I let go of her hands, and she immediately winds them around my neck, pulling me even closer. I press soft kisses on her forehead, temples, and cheeks, waiting for her to tell me whatever it is that’s on her mind.
“We’re going to have a baby,” she whispers.
It takes a few seconds for her words to penetrate.
“Wait…did you say…” I’m a little flustered because I’ve known since the beginning that her chances of conceiving naturally were very low.
She nods, her eyes a little watery. “I’m pregnant.”
“Oh my god, baby!” I crash my lips to hers and then lift up to look at her. “Are you okay? How long have you known? How far along? Oh my god!”
She giggles. “I’ve known a few days. I found out while you were gone but wanted to wait until we were together to tell you.”
“This is incredible.” I look down at her. “Right?”
“The timing isn’t great,” she says, “but yes. I’m excited. I’m eight weeks. It’ll be nine on Wednesday.”
“How are you feeling? When are you due?”
“The due date is Christmas. The twenty-fifth.”
I chuckle. “Well, that’ll be a hell of a Christmas present.”
“Are you happy?” There’s a note of worry in her voice that surprises me.
“Yes! Hell yes. Aren’t you?”
“I am. I just…” Her voice trails, and she bites her lip.
“The tour is starting.”
She nods. “And there’s a lot of money on the line. This is our first headlining tour. The timing couldn’t be worse.”
“Have you told them yet?”
“No. You’re the first. Other than Mack. She came to my appointment with me because I was nervous.”
“What did the doctor say?”
“That everything looks good, start taking prenatal vitamins, and don’t worry unless and until there’s something to worry about.”
“She didn’t say you were high risk?”
“She said I’m potentially high risk. Meaning, things could change as I get further into the pregnancy. But right now, we’re both strong and healthy. And honestly, I feel great.”
“But that’s good news. I mean, you can probably do the first half of the tour, right? And then maybe they’ll have to reschedule the second half for next year.”
She nods but I can see her heart isn’t in it. “What?” I ask. “You don’t like that idea?”
“I don’t want to be replaced.”
“You think they would?”
“I don’t know, but we’re rehearsing tomorrow, so I’m going to tell them then.”
“Lex, everything is going to be okay. The band is going to be happy for you. You’ll see.”
“I just don’t want to blow things up. We’ve worked so hard to get where we are… I don’t want my pregnancy to derail our success. This is our first tour headlining and now we may have to cut it short because I got pregnant? And then how long before I’m physically able to perform again? Not to mention, I have to believe I’m not going to want to leave the baby…”
