Chapter 6
Bridgette picked up a toy elephant and turned it over in her hands. She wandered into an upscale baby store on her lunch hour just to take a look at some of the things she and Luke still needed for the nursery. The last two months had flown by, she and Luke had picked up one or two things for the nursery but for the most part it was still just an empty room. The nesting urge was just starting to kick in but she felt a little lost when it came to actually picking things out.
She knew she needed to recruit Harper to help her work through some Pinterest boards so that she could present some concise ides to Luke. He was very open to whatever Bridgette wanted but was eager to be involved as possible in all of the little aspects. She appreciated and loved how eager he was, but lately he had been a little too protective and overbearing. He was constantly checking in to see how she was feeling or if she needed anything or calling the doctor to make sure her daily routine was ‘okay.’
“Finding everything you need Miss?” A petite redhead popped up near Bridgette’s right shoulder.
“Yes, thank you. Just looking for now.” Bridgette smiled politely and placed the elephant back on the shelf. It was moments like this she wished so badly that her mom was still alive. It had been almost six years since her mom lost her battle to cancer. She and Luke had visited her gravesite back when they had went to his families house. He had given her some space to tell her mom about the baby and how much she missed her.
She was heading out of the store when she caught a glimpse of herself in a large mirror mounted on the wall. She stopped and did a double take at her own reflection, when did her hips get that wide? And her face so full? She hung her head and made her way back to her office. Her body had really started to change over the last few weeks and while she knew it was for a good reason it was still hard to come to grips with things.
She had finally started to show in the last month, it wasn’t a major bump yet and she didn’t even need to wear maternity clothes but her coworkers had certainly caught on. The ladies in the office were beyond excited for her and made immediate plans to throw her a baby shower in the lunch room. They took bets on what the gender was based on how she was carrying the baby, what her cravings were and what kind of dreams she was having. Although she and Luke could have found out the gender already they put it off until the six month mark. It would be right around their one year anniversary then and they wanted to celebrate both at once.
They were also at a bit of a stalemate with baby names so this gave them some extra time to make a decision. They had both given each one three veto options which came in handy when Bridgette immediately vetoed Luke’s suggestion to name the baby Wrigley after Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs played.
Bridgette settled back into her chair in the office and closed her eyes for a minute, she had been struggling with the strange ebbs and flows in her energy lately and her insomnia. It seemed like she could be exhausted beyond belief but as soon as her head hit the pillow at night her brain came alive. Her dreams had also been stressful, mostly involving not being prepared when the baby came or giving birth very early. Luke had taken it upon himself to give her full body massages and rub her temples with essential oils but nothing seemed to work anymore. She had been taking the time at night to write letters and journal entries to her unborn baby. Some day when her child was old enough she would give it to them as a gift.
Today was more of a struggle than normal, she would kill for some caffeine to help her power through her day but instead she pulled out her phone and sent Harper a quick text.
Hey lady we still on for tonight? I know I’m scheduled to take your class tonight but no promises I’ll have the energy. I will be down for food though :)
Harper responded back quickly, Lol you’re always down for food these days! Yeah just meet me here even if you don’t feel like taking the class and we’ll grab something to eat after.
Bridgette put her phone back in her purse and did a few stretches to wake herself up before diving back into work. It had been almost four hours later when she pulled her phone out again to check the time. She had three missed calls from Luke and seven text messages. Slightly panicked she opened her messages to see what was going on.
Hi sweetheart how are you feeling today? Thinking about you xo.
Babe you ok? I haven’t heard from you and just want to make sure you’re feeling ok. Call me.
The rest of the messages were pretty much all the same. Bridgette inhaled deeply before she hit the redial button. She loved how much Luke loved her and cared about her well being but his over-protectiveness was starting to verge on insane.
“Hi baby sorry I’ve been really focused at work so I just saw your messages.”
“Bridge, christ you scared the hell out of me. Can you leave your phone on vibrate from now on please?” She could hear the stress in Luke’s voice.
“Yes I’m sorry I will from now on.” It wasn’t worth it right now to bring up the fact that she was feeling a bit overwhelmed with how caring he had been lately. She just chatted about her day and reminded him that she was meeting Harper for dinner after class. Per usual he tried to talk her out of exercising even though the doctor had told them both several times that she was cleared for physical activity.
“Luke I’ll be ok I promise, I’ll listen to my body and take it easy. The doctor said it’s good I stay active, it will help with labor and delivery. Besides, I caught my reflection in a mirror today and I’m putting on some serious weight. I’m not feeling very confident about myself right now and exercise always helps me with that.”
“Well just text me after class so I know you’re feeling ok. And for the record, I am loving your new body. Just make sure you bring it home to me tonight and be ready for another massage ok? Now have a good time with Harper, I love you.”
She managed to make it through the workout class, it’s like she got a second or maybe third wind around the end of the day to help her power through. She had even helped Harper clean up the studio after their class since it was the last of the night. Afterward they had decided to check out a new farm to table bistro that had opened up around the corner.
The waiter placed some fresh olives and Marcona almonds on the table as he explained the specials. The girls laughed to one another when he walked away at the pretentious nature of the restaurant. “This place is right up your organic, vegetarian ally Bridge.” Harper joked as she popped an olive in her mouth.
“I have to admit I kind of love these new hipster places and your gym fits right in with this neighborhood, with it’s $120 per month gym fees!” The girls laughed and teased one another for a minute while they waited on their appetizers to arrive.
“Ok so you go first.” Harper said as she took a huge bite of cheese covered bread.
Bridgette took a sip of water and inhaled deeply, “Oh boy where do I start…you might want to get comfortable. So lately the new thing that’s developing is how protective Luke has become. I mean, I get it don’t get me wrong. I know he’s extremely worried and cautious especially since I fell in the beginning of the pregnancy but now it’s just a little crazy.”
“Crazy like how?” Harper furrowed her brows.
“Well he will call and text me several times a day, or several times an hour rather. He gets nervous when I go to check the mail or run errands. I feel like a complete asshole even complaining about it because I know he’s doing it out of love and concern but it’s a little smothering. I still have four and half months of this pregnancy and he’s only getting worse as time goes on.”
“Hmmm…well have you talked to Luke about it? Is it bothering you enough that you want to talk to him about it?”
“That’s the thing, I don’t know. I feel like it’s hard for me to express how I feel to him without it coming across as hurtful to him. I’ve always been very independent and taken care of myself so I know that having someone else care for me and do things for me will take some getting used to. I also know it’s not
just about me, he’s concerned about our child and I get that but sometimes it feels like he doesn’t think I can take care of the baby while it’s inside me. I just don’t know if it’s worth it to fight about it ya know?”
“Yeah that makes sense. If you feel strongly enough about it though you should at least try to bring it up? How’s everything else going? You guys still doing it like ten times a day?” She said with a huge grin on her face.
Bridgette got a little flushed thinking about it, “Oh god it’s insane. My hormones are out of control! I thought it would calm down by now but I actually think it’s getting worse. I don’t know how Luke keeps up with me to be honest, it’s like he’s on fucking viagra or something!” She leaned forward as she whispered loudly.
Harper laughed as she struggled to swallow her water. “He’s got that caveman thing going on.”
“Caveman thing? What’s that mean?”
“Like when a guy gets his girl pregnant they get all virile and caveman like. It’s like they want to mark their territory and also like pound on their chest because they’ve “planted their seed.” She said emphatically with air quotes.
Bridgette wrinkled her nose, “Oh god their seed? Don’t ever say that again! That would certainly explain Luke’s behavior though, he’s become so dominant and demanding it’s really hot though! Okay, enough about me though how are things with you and Grant? You never did fill me in on your weekend away!”
Harper glanced down at her bread and pulled it apart nervously. “It was ok, nothing crazy. We just hung out and had a good time.” She half heartedly shrugged her shoulders as she spoke.
“Uh what aren’t you telling me Harper?”
“Nothing, it’s just I think this will be a casual thing with him. I have fun with him but I’m realizing that he is kind of a huge player. Pretty much every time we’re together he gets a text from another woman or he gets approached by women that know him. I just don’t want to get so invested in him if I’m setting myself up for failure.” She seemed resigned to the fact that this was her only option.
“Okay, now is my time to ask you if you’ve talked to him about this? I mean you guys always seem so happy and into one another and I know that those aren’t the only components that make up a successful relationship but it has to mean something right?”
“No, I haven’t said anything to him. Look Bridge, I do like him and we have fun and we do have a great connection but I just don’t have the emotional strength or whatever to constantly feel like I’m competing with others for his attention. It’s just not what I’m looking for and that’s ok. We’ll still hang out and have fun and stuff but it’s not like I’m looking at him as the one.” She was trying to be confident in how she spoke but Bridgette could see her uncertainty peaking through the cracks of doubt.
“Well, just promise me you’ll at least give him the benefit of the doubt before you do completely write off the chance of a future with him. Just be open to telling him how you feel and what you want out of the relationship. And that’s my two sense I promise.” She put her hands up as if to say she was done contributing her unsolicited advice to the conversation.
“Oh, before I forget I’m planning your baby shower for next month instead of when you’re like fifteen months pregnant and miserable, that ok? I asked Luke’s mom and sister-in-law to make sure it worked for them and they said it does.”
“Yes that works perfectly and is actually a great idea, hopefully I can still wear something cute and look halfway decent. Luke and I are finding out the gender at our next appointment so I’ll be sure to let you know should that play a part in the shower. You’re wonderful Harper thank you so much.” She rubbed her belly as she spoke and glanced down at her growing bump. “Crazy isn’t it? I can’t believe I have a human growing inside of me.”
Harper grinned at her friend with misty eyes, she leaned over and rubber Bridgette’s belly, “I can’t wait to meet you little baby. You are going to have the most kick ass parents who love you so much. Oh and even cooler aunt.”
Chapter 7
The baby’s heartbeat filled the room as the doctor maneuvered the camera across Bridgette’s belly. “You can see the toes and fingers clearly and if we look right here you can see that she is a girl.” The doctor turned with a big grin on her face pointing to an area on the monitor.
Bridgette gasped and covered her mouth with her hands, tears springing to her eyes. “We’re having a baby girl?” She didn’t think that she really cared much about the gender until this moment. She grabbed for Luke’s hand as she stared at the screen blinking back tears himself.
“You and the baby are coming along very nicely. She’s right on track with her weight and length for six and a half months. Your weight looks great, even a little on the low side so you can comfortably gain a few more pounds in this last trimester without anything to worry about. How is everything feeling for you? No spotting or cramping? Constipation?” The doctor glanced back at her chart as she read of a few more issues.
“Uh no everything seems to be normal. My energy is back to normal and I’m sleeping better. I do have one question though…is it still okay for us to have a healthy sex life?” She blushed a little at the suggestion.
The doctor smiled, “Yes absolutely and don’t feel embarrassed by the question. A lot of women experience a heightened sex drive during pregnancy. Just do what’s comfortable for you and your partner. Obviously the bigger you get just be mindful of not laying on your stomach.”
❖
“I can’t believe we’re having a little girl.” Luke stared at the printout of the sonogram the doctor had given them earlier that day at the appointment. Bridgette stirred in his arms in their bed, giving Luke a kiss on the cheek.
They had struggled to make it through the front door after the visit without ripping one another’s close off. Bridgette couldn’t seem to keep her hormones under control still and since the doctor said its was perfectly normal she wasn’t about to hold back. Luke certainly didn’t seem to mind since he threw her on the kitchen counter once they got home and had his way with her…a few times.
“I know right? It all seems so much more real now. Is that weird?
“No I know exactly what you mean. I’m so screwed.” Luke laughed as he thought about how much this little girl was going to have him wrapped around her finger. He rolled onto his side and placed his hand on her belly. “You are already the most loved baby, your mom and I love you so much.”
“So should we talk about names? I know we had thrown a few out there but hadn’t picked one yet but I was thinking about Katherine, my mom’s name. She could go by Kate or Katey. I know it’s a lot to ask and if you want to veto it I won’t hold it against you.”
Luke grabbed her hands that she was nervously flailing about as she spoke. “Sweetheart I love it. I think it would be a lovely homage to your mother and it’s a beautiful name.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Hey there is something that I think we should talk about. Have you thought about what you’ll do once the baby is here?”
Bridgette rolled over and faced him, “What do you mean what I’ll do?”
“Well with work, will you go part time or work from home?”
Bridgette looked confused, “Well they give me 12 weeks of maternity leave so after that I’m sure we’ll discuss childcare and figure out how we want to proceed. If we would prefer a nanny or a group setting.”
“Have you considered maybe not going back to work? I make more than enough to support us so if that’s your concern you can put those fears to rest.”
Bridgette shot up, “Not go back to work? Why? Luke I love my job and I don’t do it because I’m worried that I wont’ be able to support my baby.”
“Our baby.”
“What?”
“It’s our baby Bridge.” Luke was clearly annoyed.
“You know what I meant Luke. Why would you expect me to quit my job after the baby gets her?
“Because Bridge I don
’t want a stranger raising our kid!” He threw his hands up in the hair and got off the bed.
“Hold on a god damn minute! Why the hell am I expected to quit my job? Because I’m the woman? I worked my ass off in school and worked my way up to get this editor job. You KNOW I love my job Luke. This is completely unfair!” Bridgette pointed a finger at Luke as her face grew red.
“No this has nothing to do with you being a woman, the baby will need you around while you’re nursing and I make a lot more money than you so it’s logical that if either of us would quit our jobs it would be you.”
“So now you’re making all kinds of decisions for me huh? Nursing, quitting my job, what’s next Luke? You’re going to start telling me who I can talk to or where I can go? Because you’re not too far behind that!”
Luke turned around slowly, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Bridgette’s frustration hit its limit and she let it all out, “You have been beyond controlling lately Luke. You constantly tell me not to do my regular, every day things that my doctor has said are perfectly ok! You call and text me a million times a day to check in on me. You tell me what I shouldn’t eat and when I should go to bed. It’s like you think I can’t do anything fucking right anymore Luke!”
“It’s because I’m worried about you Bridgette and our baby! Excuse me for wanting to make sure you’re both healthy through all of this.”
“Oh please Luke, you think I’m not capable, that’s the real issue here. Clearly you think that my existence is now just to grow this baby and be a mom. This is exactly what I was worried about with all of this. This is what happens, women lose their identity with becoming a mom. Pretty soon we’re just roommates and we have to schedule sex and the only thing we have in common is the fact that we reproduced.”
“Ok clearly there’s a lot more going on here than just the job conversation. I never said anything about you being incapable and you know that’s not how I feel. If you want to talk about this like adults I’d be happy to but I’m not going to have a yelling match with you Bridgette. I only suggested the job thing because my mom did it. She gave up her career to raise my brother and I and she never regretted it.”
Needing You_A Friends to Lovers Romance_Book 2 Page 4
