-January 26th-
~TOBIAS POV~
"So, you want to straight up tell them? Or wait to see how long they notice that I'm wearing an engagement ring?" Tris asks as we drive over to Christina and Will's house where we're meeting all our close friends for an evening pizza and movie night. Will called earlier and invited us, and we figured it was a perfect opportunity to spill the news to all our friends at once.
"Let's see how long they take to notice." I say with an amused smile. "Christina will notice first, obviously."
"Agreed." she says with a chuckle.
We pull into the driveway and head towards the front door and I notice that she tucks her left hand in her coat pocket for now.
When Zeke jumps to open the door for us, he seems extra happy and inquisitive. A bit too obvious actually. For all he knows, I didn't go through with the proposal, so I find it amusing that he's so obviously looking to us for our reaction or for us to make an announcement. Plus. he keeps glancing to her left hand, but it's still tucked away in her pocket.
I give him a stern look as if to ease up, and he does so. I chuckle, amused at my friends behavior.
This morning, as we lay lazily in our tent on the beach, Tris asked if I told anyone I was going to propose. I explained that Zeke is the only one that I told. She seemed to assume that was expected since he and I have been such good friends for so long.
But she seemed quite surprised when I explained how Caleb kind of knew too. So I briefly explained how I asked for his blessing back when he got married to Susan. Tris found it to be a very sweet gesture (so much that she got a little teary) and thought it was cute that I had thought about this for so long now.
I also told her how I was planning on asking her in the spring, since it just seemed like a nice time to do it. But that I couldn't wait any longer.
Again, she thought that was very sweet and after I had explained how I shopped for the ring, etc., she reminded me again how sweet and wonderful the ring is, 'just like you' she told me before smiling slyly and pulling down my boxers to take me in her mouth. Only to followed by her riding my lap until we were both spent and exhausted.
We spent a few more romantic hours on the beach before we finally decided to head home. Where we showered, took Riley on a walk, and called and shared our news with Evelyn and then Caleb and Susan. Then around dinner time, we started heading over to hang out with friends. So here we are.
We're greeted with hugs by everyone but Uriah and Marlene, who haven't shown up yet. So Tris somehow continues to strategically keep her hand hidden one way or another.
We order our pizza and just after it gets delivered, Uriah and Marlene arrive. So we all sit around their dining room table and eat and chat.
So far, we're almost through eating and everyone seems pretty caught up in their food. Even though she's no longer hiding her hand, they haven't noticed, or at least if they did, they haven't said anything. She and I occasionally share knowing looks and smiles.
Once Christina has scarfed down 4 pieces, she rubs her belly and says she's full. We all agree and clean up.
Then we decide to make our way to the living room for the movie we all agreed on.
"Will someone put the movie in? I can't exactly bend over very well." Christina asks as she points in the general direction of where the DVD sits on the mantle and plops down in her big chair. The one she can actually get in/out of on her own despite her huge pregnant belly. She's due very soon. I think in a week or two.
Since Tris is closest to it, she grabs the movie and goes to put it in the bluray player. But just as she'a walking towards the entertainment center, I hear a gasp.
"What the-" Christina says. I look up and take in the scene before me. Tris stops mid-walk and at the way Christina zones in on her hand, Shauna and Marlene seem to notice and then zone in on it too. Then before I know it, all three girls are all up on their feet crowded around Tris in the center of the living room.
"What the hell?" Uriah asks to nobody in particular.
"What's going on?" Will stands up too, going over to where the girls are huddled. I stand up as well, but stand off to the side with my arms crossed, smiling to myself.
Zeke just sits back in the recliner smirking at me, while Uriah looks around confused. With an exception to Tris, who is just grinning, the girls seem to just be collectively squealing in excitement.
"Tell me this is an engagement ring!" Christina demands.
"Yes, yes it is." I hear Tris confirm, and even though I can no longer see her since she's enveloped by our friends, I can hear the smile in her voice.
"Oh my god!" Shauna exclaims.
"Yay!" Marlene squeals repeatedly.
"Ah! I knew he would ask soon! I just knew it!" Christina says excitedly.
"Did you just now put that ring on?" Shauna asks.
"Haven't taken it off since he gave it to me last night." she says proudly.
"How the hell did we not notice til now?" Christina asks astounded.
"You we're too distracted by your food." Tris laughs.
Meanwhile, Zeke, Will and Uriah all come over and congratulate me, giving me 'bro hugs' and slaps on the back.
"You did it man. I told you she'd say yes!" Zeke says.
"Congratulations!" Will says with a big smile.
"Thanks" I say, not able to contain my smile either.
"Dude, congrats! And that looked like a pretty nice ring, well done!" Uriah chuckles.
"Yeah, I mean, I haven't really seen it yet, but it looked like a good one." Zeke agrees. How much you pay for that?"
"Why does that matter?" I ask.
"Well, just curious. After all, I'm going to have to get one for my girl one day too, and I want to know what to expect to spend." he says. I smile at that thought, him and Shauna are great together.
"Yeah, I didn't really know what to expect either. When I went shopping, there was quite a wide range. I found some for a couple hundred bucks, and I found some upwards of $10,000. And I'm sure there are plenty even more expensive ones if you go to Tiffany's or something." I say.
"Where did you go?" Uriah asks.
"I shopped around a bit, but decided to get something unique for Tris. So I went with a vintage ring from that antique jeweler in town. It cost me about $4,000." I say. I surprise myself by revealing that much, but I guess I'm just excited.
They nod and tell me they're very happy for me and how great Tris and I are together. But we get distracted by the girls, who are now jumping up and down, causing Tris to reluctantly jump up and down too. It sounds like she just told them a little about how I proposed. She just laughs at their reactions.
"It's beautiful." Chris says as they slow down and admire the ring up close.
"Gorgeous!" Marlene agreed.
"Good job Four, it's fantastic. And you got a good girl here, you're smart to hang on to her." Shauna says to me in my direction.
"My Trissy, is going to be Mrs. Eaton!" Christina says with a grin as she gives Tris another huge hug. Then she turns and walks to me and hugs me too. "And who knew you could be so romantic!" She says kissing my cheek.
As she pulls away, she goes back towards Tris, who is looking at me from across the room grinning. Christina sees us and says "Aw, you guys are so cute!" Then she appears to start to be crying, presumably for joy.
"Aw, Chris." Tris consoles her.
"I just, I'm so happy for you both." she tries explaining through her happy tears. Will puts his arm around her shoulder. She's smiling like crazy and Shauna and Marlene come to hug me and congratulate me as well.
"Seems like baby is excited for you too." Christina chuckles through her tears as she holds onto her protruding stomach, as if the baby is kicking or she's getting a cramp or something.
Then her eyes scrunch, as if she's in pain. "Whoa." she says.
"You okay?" Will asks her. We all look on expectantly, ready to help if needed.
Then something happens that none of us expected.
Her water breaks.
"Oh-Oh my god, I-I think my water just broke." She says.
"Oh shit!" Uriah says.
"I'm so fucking happy about your engagement, that my water broke." she repeats with a laugh.
Will looks shocked and immediately lays down a blanket onto the chair, then helps her to ease down onto it. Marlene goes to grab towels to clean up the mess. Shauna stands nearby for moral support and grabs her phone seemingly ready to make any necessary calls.
Tris is immediately by Christina's side holding her hand, helping her breath so she doesn't stress out.
"Want us to call an ambulance? Or should we drive you to the hospital?" I ask.
"Um, I've only had one contraction, if that's what that was...so, so you can just drive me." She says, sounding slightly nervous.
"Okay, where are your bags? I assume you have bags of clothes and stuff ready to go?" Tris asks as calmly as possible.
"Yeah, we just packed them yesterday. This is 10 days before my due date, so I didn't think I'd actually need them so soon." She says. "There are two bags, both in the laundry room, on top of the dryer. Also, my purse. It's on the coat rack by the front door. Oh, and the car seat is in the garage still." She adds.
"Don't worry, I'll grab them." I say and Tris looks at me with an appreciative smile.
Marlene has grabbed Christina a glass of water and is now cleaning up the floor, as Shauna calls Christina's parents to inform them of the situation.
Will sits with Christina as he calls the hospital so that they're prepared for her arrival, and to ensure their doctor is there and ready.
As I turn to go get the stuff, I see Zeke and Uriah just standing there, not really knowing what to do. "I'll grab their stuff, you guys go start their car and make sure there is room in the back seat." I tell them. Will tosses them his car keys and they rush outside.
"Want me to help you change into something else more comfortable?" Tris asks Christina since she's still in the maternity shorts and top she was wearing.
"Yeah. Thank you." She says. Tris nods to me, as if communicating with me as to what she's doing. I nod back and smile before running to the laundry room.
I grab the two bags, Christina'a purse and the car seat and go outside to put it all in the awaiting car. I quickly read the instructions on the side of the car seat and buckle it in the best I can. They can always fix it later if needed, before they put the baby in.
I go back inside to tell them it's all in the car and ready. As I re-enter, Will and Tris are helping Christina down the stairs and she's now in a simple loose cotton dress.
"Car's already whenever you are." I say. They nod and Christina has to pause and grip the stair railing as another contraction comes.
She grunts and growls as she squeezes the railing.
"Yeah, okay, let's go." she says after it subsides. Tris and Will continue to keep her calm and breathing steady.
They help her out to the car and I lock up their house for them.
Will helps Christina into the back seat and sits beside her. I hop in the driver seat and sits takes the passenger front seat.
I hold her hand the whole way there, while I try to drive quickly, but safely and calmly so that Christina stays comfortable.
Shauna, Zeke, Marlene and Uri are following in their cars behind us. They insisted on coming to the hospital too and Christina seemed happy at the thought of having us all there for support.
Once we arrive, a nurse immediately comes to help escort her by wheelchair. Once they admit her and get her a room, only Will and Tris go in with her. The rest of us sit in the pastel colored waiting room. Shauna and Marlene continue taking the incoming calls from Christina's sisters and parents when they call to check in.
After a while, Tris comes in to join us and sits beside me. I immediately wrap my arm around her shoulders and kiss her temple.
"They're transferring her to the birthing room. They're going to have her push now."
She smiles a nervous but excited smile. She seems to be on the verge of tears, but I know it's a mix of emotions. She's excited, but probably slightly nervous and scared.
I sit back against the back of the chair and pull her with me, allowing he head to rest on my chest.
"Everything will go smoothly." I reassure her. She nods against me.
After a while, I glance at my watch. It's now 1am. Uriah and Marlene end up falling asleep in their chairs. Zeke stays awake, barely, sitting on the not very comfortable loveseat, reading a crinkled sports magazine. Shauna's head is on his lap. She's fast asleep.
Tris and I have moved around a bit so that my legs are stretched out along the row of chairs and she sits in front of me, head back on my chest. We're both still awake, drinking coffee to stay awake. She insists she wants to stay awake until the baby is here and she knows everything went okay. So I don't argue the point and decide to stay awake with her. She needs my support too. I know she's excited, but I can still tell she is tense and nervous. She hasn't let go of my hand since she joined us back in the waiting room.
By about 6am, Zeke and the others are snoring away. Tris and I are barely awake ourselves. Were just watching old Friends reruns on the small TV installed up in the corner of the room.
Eventually, a nurse comes and opens the door, which wakes the others up. The nurse informs us that baby is here and mommy is doing well. She tells us that they can allow visitors, but only two people at a time, for now. Shauna, Marlene, Uriah and Zeke all nod to us with a smile, knowing how anxious Tris is to go see them. This is her childhood best friend after all.
"Thank you." Tris whispers in acknowledgement and she stands up, takes my hand and we head to their recovery room. On the way, she makes us stop to wash our hands, knowing we don't want any germs around a newborn.
"Hello little mama." she says as we peek our heads into the room.
"Come in and see her." Christina says happily, but tiredly.
Will is beaming, holding their new little bundle of joy.
Tris strides anxiously but cautiously into the room and I follow, but stand aside a little, giving them space.
Tris leans over and kisses Christina on the top of the head and then goes over to see the new baby.
"Everything went good?" Tris asks assuming the answer is yes, but wanting confirmation.
Christina nods with a small smile.
"Pushing a 7lb. baby out of my vag wasn't exactly easy, but it was totally worth it." she says. "Isn't she great?"
"She's absolutely beautiful." Tris says as she leans over Will'a shoulder to admire her closer.
"I agree. What did you name her?" I ask, admiring the baby as well, but still slightly nervous in getting too close.
"Avery. Avery Mae." Christina says.
"She's officially..." Will says looking at his watch "1 hour old."
I smile down at her as she opens her eyes a little.
"Want to hold her?" Will asks Tris.
"Sure, if you don't mind." Tris says excitedly.
Will nods and Tris sits in the spare chair. She lays a baby blanket across her chest and Will hands the baby over to her.
Tris looks like such a natural. She seems to cradle the baby just right, beaming down at her with a loving smile. It makes my heart swell seeing her like this. It makes me really happy to know she's going to mother my children one day.
"Hi there little lady. I'm your Auntie Tris. You are so precious and so very pretty, yes you are. Look at this dark hair and long eye lashes. And your cute little nose." She coos to the baby. I can tell her eyes are watery, her voice thick with emotion. Then she looks up at me and nods with her head to come closer. I go stand beside her and squat down to get a closer look.
"She's so tiny." I whisper not wanting my voice to disturb the baby. Who is awake, but laying calmly in Tris' arms.
"Yeah, 7lbs. Is fairly average. Slightly on the small side, but that's normal when they're 10 days early. Right?" Tris asks Will.
"Exactly what the doctor said." He chuckles.
I tentatively reach out and touch Avery's soft hair. Then Avery reaches her arm out of her blanket.
"Aw, she likes you. She wants a high five." Tris says.
I carefully put my index finger against her little hand, as a "high five", but she grabs on to it and holds my finger in her little hand.
I can't help my grin, this baby is too cute. I look up at Tris and she is smiling at me so lovingly it makes my heart flutter.
I just sit there and admire this new baby that Christina and Will made and can't help but get more anxious to start our own family. By the way Tris looks at me, and the way she's holding and getting to know Avery, I feel that she might be thinking the same thing. I guess we're getting a little ahead of ourselves considering we got engaged less than 48 hours ago. But still, this is definitely an eye opener.
After a short while, we decide to give out other friends a turn to visit.
So we tell Christina and Will that we're going to the cafeteria to get some food and we'll send in the others. They agree and Tris hands the baby back to Christina so she can nurse her.
We head to the cafeteria and hop in line after grabbing a couple breakfast sandwiches.
"You seemed like quite a natural with that baby in your arms." I tell Tris.
"I guess it's just motherly instincts as a woman. Well, plus- I was around when my aunt had her baby. My mom and I were over at their house helping out a lot in the beginning since my Uncle was in the army and was over seas. I ended up babysitting their little boy twice a week for a few years. So I got quite a bit if practice."
I nod as we sit at a table by the window.
"You seemed pretty apprehensive, but intrigued." she tells me with a chuckle.
"Yeah, I've never really been around any babies. So it's all new to me. And it's a little intimidating. But, I'm a fast learner." I say with a smile before sipping my orange juice. She smiles back at this and shyly looks down and takes another bite of her food. "And Avery is adorable. It's crazy that they made her, they brought that little human into the world." I say.
"Yep. It's a miracle. The pain of delivering a baby doesn't sound so appealing, but just like Chris said, it's worth it. I know it wouldn't stop me from having any." Tris says and looks up at me with a nervous smile.
"I'm thankful for that." I tell her smile. "If I could take the pain on instead, I would. But I'll at least be able to offer you my comforting presence and my hand to squeeze as hard as you'd like." I say with a chuckle.
"Deal." She says.
After a while, we make our way back to their hospital room a visit some more. But eventually we tell them we're going to catch a ride home with Zeke and Shauna. As much as we like visiting, we know they should have some family bonding time.
"Wait, before you two go, can we ask you something?" Christina asks.
Tris and I nod and take a seat beside her hospital bed.
"What is it?" Tris asks, encouraging Christina to continue.
Christina looks to Will and he smiles and nods.
"We um, Will and I were thinking. We decided that we would love for you two to be Avery's god parents." Tris takes Christina's hand and smiles at her warmly as she continues.
"We understand if you want to think about it. Just let us know. We want to make it official with paperwork and stuff if you decide to agree. We would just feel much more comfortable that if, God forbid, something happened to the both of us, that Avery would go to a good safe loving home. I mean, I'll always have my parents and sisters. But my parents aren't going to be around forever, and my sisters are pretty useless with kids." She chuckles. "And Will's sister lives in Australia. Plus, you're just, you guys are great. You'll be amazing parents one day, and we couldn't think of anyone better to care for our baby if we for some reason couldn't ourselves." She finishes.
Tris looks to me and I know by the look we share, that we'll accept, without even having to take time to think about it. Of course we would agree to this. We would be honored. I try to communicate this with Tris with just my smile and give her an encouraging a nod of my head.
"We would be honored to be Avery's god parents." Tris says to them and she gets up to hug Christina.
"Really? Thank you. Thank you so much!" Christina replies with a wide smile.
"Yes, thank you, it really means a lot to us." Will tells us.
"Of course, were more than happy." I reply. Tris smiles at me and seeks my hand out with hers.
"Well, we're going to head home and leave you guys to rest. Let us know when you get home and if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call." Tris tells them as she gives them both a hug and gives Avery a kiss on the forehead. They agree and bid us goodbye for now.
We meet up with Zeke and Shauna down in the front of the hospital and they give us a ride home.
We're so exhausted that when we get inside, we barely get our clothes off before we cuddle up in bed even though it's the middle of the afternoon.
"Well, that was an eventful weekend." She says with a giggle as she snuggles into my side, in her spot, with my arm wrapped around her.
"You could say that again." I agree with a chuckle.
Before we can form anymore words, we succumb to some much needed sleep. Pulling an all-nighter at the hospital has caught up with us.
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A/N-
Thank you for reading! Please continue to let me know what you think!
Also, thank you SO much for the amazing feedback from that last chapter, I'm glad you liked it! I got 50 reviews just for that chapter alone! You have know idea has awesome that is to me!
Lastly- sorry for any typos.
Next chapter will be posted next weekend, maybe sooner if I have time. Will try my best for at least getting it up mid-week, but no promises!
:-)
