“You should see a doctor to confirm. These tests aren’t always accurate. When we know for sure, we’ll make plans. Will that make you feel better?”
She nodded her head in agreement and fell into his arms to be held. Right then all she needed was to be held by her husband.
* * *
A week later they were sitting in the doctor’s office, listening to the doctor confirm the pregnancy. The baby was due at the end of April. They must have gotten pregnant that last night in London. Sebastian reminisced that it was a particularly good lovemaking session. He was over the moon; Tess was on the verge of tears. He escorted her out of the office and put her in the car; once inside, she wept freely. Sebastian offered her his handkerchief.
“Shh, don’t be afraid. We’re in this together,” Sebastian tried to comfort her.
“You don’t have to carry this child for eight more months, Sebastian.”
“I would if I could, darling.”
“I know,” she sniffled, trying to calm down. “How am I going to do this? How can I go to class and keep my job?” She stopped for a moment, a look of realization crossing her face. “The semester abroad—that’s out of the question now.”
“Tess, they have hospitals overseas.”
“I won’t have this baby out of the country. I need my mom to be there when it’s time.”
Sebastian was silently relieved: at least Tess was going to have the baby. A small part of him feared she’d want to abort since this turn of events was most definitely not a part of her master timetable. He was so grateful she was willing to have the baby and he didn’t have to sort out an argument to persuade her to keep the child.
“Okay, we’ll stay here. There’s no saying we can’t study abroad our junior year instead.”
“With a baby in tow?”
“We’ll hire a nanny. I turned out all right being raised by one.”
Tess took his hand. “I love you for trying to be so optimistic, but realistically, it won’t happen. At least I had my grand adventure this summer,” she said, full of melancholy.
Sebastian took her chin and turned her to face him. “Never give up on your dreams. It doesn’t become you, Tess. You can have anything you want. You just have to believe.”
“Please don’t try to make me feel better. I’m confused. This is a huge, life-changing event that I’m not prepared for.” She leaned her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes. “I want to give you this child. I know you’ll be a fantastic father. I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that I’m going to have a baby in eight months.”
“Do you want this child? All I hear you talk about is me and your willingness to give me this gift. If you’re having second thoughts about bringing this baby into the world, I need to know about them now.”
“Of course I’m having the baby—there is no other option for me. I’m just terrified about the whole experience. I don’t know if I can handle it.”
Sebastian leaned in and gently kissed her lips. “Don’t underestimate yourself. You’ll handle it like the strong person you are. Do you want to tell your mom?”
“No! It’s too soon. I can’t believe this is happening. How am I going to explain it to my mom? I’m only six weeks in. Let’s wait until the second trimester, please?”
“Whatever you want, darling.”
“I’m so tired. Can you please take me home? I need to sleep.”
Sebastian turned the key in the ignition and drove toward home. Maybe she just needed time: time to get used to the idea of having a baby, time to adjust to the physical changes to her body. Maybe in time, she would become excited about the baby’s impending arrival. All Sebastian could do was hope.
Chapter 16 - Earn Enough For Us
As the first trimester progressed, it was all Tess could do to get to class without throwing up on the subway or sidewalk. She was only two months into this journey, and she was so sick that she wished she could just lie down and die. Sebastian had been fretting over her and although he meant well, she just wanted to be left alone. She couldn’t keep any food down and could barely drink water without that coming back up too.
Tess had given up her part-time job at the Strand, and when she wasn’t studying, she was sleeping. Sebastian sat next to her drinking coffee in the cafeteria, but even the smell of the hot drink turned her stomach. “I’ve got to get out of here,” she whispered, standing from the table. Then she blacked out.
* * *
Sebastian reacted quickly and caught Tess before she hit the floor. A few of the other students rushed over to help. They called an ambulance and took Tess to New York Hospital.
While the doctor examined her, Sebastian refused to leave the room, praying they didn’t lose the baby. Tess was awake, but looked terrible: her body weak, dark circles under her eyes, and an ashen complexion.
“I’m happy to report everything is just fine,” the doctor said.
“I don’t feel fine,” Tess replied wearily.
“You have hyperemesis gravidarum.”
“English, please,” Sebastian jumped in, annoyed at the doctor’s nonchalant attitude.
“You have severe morning sickness. It’s unusual, but it will do you no harm. I’ll start an IV to get you fluids. You’re dehydrated.”
“How long do I have to stay here? I have classes.”
“The classes can wait, Tess,” Sebastian warned, taking hold of her hand.
“I’m going to keep you overnight and re-evaluate your progress in the morning.” The doctor smiled down on Tess and then left the room.
“Thank God you’re okay,” Sebastian said, brushing the hair away from her face. “You had me so worried. Can we please call your mom now?”
“No, I don’t want her dropping everything to rush up here. I don’t want to worry her, Bas.”
“Darling, I think it’s a good idea for her to be here for you.”
“Not yet. Can you please honor my wishes?” she pleaded. “I’ll take it easy. You can wait on me hand and foot. I’ll only leave the condo to attend class. Four more weeks and I’ll be in my second trimester. I should be better by then and we can tell her at that time.”
He sighed, placing his elbows on the hospital bed and looking into her eyes. “Fine, but I’m holding you to your word.”
While he was waiting for the doctor to sign her release papers, he picked up a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting in the gift shop. It wasn’t for Tess, but for him to read. He had to get an understanding of what was going on in her head and what was happening to her body. When Sebastian brought Tess home from the hospital, he confined her to bed. He’d watch her round the clock if it kept her and the baby safe.
* * *
A week later, Tess was ready to strangle Sebastian. She knew he meant well, but his doting on her was suffocating. She couldn't take it any longer. “Sebastian, I’m not dying. Will you please leave me alone for a while? Go have a beer with Henry or go down to the gallery. I just need an evening alone!”
Looking like a wounded animal, he conceded and gave her some space. When he walked out the door, Tess let out a long, slow breath. She drew herself a hot bubble bath and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Her mind wandered back to their stay at the George V in Paris and the amazing clawfoot tub they spent many evenings in together. It wasn’t so long ago, but how things had changed. She could feel her body changing. Soon, her clothes wouldn’t fit anymore and she’d have to wear those awful tent dresses. Tess wasn’t a fashion plate, but the thought of wearing maternity clothes made her cry.
She was emotional and felt as if she had no control over her life. Meanwhile, Sebastian was grinning like the happy bastard had just won the lottery. The baby should bring them together, but Tess felt it was pulling them apart.
* * *
Sebastian ended up downtown at the gallery. Fiona greeted him as he entered. “You’re not scheduled today. What brings you in?”
“Tess kicked me out of the condo. She needed some
alone time. I thought I’d pop in to see if you might be interested in me working more hours.”
The gallery was empty, so Fiona motioned for him to join her on the leather sofa in the center of the sales floor. “Are you two having trouble in your marriage?”
“No, it’s nothing like that at all.” Sebastian hesitated, biting his bottom lip. He had kept the promise to keep quiet so far, but he was bursting to tell someone. Tess never came to the gallery, so he felt okay to share the news. “We’re having a baby, Fiona.”
“Congratulations! What wonderful news.”
“It is wonderful news. It just wasn’t planned and Tess is struggling to cope with the situation.”
“So you’re looking to make more money, with the baby coming.”
“I actually have a few ideas in mind, but I wanted to talk to you first,” Sebastian admitted.
“Let’s make some tea and we’ll talk,” Fiona agreed.
Sebastian had a good visit with Fiona, and his plans were falling into place. Tess might still be in denial about their impending arrival, but Sebastian was bound and determined to have a plan in place to take care of his family.
When he walked into the condo, the lights were out. He quietly crept to the bedroom and opened the door. Tess was curled up in bed, fast asleep. She looked so beautiful and at peace. He stood there leaning against the doorframe and watched her for a while. Yes, he felt his plan would do nicely. Tess might not like it, but he’d deal with that later.
Chapter 17 - Mother’s Talk
Sebastian and Tess drove home to Pennsylvania to have Thanksgiving dinner with Tess’ mom. They entered the house and were greeted by the smell of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven.
Tess rushed over and hugged her mom, so happy to finally be home. The past few weeks, all she could think about was breaking the news to her mom. Tess hoped she would feel relief, with her mom’s support, and could find some speck of happiness about the pregnancy.
“Hello, Kate,” Sebastian said, handing over a large bouquet of autumnal flowers.
“They’re beautiful. Come to the kitchen, dinner is almost ready.”
After removing their coats, Sebastian placed them in the hall closet. He held Tess’ hand and escorted her to the kitchen. “How can I help?” Sebastian asked as he pulled out a chair for Tess to sit down.
“I just need to carve the turkey. Would you like to do the honors?”
“Absolutely,” Sebastian said as he took the carving knife from Tess’ mom.
Kate busied herself placing various bowls of vegetables, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on the table. Sebastian finished carving the turkey and placed the platter on the table. They joined Tess at the table and tucked into dinner.
Thankfully, her morning sickness was subsiding. Tess was content to be back in her mom’s kitchen, eating the best comfort food in the world. “This is so good, Mom.”
“I’m glad to see your appetite return,” Sebastian said.
“Have you been sick, Tess?”
Sebastian was grinning like a Cheshire cat, tapping his fork on the table. If it weren’t so cute, Tess would be annoyed.
Tess’ mom looked at Sebastian and then to Tess. Cocking her brow she said, “What’s going on, you two?”
Tess took a deep breath and then announced, “I’m pregnant.”
“We’re having a baby!” Sebastian exclaimed.
It took a few seconds for the news to sink in. Kate titled her head, her lips curling up into a smile. “A baby.”
“Are you pleased?” Tess wanted to know.
“Oh, honey—a baby. I’m going to be a grandmom!” Kate pushed away from the table and rushed over to Tess to give her a hug.
Sebastian stood from the table. “Can I get in on this?”
“Congratulations, Sebastian.” She shook her head. “I’m surprised. I take it this wasn’t planned.”
Tess blushed with embarrassment. “Of course it wasn’t planned. Do you think I want to take on NYU and an infant?”
“You’ll be great,” Sebastian reassured.
“You’re my girl and you’ll be a wonderful mom,” Kate agreed.
“I’m kind of hungry, can we go back to eating?” Tess asked, wishing to stop talking about the baby. Talking about the baby made it real, and Tess wasn’t ready to handle it. She didn’t think she ever would be.
“When are you due?”
“The end of April,” Sebastian answered. “Tess has had a bad bout of morning sickness and didn’t want to say anything until she was in the second trimester.”
“Tess, I’ll take you shopping for maternity clothes tomorrow. Won’t that be fun?” her mom asked.
“Tess looks fabulous, Kate. She doesn’t need maternity clothes yet,” Sebastian chimed in, knowing this was a sensitive subject for Tess. “We’ll have to think about baby furniture.”
“Oh, I still have Tess’ cradle. I’ll show you after dinner.”
Tess let the two of them carry on with their discussion while she continued to enjoy her meal.
They were spending the night at Kate’s home, so she gave up her bed for Sebastian and Tess. Kate slept upstairs in Tess’ single bed.
“I think that went very well, don’t you?” Sebastian asked as they lay in bed.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Did you really believe your mom would be upset?”
“No, she’s always been supportive. I’m not surprised by her reaction.”
“Tess, please talk to me. I feel like you’re pulling away. I’m here to support you, but I don’t know what you want me to do.”
“I want you to stop talking about the baby. I don’t want to go shopping with Mom for maternity clothes,” she said, bursting into tears.
Sebastian pulled her close and held her in his arms. “You don’t have to go shopping. How about we go the Philadelphia Museum of Art tomorrow instead?”
Tess let out a little hiccup as her tears subsided. “Yes, I’d like that. Maybe we can go to a nice restaurant in the city to celebrate my birthday, too.”
“Now that’s a brilliant idea.”
“I just don’t want to talk about the baby and I don’t want any gifts that have to do with the baby. I just want to spend the day with you. I want things to go back to the way they were in Europe—just you and me wandering the city and enjoying spending time together.”
“Whatever you wish, darling,” Sebastian said while his hand stroked her hair.
The next morning, Sebastian rose from bed and joined Kate in the kitchen. He would let Tess sleep in because she needed her rest.
“Sebastian, would you like a cup of coffee?” Tess’ mom asked while she sat at the table reading the newspaper.
“I’ll get it,” Sebastian responded, opening the cupboard to fetch a mug.
“I sense Tess isn’t very excited about the baby,” Kate said as he joined her at the table.
“That’s an understatement,” he sighed. “I know it wasn’t planned, but I didn’t think she’d react like this.”
“Like what?”
“She’s trying to ignore the fact that it’s happening. She’s told me she’s happy to give me the baby, but I feel as if she’s doing this for me and that if it were her choice, the outcome would be different. I offered her an out, told her if she wanted to have an abortion I’d support her, but she was adamant she would have the baby.”
Kate reached over and took Sebastian’s hand. “Tess could never do that. She doesn’t believe in abortion. She loves you so much, I believe she wants to have the baby for you. I think her biggest fear is how does she care for a child and still have the career she’s worked so hard for.”
“I tried to convince her that she’s not in this alone. Kate, I’ll do anything for her and the baby. I’ve already been planning on what to do when the baby arrives.”
“Have you discussed these plans with Tess yet? You’re a procrastinator when it comes to sharing information with my daughter.”
“The reason
I procrastinate is because I assume she won’t like the idea. I just want to do the right thing, but I feel as if I’m walking on eggshells with Tess. I’ve resorted to reading pregnancy books to try to figure out what’s going on in that head of hers. Meanwhile, miss bookworm won’t go near What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I think she’s in denial. I need your help to reach her. Maybe she needs a woman-to-woman conversation. Can you help me?”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Kate promised.
“Oh, and don’t take her shopping for maternity clothes—she’s not happy about gaining weight,” Sebastian warned.
“We have our work cut out for us,” Kate agreed.
Tess shuffled into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator.
“Tess, do you want to go out for breakfast?” her mom asked.
“Sebastian and I were going to the art museum today.”
“That’s okay. You and your mom should spend some time together. Go to breakfast. I have some things I need to do and I’ll make us reservations for dinner.”
Tess gave him a wary glance.
Sebastian made a cross over his heart. “I swear I’ll be good.”
Tess and her mom sat in their favorite family restaurant eating eggs and toast.
“You’re being unusually quiet this morning,” her mom remarked. “How are classes at NYU?”
“They are good, but it’s been a struggle this semester. I’ve been so tired and sick, it’s been hard to keep up and concentrate on my studies. I hope now that the sickness has calmed down, I’ll be able to get back to normal. We were going to do a study program abroad, but that won’t happen now.”
“Honey, Sebastian is worried about you. I am too. You don’t seem to be yourself.”
Love This Life: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2 Page 10