by K. Webster
“Ignoring the inevitable won’t help a thing, babe. We’re going in there and buying a pregnancy test!” I informed her firmly as I once again led her into the drugstore.
“Olive, I’m so fucking scared. How will I be able to take care of a baby?” she whined as tears fell down her cheeks.
“If you are, then you’ll do great. I just know it! Now let’s get this done. Jordan is amazingly supportive. Together, you will be wonderful parents,” I assured her as I grabbed a pregnancy test from the shelf.
After we bought the test, I went into the bathroom of the store with her. She was still pouting when I handed her the stick I had retrieved from the package.
“Here. Pee on it,” I commanded.
“Shit, Olive. You’re becoming quite sassy as a pregnant lady,” she grumbled but took the test and walked into the stall. A few minutes later, she came out and set it on the counter beside the sink while she washed her hands.
After an impatient sigh, she asks, “Now fucking what?” she grumbled.
“Now we wait. Pepper, everything is going to be okay. No matter the outcome,” I promised.
She finally smiled at me. “I just don’t get it. How does this happen? I don’t miss my pills. Ever.”
I mulled it over, trying to figure out how she could indeed get pregnant while on the pill. Suddenly, the answer was as clear as day.
“Pep, when you had surgery on your wrist after the accident with Cole, didn’t the incision get infected?” I asked, remembering her telling me about it.
“Yeah, but they gave me antibiotics and it cleared right u—” Her eyes grew wide as she figured it out. “Holy shit. Holy fucking shit, Olive. We never used another form of protection while I was on antibiotics. Motherfucker!” she exclaimed.
As she paced the room, I glanced over at the test. When she saw me looking, she couldn’t help but glance at it as well. Abruptly, she dashed over to the test and picked it up.
“Congratulations, Momma,” I told her softly, barely able to keep the excitement from my voice.
She turned to me with big tears in her eyes and smiled broadly. “I’m pregnant?” she asked in disbelief.
I nodded and hugged her tightly. “He’s going to be excited,” I promised.
“I hope so. I can’t believe this, Olive. Me? A mom? Do they give you lessons for that shit somewhere?” she giggled through her sniffles.
“Girl, I don’t know, but we better get signed up because I have no freaking idea what to do,” I laughed.
She pulled away and grabbed a paper towel to wrap up the test. After she’d stuffed it into her purse, we walked hand in hand back to the casino bar, where our friends were waiting.
As soon as we entered the casino, we saw Jordan nervously waiting by the door.
“Elizabeth,” he breathed in relief. I could see that he was worried sick about her as he hugged her.
When he pulled away, he frowned. “What’s going on? Have you been crying?” he asked worriedly.
“Pepper, I’m going to go fin—” I began, but she interrupted me.
“No! Olive, please stay a minute,” she begged.
Well, this was awkward. Poor Jordan looked like he was fretting that she was going to break up with him.
“Please, baby, tell me what’s going on. You’re killing me,” he admitted quietly.
She withdrew the wadded-up paper towel from her purse and handed it to him.
“Jordan, I love you and I pray to God you’re okay with this,” she tearfully told him.
Confused, he took the wad from her. “What’s this?”
“Just open it,” I urged him.
He frowned at me and reluctantly opened it. Quickly, his frown dissolved and morphed into the huge grin we all knew and loved.
“Elizabeth, how?” he asked in disbelief, once again pulling her tight to him.
“Are you mad?” she cried into his chest.
“Fuck no! I’m so fucking happy I can’t even stand it! I’m going to be a fucking dad!” he exclaimed happily. When she giggled, he turned and shouted to the entire casino, “My fiancée is pregnant! We’re going to have a baby!”
“Babe, we need to get up. We told them we’d meet them at the restaurant at seven,” I whispered.
When she rolled over and pulled the pillow over her head, I chuckled. After all the walking we had done today, Olive was completely exhausted.
“If you’re too tired, I’ll text Jordan and tell him we’re staying in. I’d love nothing more than to cuddle with you rather than get dressed up for dinner,” I admitted.
Removing the pillow from her face, she smiled beautifully at me. “No, I’m just being a baby. I’m starving anyway.”
Reaching over, I cupped her breast through her dress. Her nipple hardened at my touch. Both of her hands clutched my neck and brought me closer to her so she could kiss me. Sliding between her legs, I pressed my erection into her through my jeans.
“Bray,” she moaned into my mouth as I continued to push it against her clit while we kissed. Her hands found my shirt and she hastily jerked it up my body. I pulled away momentarily and ripped it the rest of the way off before meeting her lips with mine again. This time, her fingers were at my jeans, efficiently undoing them and pulling my cock from the top of my boxers.
I pushed my jeans and boxers farther down my legs and positioned myself over her. Hooking her panties with my thumb and exposing her to me, I teased her wet entrance with my cock before slamming it all the way in.
“Oh God!” she wailed as I drove myself into her hard. Her hips met me thrust for thrust.
“Babe, you’re so beautiful,” I groaned. Digging my fingers into her hips, I fucked her wildly. She was the first to unravel, and she screamed my name as she dug her fingernails into my forearms.
“Fuck, I’m coming,” she screamed. The moment her pussy clenched around my dick, I lost it and pumped my orgasm into her. Pulling out, I heaved myself on the bed beside her and started laughing hysterically. “What?” she demanded.
“You said ‘fuck,’” I told her between laughs. “You never cuss, and when you do, that shit’s funny.”
“You’re such a dork,” she groaned and playfully punched me in the side.
“Oh my God, this salmon is to die for,” Andi moaned as she polished off the last of her food. Olive giggled at her from beside me.
“Gross, Andi, quit talking about it. You’re making me ill,” Pepper complained. The poor girl, who’d I learned today was pregnant, had only ordered mashed potatoes. She said that everything else made her feel nauseated to even think about. The fact the Andi was making love to her food had Pepper looking green around the gills.
“Uh, guys,” Jackson spoke up, gathering everyone’s attention. He was white as a ghost. Quickly, he drained his wine glass and turned towards Andi, pulling both of her hands into his.
“Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.
“Yes, I uh—shit. I’m fine. Just listen,” he grumbled. She nodded nervously, preparing herself for whatever he was about to tell her. “I have a confession,” he began.
“So help me, Jackson, if you cheat—” Pepper snapped but was quickly cut off by Jackson.
“Cut the shit, Pepper. I’m trying to speak and you’re not helping!” he growled at her.
“Jackie, cool the fuck off,” Jordan warned as he pulled his napkin from his lap and tossed it on the table. He looked as if he were ready to take action if need be.
“Jesus! I’m trying to fucking talk here!” he griped.
“So talk, asshole,” I barked. Whatever he was going to say to her seemed pretty bad by the way his skin had broken out into a sweat. Poor Andi looked close to tears. If he fucking broke up with her at the dinner table, so help me, I’d kill him. Olive squeezed my hand and threw me an uneasy glance.
“Go on. What is it?” Andi probed.
“Andi, I love you. You know that. I would never intentionally hurt you.” The fact that he appeared nervous had everyone on e
dge. Jackson was always so self-assured, arrogant almost. His usual demeanor was gone, and that seemed to foreshadow bad news.
Andi snatched her wine glass and took a huge gulp before setting it back down on the table with shaky hands. My muscles were tense, ready to tackle Jackson if need be. He was already on my shit list from last night. If he hurt Andi tonight, he’d definitely be getting the smackdown he was more than owed.
He ran both hands through his hair in frustration as he tried to formulate the words he was going to say. “This is not at all going like I fucking planned.”
His eyes skimmed the restaurant before landing on someone. He momentarily closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath.
“Andi, I fucking suck at this shit. I love you so much. My life was a damn joke until you walked into that bar prancing around like you owned the place and everyone in it. That moment I saw those long legs walk into that bar, I was hooked along with every other motherfucker there. But when you spoke with such confidence about your wants and needs, you fucking mesmerized me. In that moment that we shared in Ian’s office, I knew you were different—knew I had to have you. Not just for the weekend, but for fucking ever. I may not be doing it in Central Park or Times Square, but none of that matters to me, and quite frankly, I know you well enough that you don’t care either. All that is important to me is your answer. Baby, will you marry me?”
Andi gasped when Jackson pulled out a tiny jewelry box and retrieved a not-so-tiny platinum ring. He held it poised over her left finger but didn’t attempt to put it on her.
“Do you remember that day I stood you up for our first real date? The day I saw you in the coffee shop?” he asked.
She nodded as a tear slipped out.
“That day, after Ian and I left, he went on home. I walked right into a fucking jewelry store and bought this ring. You fucking captivated me, Andi—you still do. When I got home, the rational side of me forced me to question what kind of psycho pansy buys an engagement ring for a woman he barely knows. But the fucking spellbound side of me remembered you sitting in the window with the sun shining in your blond hair. You were an angel to me that day. I knew—just fucking knew—I wanted you forever. Unfortunately, I was an idiot. A scared fucking idiot because I tossed the ring in the closet, told myself I was crazy for buying the damn thing, and stood you up for our date.”
I quickly glanced around to see every single one of the girls at the table sniffling.
Jackson kissed the top of her hand before continuing. “Eventually, I knew no matter what, I’d never be able to live without you. I’d known it all along but didn’t have the guts until now to tell you. Andi, please marry me. I promise to try hard to not be an asshole. Loving you is easy—not being an ass is a little tougher for me. But for you, I’ll give anything a go.”
Everyone chuckled, the mood of the group finally lightening once we realized this was his sad attempt at a proposal.
Pushing the chair out, he knelt down in front of her. “So what do you say? Will you marry me, Andi?” he asked, looking up at her. For someone who always had a smug ass look on his face, he sort of looked like a fucking lovesick puppy right now.
“Jackson, of course I’ll marry you. I love you too,” she answered, tears now freely falling down her cheeks. When I’d proposed to her, she hadn’t cried. Guess we should have known at that point that we’d just been going through motions of what we’d thought was expected of us.
He slid the ring on her finger and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head in her lap, seemingly exhausted from his proposal. She stroked his hair lovingly. In that intimate moment, I realized just how much those two loved each other.
A squeal from a nearby table interrupted them and suddenly two female arms were wrapped around Andi.
“Trish?” Andi asked, turning to look at Jackson and Jordan’s mom.
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so glad you said yes. It would have been real awkward if you chose another answer. George and I were almost at the point of backing out of the restaurant slowly since Jackson was clearly botching his proposal up so badly,” she giggled as she brushed the hair away from Andi’s eyes in a loving, motherly manner. I couldn’t help but have the utmost respect for Trish in that moment. Andi’s own mother was a distant bitch, and Andi had always been so desperate for motherly affection. Trish would clearly fill that void for her.
“I’m so glad that you were here for this, Trish, but I don’t think you should have flown all the way out here for it. How long were you planning this?” she asked, turning back to Jackson, who was sitting back in his chair.
“Well, let’s just say I have another surprise for you. I’m praying to God you will be okay with it,” he told her, once again nervous.
“Baby, stop stressing. You know I love you. I trust you with my happiness—you know that,” she reminded him.
He quickly kissed her lips and stood. “Okay everyone. Follow me,” he announced, pulling Andi from her chair.
Ten minutes later, we were at the Chapel in the Clouds, where a minister ushered us inside as we arrived.
“Oh!” Andi gasped as she realized the engagement would be short-lived.
Twenty minutes later, we were congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Compton. The moment they said “I do,” a weight had lifted. It was like I could finally breathe easy that she truly was happy.
It had been three weeks since Andi and Jackson’s wedding. Everything seemed to be going smoothly. My doctor had prescribed some medicine to help with my nausea, which I quickly called Pepper and told her about. It was nice to chat with her about all things pregnancy related. Andi, probably a hundred times since Vegas, told us that she wanted to be pregnant with us. Jackson had given her the thumbs up for trying, and apparently that’s all they’d been doing.
“You almost ready?” Opal called from Bray’s living room. She was still staying in the guest room until she could get on her feet. Thankfully, Compton Enterprises was doing so well that they had promoted Andi to architect, which had been her goal all along, and hired Opal and two others as assistants. Jordan even told Opal that Compton Enterprises would pay for her education if she wanted to pursue a career in that field. She’d already gone online and completed her GED so that she could enroll at CUNY in the fall.
“Yep! Let me grab my coat,” I told her as I came out of the bedroom. We were supposed to be meeting Bray over at his parents’ house for dinner tonight. I was nearly sick with worry since this would be the first time seeing his mother again since our not-so-friendly meeting when we’d announced our pregnancy.
“Olive, it will be okay. She’ll come around. I mean, come on. She can’t be any worse than Momma,” she joked. My heart sank even though it was the truth.
Our own mother didn’t seem to care a bit about either of us. She was more concerned about what people would think about her. It was sad, really, that she would choose her friends over her family. I still hadn’t told her I was expecting.
“You haven’t met her. Connie is uppity and she hates me. I’ll never compare to Andi in her eyes. To her, I am just a gold-digging female who got herself knocked up so she could be taken care of. What sucks is it seems sort of true considering I can’t model while pregnant. Bray is so dead-set against me working or living anywhere else, but I can’t help but feel like I’m living up to Connie’s assumption of me,” I confessed.
Opal frowned but came over and hugged me. “I’ll be there to support you—as your family. If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll come around.”
“I hope you’re right.”
My phone chimed, alerting me to a text. Thinking it was Bray, I quickly pulled it out to reply back to him.
Unknown: It took a while, but I found exactly where you are. Ollie, it’s time you come home to me. You are, after all, my property. Check your stomach for confirmation. I believe I left my message loud and clear.
My legs buckled underneath me and I fell to my knees. Drake.
“Olive, so good to see
you again,” Connie greeted in a phony tone. I fought not to cry. Right now, I didn’t have the energy to deal with her wrongfully hating me when there was a real threat out there to my baby and me.
“Connie, this is my sister, Opal. Opal, this is Bray’s mom, Connie,” I introduced. Even though I’d taken my nausea medicine, I still felt quite ill. Once Bray arrived, I would feel better.
The two women awkwardly shook hands. Afterwards, Connie led us from the entryway into the den, where an older man was sitting in a recliner, watching television.
“Jim, honey, our guests have arrived,” she called out to him. Bray must have gotten his outgoing nature from Connie, because Jim just grunted his greeting and turned back to the television.
“Sorry, girls. Jim isn’t that friendly. Please, come into the kitchen. I’ll get you something to drink.”
We followed her into the kitchen and sat at the barstools she motioned to. She politely talked about the weather as she fetched us each a bottle of water. My mind was elsewhere as I thought about what exactly Drake was capable of. I knew the man really knew no bounds when it came to me. The day I’d run into him and he’d seemed almost normal, I’d stupidly thought my worries were over. Then, after he’d hurt Opal and I’d realized he had been after me all along, my stomach had been in knots. But once again, he’d left me alone to the point where I’d conveniently pushed him from my mind and enjoyed my happy life with Bray.
“Olive?” Connie asked, pulling me from my thoughts. She was frowning at me. Clearly she had just asked me a question—one I hadn’t even heard.
“Uh, yes?” I asked her, slightly distracted.
“I asked you if you planned on getting a job since modeling won’t pan out for quite some time.” She smiled, satisfied with her jab. God, this woman was ridiculous.
Refraining from rolling my eyes, because I simply wasn’t in the mood for her games, I snippily told her, “I’m looking.”