Tristan found my thigh and squeezed. "Hey, Mrs. Richards. I'm good."
"So," Mom said, drawing out the word. "Is there a special reason for this call? Maybe an announcement of some kind?"
Tristan moved his hand from my thigh to rub circles on my back, calming us both. "Yeah, but, Mom, you may want to sit down for this."
"Elle, honey, is everything okay?"
"I'm pregnant," I blurted, squeezing my eyes shut.
Silence ran through the line for several seconds until Tristan popped his neck.
"Mom, are you still there?"
"Elle, Tristan, I–" A rustling of papers came through the speaker. "I've got to say, this was not the announcement I expected." She laughed, and I released a held breath as Tristan hugged me to his side.
"Mrs. Richards, I love your daughter and–"
"I know, Tristan. I know. Have you told your parents?"
"No, ma'am. We called you first."
"Elle, I'm so excited you told me first. Baby, this isn't what I expect and by your tone, this came as a shock to you, too. But I'm going to be a grandma."
We cried together. Apparently, emotional ups and downs were the norm when pregnant. Hopefully, Tristan's parents would share Mom's enthusiasm. Mom and I caught up with daily things, so Tristan headed outside for a quick run. Forty-five minutes later, Tristan walked in, hair stuck to his forehead from the jog. The white T-shirt clung to his chest and damn if he didn't define sexy.
Shower, he mouthed, and I nodded, eyeing him as he stripped the shirt over his head.
"So be sure to let me know what's said." Mom's voice pulled me from the thought of Tristan in the shower.
"Um, okay. Yeah, I'll call once we visit the doctor. We've still got to call Tristan's parents."
"Elle, honey." She sighed, and I clenched my jaw, already knowing what her next words would be about. The tone said enough. "Your father."
"No," I gritted out. "He doesn't get to be a part of this. He's never been a fucking father."
"Elle Marie Richards," Mom scolded.
"No, Mom. You have no say in this. I love you, but you need to respect my decision."
She sighed. "Think about it, okay?"
I clenched my hands. "I'll call you later. Love you."
I fell against the couch after ending the call and closed my eyes.
"Spud?" Tristan's voice was laced with concern. Couple that with the feelings Mom dredged up about my broken family, and sadness pressed on my chest.
"Hey," I said looking up as he sat beside me on the couch. "Mom brought Dad up again." He lifted a brow, and I shrugged. "Not ready."
Tristan nodded. "You up for calling my parents?" He combed through his wet hair, and the same naughty thought filtered through my mind.
I leaned forward and pressed a kiss against his mouth. "I am now."
The phone call went as well as the one with my mom. Tristan's mom squealed like a teenager, and Tristan's dad's voice turned thick and scratchy. "Son, you better seal the deal soon."
Pride glowed on Tristan's face when he looked up at me. "Yes, sir."
"Oh, Wade, leave them alone. Elle, honey, ignore Tristan's father. You two can wait as long as you need. We can plan a wedding whenever you're ready."
The redness crawling up Tristan's neck made me smile. "We'll be sure to let you know."
"Okay, we've got things to do. Love you," Tristan said, voice heavy with embarrassment. We ended the call, leaving me with one person left to inform: Alyssa.
"I'm gonna head to the store now. You sure you don't need anything?"
I shook my head, as my fingers flew across the keyboard. "If you get a call from Bret, sorry." I peeked up to see Tristan narrow his eyes.
"Thanks. Our news will be all over the damn place by the time I hit the gym tomorrow."
Defending my best friend, I said, "Hey, Alyssa won't tell anyone. Besides, she's sent messages all morning, which I've not replied to."
"Not talking about her, Spud." He chuckled.
"And they say girls like to gossip."
"You have no idea." He grinned. "All right, I'll be back. Take a nap."
I nodded, the thought of taking a nap sounding better by the second.
Tristan grabbed his keys and left. When the sound of Tristan's car pulling out of the driveway grew faint, I sent the text to Alyssa.
Her message came quick: OMG! I'm freaking out so I can imagine what you're going through.
I did a laugh-yawn combo and messaged her back. Yeah. I did plenty of freaking out last night. Meet for lunch?
Tomorrow?
Yes! I texted back.
Awesome, I'll call tomorrow.
I yawned again. About to take a nap now. Love ya!
Aww! You're nesting or whatever the hell it's called. See you tomorrow <3
Another laugh escaped as I tossed the phone on the coffee table and moved to the couch. With a deep breath, I told one other person about the baby.
"Heather, I don't know if you can hear me." I blinked, and tears fell. "But you're gonna be an aunt." I looked up at the ceiling, picturing Heather smiling. "God, I wish you were here. I-I wish I could hear your laugh, and see your face." Brushing my cheeks, I rested my head on a pillow and bent my knees to my chest. "I miss you so much," I whispered to the empty room. After that, my eyes drifted shut.
The cabinet doors closed, and my eyes popped open, pulse thudding crazily. Tristan handed me a bottle of prenatal vitamins. "I asked the pharmacist which one was best. Said these were pretty good."
Stunned, I said, "Uh, thanks." I moved to a sitting position, resting my chin on my knees.
Without asking, he handed me a muffin and a glass of orange juice. "The guy said you should eat before you take them. Said they could make you sick if you don't. Oh, he also suggested increasing your calcium intake."
"Okay, sure," I agreed, feeling slightly inadequate for not having known.
Tristan nodded, then finished unloading the bags of groceries while I spent time on the phone. I called my regular gynecologist office. She suggested we see someone local rather than travel. The receptionist gave me a few clinics to call. The last doctor on the list set me up for an initial appointment in a couple of weeks but told me to pick up a lab order to have drawn before we came in. I scribbled a to-do list on a notepad before finding Tristan in the bathroom.
"They gave me the earliest appointment available."
"Yeah?" Tristan spat toothpaste in the sink. "When?" He turned on the water. Peppermint aroma hit my senses, and my stomach tilted.
"Two weeks," I said, covering my mouth. Sprinting to the trash can, I made it just in time for the muffin and OJ to come up.
When life hit, it didn't back down.
Tristan
Elle's complexion had turned pasty and white seconds before she upchucked breakfast. "Yuck," she said, then rinsed with mouthwash.
My actions were robotic. I wet a towel. Rang the excess water from it. Handed it to her. Dropped my arms. "You gonna make it?"
Elle dried the corner of her mouth. When she glanced up, she smiled wearily. "Just pregnant." She slumped down to sit on the toilet.
I grasped the back of my neck, kneading the skin. "Yeah." I helped her stand, then steadied her when she swayed.
"I'm gonna hop in the shower and clean up." Elle moved past me, heading to the closet. "Maybe we can pick up where we left off last night? Watch the last season of The Walking Dead." Elle plucked a shirt from my side of the closet.
"You taking over my clothes, too?"
She shrugged. "Guess so." Elle stole a quick kiss. "I'll be out in a minute."
"I'll set everything up." The swoosh of water jetted out, drowning my voice.
"I'm starved! Let's order something."
"Sure." Thoughts, many of them, floated in my head. That pharmacist unloaded a shit-ton of information on me. Vitamins, orange juice, and other advice to ensure the growing baby's health. What kind of diapers were the best? The doctor bills. I ran my h
and through my hair. Oh, God. What if it's twins?
∞ ∞ ∞
Two weeks ago I found out I'd be a father. For fourteen days I'd rationalized what the meaning of raising a child implied. Sleep was no longer a luxury because my mind raced at all hours. Elle slept more, which meant I went back to jogging by myself each morning, the only time I didn't wonder about the changes coming in our future.
Elle had to open at the coffee shop this morning, and after economics, I didn't have shit to do. So I headed to the frat house for a change of scenery. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I opened a message from Elle.
Canceled dic appointment. Rescheduled for next Friday at 3:30. :(
I laughed at the typo, but played along, imagining the deep blush rising up her face. Dick appointment, huh? Better check my schedule but I'm pretty sure I missed something. You're in luck cuz I'm free now ;)
Her reply shot across quick. OMG! No, no and NO! Doctor's appointment!
Excitement radiated from Elle, and I felt like an asshole for the worries rummaging through my mind. Scared and shitless summed up most of them. I hadn't lied about wanting to start a family, but the more time I had to think, the more messed up I got. I hit reply: Okay. I'll mark the new time on the calendar.
Her simple response took seconds to scroll across the screen. <3
"Looks like you ate some bad food, man." Bret slapped a heavy hand against my shoulder.
I shoved the phone in my front pocket. "Nah, just talking to Elle."
"You in trouble? Everything okay with her and the baby?" His face paled, which resembled precisely how I felt.
"Elle and the baby are good."
Bret tilted his head and stared as if trying to figure me out.
"I'm serious, we're good." I shrugged his hand off on my shoulder.
"Listen." Bret paused, face serious as he contemplated what to say. "I can't pretend to understand what you're going through." He tipped the edge of his nose with his thumb. "Not sure what–" He shook his head. "I mean, if you need anything, I'm here. Got it?"
"Thanks. Means a lot. And I'm just overwhelmed; I don't wanna be a fuck up."
"No way that would happen." The cocky grin turning up his lips made me curious.
"Yeah? What makes you so sure?"
"You got it." He stressed the last word.
Bret's expression dimmed, growing serious, and I almost told him I didn't want to know, but he'd started before I got the chance. "Love, man. The kind I–" He sighed heavily. "I see how you are with Elle. You've gone through hell and back because you care so fucking much. That's how I know you won't mess up. Plus,"–Bret thumbed behind us to the group of fraternity brothers–"we got your back."
Bret and I sat in silence, and before the stretch got weird, I asked, "So, I heard Alyssa's moving into your place."
Dude lit like a fucking kid on Christmas. "Yeah, we're working through stuff."
"That's good, man. I'm happy for you." I punched his arm.
"So, you got an agent lined up yet?"
"We have a few in mind." I stared out the window overlooking the campus grounds.
"Hey." Bret shoved my shoulder. "Don't pussy out on me."
I glanced sideways and smirked. "You got my back, then?"
"Brothers to the end." Bret bumped his fist with mine.
"You wanna beer?"
"Sounds good," Bret agreed.
A few hours later, Jarred and some other guys showed up. The one face I hadn't expected to see was Eric Green, Elle's ex.
"Heard you're going pro when this is over?" Eric extended his hand.
I took it, gripping it tight. "Yeah, looking good so far."
Green rocked back on his heels. "Good. How's Elle?"
Green, a guy who fell for the woman I'd stolen from him. No regrets about it; Elle and I belonged together. Though had I not jerked around and let Elle slip away as far as she had in the first place, we could've spared a few people their pain. For that, I felt bad. "She's good. Thanks for asking."
"Well, best to you both."
"Thanks, you too, man."
Eric joined his buds, and I stepped away from the crowd to clear my head, but ideas kept bothering me. Bret may have faith in my ability to parent, but I had doubts. The relationship between Dad and me growing up sucked. I didn't want my kid hating to be in the same space as me.
"Daniels, you game?" Trey bounced on his feet, taking a few air jabs at me, and I laughed, pushing my worries back.
"Yeah, I'm game." I shot Elle a text to let her know I'd be home late. She'd already informed me Alyssa and Tisha had planned to celebrate with dinner and a movie.
"Great, rack 'em."
Two beers later and losing the last three games of pool, I called it a night. "I'll let you kick someone else's ass," I conceded.
"Man. I can't believe I looked up to you," Trey said, disappointed.
"Sorry, but gotta grow up sometime."
"Dude, it's the woman. She's cut off your balls."
"All right, enough." I waved, agitation creeping along my spine. "I'm gonna get outta here before you say something that leads me to kicking your ass."
"Pussy," Trey hollered when I walked away.
I drove around with the radio on as background noise. An image came through of Elle's swollen stomach. She waddled down the driveway with a smile. Regardless of the panic, I smiled through it. Delicate and tender are how I pictured Elle with our daughter or son. No way could Elle fail at motherhood, but the idea of being a father, and fucking up our kid's life, made the outside world blur and tilt on its axis.
More music played, though I ignored it as another image crept in: making love to Elle when the bedroom door burst open and a football team of kids barreled in. My lungs seized up. I rolled the window down and turned the air up to full blast.
∞ ∞ ∞
Elle's doctor's appointment was in a few hours. The sweat on my hands wouldn't go away. So much for staying calm.
Elle strolled into the living room, passing by on her way to the kitchen, and I caught a whiff of perfume. I remembered Elle's reaction the day I gave it to her. She'd rolled her eyes and said, "I never use perfume."
I told her, "It reminded me of you in the shower, naked." I leaned in to nuzzle the top of her head and inhaled, deeply. Backing up, I grinned. "One of my favorite scents."
Elle's eyes sparkled. "You bought me perfume." She turned the box over, and her eyebrows shot up. "Really expensive perfume because the smell reminded you of the shampoo I use?"
I shrugged, not giving a damn about how it sounded.
"You're insane."
That was two days before we found out about the pregnancy.
Elle snapped her fingers near my ear, pulling me to the here and now. "Where'd you go just then?"
"Ah, nowhere." I stood, stretching.
"You don't want to come?" Elle frowned.
I winced. "Sorry, just nervous."
"Me too." She raked her bottom lip between her teeth. "Listen, let's take this one day at a time. Deal?"
Time to man-up. I brought her to me, holding her against my chest because at the end of the day, having her next to me was the only place I wanted her. "Let's go meet our kid."
She sighed. "Not sure we'll be doing that today, but okay."
Elle grabbed the keys on her way outside, and I followed. Scared out of my mind or not, I'd stay strong for her.
Elle
The office was small. The waiting room, a square area with chairs along each wall and a small section in the corner lined with toys. It smelled like sugar cookies. I didn't eat much that morning, my nerves not letting me.
"Hi." I smiled at the receptionist, who greeted me with a warm smile of her own.
"Have you been here before?"
"Um, no, ma'am." I stuttered on the last word. Really adult of you, Elle.
The lady hid her grin with a short cough. "Okay, if you'll fill out these papers and be sure to sign here." She pointed to the bottom. "Once you're do
ne, bring them up, and we'll get you right back."
Tristan's legs bounced the entire time I filled out the paperwork. The rhythm matched the beats in my chest. Three pages later, and with a cramped hand, I walked the clipboard up to the front desk.
"Thank you, Ms. Richards." She grabbed the papers, checking out each page. "Looks great. If you'll have a seat, the nurse will call you in a second."
My legs just hit the back of the hard plastic chair when the door opened. "Elle Richards," a lady with a pixie cut called.
I turned to Tristan. "Are you ready?"
His face had drained of color, but he smiled at me anyway. "Always," he said. Lacing his fingers with mine, Tristan and I followed the nurse through the doors.
"Hi. I'm Laura." She shook our hands. "Sir, you can go ahead to the room on your left," she said, pointing in the direction.
Tristan glanced at me.
"Guess I'll see you in a minute," I said.
He nodded and headed to the room.
In the hallway, Laura checked my blood pressure, weighed me, then sent me to the bathroom to pee in a cup. Good thing I remembered to drink plenty of water.
Back in the hall, the nurse smiled. "You can go on in. I've left a gown on the bed for you to change into."
"Okay, thanks."
Inside the room, I found Tristan checking out the model of a pregnant stomach and everything around it.
"You're going to break something. Leave it alone."
He frowned like a child, giving my heart a tug. "What's this?" Tristan picked up another model.
"It's a uterus."
"Cool," he said. A second later, the front half of the model fell off and bounced on the linoleum floor.
"Oh my God," I hissed, bending to pick up the missing part.
"Sorry." His face turned red when I handed him the piece to put back together.
"Just…" I sighed. "Stop touching stuff."
"Fun-killer," he mumbled when I spun around.
After changing, I sat down, the table paper covering the bed crinkling. My exposed back grew cold. "How are you doing over there?" I asked Tristan while rubbing my arms to keep warm.
Interception (Distraction #3) Page 10