“I just went and had a few drinks with some new friends. How am I hiding?”
“You moved to Tulsa so quickly and then here. That tells me there was something in Omaha that spooked you and sent you home. Who is she?”
“Ma, I only saw her twice. I have no way of finding her now either. I was foolish enough twice to not get her number.”
“Fate brought you two together twice?”
“I guess you could call it that. Once in Tulsa when you were in the hospital and once in Omaha when she was there for a teaching convention. Her car broke down and I towed it to the garage.”
“Fate works in mysterious ways my son. You will see her again, you’re meant to be together. I just know it.”
“You need to rest Ma, you’re delirious. Love you.”
“Goodnight Maysen. See you tomorrow. You need to get some rest too. Love you.”
With that sentiment we both walk to our bedrooms for hopefully a good night’s sleep. But as I’m readying for bed, I can’t help hearing Mom’s comments about fate. It had brought Audrey and I together twice. Could it do it again or would I be an even bigger fool to think it would?
*************
Lying here in bed tonight I can’t seem to fall asleep. I keep running through my head the last time I stumbled upon Maysen. I had thought it was something that would never happen again but it did. Could we really see each other again?
Of course not you idiot. He’s moved and God only knows where to. I need to move on and forget about him. I owe it to both us and the baby to move on and do whatever I can to make this baby feel loved. Loved without a father. But I will always love it and be here. That this baby can count on. I don’t need a man’s help raising my child. Not at all.
15
Today’s the day I get to see my baby for the first time, see his/her little legs and arms. Oh and hear it’s heartbeat! I am so excited I can barely stand sitting through this morning’s lessons. “Ok kids, I’ll be gone for a while but Mrs. Marlin will be in to be your sub while I’m gone.”
“Where are you going Miss Blake? You’re not leaving for good are you?”
“No Whitney, I’m not. I just have a doctor’s appointment today. I’ll bring you back a picture of the baby. Deal?”
“Yes! We can’t wait to see if it’s a boy or a girl! Will you tell us today?”
“If the doctors tell me I’ll tell you. Ok?” I start to put my suit coat back on as Mrs. Marlin comes into my classroom. “They’re all ready for reading time and then recess. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Today’s the day isn’t it?”
“Yes it is. Take care of these kids for me. I’ll be back soon. Bye kids. Be good for Mrs. Marlin.” I wink at my sub and walk out feeling as if I’m a child on Christmas again.
Just as I get to the front doors of the school I can see a swarm of people standing just outside of them. I open the doors expecting to find strangers huddled around out there, but instead it’s people I know and love very much.
“What are all of you doing here?” It was my Mom, Dad, Austin, Leah, Aiden, Karlie, and even Aleah.
“We couldn’t wait to see the newest Blake member so we’re all going to go with you.”
I must have had a horrified look on my face because my Dad says, “We’ll all be in the waiting room Dear. Only Mama’s going in with you don’t worry.”
Everyone laughs and I, myself, laugh with all my being for the first time in a long time. It feels good to be happy and ready for whatever is to come in my future.
“Well, let’s go then!” And we all pile into our cars and pickups heading to the clinic. We probably look like a Blake family parade. I smile at that thought and feel butterflies in my stomach. I put my hand on my stomach and Mom who’s riding with me sees.
“Did you feel the baby move?”
“I’m not sure it was weird and hard to describe.”
“Like little butterflies fluttering around?”
“Exactly like that. It was my baby?”
“I bet so. That feeling will get so much stronger as the baby grows. Your little bump may look like a cantaloupe now but soon when it’s a watermelon you’ll start seeing the movement from the outside too.”
“I can’t wait Mom. Thank you for coming with me.”
“Anything.” We get out at the clinic and head inside to see my baby.
*************
This week is slipping by and I’m loving every minute of it. I love being busy and not having a sleaze ball around like in Omaha. I can work on what I want when I want not worrying about people complaining all the time about the owner. I am the owner. Well, once it’s all official anyway. Uncle Sam has been leaving me be and letting me start taking things over as if I were the owner.
“Maysen, do you think you could handle the garage for a week or so? Your Aunt would like to go on a little vacation. And since I’ve owned the garage we’ve never really done that.”
“Of course. That would be a good test to make both of our decisions. When are you leaving?”
“We were thinking about tomorrow if that’ll work for you.”
“That works just fine. We have the schedule done and I can help anyone else that does come in. The garage will be just fine. Have fun and relax. I’m sure you haven’t done that for a while.”
“No. It’s been so nice not having it all riding on my shoulders since you came. I really think this is going to work Maysen. I thank you for your interest. I’m happy to keep it in the family too.”
“I’m the one thankful for the opportunity. Go, go on vacation. Things will be just fine while you’re gone.”
“You’re going to be your Aunt’s hero. You do know that don’t ya? She’s going to be smothering you with food when we get back.”
“That’s nice but I need to find a place of my own. Especially if I plan on staying.”
“You may need privacy someday.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me and walks away whistling. I think that poor man has worked so hard over the years that he feels as light as a feather.
Privacy isn’t something I’m going to need any time soon. I’ll need somewhere quiet though away from the family. Family is a good thing, just not around 24/7. My own space is one thing I miss about Omaha. And Carter. I wonder what he’s up to.
“Hey man, what’s up? Yeah I think I’m going to. Sure you don’t want a job? Of course I would. Things have been great. Yes. No women. You saw this place. Nope. My Aunt and Uncle are going on some week vacation tomorrow so I’ll have a trial run at doing the whole owner thing by myself. Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be fine. What could go wrong? No, don’t answer that. Yes, you’re always welcome. I know I need to start looking. I think I’ll go call an agent right now. Take care. See ya soon. Don’t party too hard man. Bye.”
I shake my head at the image of Carter partying it up with all the women he has and feel so lucky to not be there. Partying never was my thing. I would rather be home than out doing something wild. How Carter and I have gotten along so well all these years is beyond me. He’s a great guy, just needs to grow up. I don’t see him doing that any time soon though.
“Hey Aiden, it’s Maysen at Sam’s.” I dial the number listed on the last work order we had for the 6AB.
“Hey man, what’s up?”
“I was hoping I could get the name and number of a good realtor here. Anyone in town do that sort of thing?”
“You need a place to rent or buy?”
“Rent for now. At least until we figure out for sure if I buy the garage or not.”
“Ah I see. Well, to be honest with you I don’t think there’s anywhere for rent right now but Austin does still have his little house. Since he and Leah got all hot and heavy he’s been staying with her. I can call and see what he plans on doing with it.”
“That would be awesome. Thanks. Just let me know if he wants to rent it or whatever. If not it’s no big deal either. I can always keep crashing at my Aunt and Uncle’s.”
“I’m sure you ca
n but every man needs his own space. Right?”
“Yes for sure. Thanks again. Bye.”
“I’ll get back with you.”
“Appreciate it.” Hanging up the phone I look down at it for a few seconds. People here are so nice. He didn’t bat an eye when I asked for his help. Both the boys and their dad seem to be great men.
*************
“Who was that? Your new best friend?” I ask Aiden after he gets off the phone. We’re all sitting in the waiting room and I’m thankful there isn’t anyone else here because there aren’t many chairs left.
“The guy from the garage, if you must know. He’s looking for somewhere to rent. Austin, what’re you gonna do with your house?”
“He could rent it. I just need to get the rest of my junk out. Most of it’s already at Leah’s so it wouldn’t take but a couple of hours.”
“Great, I’ll let him know. Sis, are you sure you don’t want us all in there with you?”
“Oh my goodness no. I completely appreciate you all coming but I don’t expect you to stay. If you need to go, by all means, go.”
“You sure? Let’s go Austin.” Aiden says while getting up and kissing his wife and child both on the forehead.
“Love you sis.” They say in unison walking out the clinic doors. I look over at Dad and he’s shaking his head at the sight of his sons hightailing it out of the women’s clinic.
“Cowards.” He says and kisses Mom on the cheek. He also stands up and walks away.
“Wow, tough men in this family.” Leah says with so much humor in her voice that we all break out laughing too.
“Audrey Blake?” We hear the nurse call from the hallway. I turn to Mom and she smiles which tames the nerves I suddenly got.
“That’s you baby girl. Let’s go see your baby now.” She stands up, grabs ahold of my hands and pulls me up too.
I look over at Leah, Karlie and my niece. “You don’t have to stay either. We can meet you at Sally’s when we’re done here.”
“Okay if Aleah gets cranky we’ll do just that. Good luck! Can’t wait to see the pictures of our niece or nephew!”
I turn and walk with Mom towards the smiling nurse. She’s the same one who took me back the day I found out I was pregnant. I wonder to myself if she remembers me and my fainting spell I had. That was embarrassing so I pray she doesn’t.
“How’re you feeling Audrey?” She asks breaking me out of my own mind. Yep, she remembers.
“Sick. I’ve had terrible morning sickness. It’s been a little better the past couple of days though.”
“You’re in the second trimester so it should be getting better. For the most part it should be over.”
“Goodness I hope so.”
“Your stomach is measuring right where it should be. I can feel the baby’s head right here. Have you felt it moving around at all?”
“I just started to feel it today actually.”
“Amazing feeling, isn’t it?”
“Very. We’re doing an ultrasound today right? I am so anxious to see the baby.”
“Yes, let’s go to the other room now and the tech will be there in a few minutes. Everything looks great on our end.”
“Thank you so much.” Mom and I veer off left towards the new room that has all ultrasound machines in it. I feel a wave of excitement come over me and it takes all the energy I have not to jump up and down.
“Go ahead and lay down, she’ll be right with you.”
“Thank you.”
After what seemed like a million minutes later, another lady in scrubs came into the room. She turns on the machine and grabs a bottle of something that I can’t quite make out.
“Miss Blake I need you to lie down on your back and roll your waistband down and pull the shirt up. This is going to be cold, just warning you.”
As she squeezes the jelly like liquid onto my stomach, she reaches for the machine that’s going to show me my baby inside my stomach.
“There’s the head, the legs and the arms. Baby is looking at us today. Can you see the heart beating there inside the chest cavity?”
“Yes oh my goodness Mom! Look, it’s a real baby!” I start to cry seeing the child I’m carrying moving around.
“That’s your little baby in there Audrey. I am so happy for you.” Mom kisses my hand and we both turn back to the screen.
“Would you like to know what gender the baby is Miss Blake?”
I look at Mom and she nods at me. I take a deep breath and look back at the nurse.
“Yes please. Can you tell?”
“Yes I can. Are you sure you want to know if you’re having a boy or a girl?”
“Yes please.” I turn towards the monitor again awaiting the news of my baby’s gender.
“It’s a boy Miss Blake. You’re going to have a little boy.”
I scream and cry. My Mom is screaming and crying. We must look like totals idiots crying and blubbering on like this.
“A baby boy. I’m going to have a son. I’m going to have a son.” I put both of my hands on my stomach and say a little prayer that I’m going to be able to protect and raise this child the way he deserves.
“You can get composed again and I’ll get these pictures printed off for you of your son.”
“Ok thank you.”
“A grandson. I’m going to have a granddaughter and a grandson. I love you kids so much.” Mom starts to tear up again but I throw my arms around her and cry myself before she has the chance to.
“Let’s go show everyone the pictures of my son.” I say with so much happiness and pride. I’m going to be the most amazing mother to this little boy. Even without Maysen.
*************
“Guys I really appreciate you taking the time to show me the house. Are you sure you don’t need it anymore Austin?”
“Nah, Leah’s house she got from her grandparents is so big it makes much more sense that we live there and raise a family.”
“I didn’t pull you guys away from anything did I?”
“No. We were all sitting around the women’s clinic waiting for our sister to have an ultrasound. It was no bother having to leave. Believe us.”
“She got to see her baby for the first time I take it by all of you being present?”
“Yes. Like we told you before the loser father isn’t in the picture so we’re all trying to make up for his absence any way that she’ll let us.”
“That really is too bad that he isn’t around. Does he know about the baby?”
“We don’t really know too many details but I would imagine he does. Our sister isn’t the type to just sleep around.”
“I see. Well I wish her the best. Now, let’s look at this house.”
*************
“Hey ladies. Wanna see a picture of your nephew??” I say with so much excitement. I plop down in the booth across from them and start to show them the pictures.
“OH MY GOODNESS! He looks so little Audrey!” Karlie screams and grabs my hands in both of hers.
“Doesn’t he though? I can’t believe I’m going to have a son!”
“You will be the best mother ever Audrey!”
“And you two will be the best aunts ever to this little boy!”
“Where’s your Mom?” Leah says as the girls realize that I was there alone.
“She had to go meet with Ella Mae for something so I told her to go.”
“Was she excited to hear it’s a boy?” Leah asks.
“She cried and screamed. Did she do that when you had your ultrasounds?” I ask Karlie.
“Yes, every time. She and my mother were carrying on worse than Aiden and I were. It was so cute.”
“I’m glad you had Aiden while you were going through this. I could only have ever wished for that kind of love and devotion. Maybe someday.”
“Let’s not go there. How about we go shopping for baby stuff?” Karlie asks, always the shopper of the three.
“I have to get back to the nursery but don
’t not go on my account. Next time.”
“Ok, thank you for coming today. Tell Austin the good news for me will you?”
“Yes, I’ll go find him right now. Love you three and congrats. Oh! I love you four!” Leah smiles and heads out of the café.
*************
“Hey Princess, we’re at my house. Showing it to the guy from the garage. Ok see ya in a few.” Austin hangs up his phone with a huge smile on his face.
“Aiden, Leah’s walking over here. She’s got some news to tell us. Must be about the ultrasound.”
“Hope everything is okay.” I say and pull myself away from the close family moment I feel as if I’m intruding on.
“No need to rush off. She’s just around the corner. They all met for a cold one at the café after.” Aiden says and looks mischievous.
“A cold one? I thought when a woman was pregnant she couldn’t have alcohol?” I say with much more concern than I should have.
“Relax Man, I was joking. They only went for iced teas.” We all chuckle at my misreading of that situation. Way to go moron.
“Whew, I was a little worried there. I’ve never been around anyone pregnant but I thought I had heard that and thought you’re all hard core here.”
Just as we’re walking out of the house we see a red head walking up the driveway. Austin whistles big and takes off jogging down towards her. Must be his fiancé. They kiss and walk back up towards Aiden and I.
“Hey Princess, this is Maysen. He’s taking over Sam’s Garage. He’s also going to rent my house so that I can move into your house completely. Maysen, this is my fiancée Leah.”
I look at her and my breath catches because she’s so beautiful. Just as beautiful as she was plastered all over the billboards and magazines.
“Nice to meet you Leah. You sure you don’t want to keep this place to banish Austin to if he makes you mad?” I smile and shake her hand.
“No, I think there’s a dog house out back at my house.” She smiles back. “Nice to meet you though.”
“So, what news did you want to tell us?” Aiden asks.
“You had better go find your wife and sister in a shop somewhere on Main St. and find out yourself.”
Third Time's a Charm- Book 3 of the Colvin Series Page 9