Embracing Series Box Set #1-6
Page 66
“Shit, dude, I need to puke. All this birth talk is making me queasy.”
“Just wait ‘til Audrey gets pregnant. Oh hell, is that what the surprise is?” Evan smirks.
“Jesus, dude, shut up. She will kill us. She wants to be the one to tell everyone,” I whisper.
“Shit, we are in for it. All three of them will be having babies at the same time. Ta is due next month. How far is Audrey?”
“Three months. Nikki is due the same time as my sister, isn’t she?”
“Yes, well, maybe a month or so later.”
“Fuck, listen to us. We’re talking about babies. Did you ever think we would all be here together like this? I love Audrey more than anything. She needs to come home so I can tell you everything.”
“Wait, what do you mean everything?” Evan asks.
“Hello, can I get some help out here?” Audrey yells. Shit, she saved my ass. I run out to help her.
“Hey baby. I’m sorry. As you see, we have company.”
“You didn’t tell them, did you?”
“Not Ta, but Evan knows you’re going to have our baby.”
“Well fuck me, so much for surprises.”
“He doesn’t know we are married and she doesn’t know anything.”
“Okay, I want to tell her now anyway.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Audrey
“There’s my best friend. Audrey Renee Ridge, you’re pregnant. I can see that glow a mile away.” Tatum waddles to us as fast as she can.
I squeal. “I am. We’re due in six months. Umm, you notice anything different about my hands?”
“What the fuck, you and Zander got married too? Zander, Momma is going to kill you.”
“We just did yesterday. He took me to Arcadia. You know that small chapel that the Arnolds own? Well, that’s where we went. I didn’t know anything about it until we got there. Your brother is so damn romantic. He is a bossy ass too.”
“Yep, that’s my brother. Shit, I guess we can tell you all now. We got married last month. Momma is going to shoot us all.”
“Wait, you didn’t tell me?”
“Bitch, you’ve been pregnant for three months and I’m just now finding out? Yeah, okay.”
“Come on, I need to get out of these heels and I want to show you the pictures from yesterday. You better have some pictures for me to see. Did you wear a dress?”
“I do, I’ll show you. I think I see Nikki and Brody coming down the road.”
“Oh good. I’m going to get changed, though.”
“Okay, I’ll wait so she doesn’t feel out of place,” Tatum says. “She is so nervous about being here.”
“I’m so excited that we’re all living here. Our babies will grow up together. Okay, I’ll be back. My feet are already swelling and I’m miserable.”
“Shit, try looking like this.” She points to her ginormous baby bump. She’s wearing a tank top, yoga pants, and flip flops. She looks so cute. I’m over-the-moon happy that they moved here. I’ve missed her so damn much.
I head in the house to change while they all stand out front, waiting for the Lewis.’ Berry follows me. “Hey Berry, it’s going to be crazy around here. You’re still my girl and my snuggle berry, got that?” I say as I scratch her ear.
I kick my heels off, peel my suit from my body, and put on a pair of PINK capris and a tank. My baby bump is showing, so I know everyone is going to notice. I call my daddy to make sure he and my mom are still attending our party.
“Hey Daddy, how are you? Are you and mom still coming over?”
“Hey, sugar bear. Yes, we’re actually on our way now. Your mom wanted to stop at Mables and grab an apple pie.”
“Oh good, that sounds amazing. We’ll see you when you get here. Oh, ask her to pick up some vanilla bean ice cream too. Please.”
“Anything for you, pumpkin. Love you.”
“I love you too, Daddy.” I smile as I end the call. My dad is the greatest. I hope I’ll be a good mother and raise my child the way he’s raised me.
“Hey baby, you feeling okay?” Zander asks as he kisses my cheek.
“I feel great. My parents are on their way. They are bringing a pie from Mables.” I smile.
“Good. Apple, I hope?”
“You know it.”
“My parents are here. Everyone is on the deck. I wondered where Berry was.” He laughs when he sees that she’s laying on the bed.
“Come on, girl, let’s go eat. I’m starving.” I rub my stomach. I feel really nervous. Everyone we love is here and we’re going to share our life with them. Since the kidnapping, I get really nervous. I didn’t used to get like this. I hate Sandy. I hope that bitch rots in hell.
“Baby, are you thinking about Sandy again?” Zander asks as he squeezes my hand.
“How did you know?”
“I can see the pain on your face. She will never hurt you again. I promise no one will. Let’s go celebrate, Mrs. Kelley.” He kisses me.
***
Audrey
“Now that you all are here, we want to share our news with everyone,” I say as I rub my belly. “We will have our first child in six months. We also got married yesterday.” I smile as I see my mom, Vivian, and Tatum run toward me. I can see Nikki smiling in the corner. I motion for her to join us. All four of the women squish me in a group hug. I love it, though.
“Congrats, y’all. This is amazing,” My dad says as he shakes Zander’s hand. “Son, I’m kind of pissed that you took my baby girl and married her, but I know you love her more than life itself.”
Tears sting my cheeks.
“Sir, you have that right. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my girl. She makes me very happy.”
“I am so proud of the man you have become. I knew, years ago, you would marry this young lady. Take care of her.” Mr. Kelley says as he hugs us both.
“You know I will. I am so glad you are all here. Now, let’s eat.”
“I want some of that pie. Nikki, sweets, you have to try this apple pie. It is the best,” I say as I hand her a plate.
“Thank you, Audrey. Congrats. I can’t wait to start planning a baby shower for you, if that’s okay.”
“Girl, that is more than okay. Look at me. You are family. I will always be here for you and Brody.”
“Thank you so much. I was worried about coming here, but I think this was the best choice for all of us.”
“You all belong here. Ta and I will show you around later this week. Wait until you see the mall. You’ll love it. Well, it isn’t like the one in New York, but it’s still a fabulous mall.”
“Oh good, I’m ready to shop. Now that you are pregnant, are you still going to work with the guys?” she asks as she devours her apple pie.
“I think I’m going to stay home for a few years. I worked today and probably will for the next few months, but I want to stay home with my baby.”
“I know what you mean. I’m going to stay home too. I can’t believe we’ll be neighbors. Our kids can grow up together.” She smiles.
“Hey, what are you all over here planning without me?” Tatum asks.
“Hey bestie, I missed you. We were talking about babies and life. You know, how we’ll all be shopping while the guys are slaving away at the office.” I snort.
“Pfft, they will all probably be there playing fucking cornhole out back. Did you see the cornhole set Evan took over there?”
“Good God, no. He still plays that?”
“Oh, don’t act surprised. Your hubs does too, my friend,” Tatum says as she points to Zander and laughs.
“Damn it, Brody plays that shit all the time. By his damn self half the time.”
“No way. We’re in cornhole hell.” I laugh as I see Zander drag a set from the garage.
“Shit, we are in for it, ladies.” Tatum laughs.
“What are you girls laughing about?” My mom asks as she heads toward us.
“The men and their cornhole skills.”
“Mom, you’re doomed.” I laugh as I see all the men walking into the yard. Vivian just laughs because I know Dex is the same way.
“Okay girls, let’s talk baby showers,” Vivian says, looking at us all.
“Perfect idea.” My mom claps. Tatum, Nikki, and I just laugh.
We all spend the rest of the day laughing, eating, and listening to the men talk. I think Lila may have called Nikki. I overheard Nikki asking about the kids and when they were coming to visit.
After the party died down, only Tatum and Evan remained. We all settled in our PJs around the fire. I love country living. I can’t wait to watch my baby grow up around all of this.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Zander
“Audrey, come on. Ta is in labor,” I say, trying to wake her up.
“Oh fuck, grab me a dress. That’s the only thing that fits.” She runs to the bathroom and brushes her teeth. She’s almost five months and huge. I love her like this. Her hips and ass were perfect before, but now they’re bigger.
“Here, is this one okay?” I hand her a blue sun dress. “She was home alone. Evan had just left for the office. Brody is on his way to get Nikki and they are meeting us at the hospital.”
“Shit, I gotta pee. Did you call your parents?” She runs back to the bathroom.
“Yes, I’ve been trying to wake you up for a while now.”
“I’m sorry, I was so tired.”
“Oh baby, I understand. Let’s just go. We can stop and grab breakfast on the way.”
“Okay, I just want to get to Ta. She’s probably flipping out right now.”
“She was actually pretty calm when she called me. She was shaving her legs.”
“What the fuck? That bitch is crazy. My legs will just be hairy. When my water breaks, we are going to the hospital.”
We head to the hospital. By the time we get there, everyone is already there.
“Evan, hey bro. How are you?” I ask. He looks like he’s ready to throw up all of yesterday’s meals.
“I’m good. They’re checking her now. They gave her medicine and said that it would be soon.”
“Good. Here, I brought you some coffee.”
“I need to see her. I am her sister-in-law and best friend. I’ve seen her damn hoo-ha before. Let me in,” Audrey says.
“Oh shit, dude, she’ll beat that nurse up if she doesn’t let her in there,” I tell Evan. I laugh as Evan shakes his head.
“Audrey and her mouth. Always getting someone in trouble.” He laughs.
“Hey, that’s my wife you’re talking about.” I nudge his arm.
“Evan, you tell them to let me in that room. I will go all Sandy on them if they don’t let me see my best friend.”
“Jesus, baby, calm down. They are checking her, then you can go in,” I say. She never brings Sandy up. I don’t know what has gotten into her lately. It must be the hormones.
“Come on, Audrey. I’ll take you in there,” Evan says.
I sit with my parents. I see Nikki and Brody walking through the hospital’s door. Nikki is ready to pop at any moment. She should have their baby soon. We all sit there. I knew, once Audrey got in there, she wasn’t leaving until the baby was here. About an hour later, Audrey comes out, tears everywhere.
“I’m an aunt. She’s beautiful. Zander, come on, you have to see her.” She pulls me into the room. I walk in and see the beautiful baby in my sister’s arms.
“Hey uncle, meet your niece, Scarlet Grace Martin,” Tatum says as she hands me the smallest baby I’ve ever seen.
“Hey beautiful, I’m your uncle, Zander. Your daddy and I have our shotguns ready to keep all the boys away.” I turn to Evan. “You did a good job. Thank God she looks like my sister.” I laugh.
“Give me my daughter…Ass.” Evan chuckles.
“Zander, go get Mom and Dad. Nikki and Brody can come in too,” Ta says.
“Give me that baby. You boys go get everyone,” Audrey says as she sits next to Ta and gently takes the baby.
“I’m Auntie Audrey,” she says to Scarlet. “I’ll buy you whatever you want. Your cousin will be here soon. The two of you are going to be me and your mommy all over again.”
***
Zander
Nikki and Brody had their son last month. They named him Tyus. Apparently, it’s a family name. We all just call him Ty. Baby Scarlet is now three months old. I love being an uncle.
I’m nervous about being a father. I’m even more nervous now that we know we’re having a girl. I told Audrey that our baby girl wouldn’t be dating until she was twenty. I can picture it now, me sitting on the front porch with my guns. I was young once. I know what these boys think with.
“Zander, I know what you’re thinking about. I see your fist clenching together.” Audrey snorts, bringing me out of my thoughts.
“She isn’t dating until she’s twenty. That’s it. She can hate me forever, but I will protect that child with my life. The two of you are my world.”
“Baby, she’ll be fine. You still have years to worry about boys knocking on the door.”
“Please don’t remind me.”
“You feel these hands on your ass?” she whispers in my ear. “That means I want you to touch me. I need you to fuck me now. I can’t wait another minute.”
I place my hand under her dress and notice the lack of panties right away. I dip a finger in her pussy. “Jesus, woman, you are dripping wet.”
“Mmm, been thinking about you all night. I tried waking you a few times.”
“Sorry, I didn’t feel you. God, I love looking at you like this.” I pull one of her nipples in my mouth. I swirl my tongue around it, making her moan and wiggle next to me.
“Please fuck me. I need to feel your cock in me.”
“I don’t want to hurt you. Flip over.”
I help her to her knees. Her stomach is huge. I’m surprised she even wants sex right now. She gets on her hands and knees and slides her beautiful ass toward me. I rub my hand between her legs. I position myself right at her opening. She’s moaning before I even push myself in.
“Zander, please just fuck me already,” she begs, so I give my girl exactly what she wants.
“Is this what you want, love?” I ask as I thrust in and out of her. Her moans get louder and her hip thrusts match mine.
“Yes, fuck yes. Harder, oh God…Faster, faster please. I need to come around your cock.”
Her pussy clenches my dick. My release builds up. My balls are so fucking tight. I want to make sure she’s ready for me to come. I quicken my pace, then I pull out and tease her a little. When I push back in, she comes. After a couple more thrusts, I come as she moans my name.
“That was…amazing, fucking amazing. If you hadn’t woken up, I was going to do it my damn self.”
“You would have come without me?” I knew she wouldn’t really. The only time that dildo touches her is when I use it on her. I would rather have my cock buried in her, but hey, it’s fun every once in a while.
“Yep, I needed to be touched. I think it’s my hormones. Now a bath sounds great.”
“I’ll run you some water. Are we still going to the furniture store today?”
“Yes, we should. It would be nice to have everything ready for the baby.”
“Okay, let’s get this day started.” I walk into the bathroom, turn the water on, and sprinkle some of her pomegranate bath salts in the water. She comes waddling to the door.
“I…um, I think the bath will have to wait. I think my water broke. I’m also in pain. Please don’t panic. Just get dressed,” she says calmly.
“What do you mean? You aren’t due for another month.”
“I know, but what else would that be?” She pointed to the puddle of water in the middle of the bedroom floor.
“Shit, here, I’ll grab you some clothes. I’m calling the doctor.
”
I call the doctor and he tells me we should go straight to the hospital.
“Zander, please calm down,” she says. I hadn’t even realized how rapidly and frantically I’d dressed her and myself and packed a bag.
“What if something is wrong?”
“I am thirty-six weeks. I think the baby is fine. She’s just ready to show her face.”
“Let’s go. Should I call anyone?”
“Not yet. We will when we find out what’s going on.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Audrey
We arrived at the hospital two hours ago. I guess our little princess is ready for her debut. The doctors said that, although I am only thirty-six weeks, it’s fine to deliver. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stop the labor pains, but at least our baby girl should be here soon.
“It’s because we had sex. I knew we shouldn’t do it that close to your due date,” Zander says, running his hand over his face.
“Stop it, it wasn’t that. She is ready to show her face. I’m ready too. As long as she’s healthy, that’s all that matters.”
“I love you, beautiful. I am ready to see our angel’s face too. I just couldn’t stand it if I knew this happened because of us making love this morning.”
“Shit, there is another one. Fuck, these damn contractions are strong. I need more drugs.”
“Audrey, you have dilated ten centimeters,” Dr. Edwards says. “That means you’re ready to start pushing. You ready to see your baby?”
“Yes, Dr. Edwards. We’re more than ready.”
“Okay, let’s have us a baby. On the count of three, I want you to push. One…Two…Three. Give me a good push.”
“Oh God, I don’t know if I can do this,” I say as I hold my knees and push hard.
“Okay, good. Let’s do it again. Ready? One…Two…Three. Now push.”
“Fuck, shit, fucking dicks. Men and their dicks do this,” I scream.