I have a baby on the way, the one thing they want. I can’t be jealous of them when I have something they so badly want and can’t have.
A cramp hits me then, one so hard that I lean forward to hold onto the counter and spill my coffee. I carefully put it downand breathe through the pain. That was definitely worse than the others. I breathe, trying to count through it, but it’s never-ending.
“Anastacia—” Kelsey rushes over, putting her hand on my back. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
I keep breathing, my eyes closed, unable to answer her right this second. The pain is just too much.
“Tommy!” she shouts. “Tommy, we need help!”
“No, I’m… fine,” I manage to say as the cramp subsides. “Just a cramp.”
“Cramp or contraction?” she asks, her grip on me tighter, and the concern in her eyes obvious.
I shake my head. “I don’t know.”
She helps me to the chair, which makes me feel slightly better. There’s less pressure this way, but I’m still shaking from what just happened.
“Would you like water?” I nod, and she brings me a cold bottle of water from the fridge. I take a few sips, then press the bottle to my forehead and my cheeks. It helps relax me, so I take a few more sips.
“Are you okay?” she asks again.
“Yes, I’m okay.”
“You’re sure? Do you think something is wrong?” She looks toward the door, then mumbles, “Where the hell is Tommy?”
“I don’t think anything is wrong.” I smile, but I’m not entirely sure. “I think the baby is just telling me they’re almost ready to come out.”
“Yes, well, that’s expected.” She gives a nervous laugh. “Let’s get you to the couch. Or the bed?”
“Couch is fine.”
She helps me up. My back aches, and there’s a sharp pain between my legs when I get to my feet. I take a moment to breathe, to which she waits patiently, then we make our way tothe living room with her holding onto my arm and me hobbling. I get comfortable as she gets my blanket for me. And like every other time my anxiety is high, I force myself to sleep.
Chapter Seventeen
Grizz
“Why didn’t you call me?” I growl, staring down Tommy and Kelsey, though more at Tommy.
“She said she was okay, Grizz. And she seems fine,” Kelsey says. “She’s pregnant. Some of this is normal.”
“How do you—” I snap my mouth shut when she frowns and her eyes go all sad. “Fuck, I’m sorry.” I pull Kelsey in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Kels, I didn’t mean it. I’m just worried.”
“I know, Grizz. It’s okay.”
“It’s not,” I say firmly. “I shouldn’t take it out on you, and I shouldn’t make comments like that.”
I squeeze her tighter, then finally let her go. She gives me a reassuring smile.
“I love you,” I tell her, then look at my brother. “And I love you too. I’m so glad you’re both here, and I can’t thank you enough for helping her.”
“You know we want to,” Tommy says. “We want to be here.”
I hug him next. “Thanks.”
“Any time. You’re family.”
“Weare family,” Kelsey adds.
