Authors: Ashley Johnson
Chapter 36
There are several things that I’m completely sure of. Things I know without a shadow of a doubt. I know there was a reason I went to the rodeo that year with Karlee although it was my anniversary with Brad. There was a reason Wesley pulled me from that car. There was a reason I survived. I’m as sure as the sky is blue that I stood in the right place at the right time when I wanted that beer at the rodeo. Fate has funny ways of coming into your life. If I hadn’t then Wesley would have never spoken to me, who knows what path I would have gone down. I can’t help but wonder if there would have been a different ‘Wesley,’ but at the same time I don’t care because I have the real deal. Our relationship has been tested since day one and at times I wasn’t sure any part of it would survive. It’s been a struggle but a happy one in the end.
I haven’t been back to work since my accident five months ago. Mr. Collins continues to insist I have a job waiting and I thank him over and over again. Bailey drove over to check on me last week and brought me a bowl of my favorite soup. She filled me in on everything going on and asked how I’ve been.
Truth is I’ve been perfect. Wesley has a new manager and he’s doing all his training from the ranch like he wanted to. He’s gone to compete in a few different rodeos that I practically had to shove him out the door for. I refuse to let him keep putting his career on hold. Amber and I went to one that was close to home and everything about it reminded me of the very first time I ever saw him ride, except this time we got to stand behind the scenes. His ranking is slowly moving back up and I’m proud of him.
The baby shower Mom and Amber threw went perfectly. Nora helped out quite a bit also helping by different pieces of baby furniture. My mind was blown when I walked into the baby room one morning and saw Nolan and Wesley painting the walls a pastel pink. I had my heart set on that color the first time I saw it in The Home Depot. Wesley rolled his eyes and ushered me away from anything remotely close to pepto pink. We’re having a girl, what does he expect? The two of them were actually getting along and it made me smile to see that. Family is the most important thing you can have. Friends may come and go but family is always there. I smile thinking about how happy the past few months have made me. Some I wasn’t sure I could survive but a hand above was looking out for me.
I smile looking at the latest ultrasound picture. My due date is in about two weeks and I’m more than ready to meet this little girl. We haven’t decided on a name yet. We’ve discussed it but that’s as far as it’s gotten. Neither of us can agree. I feel like a whale today. I can’t see my feet and I’m miserable. I feel like Violet from Willy Wonka. Wesley could probably roll me down the hallway if he wanted to.
I’m itching to get out of the house. We stayed in all weekend without a single plan. His manager insisted he take the weekend off to relax and we did just that. I brush my hair and let it fall loosely down my back before turning to walk out the bathroom. Half the contents on the corner of the vanity fly off and land on the floor with a thud. I groan as I prepare to bend down and pick them up. I thought pregnancy was fun earlier, this just plain sucks. My knees are bent and I’m about to slowly lower myself when I hear Wesley.
“I got it babe, you ok?” His arm catches mine and he steadies me. I huff and puff as he picks up everything my humungous belly threw around.
“I’m tired of being fat.” I complain.
His eyes shoot up to mine as he places the last item on the vanity. “Hope, you’re not fat. You’re pregnant. There’s a huge difference.”
“My belly is huge. It should be considered a weapon of mass destruction.” I try to edge past him but there’s no way I’m squeezing through.
He chuckles pulling me in for a kiss. “Stop it baby. I have an idea that may brighten your mood.”
“You’re going to induce labor? I’ve been reading up on that you know. There are certain positions we can try and…” I’m talking animatedly because the idea just makes me excited. The sooner we try, the sooner we can maybe have a baby and my body can go back to normal.
“That does sound extremely tempting,” he kisses my collar bone and I moan softly. “But I was thinking of taking you car shopping.”
After the insurance company settled from the accident, I just kept the money set aside. I wasn’t in a hurry to run out and buy a new car. I let Mom, Amber and Wesley chauffer me everywhere. With the baby set to come soon, a vehicle is something to consider. With Wesley getting ready to get back into the rodeo, I have to stop depending solely on him although I know it doesn’t bother him.
“Oh can we?!” My eyes light up and I’m pushing him out of the doorway. I throw my purse over my shoulder and flash him a smile. “Let’s get going what are you waiting for?”
“You have me interested in these certain positions Hope. Can we try those first?” He’s flashing his sexy grin in my direction and it’s taking a hell of a lot to keep myself composed.
“What about when we get home cowboy?”
“Are you sure sweetheart? I can make it worth your while.”
“I know you can and I want you to myself all night so let’s get going. The sooner we come home, the sooner you have me.” I lean in placing a slow tender kiss on his lips. His hands find mine and our fingers link together. He lets out a sigh as he kisses my forehead.
“I love you Hope. Let’s go, I’m ready to get home.”
“Love you too Wes. I want a red car by the way, candy apple red.”
He rolls his eyes as we step into the crisp air. Getting into his truck is a pain in the ass, but he still helps me as if I don’t weigh a ton for the time being. I fasten my seatbelt and take a deep breath like I do every time before we go anywhere now.
Wesley pulls in at a local Chevrolet dealership and explains he knows several people here that may help us get a good deal. I waddle my way across the lot with Wesley right behind me. I take one look at a car and realize it just won’t do. In my mind I have this idea that I will be safer in an SUV. Wesley cringes when I tell him like he actually thinks I’ll go for the biggest thing out there. I laugh telling him I don’t need an army tank.
“What about this one Hope?” he walks right up to a Chevy Traverse that isn’t quite candy apple red but it’s very pretty.
I peer through the windows and begin to admire the black leather seats inside. I think about the fact we have to place our baby in here and leather is easier to clean. I look at the sticker price and instantly shake my head.
“Wesley, I don’t know it’s more than what I got for my accident.”
“I didn’t ask you that, I’m asking if you like it.”
I stare at the car again taking in its beauty. I close my eyes and vividly imagine driving our daughter to see Wesley at a rodeo or to daycare. I can see him driving us to go visit my parents or his. I open my eyes and smile. “I’d like to drive it first, but will the seat go back far enough so I can sit?”
“Is that a fat joke Hope?” he asks disappointed. He hates when I say stuff like that but in my defense, I’m the one carrying the baby and the extra weight.
“It is not but it could be. I’m sorry.”
“I’m going to get a salesman to let us take it around the block. If it makes you feel better I can drive it for you.”
“Thank you kind sir that would be lovely.”
“You’re trying to drive me crazy aren’t you sweetheart?” he smiles leaning in to kiss me before walking towards the building.
My feet are tired and achy and he’s only been inside the building for a minute. I want to sit but there’s nowhere remotely near me. I groan in frustration and begin pacing back and forth.
I hear Wesley’s laugh before I see him coming with a salesman. With one quick click, the doors unlock and I open the passenger side. The smell of new leather hits my nose and it’s incredibly intoxicating. My fingers run over the leather taking in all its smoothness. This car takes my breath away. Wesley helps me into the passenger seat and walks around to sit in the driver’s seat. The salesman begins quickly telling us all the features that come with the car. He has me sold on the heated seats feature. I’m anxiously awaiting subzero temperatures so I can experience this first hand.
Wesley slowly pulls out of the parking lot and takes the Traverse on the interstate. For being a passenger, I can safely say that the vehicle drives smoothly and my heart is getting more and more set on it.
After driving for a few minutes, we pull back into the dealership. My eyes are still taking this in and I’m completely smitten over a new car. Our salesman is an older gentleman with salt and pepper hair who reminds me of a grandpa. He’s polite and treats us with the most respect.
“What did you think?” he asks cautiously.
Wesley drove but he’s looking to me to ultimately give the yes or no. My eyes land on the car and then back to the salesman. “I thought it rode very smoothly. I like it. What do you think Wes?”
“I like it, but if you want we can shop around.” He says that but his eyes are pools of desire thanks to our conversation before we left the house.
“I love this one. Do you think it’s possible?” I turn to the salesman looking for his guidance.
“Let’s get inside and get some information and we will definitely do what we can to help you out.”
We follow him inside and begin the grueling process of credit applications and paperwork. I’m not doing anything but sitting in a chair and I’m exhausted. The price was about ten thousand more than my insurance settlement so I plan to do the smart thing and place all the cash I have down and finance the ten thousand. My note is going to be dirt cheap and that puts a rather big smile on my face.
Our salesman comes walking back into our little cubicle wearing a huge smile on his face. “Congratulations, you are the owners of a new Chevy Traverse.”
I smile immediately but am filled with disappointment because it is going to be a while before I can drive my new vehicle myself. This huge belly isn’t going to give me any room to drive. I scrunch up my nose at the thought.
“Are you ok with driving it home, Hope?”
I sigh, drawing in a deep breath. “Yeah Wes, I can do it. Wait, I didn’t sign papers.”
“It’s taken care of Hope. Geez you scared me.” He smiles. He’s up to something and I’m determined to find out what.
“What do you mean it’s taken care of?”
He flashes me a smile bringing his lips closer to mine. They linger there and I can feel his breath on me as he replies, “I bought it for you Hope.”
“What did you do that for Wes?” I ask, inching my lips closer to his.
“Because I love you and I’ll do anything in this world for you. Now let’s get home or we’re going to christen this car.” His lips crash against mine melting me completely, I’m putty in his hands and at this point in time, I don’t care what he does as long as his hands and lips are on me.
Chapter 37
Before I can unbuckle my seatbelt, he’s at my door opening it for me like a true gentleman. His hand rested on my leg shooting desire through me. My feet settle on the pavement and he ushers me inside. His hands run through my hair as his lips find mine. I grab onto his shoulders as he deepens the kiss, I feel if I don’t hold onto him, I may fall from the sensations pulsating throughout my body.
Wesley breaks the kiss and smiles before kissing the tip of my nose. Hand in hand, he leads me to the bedroom and begins to kick off his shoes. I catch myself laughing when he nearly trips. He carefully lifts my shirt over my head and kneels down placing a soft kiss on my belly before coming back up to my lips. My body backs up until the backs of my knees are against the bed. Gently he lowers me until I’m lying comfortably.
“Now,” he murmurs trailing kisses down my neck, “What are these positions you were telling me about earlier?”
“Mmm,” I moan getting completely lost beneath him. “We don’t have to try those, I just want you.”
He stops and looks down at me pouting. “You sure? I was pretty interested in them.”
“I really don’t know what they are exactly,” I admit. “I just read there were some.”
He chuckles as he continues kissing me. If there’s one thing I’m glad, it’s that he wasn’t scared to have sex with me once I began showing. I would have held him down and had my way with him. With passion in his eyes, he slowly pushes into me proving over and over again just how much he loves me.
We’re lying side by side in the bed when I feel a sudden kick and look down at my belly in awe.
“Good morning sweetheart.” He murmurs against my neck.
I groan as I slightly open my eyes. I had probably the best night’s sleep of my life but it was all worth it to be woken up when I look into his eyes. He brushes a few strands of hair out of my face and continues to smile.
“Do you really have to leave this afternoon? Can you leave in the morning?” I pout.
“Come with me Hope. It’s just one simple competition. I know two days seems like forever but I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I know but I’m just going to stay here, I don’t feel comfortable enough to be around people.”
“I hate when you say things like that. You are beautiful. You’re carrying our child and that is incredibly sexy, plus you can almost out eat me. That turns me on.” He grins showing off those pearly whites that I just got the urge to knock out.
I shoot him a glare as he doubles over laughing. “That’s not nice, take it back.”
He continues to laugh to the point tears stream down his face. “Wesley Tyler, I’m so going to kick your butt.”
I get up on my knees on the bed prepared to launch a full attack when the sudden urge to pee hits me. I squeeze my muscles together trying my best to hold it in as I climb off the bed. Wesley thinks this is even funnier and I silently vow he’s going to get it when I finish peeing and what he’s going to get isn’t something he wants.
I’m not two steps from the bed when my water suddenly breaks. My mouth drops as I’m trying to figure out how this just happened. I’ve made a huge mess. I close my eyes completely embarrassed that I just soiled the plush carpet. The liquid continues to come out and I’m near tears. Wesley stops laughing and suddenly jumps up.
“Where’s your duffle bag?” He begins digging through the closet throwing things everywhere.
I point to my bag sitting in front of the closet. I watch as he begins throwing extra clothes in the bag. It all becomes reality when he grabs the infant seat and the diaper bag and runs to put them in the car. This baby just may be coming today whether I want her to or not. We’re about to be parents. Slowly, I make my way to the dresser to pull out a pair of black sweatpants. Once I have the sweatpants on, I sit calmly on the bed waiting for Wesley.
“Let’s get you into the car sweetheart.” He helps me up and leads me to the car. I’m numb sitting inside. “I called our parents and Amber to let them know.”
He squeezes me hand reassuringly and kisses my knuckles. “I love you Hope.”
“I love you too. I’m scared Wes.” I admit letting a tear escape.
“Don’t be scared, I’m here and I’m not leaving your side. It’s me and you and here soon, our baby girl.”
Wesley drives with the hazards on, speeding until we reach the hospital. I sit frozen in my seat afraid to move. Wesley grabs the bag slinging it over his shoulder and races to open my door. I give him a weak smile as I place my hand in his. My nerves are taking over as I get admitted. A nurse leads me to a room and immediately hooks me up to a machine to monitor my contractions. I told her I haven’t felt any yet and she just nods in understanding. Another nurse inserts an IV into my hand and I lay my head back trying to remain calm.
My parents come bursting through the doors with Amber on their tail. I’m relieved to see all of them here. Wesley begins talking to my dad allowing Mom and Amber access to me.
“How are you feeling? How far are the contractions?” Mom asks almost frantically. Apparently she can’t see that I’m already freaking out without her adding to it.
“I haven’t had any that I know of yet Mom, I’m feeling fine right now.”
Amber smiles leaning down to hug me. “I can’t believe you’re about to have a baby.”
“Me either. I’m scared to death.” I admit to my best friend. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Like I would miss this! You’re my best friend in the whole world and I can’t wait to meet my godchild.” She smiles infectiously. Her smiles gives me the courage to actually smile and I do.
Everyone stands around talking to each other while I lie in the bed. I still have yet to feel a contraction and I wish I were back at home in my bed. The nurse comes walking back in and stares at the machine. She doesn’t say anything which makes me nervous. She returns and explains she needs to inject this Syntocinon drip into my IV.
“What exactly is that?” Wesley asks wearing a worried look on his face.
“Nothing to worry about I assure you,” she smiles. “Hope’s cervix isn’t softened yet and this drip will help that process along. She will also begin to feel the contractions which can be quite painful at times.” She turns to look at me before continuing, “We can give you a minor pain medication if you start feeling uncomfortable but as soon as we can, you can have the epidural.”
My eyes grow wide as this further becomes reality and I’m nervous as hell. She proceeds to inject the drip. I close my eyes trying to control my breathing and relax. When I open my eyes, Nora and Nolan have now joined the party in this hospital room. I smile the best I can at them despite how uncomfortable I’m beginning to feel. I try to stifle back a laugh as I see Nolan and my dad talking. They seem to be getting along well and none of them have tried to kill each other. Everyone is acting civil.
Wesley comes up to my side and kisses my forehead. “How are you feeling baby?”
“I think I’m starting to finally feel these contractions and it’s pretty uncomfortable.” I wince as I feel another one coming on.
“You’re the strongest woman I know Hope, you can do this. Just think how much it’ll be worth it when you’re done. I need to step outside and call my manager and let him know I’m not coming. He’s the only person I wasn’t concerned with calling at the time.”
I nod my head bringing my hand up to grab a hold of his. “Hurry back Wes. I can’t do this without you.”
He smiles shaking his head. “It’s just a phone call sweetheart, I’ll be maybe five minutes.”
“That’s five minutes too long,” I pout. He throws his head back laughing and leans forward to kiss my cheek. I bring my hand up to hold that spot as I watch him walk out the door.
As he walks out the nurse walks back in and increases the drip. I don’t realize what that even means until a worse contraction hits me. Mom notices my pain and stands by my side. She grabs my hand and rubs small circles on it. “Shh baby girl, it’s ok. You’re doing fine.”
Nora looks at the machine and her eyes widen. I look to see what she sees but those numbers mean nothing to me. I can’t understand them. I just know this is beyond the worst feeling I’ve ever felt in my life.