It had been about two weeks since they received the news. They were walking on air. Marianne was so happy but right in the middle of first trimester symptoms. Christopher was tying his tie as he was getting ready for work. He heard Marianne run into the bathroom and retching. He knew it was normal but hated seeing her like this. She usually was fine by 10-11am in the morning. He had been going in later to make sure she was okay. He went in the bathroom and held her hair and shoulders. When she was done he helped her up and hugged her. He wet a towel and handed it to her as she wiped her mouth. He then handed her a glass of water. She took a few sips. She then hugged him. "Thank you." She said. He squeezed her tight. "Its all right darling. I hate seeing you like this." He explained "It should not be long." She explained. Marianne was ecstatic about the baby but was looking forward to the symptoms ending soon. She felt tired and sore in certain areas. She felt guilty as well because she wasn't up to being intimate with Christopher. She felt guilty but she also felt not really desirable. They were looking forward for next week to hear the heartbeat.
They waited in the doctors office for the scan to listen to the heartbeat. They talked about Marianne's blood results and they came back good. Marianne shared her symptoms with the doctor and let her know it was normal. Both her and Christopher sighed in relief that things were fine and nothing to worry about. The doctor moved the instrument over Marianne's belly. Christopher grabbed her hand and squeezed. All of a sudden they heard the fast thud of a healthy heartbeat. They both grinned. It suddenly made it more real to them. There will be a baby joining them soon.
The doctor assured them it sounded great and Marianne to come back again next month. If there was any other questions or concerns to feel free to call. They left feeling wonderful and happy.
Marianne and Christopher were walking up the steps the following Saturday. Marianne was feeling good that afternoon and was very hungry. She still had some soreness but the nausea wasn't lasting as long. Just mainly in the early morning. She seemed to have to take a nap as soon as she got home from work though. Just as they were about to walk into Anne's home Christopher stopped her. "So are we telling them tonight?" Christopher asked. Marianne smiled. "Yes, I think it would be fine. They are going to notice and Mum knows I have been under the weather. Everything is looking good and I honestly can't wait to tell them." She grinned as she grabbed his hand. Christopher smiled. "I want to share too."
They all exchanged greetings and enjoyed dinner. Marianne practically inhaled the dinner. Only Christopher seemed to notice and had to stop himself from giggling. Elinor put Johnathan down upstairs in his portable cot. They were all sitting in the living room having coffee and dessert. Marianne grabbed Christopher's hand. They shared a look. "Well Christopher and I have something to tell you." Marianne started. "Yes, Jonathan is going to have a cousin." Christopher added with a smirk. Marianne developed a huge grin. "I'm pregnant!" She said. Everyone was so happy and shocked. "I can't believe it. Two grandchildren!" Anne said as she hugged her daughter. "Oh Marianne it is going to be wonderful." Elinor hugged Marianne. She then looked at Christopher. "You are going to be a wonderful father too." Elinor said to Christopher. Christopher smiled.
They spent the rest of the evening chatting about the new baby. How Marianne was feeling? Marianne explained they were still in debate if they are going to find out if the baby was a boy or a girl. Marianne would go back in forth. Sometimes she thought it was a boy, the next day a girl. Christopher had a feeling it was going to be a girl. Marianne wanted to be surprised but Christopher wanted to find out to plan. Elinor laughed at Marianne. Stating that she is so impatient she didn't think she could wait to find out what she was having. Elinor and Edward could not wait either but kept it a secret from everyone else.
Edward and Christopher chatted for a bit while Anne was on the phone sharing the news with Adele. Christopher was then expecting a call later from John once he heard the news. Marianne and Elinor were chatting on the sofa. Marianne was curious to find out when her morning sickness stopped. "I was lucky. It stopped around 8 weeks and I felt better and back to normal. One day I woke up fine." Elinor explained. Marianne felt relief it was only two weeks away. "Oh I am so glad to hear that." Marianne sighed. Elinor smirked. "Also just so you know, once you hit your second trimester. Don't be surprised if you can't keep your hands off your husband. You will get extremely horny." Elinor whispered. Marianne's mouth dropped open and blushed. "Really? I have read about that. I feel so bad I have not been interested and feeling tired and nauseous." Marianne looked over her shoulder to make sure no one else close by. "We haven't gone without making love for this long during our entire relationship. Even when we became serious when we started seeing each other. We didn't go more than a week and that was when Christopher had to go away on business." Marianne confessed. Elinor smiled and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. It will change. Christopher will understand. He might have to take cold showers but he understands." Elinor said with a giggle. Marianne blushed and giggled as well. "Well I am looking forward to that phase." Marianne said with a giggle. "Yes, you might get to the point where you don't let Christopher out of bed for awhile." They both laughed.
Marianne was loving the feel of the warm water running down her body. This shower was just what she needed. She and Christopher arrived home about ten minutes ago. He said he would make her some tea and lock up. She could hear him come up the stairs move around their bedroom. She was daydreaming for a few minutes, then she heard the shower door open. She opened her eyes and was greeted with the sight of Christopher's naked form climbing in with her. She smiled as he went to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they shared a kiss. "This is a nice surprise." She said as she smiled at him. "I thought we could save water this way." He grinned. She smiled back and looked in his eyes. "You have been so sweet and understanding. I am sorry I haven't felt great and we haven't been able to be close and intimate." She explained. Christopher pushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. "Darling don't worry. I know you are not feeling the best. But you are working hard to take care of the little one. I miss making love to you, but it will be worth the wait. You will feel better soon." He said as he stroked her belly. She smiled at him. "I know I just look forward to feeling a little more normal. But I wouldn't trade it for the outcome we are going to have. However, you might not be so keen on me when I am the size of a bus." She said with a giggle. Christopher laughed. "That is not true. You are gorgeous now and will still be when you have a giant belly." He said as he caressed it as they both looked down to her belly. They had noticed that she had a little bit of a bump that could be seen now, but not under her clothes. Christopher grinned when he put his hand on that area. Marianne reached her hand over his. "The little one is growing already. I had a bit of trouble zipping my pants this morning." She explained. He leaned down to give her a soft kiss. "I can't wait until we can feel the baby move." He confessed. She smiled. "Me too darling."
They finished their shower and flopped into bed snuggled up together. They fell asleep wrapped around each other full of happiness.
