Passion, Vows & Babies: Only You, Baby: A Yeah, Baby & Time's Up! Crossover Novella (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Vicki Green

  “Thanks, sis.”

  Keegan’s gonna freak.

  I’d decided to take her today since it’s Saturday. Rica and Luke don’t know it yet but we’ll be staying the night at their place. There’s no way we’ll be allowed to stay at my parents after today. Hell, I’m not even sure if we’ll be able to go over the next day for family day. Thought it would be nice since I haven’t gotten to do that in a long time. They probably won’t want us there. Sigh. Anyway, we loaded up the car and drove the five plus hours, stopping for her to pee and get gas. She’s not that far along but she sure has to go to the bathroom a lot already. And her appetite has doubled. She talked about how fat she’ll get. I’m not an idiot, I didn’t say a word. But in my mind, I don’t care how big she gets. My baby’s in her tummy and that’s all that matters to me. Besides, she’ll be beautiful no matter what.

  By the time we pull into my parent’s driveway, her skin has lost all color. I wonder if she has morning sickness. Even though it’s early evening. I reach over and cover her fist, her other hand gripping the door handle so tightly her knuckles are white. “Hey,” I whisper. She looks at me, her eyes wide. Gently, I pry her fingers loose and hold her hand. “It’ll be okay. They’ll love you.” I smile. She nods, stiffly.

  I squeeze her hand for encouragement then get out and open her door. Her palm is sweaty as we walk to the front door. I open it, not announcing our arrival, and we walk inside. “Mom?” I yell from the entryway but only hear sounds coming from the kitchen. I lead Keegan there, her body stiffening when we walk into the room. Mom is leaning over the stove. The aroma of pasta and sauce emanates the air. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Ah! Alessandro!” She turns around, smiling then she looks at Keegan, her facial expression and her tone changing quickly. “Who is this?” Her brows lower. I feel Keegan stiffen even more.

  “I’m Keegan Morefield, Mrs. Rossi.” I blink rapidly as Keegan walks over to Mom with her hand out. What the hell? That’s my girl! Mom doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink and doesn’t shake Keegan’s hand. That doesn’t stop Keegan though. She lowers her hand to her side and raises her chin at Mom. Raises her chin! “I’m in love with Alex and while I don’t pretend to know what a shock this is for you and your family, I hope you will be happy for us.” Just at that exact moment, the sun coming in from the sliding door catches on Keegan’s engagement ring. Mom’s eyes snap directly there and gasps. Not wanting Keegan to go through this alone, I walk over to her, grab her hand, threading my fingers through hers, and pull it up to my chest, making her ring even more apparent.

  “May I introduce my fiancée Keegan….” Shit! I don’t even know her middle name!

  “Marie,” Keegan says, not blinking once.

  “Keegan Marie Morefield. Keegan – this is my mama, Noleta Rossi.”

  No one moves. I’m not sure if anyone is even breathing.

  “It’s very nice to meet you,” Keegan says, still standing stiffly.

  I don’t know how long we all stand there staring at one another. It’s like a stand-off. That is until Bas walks into the kitchen casually, like nothing out of the ordinary is going on. “Alex? Is that you?” I turn my head and see him walk over to the breakfast bar. His eyes move from me to Keegan to Mom – back to me, Keegan then Mom. “Um…. Is that a girl with you?” Yeah, I know. It’s amazing that I would have a girl with me. I get it. Surprising me again, Keegan turns toward Bas and smiles.

  “Hello. I’m Keegan Morefield. And you are?” Her hand is shaking in mine but she appears to be confident.

  “Bas. Nice to meet you.”

  “She’s my fiancée,” I say to Bas, smiling ear to ear.

  “Wha…. What?” Bas stutters, leaning forward as if he didn’t hear correctly. I let out a chuckle.

  “You heard right. Fiancée.” I look at Mom. “Where’s Dad?”

  “You’re pregnant,” Mom says looking at Keegan with a straight face.

  Keegan grips my hand so tightly, it’s almost painful. “Now, Mom.”

  Mom looks at me, her brow raises. “She is. Isn’t she?”

  I open my mouth then close it. I do that a few times, like a fish out of water. “Well, technically – yes. But….”

  She walks backward then around the breakfast bar spewing a thousand words in Italian. I look at Bas, who’s grinning to beat the band, then at Keegan. “Well. That went well.”

  Against my better judgment, I leave Keegan with Bas and walk into the living room. Mom is dusting, something she does when she’s upset or worried. I lean back against the wall, crossing my arms over my chest. “My bet is you just cleaned this room yesterday.” I can’t help but smirk. She keeps dusting, ignoring me. “You know, no one sets out to hurt or defy you and Dad.” She stops, the dust cloth raised in her hand. “It’s called life. We can’t help who we fall in love with.” She lowers the cloth but doesn’t move. “I had asked her to marry me before she told me about the baby. Already had the ring.” She turns around tears in her eyes. “Mama, you’re gonna be a nana, again.”

  Setting down the cloth, she walks over and throws her arms around me. I bend down as she hugs me, tightly. “Ah, figlio!” Son. “I just want you to be happy.”

  “I am, Mama. I really am, for the first time in my life.” My heart is full but she’s squeezing me so tight, rocking us side to side, that it’s difficult to breathe.

  “My first born is having his first born!”

  I don’t know how long we stand here but the need to get air becomes too much so I pull back. She takes a step back and smiles. “Your papa will be back shortly. Time to give him the news.” Yeah, that won’t be as easy. “C’mon. I need to give my new daughter-in-law a hug and congratulations on my grandchild.” Perfect! Although, I do kinda feel sorry for Keegan. She’s going from being an orphan to being part of a large Italian family in mere seconds. I follow Mom into the kitchen and watch Keegan stop talking to Bas. She turns around, and her eyes widen as Mom wraps her arms around her.

  “My daughter-in-law to be and a nipote!” Grandchild. She starts rocking Keegan back and forth. I’m about to say something about morning sickness but clamp my mouth shut. This is the best thing to ever happen. With Mom on our side, we stand a better chance with Dad. I love Keegan but hell I’m not gonna spoil it now.

  Once Mom finally lets Keegan go, I find out Dad went to their restaurant. Mom finishes her cooking as Keegan, Bas, and I sit around the table and talk while we wait for Dad to return. It’s nice to know that Bas accepted Keegan so easily. I think maybe some in the family learned that you don’t necessarily have to be Italian to be a good person and become one of us. Let’s just hope Dad has changed his mindset as well.

  “Is that my son Alessandro’s car in the driveway?”

  I notice Keegan briefly stiffen next to me, hearing Dad’s gruff voice, then her shoulders set back. I think she’s figured out it’s better to be strong than weak against my family. That’s my girl. Leaning over, I give her a quick kiss, smiling with the assurance that all will be well. She smiles back, even though her face has paled a bit.

  “Where is he?”

  Dad walks in the room and I stand quickly, walking over to him. He pulls me into him, giving me a hug. “Ah! It’s about time you come see your parents.” Releasing me, he walks over to Mom, gives her a kiss, then looks down at the sauce she has been preparing on the stove. He picks up the spoon resting on a holder then gathers some sauce, blows on it then puts it in his mouth. We’re all just waiting for the explosion to happen. “Is anyone going to tell me who the unfamiliar girl is in my kitchen?”

  I tense, momentarily, then walk over, taking Keegan’s hand and helping her up. Putting my arm around her, I raise my chin as he turns around to face us. “Papa. This is Keegan Morefield. My fiancée.” His entire body freezes. “We’re also going to have a baby.” His shoulders sag. Suddenly, I notice just how aged he looks. Wrinkles around the outside of his eyes, on either side of his mouth. His hair grayer around his temple and a sag beneath his
chin. Has it been this way for a while and I hadn’t noticed or is all this news of late been too much for him? Mom walks over and puts her arm around Keegan’s other side, almost like a united front.

  “Paolo.” Paul. “We are to be grandparents again. And we gain another daughter. Isn’t that amazing?” I can tell Mom is worried but by her face, it’s hard to be certain. Truth be told, she is the strong one in the family. Papa is scary enough but you don’t ever want to be on the bad side of Mama.

  His face is difficult to read. It feels like a lifetime that we wait in anticipation. Suddenly, he walks over to us. I squeeze Keegan’s shoulder and can feel Mom do the same. He stands directly in front of Keegan, his eyes directly on hers, but she doesn’t falter. “You are to marry my son?” His voice is rough and gruff.

  Keegan doesn’t hesitate. “Yes, sir. I love him.”

  His eyes shift to mine then back to her. “And you are to have my grandchild?” She nods and a small smile appears. “Move away so I can hug her.” He grumbles as he steps closer. Mom and I step back and watch in astonishment as Dad gives Keegan a hug. He looks at me from over her shoulder, his bushy brow raising. “You better take care of her and my grandchild.”

  My smile couldn’t be any bigger, relief flooding me. “Yes, sir. I plan on it.”

  “You will stay here tonight,” he tells Keegan as he releases her then looks at me. “So we can get to know you. Mama, is that sauce almost ready? We need food.”

  And that was that. Well until Val and Don showed up a few hours later. Val was a bit indifferent for a while, and Don brought his girlfriend Helena – also not Italian. Mom and Dad had already gotten used to her being around and with Rica married to Luke, I’m feeling a bit appreciative that they paved the way for us. Although the tension had been thick, by early evening we all gathered around in the living room, talking and having drinks after our bellies were full of Mom’s amazing dinner. Rica never showed but I received a text telling me Emma’s fever broke but she was asleep. They’ll be over tomorrow for family dinner so there’s that.

  What began as a tremendous anxiety ridden day turned out to be full of love and family. Now, if we can just get through the night in their house. Keegan and I are being separated in different bedrooms.

  Some things will never change.

  Nine

  Keegan

  I was so freaking scared! Nervousness doesn’t even come close. But as we entered his parent’s house and I saw his mom, felt her demeanor toward me instantly, I decided right then to be strong, fight for the man I love. I know I’m probably not the woman his parents hoped he would marry, but who would be in their eyes? No one. No one would be good enough for their son. Yet, I understand. They don’t know me, have no idea how much I love their son – can’t imagine that I would do anything for him and our baby. They have no idea how strong I am, what I’ve been through in my young life, how I’m a survivor. So, I can’t fault them for wanting only the best for Alex. I would if I were them. Instead of retreating inside myself, letting his mom get the best of me, I took a deep breath, introduced myself, and tried to look confident, which is in no way how I was feeling. How she guessed I’m pregnant, I have no idea. A mother’s intuition? Possibly.

  I liked Alex’s brother Bas right away. He made me feel comfortable as we sat in the kitchen, waiting for Alex and their mom to finish talking.

  “So, you and Alex, huh?” I nod, giving him a timid smile. Having had no family, no siblings, I’m not used to having that extra comfort, people to talk to and that extra love. It’s obvious how much Bas loves his brothers and sister, the way he talked about them. “Yeah, I think Rica and Luke kinda broke the non-Italian mold. We’ll let’s hope.” He chuckles, and I felt ill. “Hey.” He reaches over the table and covers my hand with his. “Strength in numbers. You have Alex, Rica, Luke, and me to back you up. And let’s not forget Emma.” He chuckles and pulls his hand away. “If she likes you – you’re a shoe-in. She’s got them wrapped around her little finger.” He winks, and I feel a bit relieved. “Val and Don shouldn’t be an issue.” Oh yeah. I’d forgotten about them. “Don has his non-Italian girlfriend and he stood behind Rica and Luke when things got – heated.” Now, I’m back to worried. “Val’s pretty easy going. You’ll be fine.” God, I hope so.

  I remember feeling so nervous, feeling like I was gonna be sick. Once Alex went and talked to her in the other room, she came into the kitchen and about squeezed the life outta me. It was welcomed and so was I.

  As Alex’s mom worked at the stove, he, Bas, and I sat around the table and talked. Bas told me about Alex as a child and his mother talked about him as a baby. It was – enlightening – and made me feel less nervous. Until I heard Alex’s dad’s voice loom from the other room. I almost peed my pants. Breaking through the barrier of a mother’s love for her son was scary enough but to get through a father’s love frightened me even more. As we all stood there watching his dad’s face morph into shock and anger, not gonna lie and say I wasn’t trembling uncontrollably inside, but I tried to stay strong with Alex and his mom on either side of me and Bas close by. A united stand, strength in numbers – was all that kept going through my head, over and over. He scared the bejesus outta me when he walked over and stood before me, asking if I was going to marry his son and have their grandchild. I was polite, respectful, but I was ready to stand my ground at a moment’s notice. That was until he told everyone to move out of his way so he could hug me and he did, rather tightly. I stiffened. I relaxed and once again was welcomed. I wanted to faint.

  Later, Val and Don, with Helena – his girlfriend, showed up. We had a lovely dinner of all Italian foods and chatted for hours in the living room as the guys had drinks. It was – nice. I was full to the brim, tired from all the anxiousness – nervousness – and simply exhausted from the day. Once everyone left, Alex and I were informed that we would have separate bedrooms. Me in Alex’s old room and him in one of the others. I was a little disappointed, thinking we’d go over to Ricas to stay the night since they didn’t live far from here, being able to be together while we slept, but his parents wouldn’t have it any other way. Great! Not.

  Walking around his room, I look at all the things that had been kept here as if he were still living here. Football trophies from high school, awards from math groups, and pictures of him when he was younger. I pick up a framed picture where he appears to be maybe in high school and smile as I run my finger over his image. He’s smiling, a leaner frame than he has today but has grown into an even more good-looking man. From what I can tell by the things in his room, he’s accomplished so much in his young life. I feel proud to be with him. Covering my stomach with my hand, I look down at the flatness knowing there’s a baby in there. The love I feel is a bit overwhelming, considering I’ve never truly been loved before. By the time I freshen up in the bathroom and crawl into his old bed, I was more than exhausted yet thankful for the day.

  I open my eyes, slightly, feeling the warmth of his body behind me. It feels like heaven until my eyes snap open with the sounds of Italian words being said very loudly downstairs. “Alex,” I whisper, shaking his arm that’s wrapped snuggly around me. “Alex! You’re not supposed to be in here,” I whisper/shout, raising my head and looking at him from over my shoulder. His eyes are closed, and I’d think he was asleep yet there’s a smile on his handsome face. His arm tightens around me.

  “Shhh. They’re downstairs.” He buries his nose in my hair, and I smile when he takes a deep breath.

  “When did you come in here?” I whisper again because I’m not taking any chances. It was difficult enough coming here yesterday and facing his parents. I definitely don’t want to make waves especially since they forbid us from sleeping together. He nestles his body against mine and I instantly feel his hard cock press against my back side. He’s naked! Damn that feels so good. God, I’m horny.

  “About a half an hour after everyone went to bed.” He kisses the side of my head. “You don’t think I could st
ay away from you all night, did you?” His voice begins to get louder as I turn around in his arms. His eyes open and I’m lost in them as they look into mine. “I mean, you’re my fiancée for Christ’s sake!”

  “Shhh.” I smile as I place two fingers over his mouth. He kisses them, and I can’t stop the giggle that leaves me. God he fills my heart.

  He rolls over, settling in between my legs and his mouth covers mine. I’m freaking out a little inside, knowing I haven’t brushed my teeth yet, but he tastes as if he just brushed his even though I know he didn’t. His large cock slides up and down, right where I ache for him. Even though I have panties on, I begin to throb, moving with him. “We shouldn’t,” I whisper, pressing my head into the pillow as he begins kissing down my neck, my breathing becoming heavy. God! We can’t do this here! Not in his parent’s house! In his old bedroom? Oh my God! Is that his hand underneath my panties? Stroking me, rubbing my swollen clit. God that feels so good! Suddenly, his hand disappears then I feel my panties move to the side and he quickly pushes his cock inside me. “Oh!” I say rather loudly. His hand covers my mouth, soon to be replaced by his lips.

  We move in sync, my heart racing as he moves faster and harder, his thumb working double time on my clit. I grab his strong arms when a rush fills me so extreme I can’t help but shout his name. My entire body is shaking, darkness envelopes me as I shut my eyes tightly. I barely hear him scream my name. It’s as if I’m in another world. Like I’m floating somewhere out of body. I’m moved, pulled into his arms. I can hear the rapid beating of his heart. “Deep slow breaths, love.” His words enter my ear like they’ve broken through a barrier. I do what he says and start to feel like I’m coming back to earth. “You’re amazing, baby. And just think – we can wake up like this for the rest of our lives.” I feel him kiss my forehead as my body begins to return to normal. I’m not sure I can take such bliss every morning. Death by orgasm – can that really happen? What a way to go!