Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set

by Martha Sweeney

  “I wouldn’t blame you,” I laugh. “Besides, even if it wasn’t water, I wouldn’t get far.”

  “Here,” Joe says, pulling away from me slightly. “I know you . . . not wanting a typical type of wedding ring with your thoughts on the whole diamond industry . . . so, I had this created specifically for you with a raw rose quartz, clear quarts, solid gold . . . a a few small diamonds. He slips the ring over my finger easily.

  “It’s perfect,” I reply sweetly, kissing him.

  “I was thinking on having them create an official wedding band for both of us,” Joe mentions.

  “Okay,” I agree, kissing him again.

  “I love you, Emma,” Joe whispers against my lips.

  “I love you, Joe,” I hum as we begin to undress each other.

  One Hundred Fifty Four

  Before Joe and I make it to the house where we’re staying in Coronado the next morning, I get a phone call from Maggie.

  “Congratulations!” Maggie sings.

  “For what?” I ask.

  “I can’t believe you didn’t call me,” she accuses.

  “Call you about what?” I check.

  “That you’re engaged,” Maggie presents.

  “How the hell do you know? Joe just asked me last night,” I comment.

  “Who’s that?” Joe checks as his phone vibrates in his pocket.

  “Maggie,” I inform.

  “You’ve been on the news,” Maggie explains.

  “What?” I gasp. “Are you kidding me?”

  “What’s wrong, beautiful?” Joe questions with concern in his voice.

  “Maggie just told me congratulations,” I share.

  “About what?” Joe checks.

  “About our engagement,” I state.

  “I’m not surprised that she’s calling,” Joe comments.

  “What? Why not?” I say.

  “You texted her, didn’t you?” Joe says, lifting his phone to his ear.

  “No,” I correct. “She saw us on the news.”

  “What?” Joe questions, which I’m not sure is for me or the person on the other end of his phone.

  My phone buzzes, indicating that Jared is calling when I check it. “Maggie, Jared’s calling. Can I call you right back?”

  “Sure,” Maggie answers. “Congrats again. I’m so happy for you two! As soon as you’re back, we’ll have everyone over for dinner as a celebration at our place.”

  “Okay,” I agree. “Thanks.”

  “Love you,” she sings.

  “Love you,” I return. Taking a deep breath, I hit the button to pick up Jared’s call. “Hey, Jared,” I greet tentatively as I hear Joe faintly talking in the background.

  “Hey, Kitten,” Jared returns. “Is there something you want to tell Nathan and me?”

  “Hi, Emma,” Nathan shouts excitedly on the other end of the phone.

  “Why am I on speaker phone?” I inquire.

  “Hi, sweetheart,” Pop-Pop’s voice rings through.

  “Hi,” I greet, trying to hide my distaste at the fact that my friends and family found out about my engagement before I got the chance to tell them. “Let me guess, you saw Joe and me on the news.”

  “Yep,” Jared and Nathan confirm.

  “Congratulations, Kitten!” Nathan beams.

  “We’re so very happy for you,” announces Pop-Pop.

  “Thank you.”

  “Is Joe there?” Nathan checks.

  “Yes, why?” I reply.

  “Can we talk to him?” Jared asks.

  “Why?” I ask.

  “To say congrats to him as well,” Nathan says sarcastically.

  “Fine,” I huff, handing Joe the phone.

  “Hold on a second,” Joe says, then moves his phone away from his ear. “What’s up?”

  “Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop want to congratulate you too,” I inform.

  “Gee, don’t sound so happy,” Joe teases.

  “I’m glad they’re excited, just not how they found out,” I share.

  “What do you mean?” Joe searches.

  “Talk,” I say, waving my hand at him as he takes my phone.

  “Here,” Joe offers.

  “What?”

  “It’s my mother,” he returns with a pleased grin.

  “Hi, Elaine,” I greet happily.

  “Hello, sweetheart,” she returns. “How is your getaway going?”

  “Well, thank you,” I answer with a sigh.

  “How are Jared and Nathan? I hope the stress of what happened hasn’t gotten to them or you too much since the video,” Mrs. Covelli continues.

  “They’re doing great,” I inform. “Joe’s on the phone with them right now.”

  “Really?” Mrs. Covelli returns.

  “You know too, don’t you?” I inspect.

  “Know what, sweetheart?” she says, trying to deny the excitement that has been resonating through her voice the whole time.

  I take a deep breath and say, “You saw us on the news and called Joe to confirm, didn’t you?”

  “No,” she denies.

  “Elaine,” I call, trying to suppress a giggle. “You can’t hide that level of excitement. You were practically jumping through the phone when you greeted me. You were the same way when you found out about Joe Jr..”

  “I’m always happy to talk to you, Emma,” Elaine downplays it.

  “Nice try,” I tease her.

  “Okay, you got me,” she returns with a sigh. “Jimmy said he saw photos of you and Joe this morning online and so . . . well, of course, I’d rather hear it directly from the two of you, which Joseph did just confirm, but what matters most is that it’s happening and you two are happy.”

  “Thank you,” I reply with a smile.

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart,” she says. “John doesn’t know yet . . . well, not that I’m aware of. He’s on the phone. As soon as he’s finished, I know that he’ll want to hear it from you and Joseph.”

  “Of course,” I agree.

  “Welcome to the family,” Elaine boasts. “Not that you weren’t already, but you know what I mean.”

  “Thank you,” I accept graciously, getting a little riled by her excitement.

  “Don’t be afraid to call me mom,” she reminds. “When you’re ready.”

  “Thanks,” I return with a smile.

  Joe and I swap phones and I disconnect with Jared and the rest of them so Joe and I can share the news with his father. Unfortunately, as soon as John gets on the phone, Joe and I realize that John knows from the sound of his voice.

  The next few hours consist of Joe and I talking with our friends and family, even well past having breakfast at the house where we are staying. Anna has the news playing in the background with the volume almost all the way down. The press has been on Joe and me since the official baby bump grew to be unavoidable. The anchors have been in a heated debate about why Joe and I haven’t been engaged the whole time, inventing wide varieties of reasons for the delay, and their thoughts about the entire escapade.

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” I blurt when I see the headlines of our engagement accusing that I purposefully got pregnant just to get his money or speculating that the child isn’t even Joe’s — that I cheated on him and he’s deciding on whether or not to forgive me.

  “Emma,” Gwen calls sweetly. “Why don’t we turn this off?” She takes the remote carefully from my hands.

  “No!” I snap. “Can you freakin’ believe them?”

  “Emma,” Brenda calls. “I don’t think this is the best time to be watching television.”

  “I do,” I protest, taking the remote back.

  Anna snatches the device from me and turns off the television. “No more,” she insists sternly.

  “But . . . .”

  “No,” Anna pushes back, eyeing me. “You’ve heard enough. Besides, you aren’t the type of woman who cares what other people think of you.”

  “Yes, I am,” I challenge. “I’ve cared si
nce my hormones have been all messed up.”

  “Even more of a reason to turn it off,” Anna states.

  “Emma,” Joe calls sweetly. “Come here, beautiful.”

  “Don’t,” I reply.

  “What?” Joe feigns.

  “I see what you’re trying to do,” I counter.

  “What am I trying to do, beautiful?” Joe says, trying hard not to laugh.

  “Don’t start with me,” I press. “I’ll make sure you can’t be in the room when your son is born.”

  “You and I both know that that is an empty threat,” Joe laughs.

  “Is it?” I push heatedly.

  “Yes,” he confirms, pulling me into him and kissing me on the temple. “Relax, beautiful. All that matters is us.” Joe’s hand spreads across my belly. “See,” he adds. “Joe Jr. agrees with me.”

  Joe Jr. kicks again.

  I take a deep breath and let it out. “Okay. Fine.”

  “There you are,” Joe comments as he continues to kiss my cheek repeatedly. “Would you feel better if we go home?”

  “I don’t know,” I confess. “Do they know where we are?”

  “They know we’re down in the area, but I don’t think they know where as in here at this house,” Joe presents. “Not from what Hunter and Taylor have said.”

  “Okay,” I reply.

  “Okay, what?” Joe checks. “Okay as in you want to stay or okay as in you want to go home?”

  “Okay to stay . . . for now,” I return.

  “Sounds good, beautiful,” Joe says. “How about a bath and a foot rub?”

  “You had me at foot rub,” I say with a grin.

  One Hundred Fifty Five

  “What are you doing?” Joe asks with concern.

  “Relax,” I say. “It’s not heavy.” I toss the large box I’m holding at him.

  Joe jumps to catch it and lets out a sigh when he realizes the true weight of the box once it’s in his arms. “What’s even in here?” he checks.

  “Halloween decorations,” I share.

  “Why are you putting out Halloween decorations?” he questions.

  “Because it’s in three weeks,” I giggle.

  “Emma, the staff can do this,” Joe states.

  “Yes, I know,” I reply. “Don’t you see them helping me?”

  “That’s not funny,” Joe returns with a serious expression.

  “Yes, it is,” I chuckle. “You should’ve seen your face.”

  “Let her be, Mr. Joseph,” Anna instructs, coming around the corner from the stairs.

  “What?!” Joe replies with a hint of shock.

  “She’s nesting,” Anna informs. “Let her be. It’s good for her and the baby. Keeps her calm.”

  “What’s nesting?” Joe inspects.

  “I’m not nesting,” I protest.

  “And, here I thought you’ve read all the baby books,” Anna challenges, looking back and forth between Joe and me.

  “I’m not,” I repeat defensively.

  Anna smiles at us. “Nesting is used to describe when the expecting mother finishes getting the house ready for the baby.”

  “And, what does that have to do with Emma decorating for Halloween?” Joe presses, raising a brow.

  “I’m not nesting,” I deny.

  “It’s part of getting the house in order,” Anna continues. “She’s already rearranged Joe Jr.’s room about twice the past few days.”

  “No, I haven’t,” I counter when I see Joe eyeing me speculatively.

  Anna doesn’t reply, but clears her throat in objection.

  “Okay, maybe a little,” I admit. “Are you helping or just going to judge?”

  Joe laughs. “I have a business call first, but then I’ll help if you’d like.”

  “What business stuff? It’s a Saturday,” I check.

  “Just business,” Joe repeats, kissing the top of my head.

  “What are you planning, Joseph?” I press.

  I hear the staff hold back chuckles — some of them haven’t gotten used to Joe’s and my banter yet.

  “I’ll be right back, beautiful,” Joe comments, ignoring the question.

  “Fine,” I huff and turn to open the next box.

  Five minutes later, Elaine has entered the living room and is assisting with the decorating. She and Mr. Covelli flew to California the day they found out Joe and I got engaged — excited to celebrate and coming earlier than they had originally planned for when their next grandson is born.

  The next few days, I find myself nesting more. Counting, folding, rearranging and even buying more items that I think we need before Joe Jr. arrives while also getting some more stuff for the dogs. Joe and Anna humor me and my whims, for which I’m grateful. They do give me a few looks occasionally, but refrain from commenting. Mrs. Covelli supports my antics and shoos anyone away who dares to question me. I’m even caught tidying up the yard and cleaning the kitchen.

  Elaine and I have Jared, Henry and the rest of the guys, even Joe’s father, get Joe out of the house to give me some peace every other day. It’s not that I don’t want him around. It’s just that he’s hovering too much. I’m getting a little anxious about the birth and I’d rather be calm and relaxed.

  Today, Maggie, and all the women from her family, Mrs. Nelson, Elaine and I are having a relaxing lunch out on my back patio while the men have been sent away. I told them I didn’t really care what they do, as long as they get away from the house for a few hours. The ladies and I have been, more the ladies of age than me, sipping cocktails since we started lunch and are now heading over to the pool to relax and enjoy the early afternoon sun — one of the perks of being in California and having a heated pool.

  As I make my way from upstairs, just after changing into my swimsuit and putting on a comfortable cover up dress, a strange sensation occurs in my belly right after I feel Joe Jr. kick. “What are you doing up?” I say out loud. “You shouldn’t be awake for another hour, mister.” The sensation happens again, and I find myself holding onto the back of the couch for support. “Damn it,” I huff when I feel liquid dripping down my legs.” I shift, trying to plot out how to clean up the mess without being noticed.

  “Hey, Emma,” Jade greets, bouncing inside.

  “Hi, monkey,” I return. “I thought you were going swimming.”

  “I am,” she replies. “Mommy wanted me to get something out of Rey’s bag.” She studies me for a moment as I take a controlled breath in. “You okay?”

  “Yes, sweetie,” I confirm. “Thank you. Would you mind doing me a favor?”

  “Sure,” she replies happily.

  “Can you get me a roll of paper towels from the kitchen? I spilled something and don’t want to slip,” I mention.

  “Sure,” she agrees, hopping away.

  Jade brings back the roll for me quickly and then rushes back outside. I carefully lower myself to wipe up the mess on the marble floor.

  “Are you okay, Ms. Emma?” Bridget, one of our maids inquires.

  “Yes, thank you,” I reply, downplaying what’s happened.

  “Let me get that for you, Ms. Emma,” she insists.

  “It’s okay. I got it,” I answer.

  “Should I call Mr. Joseph?” she inspects, helping me to stand.

  “No,” I deny.

  Bridget gives me the once over and I know she sees the large wet spot on my dress. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” I affirm.

  “Can I throw those out for you?” Bridget offers, reaching forward.

  “No,” I object calmly. “I’ll get them. Just let my family know that I’ll be right out.”

  Bridget doesn’t move and we stand, looking at each other for a few seconds. I move toward the kitchen and toss out the wet paper towels and then proceed back up to my bedroom to change again. Bridget watches me as I pass by her and ascend the stairs.

  “Emma?” Gwen calls from the bedroom.

  “In here,” I inform while finishing putting on a c
omfortable maxi dress.

  “Are you okay?” Gwen inquires.

  “Perfect,” I confirm with a smile.

  “Bridget told me . . . .”

  “Everything is fine,” I interrupt.

  Gwen doesn’t say a word, but steps forward and checks my pulse on my wrist.

  My eyes roll in protest, but I refrain from commenting.

  Gwen stays quiet for a few more moments and then looks me up and down. “How do you feel?”

  “Great,” I say honestly.

  She studies me. “Brenda and I will want to check you in an hour, okay?”

  “Sure,” I agree.

  I make my way to the backyard with Sadie on my one side and Gwen following behind us — Jasper’s been outside with the kids playing. Needing to get off my feet, I yank up the bottom of my dress and step into our natural pool in the shallow end, lowering my rear to the edge so I can keep cool while hanging out with the ladies. Jade, Jet and Rey are playing in the shallow end as Kim and Amy are in the middle of the pool along with Maggie. Elaine, Mrs. Nelson, Mŭqīn and Nǎinai are on the lounge chairs closest to us. Mŭqīn and Nǎinai each have Henry Jr. and Gabby in their arms while Maggie and I play a game of catch with Jade as the women chat freely.

  “What’s with Sadie?” Maggie asks, noticing that Sadies won’t step more than a foot or two away from me.

  “Nothing,” I reply. “She’s just been more clingy since I’ve been pregnant.”

  We continue chatting and enjoying the sun on our skin. At some point, we head back inside and grab some drinks before returning to the patio. I excuse myself for a moment, pretending I need to use the restroom, which I do, but is also a good cover to allow Brenda and Gwen to check my status. Seeing that my vitals are fine and my heart rate is steady, they make no mention of needing to do anything at the moment and follow my lead.

  The men return within the next hour and I refrain from mentioning that I’ve started to go into labor —no need to have Joe freak out and mess up my zen-like calmness.

  As dinner comes to an end, I assist the maids with cleanup, feeling like I need to keep busy and moving. Anna, Bridget and the other maids don’t say anything and just let me help.

  “Emma,” Joe calls sweetly.

  “Yeah?” I return as I carry some more plates into the kitchen.

  “Come back and relax with everyone,” Joe insists.