by Paula Mowery
“Everything okay?”
Kevin’s voice cut through her de-stressing technique.
“Yeah. Just thinking.”
“Looked more like fretting.”
She shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Uh hmm.” His brows rose and he looked her in the eyes.
“I was thinking about how everything is going to work come October.”
“You mean when the baby comes.”
She sighed. “Yeah.”
“You can take the normal leave from school, right?”
“Except the only problem is that the leave will save my position but I won’t be paid. I’m just considered hourly staff.”
“Granted everything goes well, you’ll be fine. I won’t let you starve.” He grinned.
“But what about the baby when I go back to work?” Her voice rose to a higher pitch.
Kevin rubbed her shoulder. “Things will work out.”
“I wish I had your faith.”
“You do.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Chelsea was grateful to be able to put most of her paycheck into her bank account since Kevin still refused rent. School was finally out but her summer college courses had already begun.
She flung a third pair of pants onto her bed. Time to break down and buy some maternity clothes. She reached for a loose-fitting dress and slipped it on. Turning sideways, she studied her reflection in the mirror. This one didn’t show her growing mid-section. Soon she wouldn’t be able to camouflage it.
Her chest cinched. She rubbed her baby bulge. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think I’m ashamed of you,” she whispered. It’s not you I’m ashamed of.
She hurried down the stairs and to her car. This weekend she’d drive to the mall in Knoxville for some staples for her wardrobe. Right now she needed to focus on her research class.
* * *
Kevin glanced at his watch. Chelsea should be returning from class any moment. She had appeared pale this morning when he met her going out the door. He checked the time again. She hadn’t mentioned going to the library or any other errand. He poured a glass of tea and plopped onto a stool at the kitchen counter, shuffling through the mail.
The front door opened and something thumped on the entryway, wooden floor. Probably her book bag. He waited for her appearance around the corner but all was silent.
Easing off the stool, he strolled to the front room. His eyes glimpsed Chelsea’s body curled up on the floor in the threshold. His heart nearly stopped. He rushed over and knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Chelsea.” He patted her lightly. “Chelsea. Are you okay?”
Kevin grabbed her wrist. Her pulse raced. He pinched the skin on her arm and it lacked the normal elasticity. “Chelsea.”
She moaned and blinked her eyes open. “I got so dizzy.” Her voice came out hoarse.
He brushed her hair away from her face. “I think you’re dehydrated.”
She pushed her head and shoulders off the floor with her arms. “I’m still dizzy.”
Kevin scooped her up into his arms and deposited her on the living room sofa. He sprinted to the kitchen and grabbed his keys from their hook.
“I’ll be right back.” He ran to the car and opened the door then returned for Chelsea.
After easing her into the front seat, he adjusted it so she wasn’t sitting straight up and pulled the seatbelt across, snapping it into place. He scrambled into the driver’s seat.
“Where are we going?”
“The hospital. You need IV fluids right now.”
Kevin formed a plan and put it into action as he pulled the car into a space at the hospital’s emergency room entrance. He jogged around the car and lifted Chelsea into his arms again, kicking the door shut. The automatic door swished open and he scurried through.
“Dr. Alley?” An RN rushed from behind the reception desk.
“Ms. Gill, I have a case of dehydration. She needs fluids.”
“Bring her back.” Nurse Gill motioned for him to follow. She helped him ease Chelsea onto the padded exam bed.
“Dr. Alley, I didn’t expect to see you back here.” Dr. Vincent strolled in and sidled up next to Kevin.
“No, sir. My friend here seems quite dehydrated and in need of some fluids.”
Dr. Vincent nodded to the nurse. “Ms. Gill, could you get the IV fluids going?”
“Of course.” The young nurse hurried past them.
Dr. Vincent pulled Kevin away from Chelsea’s bed as the nurse began her procedure. “I already miss you here.”
“Sir, it was a hard decision at first but things fell into place.”
“Son, I do think you made the right decision.”
“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”
“Kevin?” Chelsea’s gravelly voice barely carried across the room.
He whirled around. “Yes?”
“You don’t have to go, do you? Can you stay with me?”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
A weak smile upturned her mouth.
After Chelsea was transferred to a room, Chelsea dozed but Kevin pace nearby. Finally she’d received enough fluids to bring some pink to her cheeks. She sat up and exhibited more perk.
Kevin scooted a chair near the side of her bed. “Now, Chelsea Wilson, you will not scare me again like that.” He shook his finger at her. “Being pregnant, you need to make sure you have proper water intake even more.”
“Yes, Doc.” She saluted.
Chelsea was discharged at 9:45 p.m. into Kevin’s care. “I’ll pull around to the front and pick you up.”
“That’s not necessary.” She motioned toward the wheelchair.
“Maybe not but it’s hospital procedure. Plus, there’s no need getting cocky.”
She rolled her eyes.
“I saw that.”
She giggled and settled into the wheelchair.
He picked her up and stopped at a convenience store to buy a couple of sports drinks. Receiving the bag, she peeked inside. “What’s this for?”
“For you to drink. Good for hydration.”
He stayed close to her as they entered the house.
She paused at the stairs. “Thanks, Kevin. I think I’m turning in.”
“Probably for the best. How early do you have class tomorrow?”
“I actually don’t have a class on campus tomorrow.”
“Good. You need to take it easy. Sleep in and sip on those drinks. I’ll bring you some lunch during my lunch break.”
“No, I’ll be all right.”
“I didn’t ask. That’s what I’m doing.”
She smiled and nodded. She climbed the steps and spun around at the top. “‘Night.”
“Goodnight.”
Kevin meandered to the den, letting out a heavy sigh. Relief finally settled in his body as he plunked into his recliner. The image of Chelsea huddled on the foyer floor popped into his mind and he shuddered.
* * *
Chelsea stretched and glimpsed the clock. Ten o’clock. When was the last time she had slept this late? She pushed to a sitting position and paused before standing. Her head swam so she moved in slow motion. Kevin’s words rang in her ears and she reached for a sports drink still perched on her nightstand. Sipping a bit of the sweet liquid soothed her parched tongue. The room ceased spinning so she traipsed to the shower, still clutching the drink.
She piddled through dressing just because she could. She studied the calendar on her dresser. Only a couple more weeks and her college classes would be done. At least the sign language class didn’t require much written work. Surprisingly, that elective was enjoyable. Where she would use it, she wasn’t sure, but it was a nice reprieve from some of her other education classes.
She flopped across the bed. Showering and dressing had drained her. She would just close her eyes for a moment.
“Chelsea?”
She jolted awake.
“Chelsea, are you up?”
“You probably needed it.” He raised a bag toward her. “I brought subs, if you’re ready to eat. If not, I’ll save it for you.”
“I’m coming. I do feel a bit hungry.”
“Meet ya in the kitchen.”
Chelsea didn’t want to keep him waiting. He was working today and most likely on a time limit. She bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Kevin’s eyes trailed to hers though his mouth was buried in a steak and cheese sub. He set his sandwich on the plate and grabbed a napkin.
“Please don’t stop on my account. I’m sure you have to get back to Dr. Tarwater’s office.” She eased onto the stool and stared at the enormous turkey and swiss sub resting there. “My word. This should be enough for lunch and supper too.”
“Those guys at the Sub Shop don’t make a wimpy sandwich. That’s for sure.” He sipped his bottled water. “So, how are you feeling?”
“Pretty good. I was surprised how wiped out I felt.” She raised her bottled drink. “But, I’ve been sipping every chance I get.”
“Good.” He winked.
Her stomach fluttered. She hid any indication of her reaction to him by biting into her sandwich.
“Do you have lots of studying this weekend?”
“No, not really.”
He ran a hand over his cropped hair. “I just wondered if you might assist me with something.” His brows rose.
“Of course.”
“Dr. Tarwater told me that I need to go to this office store in Knoxville and pick out a desk and chair and furniture for my office.” He chuckled. “I’ve never had an official office before. Would you help me pick it out?”
“Yes, I’ll help you. And, could we fit in going to the mall?” She bit her lower lip.
“Sure.”
“I’m going to have to break down and buy some maternity clothes.”
“Yeah, we’ll make a whole day of it.”
His upbeat tone instigated anticipation in the pit of her stomach. “Okay then.”
“Now, eat up.” He gestured toward her plate. “You’ll need lots of energy day after tomorrow for this shopping spree.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Renewed energy and anticipation propelled Chelsea from the bed early Saturday morning. After dressing, she met Kevin in the kitchen.
He whirled around and thrust a plate her way. “Your bagel, madam.” He bowed.
“Thank you, kind sir.” She curtsied.
Moments later they were in Kevin’s car headed for Knoxville. He passed her a piece of paper. “That’s a sketch and dimensions for my office. Dr. Tarwater said I’ll need a desk and chair for me and then a couple of chairs for in front of my desk. He suggested a shelf or two for that back wall too.” He pointed at the page.
“This kinda makes it official, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah. It really does.”
The GPS blared directions until Kevin parked in front of the office furniture store. They marched inside and stopped. Chelsea scanned the sea of desks, chairs, tables, and shelves. “Wow. There’s a lot to choose from.”
A middle-aged man approached. His dress shirt, tie, and slacks were ironed perfection. “Welcome. May I be of assistance?”
Kevin snapped from his focus on the furniture to the man. “Yes, sir.”
Chelsea pushed the paper diagram into his hand.
Kevin glanced down and flashed her a smile. He handed the paper to the man. “I need office furniture to fit these measurements Dr. Tarwater suggested I–”
“Dr. Tarwater?” The man cut him off. “Yes, of course. You must be Dr. Alley, his new associate.” He extended his hand. “I’m Calvin.”
Kevin shook his hand. “Please call me Kevin.” He waved a hand toward her. “This is Chelsea.”
Calvin nodded. “Follow me. I think I have just what you need.” He scurried toward the back corner of the store. He paused and whirled around, rubbing his hand over a red-toned desk. “This has to be my favorite.”
Kevin stepped forward. “It is beautiful.” He turned to Chelsea. “What do you think?”
“It is lovely.” She envisioned it in the space Kevin had. “I just wonder if it will be a bit large, considering the other pieces you want.”
Kevin stroked his chin. “Exactly why I brought you.” He winked at her. “I do think she’s right. I don’t want to get the office too cramped.”
Calvin waved his hand dismissively. “That’s no problem. We have it in different sizes.”
They finished outfitting Kevin’s new office and left with the promise of delivery the next Wednesday.
They hopped back into Kevin’s car. He sighed. “Thanks for your help. It’s hard for me to grasp this.”
Chelsea twisted toward him. “Why is that?”
He turned and gazed into her eyes. “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “It’s like a dream.” He chuckled. “That sounded cheesy.”
“No it didn’t.” She shoved his arm.
“It’s nice to finally settle into something. Make a home.”
A heaviness settled on her chest. She could have shared that with him, if only. There were many if onlys.
Kevin slapped the steering wheel. “Now it’s off to the mall.”
After arriving, they went straight to the maternity shop. Chelsea spotted the clearance rack and strode that way.
“Hey, wait. What about this?” Kevin held up a yellow dress with little white lace around the scooped neckline. “This looks like you.” He grinned.
She chomped her bottom lip. “I was going to check out the sales.”
Kevin folded the garment over his arm. “I’ll just hold on to this.”
Chelsea snagged a couple of matching tops and bottoms from the discounted rack and headed for the dressing room.
“Don’t forget this one.” Kevin added the dress to the pile.
She traipsed to the curtained stall and hung the clothes on two hooks on the side wall. Reaching for the sleeve of the yellow dress, she stared at the price tag. That would blow her whole budget.
“Are you going to model?” Kevin’s voice echoed into the cubicle.
“Well, I don’t know.”
“Aw, come on.”
Chelsea eased the curtain back and baby-stepped forward. She looked down at the blousy top and capris and back at Kevin.
He nodded. “Yeah, that works. Have you tried the dress?”
A little knot cinched in her stomach. How could she tell him she couldn’t afford the dress?
He pressed his hands together as if praying and his brows shot up. “Pleeeeease.”
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. She scooted back into the dressing room and slipped into the yellow dress, studying her reflection. It was flattering, yet her heart sank.
Parting the heavy material, she stepped through. Her gaze immediately tracked to Kevin.
His face lit up. “That is perfect for you. I was always good at picking clothes for you.”
“It is nice, but...”
“But nothing. I’m buying that one for you.” Kevin crossed his arms and set his jaw.
“I agree with your husband. You just have to have that dress.” The clerk’s voice caught Chelsea by surprise.
She finally recovered. “Oh, no ma’am, he’s not–”
“I agree.” Kevin shrugged and waved a hand. “That dress is meant for her.”
Chelsea ducked back into the dressing room and stared at her reflection. She sighed. If only it were true that they were a couple about to become a family. But, I messed that up a long time ago.
As they left the store, purchases in hand, Chelsea stopped Kevin. “Sorry she thought we were married.”
“No big deal.” He glimpsed his watch. “No wonder I’m hungry. Ready to grab a bite?”
&n
bsp; She nodded. “Sure.”
* * *
Chelsea settled in a chair on the back porch. Kevin flipped burgers on the gas grill and sauntered back to the seat across from her, sipping from his water bottle.
“I got a call from my buddy, Eric. He’s getting married and wants me to be his best man.” He fiddled with the cap on his water. “Would you go with me?” He flashed puppy dog eyes her way.
Her stomach tightened. “Kevin, I don’t know.”
“You could wear that yellow dress.”
“But, I’m not sure about you being seen with me.” She gestured toward her midsection.
Kevin scraped his chair across the patio stones and planted it knee to knee with her. “Chelsea.” His tone caressed her with a velvet-edge but firmness still resonated. “If I didn’t want to be seen with you, I wouldn’t ask, now would I?”
She shook her head. “When is it?”
“Two weeks.”
“Wow. That’s quick. Do you have to rent a tux?”
“Naw.” His nose crinkled. “We’re wearing black suits, which I have, and white shirts with a tie the groom is providing. I think it’s teal or something.” He shrugged, jumped up, and bounded back to the grill. “I believe we’re ready.”
* * *
The two weeks till Eric’s wedding passed quickly. Chelsea slipped into the yellow dress, touched up her makeup, and spritzed her loosely curled locks with hairspray. As she eased down the stairs, her gaze caught Kevin’s. He stood at the bottom, his hand propped on the banister, smiling up at her. He looked beyond handsome in his suit. Her heart nearly stopped. She swallowed and continued her descent. As her foot touched the last step, Kevin offered her a hand. She grasped it and descended down to the stone entryway.