Caught Red Headed
“Iwas beginning to think you forgot where your own mother lived.” Ma says, pointing an accusing finger at me. “You’re on the ranch for work every day and you still can’t stop by to visit more often?”
“Good to see you too, Ma.” I join her on the porch and kiss her cheek. “I’m sorry I haven’t come around much. Charlie and I have been busy.”
Between our businesses, the pregnancy, and Charlie’s constant push-and-pull to keep me at arm’s length, we’ve been stretched thin.
“Another thing I’m mad at you for,” she scolds, brushing dirt off my shirt. “You haven’t brought Charlie around since the wedding.”
I rub the back of my neck. “She’s tired most days and I try to get home early when the nausea hits the hardest in the afternoons.”
Ma’s gaze softens. “You must really be smitten with your new bride, because I could never pull you away from your work, not even for a home-cooked meal. Is she taking anything for the nausea?”
“The doctor prescribed some anti-nausea medication, but it hasn’t helped much.” She’s only taken it twice, but I’m frustrated that it hasn’t eased her queasiness at all. “Wren suggested she try B6 vitamins, but those upset her stomach too.”
I never assumed pregnancy would be easy, but I didn’t realize just how rough the symptoms could get. If I’d known Charlie would be throwing up every day, I would’ve tried to be better prepared. There’s nothing worse than finding her on her knees beside the toilet, hands gripping the bowl, looking exhausted. She’s still beautiful as ever, but I hate seeing her so miserable.
Ma fixes me with a stern look, holding her palms out. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I have a few things that should help. I’ll be right back.”
I open my mouth to respond, but she’s already disappeared back inside before I can say anything.
I’m grateful for her help but I’m itching to get home to Charlie. After last night, I can think of little else than the sight of walking in on her with her hand between her thighs as she cried out my name, and the sweet taste of her on my tongue when I pushed her over the edge.
I had to leave before she woke up this morning, and I’m eager for the next chance to show her that I’m ready to give her everything, if only she’d quit holding back and let me in.
Ma pushes open the screen door with her shoulder, balancing an overflowing crate with supplies.
I grunt as she shoves it into my chest. “Hold this while I explain what everything is so you can tell Charlie when you get home.”
I like that she already refers to Charlie’s place as my home too.
Ma reaches into the crate and pulls out a fresh ginger root. “Slice some of this into hot water and let it steep for ten minutes. It can be served warm or cold so make a batch tonight and have Charlie try it tomorrow.”
She drops the ginger back into the crate and takes out a box of peppermint tea and a lemon. “If that doesn’t help, try this served warm and with fresh lemon squeezed in. There’s also some ginger candy, saltine crackers, electrolyte packets and a cooling mask if she gets overheated or has a headache.”
I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “Thanks, Ma. I owe you one.”
She pats my cheek affectionately. “You can make it up to me with extra visits once she’s feeling better.”
“Charlie would love that.” I shift the crate under my arm, pull the sonogram I brought from my pocket, and hand it to her. “Before I forget, she asked me to give you this.”
Tears immediately spring to Ma’s eyes. “Oh, would you look at that,” she whispers. “My first granddaughter.”
My brows draw together. “Granddaughter?”
She nods, carefully taking the sonogram from me. “Yes, you’re having a girl, and she’s already so beautiful.”
I rub a hand across my face. “Charlie’s grandma thinks so too, but the doctor hasn’t confirmed it yet.”
Ma pats my chest, giving me a smug grin. “It’s called motherly intuition, and it’s never wrong.”
“Kay said the same thing,” I mumble.
She lets out a bubbly laugh. “Maybe you should listen. We do know a thing or two about these things.”
I haven’t asked Charlie if she wants to find out the sex before the baby’s born, but I’m starting to think we should. Part of me wants to find out early whether her grandma and my mom are full of it or if they’re actually right about it being a girl.
At the end of the day, all that matters is that our baby is healthy. I do have a much better idea of how to handle boys, and I’d be completely out of my depth with a girl, especially if she inherits Charlie’s fiery spirit. God help us. Still, there’s no question she’d have me wrapped around her little finger from the moment she’s born.
