The relief on his face is brief. “Then why are you crying? Why do you look like I just kicked your puppy?”
“I’m—overwhelmed.” My smile is tentative. “Our whole lives are going to change.”
“And that’s okay. I’ve got you.” He settles his hand on my stomach, caressing me there. “I’ve got this little nugget too.”
“Little nugget?” I rest my hand on top of his, smiling. “I don’t know how I feel about that nickname.”
“My nugget likes it.” He kisses me, his lips light against mine. “I still can’t believe it.”
“Believe what?”
“That we’re having a little nugget.” He kisses me again, murmuring against my lips, “A baby Bennett.”
“Aw, I like that. Better than nugget.” The tears start again and he wipes them away with his thumbs. Kisses them away when they keep coming. We’re like this for long minutes, totally into each other. So into each other, we don’t even realize someone has entered the apartment until we hear voices.
“Oh my God, so I guess you two are back together.”
Our heads swivel in sync toward the living room to find Caleb and Gracie standing there, hand in hand. Gracie’s gaze meets mine and I lean my head against Eli’s, so tempted to tell her the good news about the baby.
But I keep my mouth shut. And so does Eli.
“What are you two doing here?” Eli asks, his voice casual. Like it’s no big deal that I’m sitting in his lap and we’re hanging all over each other.
“I should ask you two the same thing,” Gracie says as she enters the kitchen and goes straight to the fridge, grabbing a beer from inside. “Caleb didn’t mention this.”
“It just happened,” Eli says.
“I’m assuming you knew?” She sends her boyfriend an evil glare as she hands him the beer. “And just forgot to mention it to me?”
Caleb looks slightly terrified as he takes the beer from her. “I didn’t know what was happening between these two. I literally just figured it out.”
Not really since he saw us together earlier, but none of us mention that.
Gracie sits in the chair Eli was in only a few minutes ago. “You two are adorable. Seriously, Ava, you’re glowing. I can tell you’re so happy to be back together.”
I’m glowing for other reasons, but I’m not going to mention them to Gracie. Not yet.
I want to keep this a secret for a little while longer.
We all four chat around the table for a while, and eventually move to the living room. Caleb starts up a movie on Hulu and after only about a half hour into it, I can barely keep my eyes open, I’m so tired.
More tired than usual. Maybe it’s the baby? Or the emotional letdown after such a busy and overwhelming day?
I’m not sure, but the next thing I know, Eli is gently shaking me awake and the movie is over. We say good night to Caleb and Gracie and I follow Eli into his room, going immediately to the bed the moment he shuts the door.
“You snored,” he tells me as he slips off his shirt.
I pause, admiring his bare chest before I climb beneath the sheets and tug them over me. “Loud?”
“I heard you. I’m guessing Caleb and Gracie did too.”
“I was tired.” A yawn escapes me and I cover my mouth. “I still am.”
“My poor baby.” He gets rid of his sweats and joins me in bed, turning off the lamp on his nightstand. “So tired.”
I let him pull me into his arms, resting my head on his bare chest. “I’m awake now. I just slept for the last two hours.”
We’re quiet for a few minutes, basking in each other’s presence before he asks me, “Do your parents know where you are?”
I nod, skimming my fingers across his pecs. “I texted my mom earlier and told her I was with you.”
“She cool with it? With us getting back together?” His voice is casual, but I can tell he’s worried.
All Eli has ever wanted was my family’s approval.
“Well, she didn’t tell me to leave that asshole’s house, stat.” I laugh when he tickles my side. “You walked into that one.”
“Uh huh.” His fingers brush against my waist, making tingles sweep over my skin. “When are we going to tell our parents about baby Bennett?”
“Not yet,” I tell him, closing my eyes when he gently rubs my belly. “I just want to savor this moment with you first.”
He keeps touching me, splaying his hand across my stomach, shifting downward so he can press a kiss to my belly. “I’m going to take care of you, Ava. You and our baby. I promise.”
“I know you are.” I stroke his hair, loving this man who’s not afraid to show all of his love for me. If I was terrified when the day first started, I’m definitely not scared now.
Eli will take care of us.
I know he will.
Thirty-Four
Ava
I made an appointment with my doctor over the weekend for Monday, and they confirmed with me what I already knew.
I’m definitely pregnant. Only about six weeks along. My due date is July 24th. Nowhere close to a 4th of July baby. Hopefully Eli won’t be disappointed.
Doubtful. He’s over the moon about my pregnancy.
My doctor recommends I take prenatal vitamins and lay off the caffeine, sugar and salt. All the things I love most. I’m also supposed to get plenty of exercise and rest, and eat a healthy diet. Plenty of fruits and vegetables. She offers up a few websites and apps that are full of good information and the more she talks, the more scared I get.
“Will everything be okay?” I ask her when she goes silent. “The baby. Will it be all right?”
“As long as you take care of yourself, you should be fine.” Her smile is gentle. “You’re a healthy young woman. I see no problems, but I can’t tell you that everything will be perfect. Sometimes—things happen.”
She doesn’t have to say what I’m fearing. Women lose their babies for no reason early in pregnancy. Or they take one of those tests and find out something is wrong with the baby. Or it’s born with a heart defect, a lung defect, whatever.
My mind races with all the scary possibilities and I’m mad at myself for going to the doctor alone. I would’ve brought Autumn with me, but she’s gone back home. No way can I tell Mom.
Not yet.
Ellie and Jackson came home for Thanksgiving, but I have no idea if they’re still here or not. I’ve been a shit friend and ignored them for most of the weekend, happy in my little bubble with Eli.
I make another appointment at the front desk and leave the doctor’s office, heading for my car. Once I’m inside, I pull my phone out and FaceTime Ellie.
I need my friend right now. I probably shouldn’t tell her this over freaking FaceTime though. Maybe she’ll meet me for lunch or something?
It’s weird how my appetite came back when I got in Eli’s presence again. Oh well. I’m not questioning it.
Ellie answers just when I was about to give up, and I wait for the call to connect, smiling when I see her face.
“Hey you,” she says. “I haven’t heard from you at all.”
“I know. Sorry.” I make a little face, feeling bad.
“It’s okay. I heard you were sick?” Her expression is questioning. “You feeling better now?”
“Who’d you hear that from? And yeah, I’m feeling better.”
“Gracie. We all got together yesterday afternoon and went to lunch.”
“All who?”
“Me, Jackson, Gracie and Caleb. Tony and Hayden were coming back from San Francisco,” Ellie explains. “I tried calling you, but Caleb said not to bother. You and Eli were in makeup mode.”
“I still would’ve liked to see you guys,” I say, my voice small. I don’t like feeling left out, though I know they didn’t mean to do it on purpose.
“We can get together again. With Tony and Hayden too. Jackson and I are sticking around for a few more days,” she says. “I miss you.”
“I miss
you too.”
“Is it true then? You and Eli are back together?”
A sigh leaves me. “You probably think I’m stupid.”
“No, I think you two are just trying to figure your crap out, and it’s not easy.” I love that my best friend never judges me.
I always feel like I have her support, no matter what.
Taking a deep breath, I say, “I have something to tell you.”
“You and Eli are officially back together?” she asks, her tone hopeful.
“Eli and I…are having a baby.”
There is dead silence for only a moment before Ellie screams.
Full-on screams, making me wince.
Making me burst into tears.
“Ava! Why are you crying? This is the best news EVER!” She is yelling, she’s so excited. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it! This is so exciting!”
“I know,” I tell her, the tears flowing nonstop. I swear between the breakup and the pregnancy discovery, I’ve been an emotional, crying mess. “I just went to the OB/GYN.”
“And they confirmed it?”
I nod. “I’m due late July.”
“Wow. Oh my God. You’re going to be a mom.” Ellie can’t stop smiling, but her smile slowly fades when she realizes I’m still crying. “Are you sad about this?”
“Sometimes I don’t know how to feel,” I admit, wiping at my face. “I’m only twenty.”
“Wasn’t your mom twenty when she had Autumn?”
A watery laugh escapes me. “You sound like Eli.”
“What does he think?”
“He’s beyond excited. Can’t stop calling himself daddy.” A sob escapes me and I shake my head. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional.”
“Where are you right now? You’re breaking my heart. We need to see each other so I can hug you.”
“Want to meet for lunch?”
“I’m up at the lake. Jackson rented that house again, the same one we had at Halloween.” She leans in close, her voice lowering. “I think he wants to buy it. Might be my Christmas present. Can you imagine?”
I’m so happy for her, but also a little sad and envious, because what the hell? Her boyfriend is buying her a house? Just for fun as a Christmas present? While I’m over here knocked up and unwed? Thanks to my on-again, off-again boyfriend?
Okay fine, we’re on-again and I don’t think Eli is going to do anything to mess this up again, but still. I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself.
“That’s great,” I say, when I realize she’s waiting for me to say something. “And just come by Eli’s apartment. We can hang out there.”
“What about you come up to your parents’ house? They know, right?” When I frown, so does she. “Or don’t they?”
“I haven’t told them yet.”
“Why not?”
I shrug. “I’m scared,” I whisper.
“Oh Ava.”
“What if they’re disappointed in me? They don’t even know that Eli and I are back together again. I fainted at Thanksgiving, and that’s when Autumn stepped in and bought me three pregnancy tests. They all came back positive.”
“Who knows you’re pregnant? Eli, Autumn and…me?”
“Yeah. And my doctor now.”
“They won’t be disappointed in you. They’ll probably be thrilled. Especially if Eli goes with you when you tell them. He’ll step up and say all the right things. He’s good at that,” Ellie reassures me.
“Yeah, you’re right.” I’m still scared to tell them though, which is irrational and silly, but I’m starting to realize being pregnant is making me overemotional.
About everything.
“Listen, let me jump in the shower real quick and then I’ll head down there. I can bring something for us to eat. You want anything in particular?”
I think of the pineapple that was on my pizza a few days ago, and my mouth literally waters. “A fruit bowl.”
“Okay…” She draws the word out.
“From the supermarket. With pineapple. Lots of it.”
“I can stop at Trader Joe’s and get the pack of sliced pineapple they sell,” she suggests.
“Yes! That sounds amazing.” My brain is literally envisioning me eating it and my stomach growls. “I think I’m craving pineapple. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
Ellie shakes her head. “You’re going to make a really cute pregnant lady.”
“You think so?” My doubt in myself is so obvious, I may as well be wearing a sign that says so.
“Yeah. And a cute mom—a good one, too.”
We talk a little more and I end the call, then make my way over to Eli and Caleb’s apartment.
Almost two hours later and Ellie finally shows up with my favorite salad from Panera and three packs of sliced pineapple from Trader Joe’s. When I open up the bag and see what’s inside, the smile on my face feels massive.
“I could kiss you right now,” I tell her, just before I pull her into a bone-crushing hug.
She laughs and hugs me back. “You said you were craving it.”
“I so am.” I ignore the salad and take the bag of pineapple to the kitchen counter, taking out one of the containers, and grab a fork from the drawer before I pop it open and start eating. “It’s so juicy, oh my God.”
Ellie is shaking her head. “At least you’re craving something healthy. My mom said she always wanted Dorito’s when she was pregnant with me.”
I laugh, my mouth full of pineapple. “My mom has told me she craved McDonald’s soft serve ice cream when she was pregnant with me. She was buying those hot fudge sundaes all the time.”
“At least it’s dairy?” Ellie says in her defense.
“Right.” I fork up a few more bites of pineapple before I snap the lid back on and slip all three containers of pineapple in the refrigerator.
We sit at the kitchen counter and eat our salads, Ellie glancing around the living room. “Where are the guys? School?”
I nod. “And they have practice after class.”
“So they won’t be home for a while.”
“Nope.”
“How is Eli? Is he excited?” Before I can even speak, Ellie sends me a look. “You can be honest with me, Ava. No one’s around. Tell me what you’re thinking. You seem upset.”
“I did some research earlier, and this is actually normal. All the crying and worrying.” I set my fork in my salad and watch her. “All those surging hormones are throwing me off.”
Her eyes are full of sympathy. “Are you happy about the baby?”
“I mean, it was a total accident, but I’m not mad or upset.” I frown. “But happy? I mean, I don’t know. Eli seems happy. I’m just…scared.”
“I think that’s normal. Your whole life is going to change. Remember what Jocelyn went through?” Ellie asks.
“I know. It was a lot. I can’t imagine, though I can relate more now.” I dip my head. It feels heavy. Loaded with my thoughts and worries and concerns. “Eli doesn’t do well with pressure.”
“You think this is going to mess with his head?”
“I don’t know. My life is changing with this baby, and so is his. He has other things to consider right now, not just himself. Though he tells me not to worry. He has everything under control.”
I want to believe him. I do. But I know how he is sometimes…
“Are you worried he won’t step up when you need him?”
It’s as if something comes over me. A wave of comfort, of knowledge in the fact that yes, no matter what I think of Eli and what I worry over, he will be there for me.
No matter what.
“He’ll step up,” I say, lifting my gaze to hers, my voice confident. “I’m worrying for nothing.”
Absolutely nothing.
Thirty-Five
Eli
Like an asshole, I went against Ava’s wishes and blabbed about her being pregnant. I told my best friends I’m going to be a father, because how can I go around acting like everyth
ing’s the same, when it’s not? I can’t pretend my life hasn’t just changed in the absolute best way.
So I tell them. Caleb. Tony. Diego. We’re chillin’ just before practice on campus, eating, because when are we not, when I finally couldn’t take it anymore and spilled the news.
“Ava’s pregnant.”
They all pause in what they’re doing, their eyes wide, their expressions shocked.
Diego’s the first to speak.
“Welcome to the daddy club.” He holds out his hand and I slap it in return. “Congratulations. I can’t believe it.”
“Bro, you’re crazy.” Caleb shakes his head, his mouth full. He swallows, takes a drink of soda and claims, “I won’t be having babies until I’m at least thirty.”
“Right.” Diego slaps the back of Caleb’s head, earning a dirty look from him. “The minute you graduate, Gracie is going to start hinting at marriage and babies.”
“Marriage and babies?” Caleb’s eyes widen, and he swallows. “Fuck. I’m doomed.”
We ignore him. He always says shit like that, yet is totally head over heels in love with his girl. I don’t believe him anymore when he talks like that, as if he dreads his future with the love of his life.
We’re pretty sure he doesn’t.
“Does Jake know?” Tony asks in that steady, quiet way of his.
I make a face, hating how my stomach sinks at the mention of Ava’s disapproving brother. “Not that I know of. Not too sure how he feels about me right now either.”
“Oh, I know how he feels about you,” Diego says, a smile on his face as if he’s enjoying this. “He’s mad at you. Says he’s sick of you toying with his little sister’s heart.”
“Whatever. I’ll win him over eventually,” I say, sounding way more confident than I feel. Jake Callahan has always been tough on me. Even when I thought we were friendly, I sensed he still harbored some resentment toward me sometimes. All over some high school shit, which is petty. But I understand petty—sometimes I can be a petty ass myself. “We’re gonna be actual family now.”
Tony slowly shakes his head, but he’s smiling, which is reassuring. “You are the last one I figured would be a father next out of all of us.”
The Senior (College Years Book 4) Page 28