“I wish I had thought about this before I had the kids. Smart, get yourself checked into the hospital for some bed rest before the baby arrives. It will be the last rest you get for months,” she cackled.
Hurricane Amara arrived next. I was grateful for the home-cooked meals and the baked goods she brought along for Jo. I tried to remember that Amara was also pregnant, and wewere both concerned about the same person. No matter her condition, she would not relegate me to the background while my woman was in crisis. Harrison needed to check her before I did.
Harrison was a godsend. He brought everything I requested, and he held up an additional bag. “You mentioned what you needed for Jo and the baby but forgot about things for yourself. So, I threw some of your shit in a bag, including your shaver.”
I nodded. Being unshaven normally reminded me of a dark time in my life. I ran my hand along my jawline. I hadn’t given the hair a second thought. My sole focus had been Jo and our little one.
“Ryan, my aunt and uncle’s flight is arriving soon. You should go pick them up,” Amara instructed.
My jaw ticked. Folks don’t give me orders, and her tone left a lot to be desired.
“Amara,” I worked to keep my tone respectful, “I’m not leaving Jo’s side to go to the airport. You can always ask Chase.”
She wasn’t happy with my response, but I really didn’t care. Leaving my family in the hospital to run an errand wasn’t an option.
The days stretched on. Before we knew it, ten days had passed. Jo was feeling better. The amniotic fluid level had improved. It wasn’t where they wanted it, but it was higher and hadn’t gotten worse. They’d given her some Tylenol, and the fever had receded. However, they kept monitoring her temperature, as it would spike from time to time. Thebiggest issue was her boredom. She hated being confined to the bed. Bedrest felt like a punishment for her.
At least our family and friends were around. My parents also flew in. I made sure both of our parents were checked into a hotel nearby. Harrison and Amara got themselves a room too. Although Amara and Jo were cousins, their bond was strong, and Amara was very protective of Jo.
Jo was only allowed three visitors in her room at a time. I couldn’t bear to have her out of my sight for too long. I knew where my place was which left room for two more people.
It meant a lot of juggling. We had many visitors at the hospital, and they were genuinely concerned for her. I understood that. However, watching the screens of the machines monitoring her and the baby brought a sense of reassurance, a quiet comfort amidst the chaos of the hospital. It was a small but significant solace, knowing that every heartbeat and breath was being carefully tracked.
Amara pulled me aside out of the room. The conversation didn’t start off on the right foot.
“Ryan, I think it’s admirable that you want to be at Jo’s side and all, but I think you’re overstepping. Other members of the family want to spend time with her as well.”
I had never cussed out a woman before and didn’t want to with a friend’s wife, but Amara had me tempted. My eyes scanned the hallway, and they landed on Harrison speaking with his in-laws.
“Harrison,” I barked.
His head snapped up; this wasn’t the summons of a friend but of a commanding officer.Amara stood with her mouth open. I hadn’t bothered to respond to her, just walked in Harrison’s direction. We met each other halfway.
“What’s going on, Kay?”
“I need you to get ahold of your wife. My focus is on Jo and making sure she and our baby are safe. Understand I’m going to take issue with anyone who tries to get between me and her. I need to be there to make sure my wife is good.”
His eyes widened when I said “wife,” and I knew he understood my words carried weight and meaning. I wouldn’t have said it if it weren’t true.
“Wife?” Amara questioned.
She had walked up behind me. Well, fuck, I let the news slip. Jo would kill me, but I didn’t care.
“Yes, my wife,” I confirmed as I headed straight back to the room.
Her parents headed out when I returned. “We decided we would do an early lunch today. We will bring you both back something.” Her mother patted my cheek.
I thanked them, and Jo’s dad patted my shoulder on his way out. We had an understanding. As long as I kept taking care of his little girl the way I had been, we were good.
We would see how he felt about me when he returned from lunch. I was sure there would be lots to discuss.
I certainly had to give Jo the heads up.
“I let the cat outta the bag,” I informed her the moment we were alone, and I took a seat.
“Which cat and what bag?” Jo asked.
“Amara was being…” I searched for a word.
