Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2)

by Belle Winters

  I changed into the gown they provided and laid down. “I’m so excited.” I squealed and gave Landon’s hand a squeeze.

  He bent down and kissed me on my forehead. “Baby I can tell. I am too I’m just not screaming it out.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Whatever, what do you think it is?” I asked.

  Erica chimed in. “A girl.”

  “Why a girl?” I asked curious.

  Her eyes took on this dreamy stare. “Are you kidding me? I’ll get to dress her up and do all types of girl things with her. Take her to get her first manicure. Buy her her first tube of lip gloss…” she sighed, “all of those things Landon and Nick never did with me.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. I honestly had no comment for her. I turned to Landon, “and you?” I asked.

  “I honestly don’t care. As long as the baby is healthy and happy I’m good. I’m hoping they’ll have their mom’s beautiful hair.” He told me looking me in the eyes and I was like goo in his hands.

  The door opened and the doctor stepped in. “How are the parents to be doing?” she asked.

  “Fine.” I answered.

  “She’s losing her mind. She’s so excited I’m scared she might piss on herself or something is she doesn’t find out what the baby is going to be.” Landon told her and I blushed.

  I swatted at him and muttered, “Shut it.”

  The doctor only laughed. “Well then, let’s get this show on the road.” She grabbed the sonogram machine and rolled it over to us. I eyed the cold blue goo wearily since I knew she was going to squirt me with it and it was going to give me a chill. I sucked in a breath as she applied it to my stomach and got the wand. This time when I saw my baby on the screen it looked like a baby. You could see the arms and legs and it was moving all around. I heard sniffling and turned around to face Erica. She was wiping at her eyes as she cried lightly. I gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Come on little baby, show us what we want…” the doctor urged still moving the wand around. The baby kept moving like it was playing hide and seek.

  “Stubborn like its daddy.” I muttered.

  Landon looked at me and lifted an eyebrow. “What was that Lucy?” he asked.

  I shrugged. “Nothing.” Even though I knew he heard me the first time.

  “There we are.” The doctor said and we redirected our attention to the screen. She snapped a few photos and then turned to us. “Ready?” she asked. I smiled and nodded eagerly. “It’s a boy, congratulations!” she said. I felt tears prick my eyes and I clapped. She turned on the volume so we could hear the heartbeat. “Strong and healthy heart, he’s developing nicely and he’s pretty big.”

  We wrapped up at the doctor’s office and setup my next appointment. Erica and I went out and she went baby crazy. She got so many clothes and things that I didn’t get a chance to get anything. When we got home Landon and Nick only shook their heads at us in amusement. I don’t blame them she has items up to two years old. Yes I agreed that she went overboard. The next week or so was really hot, the weather was in the 90’s so we decided to stay inside and shop. We oohed and ahhed over furniture online, and we had some painting samples delivered.

  We were sitting on the floor in the living room when I’d had enough. “Erica, I am not making my son’s room this gross color it looks like puke!” I fussed.

  “It does not! You just don’t have a vision. I could make this color look amazing if you let me. I’m the fashionista here let me work.” She said snatching the sample from my hand.

  I growled. “Listen you hardheaded girl. That is not happening. So put it in the trash pile immediately.”

  She sighed and threw her hands up in frustration. “You have no taste.” I heard her mumble under her breathe and I stuck my tongue out at her. “Where are the boys anyway?” she asked.

  I gave her a knowing look. “They went out fishing I think… who knows what they get up to when they decide to indulge in their bromance.”

  She laughed, “This is true. I can’t wait to hear their made up warrior stories.”

  I shook my head laughing. “Right, they come home empty handed it’s going to be because they were fighting Jaws.”

  Erica laughed hard and I heard a knock at the door. I got up to answer it as Erica spoke, “Yea and then on the way back they had to murder Medusa.”

  I was cracking up; I had to hold my stomach to try to calm myself. I opened up the door wiping tears from my eyes. When I looked up I saw the last person I expected to see standing there… my mother.

  The laughter immediately died on my lips. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  She waved a hand at me and let herself in. “I’ve come to see my daughter… is that how you greet your mother after all this time?” she asked.

  I sighed. “Again, why are you here… now?”

  She was taking in her surroundings still not looking at me as she spoke. “Well I sent you an invitation to my upcoming wedding and I didn’t receive your RSVP. You are going to be my maid of honor, and just so you know that invite was for one person. You will not be bringing either one of those heathens to my wedding. I’ll find you a lovely date.” She clapped and spun to face me.

  “I must say you didn’t dissa…” she trailed off as she finally took me in. There was no hiding this huge bump in my belly. From the way she gaped at me I could tell this was news to her.

  “Well that’s easy mom. I didn’t RSVP because I’m not going.” I told her.

  “Sure you are, however you absolutely cannot be a bride’s maid. Who’s child is that?” she asked incredulously.

  I rolled my eyes. “Who do you think? It’s Landon’s mother.”

  She cleared her throat. “Better yet, it might be better if you don’t go. I can’t have you showing up proving to everyone just how stupid my child is. God, what were you thinking getting pregnant? I knew you were promiscuous but I at least thought you were smart. What are you doing having his kid? Did you not learn anything from his father? He will leave you high and dry then what are you going to do? You think he’s going to let you continue to live in this beautiful home? You should’ve at least taken a page out my book.” She put her fingers to her temples and rubbed as if she was seeking relief.

  I scoffed. “You mean trap a guy into knocking me up then welcoming myself to his money when his back is turned and disappear with his child. Then raise my son to think that his father is dead only to get wasted one day and tell the truth? Or wait for me to fuck up something good and leave him with an ex, only to introduce him his dad when I’m desperate to have my way.”

  “You take that back that is not how things happened! You just don’t understand anything Lucy. I’ve tried raising you right but it was no use. You’re so fucking stubborn. Are you sure you know which one of them is the father?” She threw at me.

  That hurt. “I know who the father of my child is.” I took a step toward her. “It makes me think, did you know who the father of your child was? Is that the real reason you kept me hidden. You only knew for sure when I came out looking just like him? How many Johns were you sleeping with mother? You seem to know a hell of a lot about this situation yourself.”

  “Don’t you dare call me a slut! You’re a fool and you’re going to regret this. Soon you’re going to wish you stayed with me, listened to me. I would’ve steered you in the right direction. You just fucked up your entire life by getting pregnant. Trust me I would know.” She glared at me.

  “The only thing I regret in my life is having you for a mother. You talk about stupid? Who the fuck sleeps with their fiancés client, while on a cruise and is too fucked up to cover it up. Then you want to blame everyone else for why he left you? All these years you’ve called me a whore, when really it was you.” I said pointing an accusing finger at her.

  She paled and then she slapped me. She slapped me so hard that my head whipped violently to the side. I instinctively put my hand up to cup my flaming cheek. “Get out.” I whispered.

&nbs
p; She stood still and crossed her arms in challenge. “I said, GET THE FUCK OUT!” I screamed.

  Erica came running into the room and took in the sight. She must not have heard the commotion until I started screaming. She stepped between me and my mother. “Listen lady, you need to leave or I will remove you. You’re lucky Landon isn’t here. I’ll give you three seconds before I make the call and even if you’re gone he’ll still find you.” She took a step closer to my mother and stared her down. I don’t know what Erica looked like at that moment but my mother immediately shrunk back. “Or I’ll come find you. You fuck with her again or put a hand on her, you’re going to answer to me. She might hold back because you gave birth to her, but that doesn’t mean a damn thing to me and I protect my family. Remember that next time you got balls to show your face.”

  My mother turned and left. Erica shut and locked the door then wrapped her arms around me. I let myself cry on her shoulder. When I let her go I walked to the kitchen to get some water to help calm me down. I grabbed a glass out the cabinet and opened the fridge to get the water pitcher when a pain shot through my stomach. It was so painful and sudden the glass dropped from my hand and shattered to the floor. Erica was right behind me looking concerned. I tried taking deep breaths when another pain tore through me. I clutched onto the counter and closed my eyes trying to focus. There was another cramp and then I felt wetness. I closed my eyes and prayed that my water didn’t break. I was only 7 months pregnant. It was too soon. I opened my eyes and what I found was much worse. Erica followed my gaze and gasped.

  Landon

  “Come on Max put your back into it! Get that sucker!” Nick screamed.

  Max was the only one hooking fishes today, they weren’t large but they were something. He was doing a hell of a lot better than us. The fish were either taunting us by skipping us and going straight for Max or he was the fish whisperer. This would be his six fish. He and Nick got it reeled in and he brought it over and hung it right in my face. If I hadn’t reacted quickly he would’ve smacked me with it.

  “Check this out Landon. This is the biggest one today. I’m the best fisher ever!” he told me.

  I laughed and ruffled his hair. “I believe you bud. You have the fish to prove it.”

  He went to put the fish with the rest he caught when my phone rang. It was Lucy. “Hey babe.” I answered.

  “Landon its Erica, hurry we’re at North French hospital. Something with the baby.” Erica rushed out.

  Everything stopped and I froze. I was sure I didn’t hear her right. “You’re at the hospital?” I asked to make sure.

  “Yes, hurry. We’re in the emergency room.” She told me and disconnected.

  I turned to Nick as I started gathering our stuff. “Nick we have to go. Something is wrong with Lucy and the baby they’re at the hospital.”

  Nick paled. “What’s wrong?” he asked jumping into action.

  “I don’t know.” I confessed then looked at Max. He was shaking and looked scared. I knelt down to his level and rubbed his arm. “It’s ok little man. Everything will be fine, ok?” I asked.

  He nodded but didn’t look sure. To be honest I wasn’t sure either, I just knew we needed to get there. We had the car loaded and were on our way in less than 10 minutes. I went as fast as I could to get there. When we entered I went straight to the front desk and gave Lucy’s name and they gave us her room number. My heart was pounding so hard it was the only thing I could hear. I entered the room slowly afraid of what I’d find. I looked in and saw Lucy’s face. Her eyes were closed and her head was back. She looked completely exhausted. I tried to swallow but there was a huge lump in my throat. Nick and Max entered the room ahead of me and she opened her eyes. She gave me a small smile. I continued to scan her slowly until I reached her stomach. There were white circles pasted to her in different spots, but her stomach was still round and full. I let go of the breath that I’d been holding and the sounds started to filter in. I heard the baby’s strong heartbeat fill the room and some of the tension in me drained. I walked forward towards the edge of the bed.

  Max grabbed Lucy’s hand. “Are you ok?” he asked. He still looked scared and worried.

  She smiled and patted the bed for him to climb up. He got in the bed next to her and laid his head on her breast. “I’m fine Maxamillion.”

  He put his hand on Lucy’s stomach and lifted his head to meet her eyes. “Is my little brother ok?” he asked. Lucy didn’t answer but Max’s eyes went wide. “Was that him?” he asked her in wonder.

  She laughed and nodded. “Yes, he was telling you he was ok.”

  Max grinned at her and said, “Make him do it again.”

  She shrugged. “I can’t make him do it. He does it when he feels like it.”

  Max laid his head on her stomach and whispered loudly. “I’m Max. I’m your big brother and I’ll teach you how to color.” I guess the baby kicked again because his head snapped up and he held his cheek that was against her stomach and fell into giggles.

  Lucy rubbed Max’s hair. “I think he’s talking back to you.” She told him. Max put his head back against Lucy’s breast and she massaged her hand through his hair. He kept one hand on her stomach, I guess to feel for more movement. I won’t lie like I wasn’t a little jealous but I knew he needed it to ease his fears. Max talked her ear off about the fish and made me hand over my phone so he could show her pictures. I was itching to talk to her but I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea to have that conversation in front of Max. After about an hour, Erica grabbed Max to take him home leaving me and Nick there.

  As soon as they were out of earshot I got close to Lucy and grabbed her hand. “What happened baby?” I asked.

  She sighed. “My mother happened.”

  I frowned, “what do you mean?” I asked.

  “My mom came by today about her wedding. She never heard back since she sent the invite. Well, initially she was talking about me being a bridesmaid before she realized I was really pregnant. Then she started throwing insults. She got to me and we went back and forth a bit. It ended with her slapping me and being thrown out the house. I started having pains afterwards and I was bleeding so we rushed straight here.” she explained.

  My blood pressure shot through the roof. My hands clenched at my sides. “She touched you?” I asked.

  She nodded and turned her head revealing her cheek on the other side and that’s when I saw the red welt on her face. Her mother didn’t just hit her she tried to hurt her it looks like. I began counting backwards in my head to get a grip on myself. She seemed to watch us to see if either of us would blow up. When we didn’t she continued talking.

  “Anyway, the doctors said it was the stress that triggered it. I went into preterm labor, they were able to stop it and I will have a prescription to take that will keep him in where he belongs. I’m going to have to be on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy though.” She replied sadly.

  I cupped her face in my hands. “What’s wrong baby? The baby is going to be fine.”

  “I know. And that’s my main priority, but school starts back up in a couple of weeks or so. I won’t be able to go if I’m on bed rest.” She informed me.

  Nick crawled in bed next to her and I wanted to deck him. He kissed her temple and rubbed her stomach. “It’s ok sunshine we’ll be there to help. I’m going to miss your cooking but I’ll pick up the slack.”

  Lucy groaned and looked at me with pleading eyes. “Please don’t let him cook for me. You don’t hate me that much do you?” she begged.

  I chuckled. “It’s alright baby, don’t cry I won’t let him feed you.” I cooed.

  “Oh, you don’t cook either!” she stated pointing an accusing finger at me.

  “I wouldn’t dare. I’ll talk to your doctor and see when we’re getting out of here.” I told her.

  “Please make it ASAP I am so sick of hospitals. I don’t want to be back here unless it’s a happy moment.” She pouted. I wanted to bite her lip but I refra
ined.

  Lucy

  The doctors were strict. I was to remain in bed as much as possible… keep moving around to the bare minimum and take the prescription as they said. Avoid stress at all costs and lastly, no sex… of any kind. Landon looked ready to pass out when they gave that stipulation. I had already figured as such from my initials talks with the doctors, but when I spoke to him initially I decided to drop only a few bombs on him at a time.

  It’s been exactly three weeks since we arrived back home from the hospital and things have changed. I tried not to let it bother me but come on… I’m sitting here in bed every day all day I have nothing else to do but think. Landon seems distant and I feel like he’s keeping secrets. He has a lot of time that’s unaccounted for, and when he’s here in the room with me he’s on the computer, in the shower, or on his phone. And when he’s doing things it’s like he wants to make sure I can’t see what he’s doing. He hasn’t even touched me. I know what the doctors said but even when were just cuddling he would usually just rub me or something, that all ended. He keeps our physical contact to the bare minimum and sometimes when I try to get close to him he pulls away. It’s driving me mad because I know he’s a freaking rabbit and the way he’s been acting has me suspicious and it’s also bringing out all of my insecurities.

  When he left for school I was going crazy in my mind. Is he grossed out by how big I am now? Is he regretting this now that we’re closing in to the end? Or is my mother right… does he not want me anymore? I shook my head to clear the thoughts. I won’t let my mother ruin this. What I needed was normalcy. I missed cuddling with Landon, joking with Nick, playing with Max. Even Nick treated me like I was fragile. He seemed hesitant to even make me laugh these days I hate it. I made up my mind that today things were going to change. I sat in bed thinking of all the things I could make that would be easy and required little effort and standing on my part. I finally made up my mind and headed down to the kitchen. I sat down while I got things prepped. It wasn’t my normal style but I was adhering to the rules. I took my time because it would be a while before anyone got home. Nick and Max arrived first just as I put the chicken on to bake and was getting the mashed potatoes ready. Max hopped over to me and thanked me profusely for cooking. Nick even cracked a few jokes about how he’s been food deprived. This is what I missed. Their excitement boosted my confidence and I knew I was doing the right thing.