by Unknown
“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.
Once Bentley had me tucked into bed, he got us some water from the kitchen. “Hales, are you sure don’t need a snack or anything?”
“I’m good, just really tired.”
“Okay, would you mind if I grabbed something to eat? I haven’t eaten anything since lunch.”
“Go ahead. I think there is still some of Gram’s homemade mac and cheese in the fridge.”
Bentley brought our water while his dinner was heating up. “Can I eat in bed?”
“I’d like that. I think I just really want to be close to you tonight.”
He kissed my head, “Me, too.”
I ended up eating most of Bentley’s first plate, and as he waited for the second helping to heat, he lounged in the bed with my head on his lap.
“Haley, we need to talk.”
“Can it wait until the morning? I can hardly keep my eyes open.”
“Sure.”
“Can you wake me early enough so I can call Mrs. Harris in the morning?”
“I will.”
“Goodnight, Bentley.”
“Goodnight, Haley, and thank you for my son.”
I STAYED AWAKE forever watching Haley sleep. I kept rubbing her belly, making sure my son was still there and hoping he’d move around. “Emerson, move for daddy…please,” I whispered softly so I wouldn’t wake Haley.
I rubbed and poked and waited. “Bentley, it doesn’t matter how many times you poke me, I’m not going to be a tender piece of meat you can barbecue,” Haley whispered sleepily.
“Sorry. I just want our son to move. I’m worried if I don’t feel him before I sleep, he might be gone in the morning.”
Haley rolled off my chest, and onto her back, “Poke away.
I’m going back to sleep…but he likes it when I tell him stories.” Smirking I leaned over and kissed Haley.
Around three in the morning I gave up on waiting for my son to move, “All right, little buddy, I guess you are tired after the eventful day you had. Just promise daddy you are okay.” I kissed Haley’s belly, rolled into her and went to sleep.
HALEY AND I woke to a knocking of the front door. “What time is it?” I asked Haley.
“I don’t know let me check the clock…Bentley, it’s ten,” she huffed in frustration and launching herself out of bed.
I propped up on an elbow. “That’s good.”
“How is it good, Bentley?” Haley asked scurrying around the room.
“What are you doing?”
“I have to get to work! I’m over two hours late. What is Mrs. Harris going to do when I finally show up?”
The knock on the door sounded again. “Coming!” I called out, forcing myself out of bed. Before I grabbed my pants, I pulled Haley into my arms. “Relax, you are not to go to work for the rest of the week. Call her while I see who is at the door.” I kissed her head then slipped on my pants as I made my way to the door.
Ben and my parents were on the other side of the door with what smelled like breakfast. “Good Morning?” I greeted everyone.
Mom wasted no time coming into the house, kissing my cheek as she went by on her way to the kitchen, “Morning. Is Haley up yet?”
“She just woke and panicked because I forgot to wake her so she could call Mrs. Harris.”
“Maggie called her this morning,” Ben said, walking in behind my dad and shutting the door. “We figured with everything last night you might sleep in.”
“Thank you.” I followed everyone into the kitchen and started the coffee pot before going to find my t-shirt. I stopped at the site of the slept-in bed. It felt good knowing they sheets were messed because I was holding the woman I love while I slept in them. I grabbed my shirt off the floor and went back into the living room.
“So you and Maggie set a date yet, Ben?” Dad asked.
“No, but I’d like to do it soon. Like tomorrow, if I had my way.”
“What does Maggie say?” I asked.
“She wants to wait to see what Haley has to say.”
“What would the date have to do with Haley?” I wondered.
“Maggie’s asking Haley to be the maid of honor.”
“She’ll love that,” Mom smiled.
“Y’all having a big wedding?” I asked as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
“No, not at our age. We’re thinking something small at the ranch.”
“Let me know if I can do anything.” I offered.
“Thanks,” Ben acknowledged.
“Bentley, who was at the door?” asked Haley asked as she walked out of her bedroom, putting her hair in a ponytail.
“Us.” Mom greeted her.
“Oh.” Haley froze in the living room looking at everyone.
“We won’t stay long. Just long enough for breakfast and to see how you are feeling.”
I walked over to Haley and put her in my arms to kissing her, “Good morning angel. What did Mrs. Harris say?”
“I guess Maggie called her early this morning and told me to rest and if I also needed Monday off not to worry she’ll take care of it and I’m to call her Sunday.”
“See, babe? Nothing to worry about.” I kissed her nose.
“Thanks to Maggie.”
“MOM, BREAKFAST WAS great, thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” she smiled. “Now that we know Haley is okay, I think we should all go so you both can rest.”
“I should probably finish that field at some point today. I think there is only two, maybe three, hours of cultivating left if everything goes all right.”
“Travis got up early this morning and picked up where you left off. He should almost be done by now,” Dad informed me while he put the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. “I also called Uncle Chris, and he offered to come for the weekend. Your mom and I would prefer you stay with Haley.”
I slapped Dad on the shoulder as thanks.
“Has Travis said anything about the scholarship to Seattle yet?” I asked.
“Not to us, but your ma and I overheard him and Whitney talking about.”
“And?”
“It was getting pretty heated.”
“About?”
“I guess Whitney has decided to stay and take Maggie’s offer, and Travis only wants to go where she is.”
“Do you think he’s making the right choice?”
“At this point, Bentley, I think I have to let him make this decision on his own.”
“But, Dad, he’s good enough to have a shot at the NFL.”
“We know,” Dad calmly said.
“I don’t want to see him giving up on something that could impact his future.”
“Neither do we, Bentley, but at the end of the day he needs to make this decision on his own.” Dad stressed the last part.
“You’re not going to question him at all?”
“I didn’t say that. Your mom and I plan to sit down and talk to him about the pros and cons of both sides.”
“I’m going to talk to him, too. I don’t think he realizes what an opportunity he is being given. All of his school is paid for, for up to five years, Dad.”
“No,” Dad said emphatically. “Do not talk to him, Bentley, unless he comes to you.”
“Why not?” I asked, getting angry.
“Because you only see one side. When you talk to your children about these kind of things you need to be open-minded, son.”
“I’m not open-minded?” I challenged.
“Okay, son, answer this for me then. What are the pros if he stays?”
I leaned against the kitchen counter thinking about, “He could grow his assets faster. He’d be home every day, which means he would be in bed with Whitney every night, and he would get to watch my son grow up and bond with him. He would have peace with the quiet country life, and he’d be able to watch his hard work grow.” I stood there staring at dad, “He’d have what I have now.”
“Exactly,” Dad grinned.
/> “I see your point,” I muttered walking away.
Shutting the door after everyone left, I sagged on the couch and rubbed my hands over my face.
“Glad they left?” Haley asked sitting beside me.
“Yeah, I think I’m going for a nap. I stayed up pretty late wanting our son to move.”
“I thought you wanted to talk.” she asked.
“Talk first then nap?” I asked raising my eyebrow.
“You nap; I have a few things to do.”
“Like what? You are supposed to be resting.”
“I bought some baby clothes and receiving blankets the other day. I want to take the price tags off and wash them. Then I need to make a list of everything I’m going to need once the baby is here, and I should probably pack my hospital bag.”
I adjusted on the couch so I could pull Haley into me and lay us both down, “First of all, it’s what we’re going to need. We are in this together, and second, I’d rather you rest first, then do all these things with me helping you.”
“You need to shower,” Haley answered in my chest.
“I know. Mom brought me an overnight bag with a few changes of clothes when she brought breakfast. Once I get off the couch, I’ll shower then nap.”
BENTLEY SMELLED OF a mixture of diesel, oil, and dirt, and it smelled like home. I’ve loved that smell since I was a child; it made me feel safe.
“Haley, I want you to change the emergency contact forms for the hospital so my name is on them. You have no idea what it was like sitting in that waiting room, and there was nothing I could do.”
“Okay,” I said readily agreeing with him. I didn’t like that he wasn’t with me, either.
“Next week I need you to come with me and pick out a mobile home you like.”
“I don’t think…”
“Haley, you are moving in at some point, and I want you to live in a layout you like. I have two picked out, but I want you to pick the one you like the most, and you need to pick out the colors, cabinets, flooring, and all the other crap I have no idea what the lady is talking about.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, needing to know it was what he really wanted, but I couldn’t help the excitement showing on my face when he asked.
“Yes.”
“I also don’t want you, or anyone else, buying or helping with anymore baby stuff. That is my job as the parent and as your lover,” he demanded, wiggling his eyebrows at me on the last word.
“Lover, huh?” I lifted my head to look him in the eyes.
“I prefer it to baby mama.” Bentley cupped my chin and met my gaze, “I love you. You are it for me, Hales. I don’t care if you want to label it, or not, but I am.”
“Okay.” I smiled before putting my head back on his chest with a huge grin.
“I’m going to be staying my nights here until the mobile is ready and set up.”
“How long will that be?” I asked, really not caring any more.
“Three months, four at the most.”
“How long have you been thinking about all this stuff?”
“A while,” he said, snuggling the top of my head.
“Tomorrow night I’d like to invite Travis and Whitney over for dinner for our Valentine’s date we missed. We can order Chinese, but were staying in though.”
“Okay,” I said sleepily, really not caring if we missed Valentine’s Day or not. I never liked the stupid holiday anyway. “Can we nap now?”
He kissed my head again, “Yes, we can nap now.” I could feel him smile. I think he likes sleepy Haley. I’m much easier to deal with when I don’t over analyze everything.
YESTERDAY WAS PRETTY uneventful. Bentley and I mostly cuddled and watched movies. Once I was rested, and drank more liquids then humanly possible, the bleeding and cramping stopped.
Bentley woke me with breakfast in bed from Maggie’s this morning. “This is delicious.”
“You think everything is delicious when it is paired with a strawberry milkshake,” he laughed.
“So?”
“I talked with Travis last night after you fell asleep, and he and Whitney are game for dinner tonight.”
“Did you boys decide what we’re doing, or are we still going with Chinese food?”
“A barbecue here at the house.”
“Bentley, I don’t own a grill.”
“I know. Travis is going to pop over later, and we’ll run to the hardware store to buy one and set it up.”
“Don’t forget a propane tank.”
“Travis is bringing one in from the farm.”
Coming out of the shower, I could hear Bentley on the phone, “No, she is doing good. The bleeding has stopped and so has the cramping…I haven’t really let her do anything but rest…Yes, I’m keeping my hands off of her.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Who was he talking to?
“She’d like that Mrs. Wells, why don’t I call Travis and he can bring you over when he comes to town, and I’m sure he’ll drive you back…sounds good, I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you, too…I’d love some of your sweet tea, thank you…talk to you later…yes I will give Haley your love…yes, and mine, too,” Travis laughed while he hung up.
He didn’t notice me walk up behind him as he sent a text message, presumably to Travis, to bring Grams to town with him. I slid my hands over his abs, “Are you sure you want to keep your hands off me?”
Bentley turned to face me and tossed his phone on the bed, “No, but I think it’s for the best…for now,” he groaned, kissing my neck.
“Grams is coming over?”
“Yeah, Travis will bring her and you two can visit while we go pick out a grill.”
“And bringing her sweet tea?”
“Hmm mmm,” I mumbled, only half paying attention as he continued kissing and sucking my neck.
After Grams left with Travis, I looked outside the patio door at the huge new grill in the backyard. “Why did you buy one so big?”
“We have a family now. I bought one that I thought would do us over the years.”
“Okay,” I shrugged.
“You are pretty easy to please these last two days, why is that?” Bentley asked putting the tools away.
“I’m not sure. I guess I’ve finally excepted everything and decided to go with the flow.”
“I’m glad.” He picked up the toolbox, kissing me as he walked past. “I’m going to shower before I run to the grocery store, do you want anything special?”
“No, I’m okay.”
While Bentley was in the shower, I stayed in the living room going over this week’s class agenda.
“Excuse me, is anyone home?”
I looked up from the couch to see the front door opening. Recognizing the voice I replied, “Hi, Cody. What are you doing here?”
“I knocked, but I don’t think you heard me.”
“That’s okay, come on in,” I said getting up to meet him.
“I was supposed to drop this off on Friday, but no one was home, and this was the first change I got. Sorry they are so late. Mom kept them in the cooler at the flower shop, so they still look really good,” he offered.
“Can I offer you a glass of my grams’ sweet tea?”
“No thanks, a bunch of us are heading over to Andrew’s to play some football,” Cody said, handing me the beautiful bouquet of wild flowers.
“Who are they from?”
“I don’t know. There is a card inside, though,” he smiled.
I searched for the card and opened it.
“That was nice. I’ll have to thank Bentley.” I smelled the flowers, “Let me grab some money.”
“No, I am two days late delivering them.”
“Are you sure? Technically I wasn’t home,” I hedged.
“Yes, I’m sure, and congratulations on having a boy. Mom ran into your dad yesterday at the flower shop.”
“Thank you, we’re pretty excited.”
“When is the little guy going to be here?”
<
br /> “Three days after graduation.”
“Cutting it close,” he chuckled.
“Let’s just hope my big butt will fit in those chairs by then.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that, Haley, you still look great.”
“Thank you, Cody, that’s so nice of you to say.”
“I better get going. Sorry again about being late with the flowers.”
“They got here, and that’s all that matters. Have fun with the guys, and say hi to them for me.”
“Will do,” he offered shutting the door behind him.
“Were you talking to someone?” Bentley asked coming out of the bedroom.
I turned around and showed him the flowers, “Thank you, they are absolutely beautiful.” I set them on the side table by the couch, and walked over to Bentley to thank him properly.
“Well, if that is how you are going to say thank you, I’m going out right now and buying you more.”
“These are fine, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Bentley kissed my nose before grabbing his keys.
“Hey, is your truck here? I never thought to ask.”
“Mom & Dad brought it yesterday. I’m leaving for the grocery store now. Are you sure you don’t want me to bring you back anything special?”
“No, I think I’m good.”
“Are you sure? I could pick up a cheesecake, or something.”
“I’m sure. I’m going to finish my lesson plan while you are gone so it’s out of the way when Whitney and Travis get here.”
“Okay, later love.”
HALEY IS THIRTY-FOUR weeks along today, and life around here is getting busy. Easter is tomorrow, and also happens to be the day Sam and Maggie are getting married. Everyone is at the Wells ranch putting on the final touches on the back yard.
“Can you believe this, Bentley? My dad is finally marrying his true love.”
“I think you’ve been watching too many romance movies, babe,” I teased.
“What, you don’t think it’s romantic they are getting married where they had their first kiss?”
“No, I think it’s about time they get married so I can have you back.”
“You have me every night in bed,” she giggled.