Pretty and Pregnant Again

by Johns,Madison

  She hurried inside and didn’t even stop to get a shopping cart. Surely she wouldn’t need one of those when she only planned to purchase a few things.

  Kimberly rounded an aisle, nearly running Mrs. Barry over. She stepped back. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mrs. Barry.”

  “Not as sorry as I am that husband of yours won’t help me get my driver’s license back. Could you perhaps speak to him about it?”

  “I’m not sure. I mean, I don’t get involved in Jeremy’s business decisions.”

  Mrs. Barry tapped her foot on the floor noisily. “Oh, but it wasn’t all that long ago that you were working for him, dear.” She glanced over to the young woman standing beside her and explained, “That was before Jeremy married Kimberly here.”

  “How nice,” Jenny said.

  “Nice,” Mrs. Barry exclaimed, until Kimberly gave her a look. “Yes, it’s a good thing, indeed. This is my granddaughter, Jenny.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jenny. I hope when we finish moving you and your grandmother will stop by. I can imagine a house warming party will be in order.”

  “So, you’re moving from that lovely chalet?” Mrs. Barry asked.

  “Yes, it’s not practical for us now that we have a baby, not with the stairs. It would be impossible to baby proof the chalet.”

  “It’s difficult with any house. I hope you found yourself a house here in Redwater. I’d miss seeing you in town.”

  That was most likely true, since Mrs. Barry’s favorite past time was gossiping.

  “I really should get going,” Kimberly said. “I accidentally packed all of Jeremy’s clothes and need to pick up something for him.”

  Mrs. Barry grinned like a cat who just licked all the cream. “I won’t keep you, then.”

  Kimberly grumbled to herself as she made way for the men’s section. It was not the wisest thing to feed Mrs. Barry needless information that she would most likely spin into the latest gossip story. She could almost hear her now. “Did you hear what Kimberly did to her husband? She packed all his clothes, leaving him to wear only a towel.” Okay, so the towel part was Kimberly’s addition to the story. She just wasn’t used to having to filter what she said.

  She moved the clothes on the rack for a few minutes, realizing that she had never asked Jeremy what size to get. It’s not as though she usually bought him clothes. On the contrary, Jeremy was the type of man who actually purchased his own clothing. He was very particular. You’d never see him wearing Jeans, although he would wear Bermuda shorts for relaxing at home. But mainly he wore suits. Kimberly had never completely understood why he insisted on wearing them most of the time. But today, he would have to settle for trousers and an oxford shirt.

  Kimberly called Jeremy and he rattled off what size to get him, but she opted to end the call when he tried to tell her what to buy.

  She browsed through the trousers, picking out a black pair with a blue oxford. On a whim, she also picked up Batman boxers that looked as though they’d cling to his frame nicely. Perhaps she should do all of his shopping from here on out.

  As she neared the register, Kimberly added socks to the clothes she was already carrying and paid the cashier.

  On the way back to her car, she smiled when she spotted Mrs. Peacock’s car parked next to hers. The back window was rolled all the way down and Birdie, Mrs. Peacock’s Macaw, was perched there.

  He moved his head in circles. “Pretty girl, pretty girl.”

  “How sweet,” Kimberly remarked.

  “Not you, blondie, the redhead, the redhead.”

  Kimberly squared her shoulders and Mrs. Peacock’s voice broke her concentration from behind her as she said, “Don’t worry about Birdie, you’re lucky he’s not swearing at you.”

  “Who are you telling?” Kimberly smiled. “Nice to see you, Mrs. Peacock. Where is your sister, Mrs. Canary?”

  “It was her turn to carry the packages.”

  Kimberly smiled. “I’m sorry I missed Mrs. Canary. We’re moving today so I’ll call when we’re all settled in at the new place.”

  “How lovely,” Mrs. Peacock said with a clap of her hands. “My sister will be so jealous when I tell her how I bumped into you. We’ve been meaning to drop by to see your new baby, but we’ve been so busy of late. Your father is having the cabin you used to live it renovated. It’s hard not to stare when all the workers are so good looking.” She winked.

  When Kimberly’s phone rang, she hurried and put the packages into the back of her car and with a wave to Mrs. Peacock, she was on her way.

  * * *

  Corrine barged into the bedroom where Jeremy was having to cool his heels as he waited for Kimberly to return.

  “Oh, there you are,” Corrine said, making an unsuccessful attempt at covering her eyes until she dropped her hands in laughter. “I believe this is the most I’ve seen of you, Jeremy.”

  “Kimberly had all of my clothes packed yesterday.”

  “I like how that woman thinks.”

  “You women always stick together. But in all seriousness, how angry was Kimberly when I didn’t show up on time?”

  “I don’t like to meddle in marriages, but you should have given her a call.”

  “I left my phone at the office.”

  “Then why didn’t you use Clive’s phone? I believe he saw you at the bar.”

  “Honestly, I never gave it a thought.”

  Corrine clucked her tongue. “You’re batting all zeros here. I think you’re lucky that Kimberly didn’t do more to you than have all your clothes packed up.” She moved to the door. “Of course if you’d like, I can probably grab a tablecloth for you. I hear the toga look is coming back.”

  “Only at a college party.” Jeremy smiled as she left.

  Then he glanced at the clock, fuming. If Kimberly didn’t come back and soon, it would seriously postpone the move. Of course with Corrine here, things should go along fine. He couldn’t help but wonder, though, why she was organizing the move to the degree that she was. Kimberly hadn’t even been working as a spokesmodel since she’d been in her eighth month. He wasn’t sure how he’d handle it if Kimberly wanted to continue to model.

  The door opened again, but this time by Kimberly, who threw the bags on the bed and asked, “Where’s the baby?”

  “Your mother is feeding her.”

  Kimberly pulled out the Batman boxers and slipped her hands under the waistband. “I can’t wait to see you in this.”

  Jeremy shook his head. “I hope you picked up something a little more ... me.”

  “It will have to do for now. I’ll see you in a moment.”

  “Try five at least,” Jeremy said, as she retreated into the other room.

  * * *

  Kimberly glanced out the patio door where her mom was rocking Abigail. In true grandmother mode, the baby was wrapped in a receiving blanket.

  “Eric and Ted are planning to move the larger items first,” Corrine informed Kimberly. “Then the boxes.”

  Kimberly looked over at the living room furniture, not seeing any of the pieces covered. She had to ask, “Shouldn’t the furniture be wrapped, too?”

  “No, it’s staying here,” Jeremy informed her, as he approached.

  Kimberly’s brow shot up. “And why is that, exactly?”

  “I never said I had plans to sell the chalet, just that we’d move to a more suitable house to raise our family.”

  Kimberly’s cheek felt warm to the touch and all sorts of things raced around in her brain.

  “I better check on the movers,” Corrine said, taking a hasty departure.

  “I don’t understand why you need the chalet. You’re the one who struggles for clients here in Redwater.”

  “Yes, but I’m also taking on clients from nearby towns.”

  “Since when? You’ve never told me any of that.”

  “I don’t discuss all my business decision with you, Kimberly.”

  “Well, you certainly need to start. I’m your wife and that’s w
hat couples do, talk about their daily activities or plans.”

  “Yes, but you’re so busy with the baby, I didn’t want to bore you with the details.”

  “Have you ever considered that I want you to bore me with something that doesn’t have to do with changing a diaper or feeding the baby? Today was the first day I’ve left the house by myself.”

  Jeremy kissed Kimberly on the brow. “I’m sorry if you feel stifled, but that’s what raising children is all about. I understand that you need time to yourself. After we get this move under our belt, I’ll make sure you have some time to yourself. I don’t make a half-bad babysitter.”

  “It’s not called babysitting when the baby is yours, or so you’ve claimed.”

  “I thought we agreed that I’m Abigail’s father.”

  She smiled and went in search of Corrine, who was outside on her phone. “Yes, Mr. Johnson, I’m going to have things finalized in a few days.”

  Kimberly waited until Corrine had ended her call before tears danced in her eyes. “Jeremy is keeping his chalet.”

  “I heard that much.”

  “I’m so upset about it. He never even discussed it with me. I don’t want my husband having his own little love nest for when he grows bored of me and the baby.”

  Corrine’s eyes widened. “What would make you say such a thing, Kimberly? You know Jeremy has eyes only for you and he loves you to pieces.”

  “For now, perhaps.” Kimberly pressed a hand on her stomach as she felt a little queasy. “I hope we didn’t pack all the food. I think I need something on my stomach.”

  Kimberly went inside and luckily, the food wasn’t all packed, so she toasted some bread. She ate it dry instead of slathering it with butter since that always worked when she felt like this.

  “What’s the matter?” her mom asked.

  “Nothing, why?”

  “It’s just that I’ve never known you to eat before afternoon.”

  “I feel a little sick and hoped the toast would help.”

  “Sick? That’s not good. I should take the baby tonight so you won’t get Abigail sick.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t think it’s that kind of sick. It will pass, I’m sure.”

  “Well, your Aunt Ethel is a diabetic and she gets a little sick if she doesn’t eat first thing in the morning. I hope you’re not going to be diabetic, too. Many members of our family are, you know, including your father. Why, he’s been in the hospital a few times when his sugar went too low.”

  “And I suppose that’s one of the occurrences that you declined to inform me about.”

  “That happened in Florida, Kimberly, and it’s not like you could afford to fly there when it happened.”

  Her mom was right, but all that changed when Kimberly married Jeremy.

  Her dad appeared in the kitchen and said, “It seems that Corrine and her merry band of movers can handle the move from here. Why don’t we wait at the new house for them to arrive there?”

  Kimberly smiled. “Why not.”

  Her mom and dad gathered what they’d need for the baby. The crib had been taken down since she had left the room so they folded down the portable bassinet and loaded the car. Kimberly didn’t see Jeremy anywhere and she sighed, following her parents to the SUV.

  Chapter 4

  Jeremy frowned as Kimberly followed her parents out of the drive. She hadn’t even mentioned that she was leaving, but he presumed that she was heading to the new house. He knew she was upset about him keeping the chalet, but he hoped he’d smooth things out later.

  Clive greeted Jeremy, who was standing on the porch. “Why the long face?”

  “I made Kimberly upset, I think. I’m keeping the chalet.”

  “You are?” Clive frowned. “I can’t imagine that went over well.”

  “Why not? It’s not really all that big of a deal.”

  “Not in the eyes of us men, but women don’t exactly feel the same way. Wives would look at that and think, my husband now has a love nest if he decides to have an affair.”

  Jeremy’s brow shot up. “I never thought about it that way, I suppose.”

  “Marriage is about keeping the peace and keeping your wife happy.”

  “Oh, and how are you such a marriage expert when you’ve never walked down that aisle?”

  “I just know women think different than we do. You’re married to a wonderful woman, don’t mess it up because of some male pride that wishes to hold onto a house that reminds you of your social status.”

  “It shows that much?”

  “Yes, but of course if you drive that woman away, I’ll be waiting in the wings.” He winked. “I should have beat you out for her hand in marriage.”

  “But she fell in love with me, not you.”

  “Go ahead and rub it in. Perhaps you should head over to your new house.”

  “I will later. I’d like to stick around until the movers have the truck filled.”

  “Give Kimberly a call at least and tell her your plans. It’s what married people do, or those in a relationship.”

  Jeremy nodded and went back inside and made way for the deck around back. He eased down on a chair and admired the gray waves slapping the shore. He had bought this house four years ago and he had many business meetings here as he preferred to make his clients comfortable. Of course it was also the place where he brought many of the women who he had dallied with through the years. Yes, he was upset about leaving this house, but not the part of his past that included loose women. He was happy he had met and married Kimberly even if she came with a special package. Perhaps it was time to let the chalet go, though, but he wasn’t ready to make that decision yet.

  * * *

  Kimberly unlocked the door of the new house. It had been remodeled with clay-colored vinyl siding and landscaping that featured a fountain with Koi fish in the pond at the base. Inside the entranceway, Kimberly took off her shoes, as did her parents.

  “Wow, the carpets are certainly a light shade of beige.”

  Kimberly wrinkled her nose. “I know. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t want Jeremy to buy this place. I just hope I’ll be able to keep it clean. If people take off their shoes it might work out okay.”

  Mom laughed. “Yes, until Abigail gets bigger and drops a juice cup or piece of chocolate cake.”

  “Thanks for telling me that. I’m not sure I’ll allow here to grow up now.”

  Dad patted Kimberly on the back. “You’ll look forward to her being able to do things on her own and before you know it, you’ll be teaching her to drive.”

  “Stop it, Hal, you’re scaring Kimberly.”

  “I’m just saying that children grow up fast.”

  “They do and that’s why you need to enjoy them as they grow, Kimberly. I still can’t believe you have a baby of your own and soon more will follow.”

  Kimberly took the baby from her mother. “I’m not sure Jeremy wants that. I guess we’ll see. I came with too much baggage as is.”

  “He doesn’t seem to mind all that much,” her dad said.

  Kimberly led the way into the kitchen that sported a granite countertop with stainless steel double oven and refrigerator. The stovetop was in the top of the island cabinet. She padded across the tile floor and gazed out the window to the backyard. There was a privacy fence on two sides with a chain link behind it with three small dogs running around and barking up a storm.

  Mom joined her at the window and said, “That will be great when Abigail gets older. Is that a patio out there with an actual fire pit?”

  “Yes, and a hot tub.”

  “I love ours,” her mom said. “It looks like yours has a cover, at least.”

  There was a knock at the door and Kimberly answered it to Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. Canary, who promptly took off their shoes before prancing inside with Birdie.

  Mom’s eyes widened and Mrs. Peacock assured her, “I’ll put Birdie in the kitchen windowsill. He loves to look outside.”

  “So, what bring
s you two here?” Kimberly asked.

  “We wanted the grand tour, of course,” Mrs. Canary said.

  “I planned to invite you over after we’re settled.”

  “I know, but I’m not a patient woman.”

  Kimberly showed them the kitchen and living room, making way up the hallway that had one modest bedroom and the second to the rear with a walk in bathroom.

  “Is that a jet tub?” Mrs. Peacock asked.

  “It sure looks like one.”

  “I’ve always wanted one of those.”

  “I can’t imagine you’d be able to get out of it by yourself.” Mrs. Canary laughed.

  “You know, sister, I believe you’re right.” She walked over to the bathroom closet and opened the door. “Would you look, sister, some kind soul left towels and soap behind. You never know when there’s a mess to clean up.”

  The sound of a backup alarm was heard and a roar of the engine, which meant the truck might be here. Kimberly left the bathroom and hurried to the door where Eric had backed up the truck as close as he could. He quickly covered his feet with paper foot covers so that he wouldn’t mark up the carpet, which was a nice touch, Kimberly thought.

  She backed up and allowed the men to do their work as they carried a sofa, loveseat, and recliner, all of which were light beige leather. “These don’t belong to us,” Kimberly exclaimed. “Although they certainly are nice.”

  “They do now. A new house means new furnishings,” Jeremy said, suddenly appearing at the door. He took off his shoes and entered.

  Kimberly took a glance behind Jeremy and asked, “Where’s Weenie?”

  “I thought he was with you?”

  “No, the last time I saw him, Corrine had him. Please check with her. You know Weenie is a runner.” Kimberly began to panic and Mrs. Canary took the baby from her.

  “Stupid man, stupid man,” Birdie said, walking back and forth on the counter.

  Jeremy glared at Birdie. “What is he doing here?”