It was only about 15 minutes later when I sighed. “Nick, it’s time.”
His gaze swung to mine. “No. no, no, no, no Mel you have to hang in there. We’re going to make it to the hospital baby.”
I let out a frustrated scream as yet another contraction tore through me. “NO WE’RE NOT! Listen to me, this baby is coming and she’s coming now.” I warned.
Nick panicked and called 911 back telling them the situation. He put it on speaker and after confirming the timing between contractions and my symptoms they agreed that I was indeed ready. They said EMS was on the way but they’d be at least a few minutes and I might not be able to hold out. When they told Nick he would need to check how dilated I was he looked ready to pass out. He inserted headphones into the phone so that he could hear the instructions clearly while Lucy called my mom to let them know what was happening. They were a few blocks behind us, but said they will get out of the car and come to help.
“Mel lay back and spread your legs so I can see how far open you are.”
I did as he told me and I saw the scowl on his face. He found a baby blanket in their trunk and used it to cover me up. I rolled my eyes I highly doubt that he should be focused on someone sneaking a peek at my goods right now. He visibly gulped as he used some hand sanitizer then stuck his fingers in. he did some nodding and then cursed.
“yes they’re all in. I think I could feel the head.” He was freaking the fuck out.
I touched his arm. “Babe you’re scared and you’re nervous and you’re freaking me out with you. I’m going to need you to calm down… please.” I begged. I was afraid that so many things could go wrong right now and I needed his support to get my through this. “I need you.” I whispered.
He met my eyes and let out a long breath with a nod. “I got you baby, we’re going to do this.” He talked into the phone, “what do we do next?” he asked and I can hear the confidence enter his voice. He got quiet and I could faintly hear the voice on the other end of the line. “Ok Mel, when you have a contraction and you feel the urge to push then do it and hold it until the contraction ends. I’m here to catch her.”
“Can you help hold one of my legs up?” I asked him.
He nodded then turned to Lucy. “Do you happen to have another blanket or something in here?”
“Let me check.” She hopped out of the car and was opening the backdoor in a minute. Nick tucked one blanket underneath me and placed the second one on the headrest.
“You ready?” he asked and I nodded. “Come on baby push.”
I gripped onto my knees and when my contraction hit I gritted my teeth and pushed. I was able to take in a few breaths before I pushed again. “That’s it baby I can see hair, keep going.”
I sighed and pushed again and I saw Nick’s face brighten. “the head is halfway out; one or two more Mel give it all you got.”
My mouth was dry and I was thirsty but I wasn’t stopping now. Not with Nick there with me helping me through this. When the next one hit I pushed with everything that I had and I felt her slide out. Nick had the hugest smile on his face as he picked up the blanket up off the headrest and wrapped the baby in it. he looked down in awe and I sat up as best I could. “Can I see?” I asked and he frowned.
“Why isn’t she crying? She’s supposed to be crying I don’t think she’s breathing.” He panicked and I felt tears instantly pool in my eyes.
“Oh my god Nick do something.” I begged in fright.
I watched as his face transferred into alarm and the phone dropped off his lap. He stuck his fingers into her mouth and pulled out some goo. Then he dropped his head to hers and appeared to be doing mouth to mouth. He raised his head and looked down in concentration but nothing happened. My heart was beating out of my chest, I was so damn scared. We can’t lose her, it wouldn’t be fair. He dropped his head again and when he pulled back a sharp cry broke through the car that sounded a bit like a little dinosaur sound. I saw his breathing change and the relief I felt was all over his face. He placed her down across his lap and fiddled with the blanket I think trying to wrap her up.
“Can I hold her?” I asked him.
He smiled and nodded. “Yes, but babe there’s something I should warn you.”
I frowned after everything that’s happened nothing could shock me. Hell I don’t care if she was missing a few toes or fingers I’d love her just the same no matter what. She was a part of us and none of that matters as long as she’s healthy and alive. “What?” I asked steeling myself for anything.
“It’s a boy babe, you can hold him.” he told me and I smiled.
“Boy or girl, it’s ours… it doesn’t matter to me.” He helped me sit up enough to hold him. I opened the blanket a little more so that I could get a better look and was startled by voices and knocks on the window. I looked behind Nick to see EMS people and my parents with Erica and James out of breath behind them. Nick scooted out to let the EMS guys in and he might’ve growled a little when one of the guys checked me out. What a fucking caveman.
“Everything looks good, you guys did great.” He turned around. “I assume you’re dad?” he asked.
“And husband.” He said crossing his arms and I rolled my eyes. Piss on me why don’t you and put all questions to rest.
The EMS guy wasn’t the least bit flustered and I had to give him props. I know he heard Nick’s reaction and he looked just a tad bit scary glaring at the guy. “Would you like to cut the cord?” he asked and Nick’s whole body relaxed as he gave a tentative smile and nod. They guided him on what to do and once all was said and done we were loaded into the Emergency van. There were about three cop cars around and they were gathered around our vehicle. While we were getting the cord cut and me loaded up they opened up a path for my parents to get their car to us. They went a little fan girl over Landon and Nick who ended up signing some stuff and they setup cars in front and behind us to get us to the hospital.
The stay at the hospital was well… interesting. I swear I had more nurses than half the building did altogether. Oh no, it wasn’t because I needed it or because of the incident. They were there to ogle the men in my life not that I blame them, they were pretty fucking hot. Then there was the famous part, the things they do for us. Landon had been stuck there so he could be up Lucy’s ass crack and she just refused to leave. At least they had the courtesy to keep the flirting to a bare minimum knowing they’re married. It may have also had to do with the fact that we were in the room too and Lucy didn’t hide her expressions. She looked like an angry momma bear ready to rip someone’s head off for looking at her man. Nick and Landon however in true fashion used their looks and those panty melting smiles to get everything they wanted, including their own rules about visiting hours and such. Nick just made himself comfortable in my bed and decided he was staying.
It was the second night and Lucy and Landon had just left and we were in bed talking. The baby was eight pounds, nine ounces but was considered premature because he came three weeks early. The doctor informed us that he was perfectly fine and was pretty goddamn huge for him to have been early, but we had to follow protocols. Luckily we wouldn’t need much of an extended stay, only a week. They brought Kira back and forth to the hospital, she was staying at the house content with Dean. She was in love with her brother though and couldn’t wait for us to take him home.
“What are we going to name him?” I asked Nick.
“Tommy?”
I frowned. “No… Richard?”
He scoffed then met my eyes. “I have something…” he said nervously and I was intrigued. “How about Trenton?”
I let the name roll around in my head and I smiled. “You know, I like it where did you get it?”
He shrugged. “That was my dad’s name. my real dad.” He said nonchalantly.
I smiled at him. He didn’t talk much about his parents but I remember one night we were up all night and he told me all about them and his life before. They sounded like wonderful people and it seemed
to hurt him deeply whenever he spoke of them. He’s probably in the same place and that’s a little concerning.
“I think it’s perfect… but you know, I think that maybe you should share some stories and pictures you know with Shakira and Trenton so that they know their grandparents. I know you love them and they should know where they came from. Sure they have James and Sam but wouldn’t it be great if they knew all of their grandparents… including your parents and Dean?”
He sighed. “You know I don’t like talking about them much Mel, but I guess I can do that.”
I turned to lay on my side and placed my hand gently on his cheek. “Nick, it’s ok to love them and miss them and mourn them. But you need to also celebrate them. Think of all the amazing memories you have of them… with them and share that with us. We’re you’re family too and if it matters to you, it matters to us. Let us help you. You’re never going to get over it if that’s what you’re hoping but you can get through it. You continue to let it fester inside and keep it pent up or try to constantly keep it in the back of your mind then you may never be ok with what happened.”
He sighed. “I fucking love you Melanie.” He whispered before pressing his lips roughly to mine.
When we left the hospital, Nick stayed with us over at the house for a week before he had to go back home. We couldn’t yet fly with Trenton and he needed to get back on the court. I would be stuck out here for another two to three weeks before I could back. Over this time Lucy and Erica stayed to help me out and Nick flew in every weekend as soon as he was done with basketball. He called and facetimed me every night and I knew it was driving him insane to be away from us as soon as our son was born. When the day finally came to go home, I was brimming with excitement to be with him again. I’d never tell him but I miss his big strong arms and ridiculous jokes. He came to the house to pick us up and take us to the airport. I was a bit nervous about going through all the hustle and bustle with Trenton especially with Nick who is guaranteed to be recognized and will only draw more people our way. That is until he pulled up directly on the tarmac. My head swung to look at him since I was sure he was on his way to getting us sent to jail.
“Nick?”
He came behind me and pressed his chest against my back then slowly wrapped his arms around me tugging me into him until every part of my body was touching his. “there’s no way I’m letting you or Trenton get on anyone’s crowded ass plane right after you had him. I got a private one for the trip.” He kissed my cheek and continued to hold me until it was time to board. He took care of the bags and everything and he took the seat next to me when Kira opted to sit across from us so that she can play one of her guessing games with us and didn’t want us to have eyes on the tablet. For the first thirty minutes I was a huge bundle of nerves, and Nick must’ve known it because he rubbed gentle comforting circles on my back. Slowly my body relaxed into him and we were landing before I knew it.
CHAPTER 9
Mel
When we got into Nick’s waiting car he had a surprise for me. He took off in the car and I had no idea where he was taking us. We weren’t going the right way if we were going home.
“Where are we going?” I asked. I was a bit worried about having any family outings since Trenton just got out of the hospital and still needed shots.
“Relax Mel, I can see the hamster in your brain going overtime.” He said with a smile and I rolled my eyes. Knowing Nick when he didn’t want to tell me something he wouldn’t. He was all about the element of surprise, no matter how much it drove me crazy and I fussed he wouldn’t cave. I decided it would be in my best interest to save my strength for the upcoming argument we were bound to have. Most times when he’s tight lipped it’s because he knows I probably won’t agree so he blindsides me to get his way.
Nick finally stopped and pulled up into a driveway. I frowned, “where are we?” I asked.
He sighed. “Do you always have to ask three million questions woman? Just do as I say and no one gets hurt.”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh my god, I don’t know how I forgot how funny you are.” I said dryly.
He chuckled and leaned over to kiss me. I covered my mouth with my hand and shook my head. He followed my face laughing as I continued to dodge him. after a while he shrugged and leaned in and placed one long wet swipe with his tongue across the back of my hand. My hand instinctively dropped along with my jaw and when I leaned over to wipe my hand on his shirt he gripped my chin and kissed me. He pulled back slowly, “tell me you love me.” He requested in a whisper.
I scoffed. “No” and reached for the door handle to get out and I could hear his full on belly laugh trailing behind me.
I looked up at the house in confusion, what the hell was he doing? Then it dawned on me, he didn’t get a honeymoon… is that what this was about? I sighed, he couldn’t possibly be that horny and dense. He knows that it’ll be a while before we can do anything. I turned around to see Nick getting Trenton out of the car in his car seat being careful to make sure he was fully covered. I let Kira out and she grabbed my hand. Nick led us to the front door and before I could question it again he twisted the knob and let himself in. I frowned but followed.
“Who’s house is this? It doesn’t feel right just letting ourselves in. I know you have very little care for other people’s thoughts and feelings but there are lines Nick.” I scolded him.
He chuckled. “He knows we were coming, hence the unlocked door. Let’s find him shall we?”
He took my free hand and we roamed around the house. It was pretty large actually and the kitchen was beautiful. There was a wraparound porch I’d noticed on the way in, and the furniture while modern looked homey. There was a beautiful brick fireplace in the living room below a huge flat screen television. There were floor to ceiling windows which I realized was actually a sliding door leading into a backyard with a pool. Nice. The kitchen was all black granite and immaculately clean pots and pans were hanging in a fashion that made the place look like it was out of a cooking show. I came across one full and one half bathroom and made my way upstairs. Shakira and Nick both let go of my hands and began their own wandering. The place was huge that’s for sure. I just looked around and noted all the doors to which I assumed were bedrooms. I opened one door and it was a bedroom decorated in red and gold. It looked untouched and there were no personal touches, I assumed it was a guest room. the next room I found was similar except with different colors. I entered the next room and it was a nursery with yellow paint. There was everything imaginable in there. It was a like a moms fantasy. I was curious about what was in the closets and such but I felt that was a bit intrusive so I fought my impulse and closed the door. The next door was at the end of the hall and it was already opened. I stepped in and saw Nick’s back. Before I could go in any further I heard a scream coming from the down the hall and I spun and ran to find Shakira. There was an open door on the same floor so I figured that’s where she had to be. The light was on and when I turned the corner I found her spread out across the bed with a huge grin on her face.
I frowned, “why were you screaming?” I asked her. My hand was planted across my chest trying to calm my frantic heart.
“My room. it’s bigger now.” She said as if I were a moron.
I opened my mouth and as I was about to speak and had to slam it shut. I looked at the room, actually paid attention and that was when I noticed that it was exactly like her old room, down to the toys Nick had won for us at the carnival propped up on her bed. I spun on my heels and marched back over to where I left Nick. I flew into the room and went straight for the closet to find both of our clothes and shoes in there put away neatly.
I threw my hands on my hips and scowled. “Explain.” I demanded.
Nick was taking his time unwrapping Trenton and getting him out of the clothes we put on him earlier. He checked his pamper and when he was satisfied he was dry he scooped him up and sat on the edge of the bed. When he finally met my eyes he smirked.
“Welcome home honey.” He said hesitantly.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re going to do better than that.”
He sighed. “Fine. This was my wedding gift for you. I’ve been working like a mad man to get it all done. Initially I had planned to show it to you as soon as we got back while it was still bare so we could… christen the house. Trenton’s appearance didn’t really fit into that plan, so while you were stuck back in Lexington I was having our stuff moved so when you came home you didn’t have anything to do.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why couldn’t you just tell me that?” I asked.
He sighed. “I was a little nervous that you wouldn’t like the house.” He stood up and walked over to me. “Do you like it?” he asked softly.
I melted a bit. I could see the fear lurking in his eyes because he was anticipating me to either chew him out or say I hated it. As I looked at the house all over in my head from this new perspective I smiled. He had done a lot and he did do a hell of a job picking out a place and got new furniture to make the place homier. I would often comment on our old house that it was more for show, we were comfortable there but I often felt like it was done in preparation for pictures. He seemed to take that to heart when he did all of this.
I walked up to him and got on my tiptoes while placing my hand on the back of his head to guide it down to mine. I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you, and I love this home.” I told him honestly.
He let out a long breath and kissed me a little harder. “Thank god.” He said and I laughed. After another kiss his eyes met mine. “I love you too.”
It only took a couple of days for Nick to get accustomed to having a baby. He alternated with me throughout the night for feedings and things and I was grateful. Chris was being extremely understanding and patient with me. It went from being gone for a week or two to being gone for a while. He didn’t fuss, but I still felt bad. It wouldn’t be fair to him if he couldn’t play next season because of all the personal time I was taking. We thought we would have a couple more weeks to get something situated but Trenton had other ideas. The good thing is that Nick has long gotten over his little jealousy of me being with Chris – thank God – and I was able to convince them both that it would be best for all of us to resume training at our house. I figured Chris should be set in another month or two which will be in time for the season. This way I can stay home with Trenton and still work. Once I was done with Chris I’ll probably take a maternity leave… it sounds so weird saying that since I work for myself. Nick volunteered to pick up and drop off Kira to school since it falls in line with his training schedule.
Needing Her (The Lexington Series Book 3) Page 23