Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Chapter 23
Ally
Austin offered to throw a huge wedding. He wanted to buy me a dress and have a big party, but I talked him out of it. I just wanted it done. That was a month ago. I know that officially being a Blaze is going to offer a level of protection to me and the baby, and that’s why I did it, but there’s a part of me that knows I have more reasons for wanting to marry Austin.
But as soon as I start to think of those reasons, I shut them down. I’ve told myself over and over I’m not going to get caught up in all this, but I can’t help it. The way he makes me feel. The way he has made sure to take care of me and the baby… damn… how could I not fall completely, head over heels in love with him?
So now here I am, completely in love with my best friend, who is now my husband, and I need to act like I’m not. Austin has never been one for commitments. I’ve seen him date throughout the years, and as soon as a woman wanted more, he’d be out the door. Nope, I’m going to do my best to play it cool.
I’m staring at the ring on my finger when Austin nudges me. “You regretting it?”
I ignore the stares that we get from the other people in the waiting room. I hold my finger up. The ring is enormous. I told him over and over that he could get me something small, but this is what he gave me instead. Since that day a month ago, I’ve caught myself staring at it over and over, daydreaming. It sure doesn’t look like a ring you give someone that you know you plan on divorcing someday. That’s the thought that always enters my mind. “No, I’m not regretting marrying you. How could I? You’ve been the perfect husband.”
That seems to appease him because he melts into my side. He has one arm around my back and the other on my knee. I’m surrounded by him, but I appreciate the sense of protection it gives me.
“Do you know what you’re having?” The woman across from me gestures to my belly.
I smile. “A girl. We’re having a girl.”
Her smile brightens. “Me too.”
I look at the vacant seat next to the woman and worry that she’s here by herself. As if reading my mind, she shrugs her shoulders. “My husband had to work.”
I nod. “Have you picked out a name yet?”
That seems to perk the woman up. She starts to talk, and I sit here quietly, listening to her talk about baby names, when the baby’s due, and how she’s a little scared because this is her first child.
I ask her questions and encourage her to talk, sensing that she needs to. When the nurse calls my name, I impulsively hug the woman. I knew it was the right thing to do when I pull back and she’s beaming at me yet wiping a tear from her eye. “Thank you,” she says. “I’m sorry to have talked you and your husband’s ear off.”
I shake my head. “You didn’t. I enjoyed meeting you.”
After a few brief exchanges, Austin and I walk through the doors for our appointment. He’s watching me closely, and I try to focus on the questions the nurse is asking me. I go into the bathroom to give a sample and then find myself in the room with Austin as we wait for the doctors.
As soon as I walk into the room, Austin hands me a thin tissue-like blanket. “You know the drill.”
I take it from his hands and lay it on the bed. The last few visits, they’ve had me undress from the waist down to examine me. Austin helps me with my shoes and then removing my pants and underwear. He takes my hand and helps me up onto the bed. He positions the thin blanket around me and then puts his hands on the bed, next to my hips. “That was nice of you out there. That woman needed that.”
I shrug, acting like it didn’t bother me, but it did. The truth is, I can see myself in that woman. If it wasn’t for Austin, I would be here by myself, and I would probably latch on to the first person that was willing to hear me talk too.
Austin puts his hand over mine. “Have you picked out a name?”
I bite my lower lip. “Yeah, but I’d like to make sure you’re okay with it.”
His forehead creases in confusion. “Okay?”
“Kennedy,” I blurt out and hold my breath.
He points a thumb at himself. “You want to give her my middle name?”
I hold my hands up, unable to tell what he’s thinking. “I don’t have to. I’ve always liked your middle name. It’s a good name. And you’re my best friend… I just thought….”