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

by Vicki Green

  “Alessandro? What’s that ruckus?”

  I freeze. His mom heard us! It sounds as if she’s at the bottom of the stairs! Oh my freaking God!

  “Nothing, Mom!” he says between kisses along the side of my face. “We’re just – fuck!” How can his cock be so hard so quickly? “Getting ready to come downstairs. Shit!” He’s rubbing his cock against my leg, making me want him all over again. I’ve become an insatiable horndog!

  “Good! Breakfast is ready. Hurry before it all gets cold.” Her voice grows quieter as she walks away.

  “I’m having breakfast in bed.” He murmurs as he moves down the mattress, flipping me over and removing my panties in one swift motion. I gasp as his mouth covers my wetness, lapping, sucking, and I immediately reach down and grab chunks of his thick hair. “Now this is what I call breakfast of champions.” His voice muffled. I begin to wither underneath him as he brings me to orgasm again. God! His mom is gonna hear us! I don’t know how he has the energy!

  We took a shower together, against my better judgment. His parents, especially his mom, are definitely gonna catch us and I’m not gonna lie – I’m a bit sore. But I feel like I’m in one of the romance books I’ve read, the thrill of defiance, the fear of being caught, the passion, and another amazing orgasm. If we wake up this way every morning, I need to start working out. Seriously. As I finish my bathroom things, I watch him brush his teeth, trim the scruff on his handsome face, and get dressed, all the while wondering how this amazingly gorgeous man loves me so much. For once, something great is happening to me and I’m not sure if I’m excited or scared to death. My life’s track record has not been kind to me.

  Something else Alex failed to mention to me, apparently Sunday’s are family day. That would have been nice to know. And after brunch there’s church! First, I’ve never been more scared. Even more so than when I met his parents. Why? Because the entire family will be here! And I have nothing to wear to church! I’ve never even stepped foot in a church! I only brought an extra outfit, knowing we were only staying one night, and it’s jeans and a nice shirt. I’m glad I have Rica’s cell number. I quickly send her a text asking how Emma is feeling. That led to relief that Emma is much better and they are coming over for brunch. Which led to asking what size dress she wears and did she have an extra one I could borrow. Leading to a little more relief when she said yes and would see me shortly.

  Then, brunch was actually – nice. Emma took off all heat of attention on me by being there. She’s definitely the center of everything in the house. After we cleaned up the dishes, we went to church. I found it – fascinating. Now, I’ve always believed in a higher power but have never experienced anything other than my own feelings on the subject. I found it interesting and gave me a better idea around my own thoughts and ideas. By the time we said our goodbyes to everyone, promising not to wait too long before coming back, I’d decided I wanted to find out what churches are in our town, check into them, and start going on Sundays. I’m relieved that we’re going home yet I miss everyone already.

  In the following weeks, morning sickness took hold. How can a little person inside me cause such excruciating stomach cramps and vomiting? At first, I thought something must be wrong. Then I found an OB/GYN doctor in town and learned some women have morning sickness and some don’t. Some have it so badly they can’t do anything until after the first trimester. For some, it doesn’t get better until later in the pregnancy. The hard knocks of my life. It would be my luck if it doesn’t go away until after the baby is born. I’m a good person. Why in the hell is the universe so against me? Sigh. At least the doctor gave me vitamins and something for nausea, telling me to take it easy and it will be over soon. She definitely does not understand my life.

  Another month later, on the way home from another doctor’s appointment, I decided to call Rica on the hands-free phone in my car. I mean, she had Emma. I wonder if she had morning sickness too. I know I’m not quite to the second trimester but I was told I’m losing too much weight and this whole thing is taking a toll on me. “Rica? It’s me – Keegan.”

  “Oh hey, Keegan. How are you?” I hear the giggles of Emma in the background. She’s such a sweet baby. I hope mine will be just as good.

  “Oh okay, I guess. Morning sickness. Retching like there’s no tomorrow. But other than that – good.” That sounded pleasant. She laughs. Ohhh-kay. I didn’t really think it was funny. “I found this OB in town and I really like her but I’m not sure these pills she gave me for nausea are doing anything. I’ve never thrown up this much in my entire life. I’m so tired it’s difficult to get up and even go to the doctor, and I’ve been losing way too much weight.” Not to mention I feel like crap all the time. How do women do this?

  “Oh, so you have a baby from Satan too, huh?” What in the hell does she mean by that and why does that scare the shit outta me? She laughs and tells Emma to pick up her toy. “No, seriously. It’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. It just takes some women a little longer to get through the dreaded morning sickness phase.” I let out a sigh of relief. “Emma. Please don’t use mommy’s purse as a toy house.” Now she sighs. “Keep a sleeve of saltine crackers with you at all times and don’t do what I did and work long hours as if there’s nothing wrong with you. Get rest. Lots of it because even though it might not help you now, you won’t get any once the baby is born. Trust me.” Okay, now she’s scaring me even worse.

  “Uh – thanks, Rica. I think.” I let out a small laugh but not really feeling it.

  She laughs again. “You’re welcome. If you need anything or even just want to talk, please call me. Okay?”

  I thanked her again, really meaning it because other than the two friends I’ve made since I’ve been in town, she’s really the only other friend I have and she’s been through this. And she’s Alex’s sister. Of course, she made pregnancy sound like something out of a horror movie but still – she did live through it, right? And Emma is so sweet. I mean, that wonderful little girl came out of her. See – everything’s going to be fine.

  I pull into our driveway, immediately stopping and putting it in park, shove open the door, and expel everything I’ve eaten today onto our lawn.

  Sure. It’s gonna be fine.

  Ten

  Alex

  “I’m worried about Keegan.”

  I can’t believe it’s been eight months since I found the love of my life. Thought I’d never fall in love, especially finding someone in this small town. Four months since she told me she was pregnant and I asked her to marry me. Not that it was to happen in that order. I had already fallen deeply, madly in love with Keegan and was planning to ask for her hand when she told me she was pregnant. After she’d met my family, which was a trip in itself, we’d decided to get married before the baby is born. That hasn’t happened. Oh we’ve tried to plan, tried to pick out things, decide where and when and then she gets violently ill. Now, I would take that personally only she’s been having morning sickness the entire pregnancy. According to her doctor, which I’ve had some pretty stern words with, some women are more susceptible to morning sickness than others but this will pass. “Will it pass before or after the baby is born?” I asked angrily. I hate seeing Keegan this way. Hate that she can’t even enjoy something I’m sure is supposed to be a wonderful experience for a woman. So many times I’d come home and find her lying on the bathroom floor, her head resting on the side of the toilet. Then there was the time when I pulled into the driveway and found her retching her guts out in our yard, hanging out from her car. I’ve made her soup. Driven to the grocery store countless times, getting crackers and 7Up. I’ve laid with her in the bathtub, consoling and washing her. I’m at my wit’s end and don’t know what else to do to help her. I hate feeling this helpless.

  So, I did the only thing I could do. I called Mom. I told her everything. Keegan’s health, my concerns. She told me to get there as soon as possible and she’d call her longtime friend and OB and get an appointment set up immediately. I
may be a strong man but it’s because of my parents. And with them being wealthy and known around town, they can get shit done.

  Now, we’re at her doctor’s appointment in our town and once she examined Keegan, I asked to speak to her in the hall. She was reluctant, at first, and so she should have been. I’m not happy.

  “I know you are worried and frankly so am I,” she replies. My eyes widen. Oh really. Now, she’s finally worried about her. What the fuck? “Up until now, it’s been a fairly normal pregnancy. Mr. Rossi, it’s really been no different than so many although I’m sorry she’s had to go through all the illness.” She looks down at the tablet in her hand, her eyes scanning over the screen. “If she doesn’t start gaining a little weight and consume a little more nourishment soon, I’m afraid I’ll need to hospitalize her until the baby is born so I can monitor her and we can provide the nutrients needed for her and the baby.”

  I start pacing the hallway in front of her. “Shouldn’t you have thought of that before?” I start waving my arms around in frustration. “None of this has been healthy for Keegan or our baby. Why is it just now you’re deciding this?”

  “Mr. Rossi. I assure you, I have kept a close eye on everything and up until now she’s been able to keep enough nutrients and hydration in her to be healthy. It’s unfortunate that she’s had to undergo this but I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, she and the baby will be fine.”

  Swinging around, I face her, my hands balled into fists at my side. “No. I assure you, Dr. Morgan, that she won’t be coming back to see you.” Her mouth drops open.

  “What?” She seems shocked.

  I take the few steps back to the room containing the loves of my life and grab the doorknob. “We’re leaving and not coming back. You’ve done enough – which was nothing.” I don’t bother to look at the expression on her face and only hear her huff when I walk into the room, closing the door behind me. I need to get calm so I put on a smile. “C’mon, baby. We’re going home.” Only, it’s not our home I’m taking her to. Well, once we’re packed.

  We walked out of that doctor’s office and as I drove us home, I explained that we needed to pack and go stay with my parents for a short time, get her in to see a good doctor and get her some help. She fought me, at first, saying she really likes her doctor and that her illness isn’t unusual for some, but in the end, she saw to my reasoning and how adamant I was. I explained that I cannot stand to see her go on this way and I’m only thinking of her and our baby’s health. She agreed, reluctantly, but agreed all the same.

  “You know I appreciate everything you do, darling, but – your parent’s house?” She sounds a little frightened or maybe perturbed is a better word. I take her hand in mine, keeping my eyes on the road. She looks so pale, still so ill, and I hate causing her any anxiety but I must do something to help her and our baby. I’ll let nothing happen to either of them.

  Turning my head at her, I smile while squeezing her hand. “I will find you the best doctor money can buy. Mom knows of one that is highly regarded in the OB field and at the best office close to their house.” She squeezes my hand back but I can tell she’s worried. “She’ll take great care of you and get you healthy again, baby.” I bring our hands up and kiss the top of hers then look back at the road and pray that this will be true.

  The over six-hour drive, due to stopping quite a bit for Keegan to use the bathroom and get sick, gave me way too much time to think. I am the man. I have to be strong, even though inside I’m scared to death. I need to be there for Keegan and our baby and I must make sure they are taken care of properly. It’s a lot of stress, a ton of pressure, but it’s bred in me. It’s who I am. These thoughts are tugging at one side while the other is wondering about our baby. Is it a he or a she? Who will they look like or a little of both? Who will they take after? Either one on any of my questions will be fine but the unknown is making me a little more anxious than I care to admit.

  “Ready?”

  I blink several times, realizing Keegan’s getting out of the car and I’m still perplexed sitting in my parent’s driveway. Shit, Alex. Get yourself together. “Uh, yeah. I’ll get our bags.”

  As Mom promised, the next day she went with us to an OB doctor’s office, spouting off words in Italian to the receptionist. We sat. I held Keegan’s hand and then a nurse called her back. Mom waited as we went into a small room, Keegan got into a paper gown, and we waited longer. A nurse finally came in, took her blood pressure and all her vitals then we waited again. All I figured out so far is this isn’t good for my blood pressure. The doctor came in a while later and introduced herself as Dr. Romano. Italian – of course. She had Keegan lie down, spread her legs with her feet in the stirrups as I’m sitting beside her in a chair, holding her hand. I’m thinking she’s just doing an exam when she squirts some gel on Keegan’s stomach and places a wand looking thing there. Keegan gives me a nod and smiles, squeezing my hand like this is normal. Suddenly, I feel all kinds of guilt as I haven’t been to many of her doctor appointments, always working with clients. Way to be an asshole, Alex.

  “Ah! There.” The doctor looks at the screen and my eyes follow. “Did you want to know the sex of the baby?” I swallow hard. I’d look at Keegan to see what she wants to do but I can’t tear my eyes away.

  “I’d like to know.” Keegan’s voice brings me out of the trance and I look over at her. She’s staring at the screen, smiling. Pushing my fingers through hers, she turns and looks at me, a tear sliding down her cheek. “If you don’t want to, I’ll….”

  “No. That’s fine.” I smile back.

  We both move our eyes back to the screen, the sound of a heartbeat thumping loudly in the room. That’s my baby’s heartbeat! I’m in fucking awe. “Your son’s heart is strong.” I nod, my eyes welling with tears, making it difficult to see him on the screen. My son. “I am a little concerned with his breathing.” I start blinking rapidly, looking over at the doctor. She smiles. “There’s some corticosteroids I’ll start giving you to take which will help his lungs mature and make breathing easier, along with your prenatal vitamins I’ll be prescribing a different medicine for your nausea.” I watch her print off some pictures of our son and then she wipes off the goo from Keegan’s stomach. I help Keegan sit up and start rubbing her back. She hasn’t said a word, hasn’t taken her eyes away from the screen this entire time.

  “Miss Morefield?” Keegan finally moves her eyes to the doctor. “I’d like you to come in twice a week so I can keep checking you.” Keegan nods. “And I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist that you be on bedrest for the remainder of your pregnancy. I’m not liking the loss of weight and your blood pressure.” She smiles and pats Keegan’s leg. “We’ll take good care of you both here. Rest assured.”

  She stands, removing the latex gloves and walks toward the door. “You can get dressed and then make your next appointment at the checkout counter. I’ll have your prescriptions waiting for you there. Have a good day.”

  Turning around, I look at Keegan and cup her face. Her eyes move up to mine, slowly. “Are you okay, baby?” She nods, shakily, more tears fall from her eyes. “I’m sorry you’re having such a difficult time,” I whisper, leaning down and kissing her damp cheek. I move back and search her wet eyes, wondering what she’s thinking.

  “We’re gonna have a boy,” she whispers so softly I can barely hear her so I take her in my arms, kissing the top of her head and she lays it against my chest. I’m loving how her arms move around me, holding me tightly. “A boy.”

  This day has gone into my memories as one of the best days ever. I’m not only gonna be a dad but to a son. I took Keegan home and we spent the rest of the day with her on the couch, pillows behind her, a blanket covering her, and we told my family the great news. Of course, Mom knew from the car ride home and I thought Dad’s blood pressure might explode at the news. I called Rica and put her and Luke on speaker after Rica informed me Emma was down for her nap so they couldn’t come over for a whil
e. We couldn’t wait. Dad called Don to tell him and Bas and Val came over. Of course, Mom said she’d cook everyone dinner so I think it was their appetites that really brought them. They were happy nonetheless.

  I’m on top of the world by the time Keegan and I climb into bed. Yes, since we are to be married and have a baby on the way, Mom gave in and let us sleep together in my old room. Looks like we’re gonna be here a while.

  A couple of weeks later, my entire world came crashing down.

  I awoke to darkness. Which wasn’t so strange due to the fact that it’s the middle of the night. What became clearly odd was that my arms were empty, normally fastened around Keegan. I felt – lost without her beside me. Sitting up, I rub the sleep from my eyes, scanning around the dark room. My eyes snap to the bathroom when I hear a moan. Dammit! She must be getting sick again. I’d give anything for her to feel better, be able to actually enjoy her pregnancy, and just feel normal again. Yawning, I walk to the bathroom and push open the door, only to see her lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Running, I squat down beside her and push her hair over her shoulder that’s covering her face. She’s breathing heavily and holding her stomach.

  “Keegan. Fuck! What happened?”

  She looks up, her skin so pale and darkness surrounds her eyes. “I came in to go to the bathroom and….” She pants, trying to catch her breath. “I started cramping really badly and sat down. Blood….” She closes her eyes tightly, her entire body stiffening. “So much blood.”

  Okay, so I’m a dumb fuck. I thought maybe she cut herself or something. What an idiot.

  She murmurs and groans like she’s totally out of it. I jump up, put my arm under her legs and around her back, lifting her effortlessly and walk out of the room and start down the stairs. “Mom! Dad!” I yell as I make my way to the garage door.