Knowing Kayden so well, he’s probably thinking the surprise is me naked tied in a bow. I laugh to myself thinking of the last surprise I gave him ended with me restrained to a hotel bed and him doing all sorts of naughty things to me.
~~~
My stomach is doing flip-flops as I retrieve the present from our bedroom. Kayden’s downstairs waiting for me in the family room. When I walk around the corner I find him sitting on the couch with Bentley lying on his lap. He missed his daddy as much as I did.
“My present! I wonder what it is.” Kayden says, as he tears the wrapping paper open.
I’m so nervous; I can’t stop bouncing my foot as I wait for Kayden to open the box. Bentley is looking at me like I’ve lost my mind as he lies on the floor by our feet devouring his bone.
Kayden presses his hand over my knee, stopping it from moving. “You’re making me nervous bouncing around like that.” He laughs, as his bright green eyes sparkle at me in the afternoon sun that’s seeping through the windows.
“Sorry.” I squeak, as I nibble on my finger nail.
He is killing me! Just open the damn box already!
Finally! He pops the lid open, and a look of confusion crosses his face as he takes in the baby tissue paper, then as if a light bulb has gone off in his head, he snaps his eyes back to mine, “Is this what I think it is?” His voice is raspy and laced with excitement as he pulls away the tissue paper.
I don’t answer him, all I can do is smile and nod slowly. He peers down at the two positive pregnancy tests and then practically gives me a heart attack as he tosses the box onto the coffee table and tackles me, pinning my body beneath his.
“You’re pregnant?” The excitement in his voice is overwhelming, and thanks to my damn hormones I can feel the tears coming.
Blinking a few times, trying to push the tears away but failing, one slides down my temple as a smile dances across my face, “Yes…we’re going to have a baby.” I choke on my words as my happiness consumes me. It seems so real now that he’s here.
“I love you so much.” He kisses my lips, holding them together. His entire body is shaking as the adrenaline from all of the excitement resonates through his body.
“I love you too, baby.” I murmur against his lips, as I soak in this moment. I want to lock it away in my mind so I can look back at it as one of the many happy days since Kayden came into my life.
Sliding onto the floor, Kayden kneels beside the couch. He slowly slides my blouse up exposing my stomach. He rests the palm of his hand over my belly causing my entire body to become blanketed in goose bumps. “I can’t believe it; we’re gonna be parents…” His words trail off as he stares at my stomach then leans in to place a soft kiss on my belly. “I can’t believe a piece of us is growing inside of there.” All I can do is smile through my tears of joy.
Chapter Twenty Three
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite Holidays. Now, thanks to being twelve weeks pregnant and nausea being an everyday occurrence, I’m kinda dreading it. Kayden took me out for our one year anniversary on the twenty-fourth and it didn’t end well. We had to go home early because half way through dinner I was throwing up in the restaurant bathroom.
Lately, I’ve only suffered from nausea, no vomiting, but the restaurant was overwhelming with so many food aromas that it was my undoing. So lately, my food of choice has been saltines’.
Normally we have Thanksgiving at my parents’ home in L.A., but since they just finished their tour, they decided to stay a few weeks at their house in Memphis. It’s secluded and peaceful here.
Kayden and I have been waiting until we were almost in my second trimester to tell my parents about my pregnancy, but I told him I don’t think I can get passed my mother if we’re spending an entire weekend with them.
Reagan is flying in tomorrow to have dinner with us; my parents’ were thrilled when he agreed to come to Memphis. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without him.
We gave Jax the week off. He and Rebecca are flying to Sydney so she can finally meet his parents. She was beyond nervous when I talked to her a few days ago, but I told her that they’ll love her just as much as Jax does, and to just be herself.
Jax should be back by the time we fly into Houston on Monday. Then it’s back to life as we know it. I’ve enjoyed having this week with no work because I’m so tired. I find myself falling asleep in the middle of the day while lying on the couch, working on my laptop.
My breasts feel like someone beat the crap out of them, they’re so tender. My stomach and back are aching non-stop as my muscles stretch; so now, warm baths are my new luxury, and it’s only been twelve weeks!
Sticking with tradition, we’re setting up our tree today. My dad and Kayden have been hard at work getting the seven foot artificial tree put together so we can decorate it. After we finish decorating the tree, Kayden and I plan on taking a page from my book and reveal the news to my parents similarly to the way I told Kayden. We wrapped a picture frame with one of our sonogram photos in it for my parents’ mantel.
“Tree’s all ready to be trimmed.” My dad announces proudly popping his head into the kitchen. My mother and I have been busy making the pie crusts and fillings for dinner tomorrow.
Walking over to Kayden, I snake my arms around his waist and smile up at him, “You guys did a fantastic job; the tree looks great.”
“Why thank ya, Darlin’! Now let’s get this baby decorated.” My heart flutters when Kayden says baby and I immediately feel nervous again.
I can’t wait to tell my parents; they are going to be bursting with excitement. They’ll get twenty four hours to let the news sink in before we tell my grandparents and Reagan tomorrow at dinner.
We spend the next hour telling Kayden stories of my childhood Christmases and explaining all the sentimental value behind my ornaments; like the one of a horse I got for Christmas the year I won my first blue ribbon at one of my horse shows. Another is an ornament with my picture on it where I’m missing my two front teeth, and it plays the melody from All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth. Kayden flattered me by telling me how adorable I was even when I was eight.
Using the step stool, I climb up and set the angel on the tree. “There, the tree’s all done and looks perfect!”
“That it does.” My mother says, as she takes in the tree all lit up before her. Walking towards us, my mother gives me a small hug, and then Kayden, “This has been so much fun having you here to do this with us Kayden.”
The look on Kayden’s face makes my heart swell. It means the world to him that my parents love and welcome him into our family.
We all sit down and turn on the Hallmark Channel to see what Christmas movie is on and have some hot chocolate. Deciding now is the perfect time to tell my parents, I look from my mom to my dad who’re lying on the opposite side of the sectional from Kayden and I. “I have to go grab something out of my bag, I’ll be right back.” I quickly excuse myself, and go retrieve the gift from my suitcase.
My heart is pounding forcefully against my ribs as I walk back into the living room and sit back down beside Kayden.
Taking my hand into his, he laces our fingers together and flashes me a cocky grin; he’s been dying to tell them since the moment we walked through the door. The only people that know are Brooklyn and Dixon. We’ll be telling Kayden’s mother tonight via Skype. She’s in the Philippines right now helping care for those hurt in the horrific tsunami they were hit with.
“We have a little gift for you and Daddy,” I say handing my mother the small wrapped box.
Kayden, clearing his throat, turns his eyes from me over to my parents. He takes sip of his cocoa looking as if he wishes it was something a tad bit stronger. Smiling I watch my parents unwrap the box together.
“We hope y’all love it.” Kayden says nervously, as he rubs circles with his thumb on my knee.
My mother lets out a small laugh, “Oh sweetie, we love anything ya give us, y’all are just too swe
et. I don’t know what we did to deserve a gift, but thank you.”
“What is this?” I father asks, pulling the silver frame out of the box. He’s staring at it, while my mother’s jaw hangs ajar.
My parents’ look at each other than back at the frame and I notice tears start to fall from my mother’s eyes as she looks at the 4D sonogram. I’m so engrossed in watching my parents reaction as the realization sinks in that they’re going to be grandparents, I hardly notice Kayden slide his arm around my and hug my tightly to him.
“Ummm, why are there two little grey blobs in this picture?” My father finally asks raising his eyes from the photo to Kayden and me. My mother is just sitting there with her hand cupped over her mouth in a state of shock.
I can’t help but laugh, “Uhh, well, that is baby one and baby two.” I answer matter-of-factly. We can now laugh about it because the moment of surprise has sunk in, but it never gets old watching the shock on people’s faces when we tell them.
Brooklyn was excited to say the least, she screamed so loud she almost blew out my eardrums.
“Twins?! Paisley, they’re having not one but two babies!?” My dad’s voice is loud and full of excitement; I’m so loving this.
God, I should’ve recorded this!
Shaking her head, my mother stands and makes her way over to Kayden and me. “I am soooo happy for you two! A baby…two babies!” Sitting down beside me, she presses her hand to my belly that is sporting a tiny bump thanks to two little Knox babies growing in there. “I can’t believe there are two in there!”
Pulling her in for a hug, I laugh as tears stream down my face. Damn hormones! “I know, when the doctor told us there were two, I almost passed out and Kayden fist pumped the air with excitement…You know these Texas Boys; always ‘go big or go home’.”
My father sets the picture frame up on the mantel, and then makes his way over to us. Kayden and I quickly stand, “Well Daddy, ya ready to be a grandpa?” I ask, with laughter in my voice.
I wrap my arms tightly around him as he kisses the top of my head, “I’m more than ready, Princess. I can’t wait to take my little grandsons or granddaughters huntin’ and teach ‘em how to shoot.”
“Well that will be a little ways down the road since the only thing they’ll be doing for a few months is poopin’, eatin’, spittin’ up, and lookin’ adorable of course.” I can’t control my laughter as my father’s eyes grow big and he lets out a low husky chuckle.
Well two parents down, now time to tell Kayden’s mother. Victor can find out when the rest of the world does, after we reveal the news on the cover of Envy next month when we find out the sex of the twins.
Lorelei was thrilled to learn the news; we showed her the framed ultrasound and let her know we have one waiting for her at our ranch. As soon as we find out the sex of our twins, I know between all the excited grandparents, we’ll be drowning in baby gifts.
Finally, the pies have finished baking for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, so we all settle back on the couch. I snuggle beside Kayden sipping my hot chocolate, as I relax to the sound of the fire crackling in the fireplace. We spend the next several hours watching Christmas movies. It feels great to just relax and do absolutely nothing, because tomorrow is going to be crazy busy with preparing our Thanksgiving feast.
~~~
Leaning against the porch railing breathing in the cool air, I bask in the warm sun shining down on my face. I had to get outside for a few minutes by myself. All the food cooking in there is killing me. So here I am, outside, nibbling on saltines.
Kayden, my dad, Reagan and my Papa Rodney and Grandpa Wayne are all inside watching the football game. While my mother, Mimi Caroline and Grandma Jane are all inside making the side dishes to go with our turkey.
It’s crazy to think this time next year we’ll be celebrating our first Thanksgiving with our babies. The babies are due May twenty seventh, so they’ll be six months old and just beginning to crawl all over. I rest my hand over my belly whispering, “Can you go easy on me today? I really want to eat some turkey, stuffing and pie without barfing it up.”
Dinner’s in an hour and then we’ll finally tell my Grandparents and Reagan the news. I’m a bundle of nerves; I can’t wait to hear Reagan’s reaction when he learns we’re not having just one baby, but two!
~~~
I successfully made it through dinner; I could only nibble on a few bites of turkey, but was able to eat stuffing and sweet potato casserole! I just helped mom cut everyone slices of pie, and now is the big moment.
Sitting back down beside Kayden, I take a small bite of chocolate cream pie, smiling at him as I chew. Winking at me he gives me the signal.
“Umm, we have some news to share with y’all…” I slide my gaze from Reagan to my Grandparents. Everyone stops mid-chew and stares at Kayden and me.
Before I can tell everyone, Grandma Jane lets out a small laugh and looks from Kayden to me with a sly smile creeping over her lips, “You’re expecting a child?” She asks, but the way she says it, lets me know she already knows the answer to that question.
Dropping my fork, I look at Kayden. Who the hell told her? He looks just as surprised as me. Turning I focus on my Grandmother.
“Don’t worry, your mother didn’t tell me. I know these things. You’ve looked peaked all day darlin’, and you haven’t drank a drop of wine.” A loving smile appears on her face, easing my nerves, “Your Grandpa Wayne and I couldn’t be happier for you two.” She pats my grandpa’s hand as they both grin ear to ear as they congratulate us.
Kayden leans back in the dinning chair and rests his arm on the back of mine, he looks relieved, that was pretty easy, we didn’t even have to say it; they already knew. “We’re excited, and there’s more; we’re not just having one baby we’re having twins.” Kayden’s voice is filled with happiness as he announces the news to everyone.
Mimi Caroline instantly burst into tears of happiness, “I’m so happy. We’ll have two beautiful great grandchildren to spoil!” Papa Rodney came around, gave me a hug congratulating me, and gave Kayden a man hug. I think this was the perfect way to announce it to everyone.
I glance at Reagan who’s still not said anything; he’s just sitting there stunned by our announcement. Kayden, understanding my need to talk to Reagan alone, stays in the dining room with everyone and continues to tell my family his plans for a full University of Texas themed nursery. Girls or Boys.
“Come outside with me.” I tell Reagan, and pull him out onto the deck for some privacy.
Sitting on the porch swing, Reagan sits down beside me. “So, twins huh?” He asks as he rocks his heels on the wooden deck causing us to start swinging.
I rest my head against the back of the swing, and turn it towards Reagan. The pain in his eyes is almost too much. Thanks to my hormones being all over the damn place, it takes everything in me to keep my tears at bay.
“Yup. Twin’s. It’s still sinking in…you should’ve seen my face when the doctor told me. I just about passed the hell out. I keep having dreams that I get as big as a whale.” I joke, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Sliding his hand over his face, Reagan lets out a long sigh; the wind is slowly picking up and causes me to shiver. “Here put my coat on,” he says sliding his sports coat off and draping it over my shoulders. “I’m happy for you Savannah, really, I am. It’s just an end of an era ya know? The days of you, me and Brooklyn partying until the sun comes up are long gone. I miss having my partner in crime at my disposal.”
Resting my head on my hand I look off at the horizon, watching the sun slowly creep over the trees. Finally I take a deep breath, and turn back to Reagan, “Just because we’re having twins doesn’t mean we’re going to turn into hermits, Reagan. We’ll still come to L.A. and see you. We’ll go out and let loose…Hell, I’m having twins! We’re going to desperately need one weekend a month to get out with friends.” I yell slapping him on the chest playfully.
“Yea, that’s fuckin’
crazy! I can barely imagine you with one baby, let alone two.” The sarcasm in his voice instantly relaxes me; I can see I’m getting through to him.
“Hey! I’m going to be a fabulous mom!” I laugh slapping him again.”
Having a flair for the dramatics he holds his hand over the pec I just assaulted twice. Giving me a pained look, he says, “Okay, okay, I’m sorry; you will be a kick ass MILF.”
God I want to slap the cocky grin off of his face. Reagan knows how to get me fired up unlike any other person in my life.
Smiling at him I shift, sliding my legs under my butt and face him, “You’re not just a friend Reagan, you are like my big brother. You can never get rid of me. Face it Reagan, you’re stuck with me forever. They’re going to need their uncle Reagan to teach them how to be the most stylish in school if we have girls, and how to win the ladies over if we have boys.”
We sit out on the swing for a few more minutes before heading back inside. I’m glad I talked to Reagan one on one and helped him understand marriage, kids, moving, none of that will ever cause him to lose our friendship…he’s stuck with me forever.
~~~
Kayden
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” Savannah asks from the back of the four-wheeler.
As soon as we finished breakfast this morning and Reagan left for the airport, I told Savannah to throw on some jeans, boots and a hoodie, because I had a surprise to show her.
I lucked out that it’s another sunny day today. We’re now on the trail just behind her parents’ house, flying down it with the wind whipping against our faces. Savannah’s sitting behind me with her arms wrapped tightly around me, and her body is pressed firmly against my back.
Pulling off of the trail, I slow down as we move over rugged terrain; the last thing I wanna do is shake my babies all over the place. I’m new to this whole pregnancy thing, but I’m pretty sure bouncing her around is not safe.
Savannah was blushing a million shades of red at her first doctor’s visit. The doctor asked if we had any questions after she went over everything with us. I asked if having sex was safe, she said yes that sex is allowed up until the ninth month. I then proceeded to ask if they advised against rough sex, because we can get pretty carried away at times. Embarrassed, Savannah just shook her head.
Savannah Series Boxed Set: Four Full Novels and One Novella Page 85