NERVES

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Gunny insisted that Bella make an appointment with the doctor before they left for Japan.  She called and got an appointment for the following morning.  Gunny hated to leave her but had to get to work.  Bella shooed him out the door and took a leisurely soak in the tub.  It was Thursday and she had a million things to do before they left the following Wednesday.  She spent her day running errands and packing.  She picked up Jen's dress and her own for the wedding.  While she was at the bridal shop she looked around for a dress for her own wedding on Saturday.  She found the perfect one after looking for only a few minutes.  It was a sleeveless, floor length organza gown with a scoop neck.  The bottom was accented with crystals that caught the light.  She decided she would wear her hair up but no veil.  She paid for her dress and took everything out to her car.  She called Jen from her car.

"Jen, are you going out for lunch today or staying at the office" Bella inquired.

"I can't get out of here.  The Admiral has me working on a project that has to be finished before I leave." Jen sighed.

"Why don't I grab some lunch and bring it to you.  We can take 20 minutes and eat in the courtyard." Bella suggested.

"That sounds great.  When will you be here?" Jen asked.

"Give me half an hour" Bella told her.

"Hey, you might want to bring Gunny something too.  I don't think I've seen him move from his desk since he walked in this morning.  He's had a smile on his face all morning though." Jen said.

"Please tell him I'll bring him something too" Bella said with a smile in her voice.

They hung up and Jen headed for Gunny's desk. 

"Excuse me, Gunny.  I just spoke to Bella and she's bringing lunch for us" Jen told him.

"Great.  I haven't been able to get away from my desk to get coffee or even go to the head" Gunny answered wearily. 

Jen smiled sympathetically and walked back to her desk.  About forty minutes later Bella walked in carrying several bags.  Gunny was on the phone when she walked in.  She smiled brilliantly and left a bag on his desk.  He gave her a silent thank you and returned to his conversation.  Bella continued into Jen's office and asked if she could get outside for a bit.  Jen buzzed the Admiral.

"Admiral, permission to leave for 20 minutes for lunch"

"Take 45 minutes" the Admiral ordered

"Aye aye, Sir." Jen responded.

Jen and Bella walked out to the courtyard and found an empty table in the shade.  Bella spread everything out on the table and started munching on a sandwich.  Jen just stared at her.

"Well?" Jen said

"Well what?" Bella responded innocently.

"Did you tell him?" Jen prodded.

"Yes, I told him" Bella replied.

"Isabella Santini, do not make me drag it out of you.  What happened?" Jen demanded.

Isabella burst out laughing.  She showed Jen her left hand.  Jen squealed quietly with delight for her friend. 

"We're getting married on Saturday at St. Patrick's" Bella confided.

"That's great" Jen replied warmly.

"Would you be my maid of honor?" Bella asked.

"I'd love to.  You're doing it for me and I'd love the chance to do it for you" Jen replied.

"Thank you so much.  The ceremony is going to be at 7:00 on Saturday night after mass" Bella advised.

"That doesn't leave much time for planning and to get your families here" Jen reasoned.

"They won't be coming" Bella said sadly.  "We talked to them last night.  Victors' mom was so nice to me.  I was terrified to talk to her"

Bella looked at her watch.  The girls quickly finished eating and cleaned up.  Jen went back inside as Bella walked toward her car.  She turned when she heard Gunny call her name.

"Did you call the doctor" Gunny asked.

"Yes, I did.  I go see her tomorrow at 10:30" Bella reassured him.

"I wish I could go with you" Gunny stated glumly.

"I promise to give you a full report and to make an appointment with enough time that you can arrange to be there for the first ultrasound" Bella said.

He longed to put his arms around her and hold her close but knew that someone might be watching.  Neither of them was ready to tell the Admiral what was going on.  They said good bye and promised to meet at home for dinner that night. 

Gunny walked in the door to the apartment to find the table set with candles, soft music on the stereo and the lights turned low.  Gunny set his stuff down just as Bella walked out of the kitchen and set a steaming bowl on the table.  She walked over to where he was standing and put her arms around his neck. 

"Welcome home.  Why don't you go change?  Everything will be ready in about five more minutes" Bella stated.

"You look amazing" Gunny said when he could finally find his voice again.

Bella was dressed in a sheer black dress with a solid lining that stopped at her knee.  It had a floral embroidered overlay, a satin drawstring under the bust and a side zipper.  She paired it with strappy sandals.  She wore no jewelry except for her engagement ring.  He kissed her and went to change.  When he came back into the dining room Bella was pouring sparkling cider.  She handed him a glass and motioned for him to sit down.  She made her specialty for dinner: ravioli in a creamy Bolognese sauce.  He took a bite and savored it.

"This is delicious" Gunny said.

They ate in silence for several minutes until Gunny caught Bella staring at him.

"You are the sexiest father to be" she purred.

"If you keep looking at me like that, we won't make it through dinner" Gunny said huskily.

"Suddenly, I'm not very hungry," Bella stated moving to sit on his lap.

He put his arms around her and kissed her senseless.  She got up, blew out the candles and took his hand.  Once in the bedroom, Gunny picked her up and sat her on the bed.  He kneeled down and undid one of her shoes kissing the inner curve of her ankle.  He did the same with the other shoe.  She shivered in anticipation.  He stood and she stood in front of him unbuttoning his shirt.  She ran her hands over his chest and felt his heartbeat quicken.  He slid one strap of the dress and kissed her shoulder.  He slipped his arms around her and unzipped her dress which pooled at her feet.  He raised an eyebrow at her when he found the dress was all she'd been wearing.  With a throaty laugh she finished undressing him.  He laid her on the bed and slid his hand down her torso to rest on her stomach.  She smiled and laid her hand over his.

"I love you Victor" she sighed.

It was music to his ears.  He kissed her deeply and their bodies melded together.  Their bodies joined in a rhythm unique to them as they soared to heights neither of them could have imagined.  They lay entwined as their heart rates returned to normal.  Gunny ran his hand lazily up and down her back.  They slept contentedly dreaming of each other.

The following morning Bella arrived at the doctor's office early and was nervous.  She didn't have to wait long before the nurse escorted her back to a room.  After a few questions the nurse left to get the doctor.  Dr. Klesko entered the room and introduced himself.  He checked her chart and did some quick calculations. 
"Mrs. Galindez it looks like your due date will be February 18."  Dr. Klesko continued.  "You're at four weeks now and I want to do the first ultrasound during the 16th week.  Do you have any questions?"

Bella asked about things like things she should eat, prenatal vitamins, an exercise program and were there any special instructions for her trip to Japan.  Dr. Klesko patiently answered all of her questions and reassured her.  He told her to set up an appointment for the twelfth week for a check up.  Isabella left the office and went to finish up her errands for the wedding tomorrow.  First she stopped at the bookstore and picked up a book on pregnancy.  She picked up the flowers for herself and Jen.   She picked up Gunny's suit at the cleaners and started to call the restaurant where they would dine after the wedding.  She stopped, remembering that Jen had already taken care of it for her.  She sighed, thinking about the wedding she planned merely a year before.  It was to have been the wedding of the season.  This wedding may have been smaller and quickly put together but she felt totally calm and confident about it.  This one would be perfect.  It was early in the afternoon but Bella was exhausted.  She went home intending to take a nap but she found a note on the table when she walked in.

I wish I could pamper you this way myself but I couldn't get away.

Relax and enjoy it.

Love, Victor

Underneath was a gift certificate for a massage at Taylor Made Day Spa.  She giggled.  She'd always wanted to try that place.  She called the salon to see if there was anyway she could get in that day.

"Taylor Made Day Spa…this is Megan, how may I help you?" the receptionist answered.

"Hi, I was wondering if there was any way possible to get in for a massage today.  My fiancée bought me a gift certificate and we're getting married tomorrow." Bella explained.

"Would this by chance be Isabella Santini?" the receptionist inquired.

"Yes, it is" Bella said with surprise.

"Miss Santini, your fiancée called this morning.  We're holding a spot for you at 3:00 with Monica.  Would it be convenient for you to come then?" Megan asked.

"That sounds perfect.  I'll be there" Bella stated.

She hung up the phone and looked at the clock.  She had just enough time for lunch before she had to head over there.  She was going to have leftover Chinese food for lunch but looked in the pregnancy book and made a healthier lunch.  On her way to the salon she called Gunny.

"JAG Headquarters, Gunnery Sergeant Galindez speaking" Gunny answered with a tone of annoyance.

"Rough day Victor?" Bella teased.

"Yes, I've been swamped.  How are you?  How was the appointment?" he asked.

"The appointment went great.  I'm due on February 18th.  I made the next two appointments for a check up and the ultrasound." She told him.

"I will make sure to be there for the ultrasound" he whispered.  "I have to go.  Colonel MacKenzie is calling but I'll see you tonight." Gunny stated.

They hung up just as Bella pulled into the parking lot.  She signed in at the salon and was immediately led back for her massage.  She had a full hour massage and made appointments for herself and Jen to have their hair and nails done in the morning.  She drove home and could barely keep her eyes open on the way.  She got as far as the living room and laid down on the couch.  She covered herself with a blanket and was asleep in seconds.  She was still there when Victor got home from work.  He made dinner and they talked about the wedding and the baby.  He explained that Jen was going to come spend the night in the guest room and he would go stay at her place so he wouldn't see Bella until the wedding.

"Let me just go grab my suit from the guest room" Gunny said.

"No wait, I'll get it for you" Bella replied.  "You can't see my dress and it's in there too"

She brought out the suit and sat down next to Gunny on the couch.

"I talked to Clayton Webb this afternoon" Gunny announced.

"Really, how is he?" Jen asked with a yawn.

"He's fine.  He's agreed to be my best man tomorrow night" Gunny responded.

"Clayton Webb is going to be your best man" Bella said with surprise.

"Yeah, he was surprisingly willing to do it" Gunny laughed as e phulled her close and sighed. 

"A year ago I was in Afghanistan and the only future I was thinking about was where my next duty station was going to be.  Now my future is with you and our child and it couldn't be more perfect."

Bella's eyes filled with tears and Gunny sat up taking her hands in his. 

"Bella, what's wrong?" Gunny asked with worry.

"Nothing is wrong" Bella sniffled.  "I'm happier than I've ever been."

Gunny took her in his arms and began kissing her neck.  He was beginning to unbutton her shirt when the doorbell rang.  They looked at each other, simultaneously said "Webb" and burst out laughing.

Bella went to open the door and found Jen standing on the other side her eyes swollen from crying. 

"Jen what's wrong?" Bella said leading her into the living room.

"Everything" Jen wailed.

"Start at the beginning" Gunny advised.

"I don't have my dress yet.  My nails are a mess.  The Admiral has me running ragged and I gained five pounds" Jen cried.

"Have you talked to Tiner?" Gunny asked.

"No.  He's been so busy that I haven't talked to him in two days.  What if he changed his mind?" Jen broke down sobbing.

Bella put her arms around Jen and looked at Gunny.  He went into the office to find out if Tiner was on-line.

Tiner, are you there?  This is Gunny.

Several seconds later there was a response.

Yeah, Gunny.  What's up?

Your fiancée is freaking out in my living room.  She hasn't talked to you in a couple days and she's convinced that you want to cancel the wedding.  You NEED to email or call her. 

It's been crazy out here on the Seahawk.  Lt. Nevin and I have been working non-stop.  She's at your house now?

Yes!

I'll call her right now.

Tiner signed off and ten minutes later the phone rang.  Bella picked it up and after speaking a moment to Tiner handed the phone to Jen.

"Jen, it's Jason.  Honey, how are you?"

"I'm better now that you called" Jen answered but went on to tell him everything that was wrong. 

Gunny and Bella went into the kitchen to give her some privacy. 

"Jen, I haven't been able to get in touch for two days because I've been buried under piles of paperwork.  It doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking about you or that I don't miss you.  In fact, I've been counting the days until we both get to Japan and we get married." Jason reassured her.

"Really?" Jen asked with a smile in her voice.

"Yes, really.  Don't give up on what we have.  I intend to spend the next 60 to 70 years showing you how much I love you" Tiner said quietly. 

Jen and Tiner reaffirmed their love for each other before hanging up.

"You guys can come back in now" Jen called out.

"Thanks Gunny.  I know you went and talked to him and I appreciate it." Jen said.

"You're welcome" Gunny replied.

"Gunny, I know this is your house but it's getting late and you don't want to see your bride on the day of your wedding until it's time." Jen hinted.

Gunny stood up reluctantly.  He knew he wouldn't sleep well without Bella next to him.  Jen left the room to give them some privacy.  Gunny picked up his overnight bag and his suit heading for the door.  Bella hugged him tightly.  She would have trouble sleeping as well.

Gunny kissed her tenderly and said "I love you and can't wait to make you my wife."

"Sleep well my love.  You'll be in my dreams and my heart." Bella whispered. 

Gunny walked out the door and Bella went to find Jen.  They had a few plans to make for each of their big days.