“We also need to figure out what car seats will work best since we are going to have so many.” I start to rub my temples. I can feel a migraine coming the more I think about everything we will need.
“We have plenty of time to figure things out, okay? You’re not doing it alone, so we will look up all the options later and decide together.” Callum squeezes my hand.
I let out a breath and grab my bottle of water. “You’re right. We have time.” I take a big sip, and we sit in silence for about five minutes before my stomach starts to protest the breakfast I just had.
“Callum, pull over.” I’m starting to dry heave and gag.
“What? Why?” he asks, confused.
“Just pull over!” I beg.
He whips the car into the next parking lot, which happens to be Checker’s. I throw open the door the second he parks and start throwing up as soon as I’m out. Thankfully, there is a huge hedge bush in front of the car so I’m semi shielded. Both guys jump out and run to my side.
Silas pulls my hair back out of my face, and rubs my back. Callum is on the phone, telling the others we had to stop. When I’m finally done, I find Callum has drawn up a dose of Zofran to give me a shot. I’m reminded once again that having a medic as a husband is great for times like this.
I get back in the car after rinsing my mouth out with a bottle of water, and we stay parked for a moment to let the medication take effect.
“How are you feeling, Wildflower?” Silas asks, standing in the open door to rub my shoulder.
“Much better, actually.” I glance at Callum. “Can you pull through the drive through? I want a spicy chicken sandwich.” I’m already excited about getting some junk food.
Both guys are looking at me like I have two heads. Silas breaks the quiet stare down first. “You just threw your guts up and now you want a spicy chicken sandwich?” he asks like he can’t believe what he’s hearing.
“Yup. I want it with cheese, pickles, lettuce, and make sure we get plenty of ranch. Oh, and they have cheese fries.” I turn to look at the kids. “Would y’all like some french fries?” They all nod their heads.
Silas and Callum are still looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Look, y’all are going to have to learn to deal with the crazy pregnancy shit that’s going to happen. My stomach is empty now. If my stomach stays empty, I’ll end up dry heaving and throwing up bile, so stop looking at me like I’m crazy and feed me.” I kinda want to stomp my foot like a child since I know I’m acting like one.
“Look, I’m sorry for being bitchy. I just hate being looked at like that,” I tell them sadly.
“Babygirl, we weren’t trying to make you feel bad about it. We just don’t want you to get sick again. Plus that was a quick bounce back from throwing up to wanting a spicy chicken sandwich,” Callum explains.
“Yeah, well, it seems the mood swings and cravings are going to start sooner. Sooooo. Can I have food now?” I bat my eyelashes at him, which causes him and Silas to laugh.
“Yeah, Babygirl. Let’s get you some food.” He places his hand on my leg and gently squeezes before they both get back in.
After we obtain my treats, we are on the road again. The civic center is about a forty-five minute drive so I’m able to finish all my food before we pull in. The others are standing by Maw-Maw’s car, laughing at something. I love seeing my grandmother getting along with my men. She and Corin couldn’t even be alone in the same room. I love having everyone around and being able to have fun days as a family.
When Callum parks next to them, Bodie comes to open my door while the others get the kids out of the car. He notices the trash from my bounty, which is now nothing but crumbs. However, he doesn’t say anything, just raises his brow and grabs the bag to walk it over to the trash.
“How are you feeling, dear?” Maw-Maw asks, walking over to my door and carrying Vivian.
“I feel way better. I don’t think the eggs agreed with me, but that spicy chicken sandwich hit the spot,” I reply cheerfully.
“I’m glad. Are you excited to get the kids on the ice? I remember how much you used to love it.” She pats my knee, then heads to the entrance. Silas grabs my hand to hold while we follow her in, and he takes my skates from me so I don’t have to carry them.
As I step into the building, it looks like walking into a winter wonderland. It’s beautiful; everything is made to look like it’s covered in snow. They have pine trees scattered sporadically and twinkling lights are hung almost everywhere you look. The smells of cinnamon and mocha add to the effect. It’s so breathtaking.
“Wow, Mommy! It’s so pretty!” Lochlan is bouncing around.
“Yes it is, baby! Are you ready to go skate?” I ask, grabbing his hand to follow everyone to the ticket booth.
Maw-Maw already paid since she somehow moves faster than I do pregnant. She waves the tickets to show she also paid for rental skates.
I take the little ones up to the kids' counter to get their skates, and I help put them on, making sure they fit properly, and are on tight enough. Thankfully, I’m not showing yet, so I can still put on my own skates.
“Hey, guys, will one of y’all go grab three of the walkers, please?” I ask, looking over at the guys who are sitting on the bench across from us.
“Yeah, Darling, I’ll go grab some. Hopefully, I don’t need to borrow one as well.” Orin walks off, mumbling the last part. He’s walking like a newborn baby deer on his skates. I cover my mouth, trying not to laugh, but Callum is nodding in agreement.
