by Allysa Hart
***
“Katie-girl, if you aren’t ready in five minutes, I’m leaving without you. I’m starving.”
Keith’s bellowing made her grab her head in her hands. She hadn’t eaten all day and needed a change of pace, but she couldn’t find her favorite sandals. “Hold your pants on! I can’t find my shoes,” she shouted back. The day had been long and stressful, and she was ready to leave it all behind and enjoy her evening with a carefree heart. Needless to say, his grumbling wasn’t helping matters.
Minutes later, Rose leaned against the door frame of her room holding up the elusive footwear. “Are these what you’re looking for?” she asked, sniffling and coughing into her tissue.
“Yes, those! Auntie, why are you out of bed when you’re supposed to be sleeping?” Katie placed her hands on her hips and gave Rose a stern look, adding a foot tap for good measure.
“Sleeping with the two of you in the house yelling back and forth at each other is impossible.” Rose’s voice sounded like she had swallowed a frog.
“Oh, sorry. He’s the one who started.”
“Do me a favor and take your time with dinner. Maybe you can convince the ogre to go to the mall or something.” She laid her head against the door jamb.
“I’m not going to the mall with this little shopaholic,” Keith interrupted. “Why are you out of bed?”
“I was just giving Katie her shoes. I’m going to lay down now and hopefully sleep once the two of you give me some peace and quiet. Have fun and please don’t rush coming home.” Pushing off the wall, Rose disappeared back into her bedroom.
***
“What would you like to eat?” Keith asked, perusing the menu.
“Chocolate lava cake,” Katie said decisively. “If I’m still hungry, I’ll have a crispy chicken cobb salad.”
His right eyebrow slowly lifted as Keith gazed at her over the top of his menu. “Reverse that order, and we will see.”
“Nope, that meal works perfect the way I stated it.” She closed the menu and smiled cheekily at him. After the day she had, she desperately craved the release she received when bratting with him and she didn’t try to hold anything back. “What are you having?”
Keith set down his menu and folded his hands. Before he could respond, the waitress bounced to their table and asked for their order.
“I’d like the steak and shrimp combo, medium rare. My girl here will have the grilled chicken cobb, hold the onions.”
Katie’s smile slowly disappeared as she heard Keith order her food for her. “But that’s not what I wanted!”
Keith continued. “Fried food and onions give you heartburn. If you eat at least half of your salad, then you may have dessert. I’d also like a glass of water, and she is to have a glass of milk.”
Crossing her arms, Katie seethed in silence.
The waitress wrote everything down and only looked mildly uncomfortable with Keith’s edict. “Okay, got it. Your drinks will be out momentarily.”
As she left, his attention was focused back on Katie. “I suggest you wipe the scowl off your face before dessert is taken completely out of the picture.”
Katie huffed. “That wasn’t nice, you know?”
“Did I say that you couldn’t have dessert?” he asked.
“No.” Her answer was curt, she was not quite ready to let go over her snit, but she didn’t want to lose her dessert, and she knew the meanie in front of her would not hesitate in taking it away.
“Then knock it off.”
“Fine.” She dropped her arms and busied her hands by unwrapping her silverware and draping the napkin over her lap.
“Try again.” His voice dropped, and his face changed from teasing to being deadly serious.
With saccharine sweetness, she smiled. “Thank you so much, Sir, for taking me to dinner and allowing me to get a dessert after my very healthy and incredibly boring dinner.”
Keith snorted and shook his head. “You are something else, little girl. What happened at work today? This attitude usually follows a stressful day.”
Keith gave her his undivided attention as she shared her frustrations about work and listened to his advice about setting boundaries and trusting her instincts regarding the employees she could count on. She, in turn, listened as he chattered about his favorite football team’s recent trades and how good they were for his chance at winning the Super Bowl. He scowled when Katie reminded him that he wasn’t actually playing.
“You have been hanging out with Rose too much. Speaking of my sick little wife, let’s finish up so that we can get home.”
“I’m finished. She did ask that we take our time since we were making too much noise and keeping her awake.”
“I guess we do get a little loud at times.” He chuckled. “Since Auntie wants some extra time without us around, let’s go do something special.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. Keep your eyes closed.”
She sat straight up, covering her eyes and perched at the edge of the seat. “A surprise? Can you give me a hint?”
“You will like it. It has to do with shopping. Don’t ask for more. That’s the only hint you’re getting.”
“Fine.” She exhaled in resignation, feeling the frequent turns of the car indicating that they were in a parking lot. She wanted to peek so bad but continued to obey. The car parked and she waited for the door to be opened. Keeping her eyes covered with one hand, she took Keith’s hand with the other and allowed herself to be guided without hesitation.
When he finally gave her permission to open her eyes, she squealed and bounced on her toes. “Build-a-Bear! Is this what we’re doing, Uncle? Are we making bears?”
“If a bear is what you want, then we will get a bear.”
“Thank you! You always have the best surprises!” She kissed him on the cheek before running over to select her new stuffed buddy.
His face was tender as he followed close behind and picked up a pink pony. “This guy is pretty cute and really soft.”
Katie shook her head. “I don’t like pink, silly.”
“Oh, right.” Tossing the toy back into its bin, he pointed to the long line of choices. “There are a lot of different things to choose from, aren’t there?”
They spent close to an hour in the store while Katie chose the perfect bear and outfit. They both kissed the little red heart right before it went into the chest and the bear was sewn up tight. Katie snickered as Keith tried to fit the shoes onto the bear’s feet.
“I don’t think these are meant for your bear, girlie.”
“Yeah-huh they are, look at the picture! Here, let me do it.”
Katie easily slipped the shoes on and looked at him with a smirk on her face, “If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself.”
Keith raised his eyebrows, “Uh-huh. Mighty sassy, don’t you think, young lady?”
Katie shrugged and turned toward the cashiers. A heavy, stinging swat landed squarely on her bottom causing her to lurch forward and squeak. She could feel the blush rising in her cheeks as she reached back to rub the sting.
“Want to try that again?”
Katie shook her head, her face flaming with embarrassment.
“No? Do we need to visit the car for a reminder of how to behave? We can go have a nice long chat about manners.” His voice was a low growl, and Katie knew from experience that his threat was not an empty one.
She shook her head again. “No, Sir. I’m sorry. I will behave.”
“Let’s keep the sass to a minimum. That is your warning.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Help me pick out something special for Auntie Rose. I bet a special bear will help her feel better, don’t you think?”
Katie nodded and tried to fade into the background as Keith completed their purchase and took her hand as they exited the store.
Chapter Ten
“I will be fine at home. You don’t need to drag me along.” Katie attempt
ed to convince the stubborn woman in front of her that she should be allowed to stay home. Keith and Rose had just informed her that they were going away for the weekend as a family. The police department was holding their annual ball out of town, and they did not want to leave her home alone. She had no interest in being a part of the festivities, especially since it brought back the memories of when she and Mark used to attend these trips. Plus, she didn’t want to feel like a third wheel.
“We want you there. We are family and the guys at the precinct would love if you came representing Mark.”
“I know, but I’m fat and look like a butterball turkey!” She complained, pointing at her seven-and-a-half-month pregnant belly.
“You’re not fat, you’re pregnant, Katelyn,” Rose repeated her frequently uttered phrase.
“Same difference. Nothing fits, and everything that does fit makes me look like a balloon. I have to wear a striped shirt so people can tell whether I’m walking or rolling.” Katie pulled at her baggy shirt as she gave Rose a look that was anything but amused.
“Sounds like a perfect excuse for shopping. Keith!” Rose shouted.
“What are you yelling about? I’m right here.” Rising slowly from his recliner, he stretched. “I heard the whole thing. Go and buy new dresses. Do whatever you need to. It’s easier if you two are happy than having to listen to you whine about how you look.”
“Oh, shut up.” Rose huffed.
Keith’s stance changed instantly. His body became more solid, and his eyes sharpened. “Excuse me?”
Rose’s shoulders hunched as she noticed his disapproval. “I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean it like that. I was just teasing.”
“That is not a phrase we use, even in jest.” His rigid stance made Katie want to run even though she wasn’t the one in trouble for once. She watched the interaction, knowing exactly what was about to happen. Rose was not very good at censoring herself, and it frequently landed her in hot water with her husband. As anticipated, Keith held out his hand. “We need to go have a chat, my dear.”
“Can we not? We need to go dress shopping.” She looked between him and Katie, her eyes pleading with him to reconsider.
“You can go shopping once we are finished. Don’t worry; it won’t take long.”
Katie winced as the sounds of discipline carried down the hallways. The smack of the implement and Rose’s muffled voice was not uncommon although she heard letters being called out between swats. Shrugging, she busied herself unloading the dishwasher.
After a short while, Rose emerged, rubbing her bottom ruefully. “That man is a damn sadist.”
“You love it.” Katie teased
“I do not, I repeat, I do not love the rubber loop. And taking a spelling test during a spanking is just not fair.” Rose stuck her tongue out in a playful manner; spankings made her frisky, especially quick discipline spankings.
Katie laughed. “Yikes, that sucks. Were you spelling ‘Shut up?’”
“Yea. The only thing that will make me feel better is retail therapy or a good hard f… sex.”
“I can’t help with the sex, but by all means, let’s go check out the benefits of retail therapy.”
Keith appeared at the mouth of the hall, shaking his head at the sudden hysterics from the pair. “You two are ridiculous. Will you just go away and give me some peace and quiet?”
“You need a new tie to match my dress,” Rose informed him.
Keith snarled. “I hate wearing ties. Besides, I’m wearing my dress uniform for the ball.”
“You’ll wear a suit and tie for dinner, and that’s final.”
“It better not be pink again. I hate pink and last time you made me wear pink; I didn’t hear the end of it from Mark. No pink.”
“It will be whatever color I pick out, got it?”
“Are you sassing me again so soon? Do you need more reminders, my insatiable little wife?” He rubbed his hands together and wiggled his eyebrows.
“Maybe later. Right now, shopping is much more enticing than anything you have to offer. Bye!” Grabbing Katie’s hand, she pulled the girl outside and laughed as Keith’s orders to behave were muffled behind the slamming door.
Trying on dresses was a nightmare. Katie’s hands shook as she considered how she would be received by the other officers and their wives. She hadn’t seen any of them since the funeral and was afraid that they would assume that the baby she was carrying wasn’t Mark’s which would provoke gossip.
Looking in the mirror at her bloated tummy, she lost all composure. “That’s it! I’m done! Nothing fits. I look like a hot air balloon. I don’t care what you say; I’m not going!”
Rose peeked her head into the dressing room. “We have a couple more dresses we can try on, and if you don’t find something, we’ll go to another store.”
Katie was not listening as she hastily removed the current garment. Recognizing that Katie was starting to spiral, Rose entered the dressing room and placed her hands on the girl’s shoulders to get her attention. In a low voice, she said, “Katie, Pay attention to Auntie, please. What’s wrong?”
“I’m fat and ugly, and people are going to think it’s not Mark’s baby. They’ll do the math and think that I was messing around as soon as he died. They won’t believe it’s his.”
“You are not fat. You’re pregnant and very beautiful and are growing a life inside of you; a life that was created with Mark. You are going to this event, and you’re carrying a piece of him with you. Do you understand that this tummy should make you the proudest woman in the world?” She rested her hand on the protruding belly. “This baby is a gift that Mark gave you and if anyone has any questions, then shame on them for their filthy and suspicious minds.”
“But…”
“How about I bring the ultrasound picture? That lists your due date and will erase any doubts.”
“You’d do that for me?”
“I’d do anything for you.”
Katie looked down guiltily. “Okay.”
“You are going to be the prettiest princess at the ball, my love. I promise.” Rose pulled her into a hug. “Let’s try the maternity store. Hear me out before you argue. Those clothes are designed for making baby bumps even more beautiful. I bet we can find something amazing and it won’t be as frustrating as all this.”
“Can we take a break first? I’m hungry!”
“Only if we go for burritos.”
Katie grinned at the acknowledgment of her most recent craving. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
***
Finding a comfortable position to sleep was impossible, and Katie tossed and turned until frustration finally pulled her out of bed. Sitting cross-legged on the floor in the middle of her room, her body shook with uncontrollable sobs as guilt-wracked her thoughts. She didn’t know what to do or why she felt so threatened by the little person growing inside of her. She was giving him life—her flesh and blood—a living and breathing piece of Mark. She couldn’t shake the terror that this little being was going to turn everything upside down in her nearly perfect world.
What kind of mother would think such horrible things about her own child? Mark would be so disappointed if he knew that she was the most selfish human that ever existed. Rocking back and forth with her head held in her hands, she cried until there were no tears left. Her sobs turned into hiccupping yawns, and soon the guilt melted into exhaustion. She crawled weakly back into bed and collapsed on the pillow. She had never been so thankful to slide into the darkness and solitude of sleep.
It was still dark when she awoke. Padding to the bathroom, Katie placed a cool, wet cloth over her tired, puffy eyes and looked at herself shamefully in the mirror. She placed her hand on the spot where the baby was making his presence known and felt him wiggle under her fingers. “Okay, okay! I get it. You’re hungry. You are already just like your Daddy.”
Without moving her hand from the moving baby, she waddled towards the kitchen in search of food. The clock over t
he oven revealed it was four in the morning, giving her an hour before Rose and Keith would be awake. The crickets chirped outside as she put the coffee on to brew, and began to make a breakfast feast fit for a king. Snacking on the blueberries that she added to the pancake batter seemed to calm her wiggling tummy, but that didn’t stop the return of her tears. The hot, wet drops slowly traced the contour of her cheeks and dripped onto her shirt as she tried not to wonder why she no longer received good night kisses, or why no one heard her cries and came to rescue her. She felt forgotten.
“You’re up early.”
The rumbling voice scared her so badly that she almost fell backward. The bowl of pancake batter crashed to the floor and created a sticky, gooey mess that was dangerously mixed with shards of broken glass. “Fuck! Are you kidding me right now?”
Hearing a throat clear, Katie gasped and covered her mouth, quickly recognizing the dark look in Keith’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Keith. I had a horrible night, and you scared me. It just slipped out.”
“Is just slipping out a valid excuse, little girl? Address me properly, please.”
Dropping her eyes, she shook her head. “No, Sir.”
He closed the gap between them in two steps and with his finger under her chin, he brought her eyes back up. “What did I tell you would happen if my little girl used naughty language again?”
Katie’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “No, Uncle Keith, please. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“I’ve been letting you get away with a lot lately. If I recall, we had the same issue yesterday afternoon, and I promised you that if I heard it again, there would be no more chances. Is that true?”
“Yes, Sir, but you scared me. I swear I won’t cuss again.”
“I’m going to make sure that you don’t. Let’s go.” Taking Katie’s hand, he guided her around the mess and toward the bathroom. Katie tried to drag her heels, but it was a futile attempt to delay the inevitable.
“Stand here. Nose in the corner.” Keith pointed to the corner of the bathroom.