
My heart is full as I walk down the hallway, passin’ the stairs and down to my bedroom. The day could not be any better. Or so I thought. When I walked in the room, I thought I would find Sadie asleep. Instead, the darkness of the room was filled with the glow of burnin’ candles. Sadie’s layin’ on top of the covers, only wearin’ a bow around her neck. She gives me a mischievous look, raisin’ one of her eyebrows and crookin’ her finger at me. I lean back against the door, smilin’. I close it and twist the new lock I’d put on it.
“Can’t say I’m not lovin’ this surprise but
I’m really dirty,” I whisper.
I watch her with my heart thunderin’ against my chest as she slides off the bed, her beautiful body glidin’ towards me. I might be plumb wore out but my cock stands up and takes notice. Not too tired for her. Always for her. She brushes her hand down the side of my face then her luscious lips press against mine as I wrap my arms around her. Her lips leave mine cool as she trails kisses across my jaw. “I think we can get you – all – cleaned – up.” She makes a poppin’ sound at the ‘p’ and my cock hardens more, if that’s possible. She takes a step back and takes my hand. I follow her into the bathroom. I feel honored and blessed as she helps remove my clothes, and then she starts the water in the shower. After stepping into the shower, she takes her time and washes me. I never had anyone take such gentle care of me. Once I’m clean, I can’t take it anymore. I grasp her by the waist and push her against the tile. I make love to my wife, soft and tender, then hungry and needy. Don’t know what the hell happened to her today, her mood’s always changin’ so rapidly, but damn she feels so good.
I return the favor, gettin’ out of the shower first, takin’ a towel and dryin’ her off, kissin’ every inch of her soft skin as I do. After I dry myself off, I lift her into my arms, carry her to our bed and lay her down gently, coverin’ her with the sheet and comforter. I climb in beside her, pullin’ her into my arms, and kiss the top of her head.
“I love you so much, baby,” I whisper.
She kisses my chest and snuggles into it. “I love you too.”
