“Yeah,oh.”Shaking her head, she moved to the counter that held a row of white sinks. She placed the soda and crackers on the counter. “After what happened when Andreas and Thiers were born, he was adamant about not having anymore children. At least, not me birthing anymore.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling sorry for Patience.
“I almost died after having my babies.”
I nodded, remembering that awful day, hours after she’d given birth. We’d received the call from Deborah after a distraught Aaron had called them, explaining what was happening. The entire family rushed back to the hospital. Thankfully, by then the excessive bleeding Patience had experienced was under control.
“But you didn’t,” I reminded her.
“Thank God.”
“Thank God,” I agreed. “And thankfully, you know now what to be on the lookout for. No two birthing experiences are alike. I’m sure this one will be so much better.”
Patience gave me a humorless laugh. “I appreciate the words, Michelle. But trust me, I’ve already given myself every pep talk imaginable. Truth is, I’m not as frightened as I thought I’d be. I know this baby is meant to be.” She cupped her abdomen again. “I’m just …”
“Terrified of Aaron’s reaction.”
She frowned. “Terrified is a strong word. Let’s just say if I had the option of telling him versus just being able to have this baby and bring it home happy and healthy without having to tell him, I’d go with door number two.” She smirked.
I grinned, understanding completely. Aaron didn’t play when it came to his wife’s safety and well-being. Hell, none of the Townsends did.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I stated, rubbing her shoulder.
Her hand lifted to mine. “Thanks. And thanks for these.” She held up the can of soda and animal crackers.
“Just returning the favor. You finish up in here and discard the evidence so the others won’t see.”
She nodded.
I’m sure eating in the bathroom was the last thing she wanted, but if she hadn’t told Aaron about the baby yet, I doubted she wanted the other women to know about it. Not until she was ready.
As I exited the bathroom, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips at the thought that we’d have a new little niece or nephew in the family soon. In fact, it had me extremely excited to get home to my own husband that night.
****
“Hi, Mama!” my oldest son, Diego, greeted as I entered the front door. He came from the direction of the kitchen, likely alerted by the dinging of the alarm we have whenever the door is opened. Not far behind him was his best friend, Monique.
“Hi, Mrs. Townsend,” she added in her sweet voice.
My heartstrings pulled in my chest. Being a mom to two little boys was fantastic. Add a loving and adoring husband and I spent my days on cloud nine, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I also wanted a little girl.
“Hi, baby. Hi, Monique,” I replied to the pair, pressing a kiss to Diego’s cheek and giving Monique a hug. “What are you two up to?”
“We’re working on our volcano project,” Monique responded excitedly.
I smiled. Diego and Monique were now in the same class, given that once her mother, Sandra, and Joshua’s best friend, Damon, got married, they’d transferred Monique to Excelor Academy where my son also went. The school had an outstanding academic reputation, and all four of the Townsend brothers had attended. Diego had been in the school since he was in kindergarten. He loved it, but enjoyed it even more now that his best friend shared his third grade class with him.
“And how’s that going?” I questioned, as I fully entered the living room area, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor.
“It was going well until someone added the vinegar a little too soon.”
I glanced up and into the sparkling blue eyes of the love of my life. I grinned when I noticed the frowning expression on his face.
“Dad’s just upset that he didn’t get to pour in the vinegar,” Diego added.
I giggled, covering my mouth. I didn’t know who was more excited about this volcano project—the kids or Carter.
“Yeah, when you two get an A-plus on this thing, I want my props,” Carter retorted, pointing at the kids. “Now go wash up for dinner.”
