As I lay there, pulling my beautiful girl into my arms, my mind goes over all she shared with me tonight. I hate what Trey has put her through, but I’m grateful that he’s letting her go finally. I promise myself that I’m going to love this woman the right way, loud and big. I’ll be a dad to her baby like they’re my own. Because starting right now, they both are.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-NINE
MACKENZIE
Iwipe the cold gel off my belly with a white towel, pull my shirt down and sit up on the table in Dr. Mason’s office. I’m at my thirty-week appointment and it’s always a welcome relief to hear my baby’s heartbeat and see them on the ultrasound screen. My mom sits in the chair beside me, tears in her eyes. It’s the first time she’s come with me and she’s been an emotional mess. Jordan has been at every appointment since I’ve been back—until today. He had a late away game last night and they’re heading back this afternoon.
“Well, Mackenzie, the baby looks great. I am still concerned about your blood pressure. It’s gotten better, but you need to rest more and make sure you’re avoiding any added stress. I’m going to prescribe you magnesium and that should help as well. It’s safe for the baby and you, but we will be monitoring both of you more often and making sure we’re using the correct dosage.”
“I understand. I’ll do better. I promise.”
“Good. High blood pressure can lead to complications and I don’t want that for you or your baby. Some swelling is normal, but if it starts to get out of hand, you call labor and delivery immediately.”
She doesn’t need to tell me what could happen. I spent way too much time searching it and freaking out a few weeks ago. Dr. Mason calmed most of my fears, but preeclampsia is a real possibility if I can’t get my blood pressure under control.
“Don’t worry, doctor. Between me and her daddy, we’ll keep an eye on her.”
“And me!” A voice comes from my phone sitting on the chair beside me. We all laugh at his input. Even though Jordan couldn’t be here in person, he made sure to call in.
“I know you will, Jordan.” Dr. Mason winks at me and I blush.
To say Jordan is protective is an understatement. In the last few weeks, he’s read all the baby books and even baby-proofed his apartment. His friends are throwing him his own sprinkle at the same time as my baby shower. It took him three tries to explain that one to me.
“Bye Jordan.” I say to the phone.
“Love you, baby.” Still on speaker, the room just heard his declaration and if my cheeks were pink before, they’re bright red now.
“Love you, too.” I hang up and dart my eyes over to my mom. She’s crying even more now, a huge smile on her face. To say she and Paige were thrilled when Jordan and I announced our relationship is an understatement. They even started a shared Pinterest board to plan our wedding. Thankfully, Jordan took it all in stride.
“Okay, let’s go.” I try to change the subject, but Dr. Mason has to have the last word.
“Hold on to that one, Mackenzie.” She knows my whole situation and when Jordan entered the picture, she was instantly smitten with him.Join the club, lady.
Mom and I stop at the front desk and grab my next appointment card before walking out the doors and over to her forest-green Toyota 4Runner. I slowly climb into the passenger seat, as she slides in and starts the car.
“You know the doctor is right. About all of it, the taking-it-easy part and the Jordan thing.”
“I know, Mom.”
“I’m so happy for you, baby girl. My baby is having a baby and she’s finally found a man worthy of her. Makes me so incredibly happy.” I reach over, squeezing my mom’s hand as we drive home. My heart is full of gratitude for the beauty I’ve found after fighting through the storm.
Two weeks later,it’s Valentine’s Day and for the first time in eight years, I don’t have plans. Jordan and the team got held up in travel due to weather, so we won’t be able to see each other tonight. I could hear the devastation in his voice when he dropped the bad news, but I reassured him we’d make up for it when he got home.
I’m planning on sitting in my ratty grey sweats, my favorite oversized Titans basketball hoodie, fuzzy socks, and all the treats. A rom-com marathon is just what I need to complete the night. My parents are going out on their annual double date with Paige and Everett. I’ll have the house to myself to completely veg out, something I’m a pro at lately. I’ve been taking magnesium and resting like Dr. Mason recommended. There’s been swelling, especially in my ankles, but nothing that isn’t controlled by more rest and elevation.
Just as I finish popping the popcorn, I hear the doorbell ring. Figuring it’s Paige and Everett, I don’t answer it. But it rings again and I hear my mom call to me.
“Mackenzie, can you get the door?”
I set the giant bowl of popcorn on the counter before shuffling over to the front door. When I open it, I don’t find anyone, but there is a white box with a big pink bow on the front. It’s not heavy as I pick it up and bring it inside, sitting on the couch. A card is tucked into the ribbon with my name written on it in a very recognizable handwriting.
The familiar butterflies I feel anytime I see or even think of Jordan take flight as I open the envelope and read what’s inside.
Wear this. Be ready at 6.
– J
