As her fourth month hit Eddie's hormones seemed to have gotten some secret code to go crazy. She went from being happy to crying, and wanting to spend more time with Jamie. They never had a problem connecting but since her fourth month they would a lot more often. Just before the doctor appointment they sat on the couch while their breaths slowly returned to normal. "We probably should shower so we aren't late," Jamie finally managed.
"Yeah, you're right boy scout," Eddie teased, slowly disappearing into the bathroom. Waiting until the water ran Jamie leaned back against the pillows waiting for his turn.
He smiled approvingly at the life he'd made for himself. Never in a million years would he have thought to be married with a baby on the way with a woman who he knew for exactly a year today. He was so lost in thought Jamie didn't hear Eddie coming back in.
"Earth to Jamie! I'm done in the bathroom so you can go in. I have to let my hair dry before I get dressed." Eddie studied him on his way to the bathroom smiling. She took the empty spot Jamie just left to let her hair air dry. Through the robe her stomach stuck out over her lap which Eddie cupped while she put her feet up.
Jamie was quick in the shower and in the bedroom when Eddie joined him to get dressed. She picked a pink skirt with small sleeved white top to be comfortable. She sighed, loosing the battle she had trying to keep her shirt down over her stomach. "Does it look bad rolled up? This shirt is new and it already doesn't fit. I'm gaining so much weight," Eddie slowly turned around for Jamie to see.
"No, it looks good Eddie. Hey relax," Jamie caught her shoulders as calmly as possibly. "You look great Eddie and I mean that. "If you're worried we can talk to the doctor but I think you look stunning."
She smiled though not fully convinced despite his reassurance and finished getting ready. Though not uncomfortably big Eddie's stomach showed under her shirt as they traveled to the doctor's office. The same nurse who had been taking care of them brought the couple back, checking Eddie's vitals to her chart then left for the doctor to come in.
"Edit. Jamie, how are things going," Dr Brian shook their hands before washing his hands. He turned back, pulling Eddie's shirt up slightly for examination. "Any concerns I should know about?"
"Actually I know the nurse took my weight and I'm concerned that I'm gaining to much. My clothes don't fit anymore even when I buy larger sizes. Is it normal," Eddie spoke up while the doctor pressed over her stomach.
Throwing the instrument around his neck Dr Brian nodded to her. "Yes, it just depends on how much weight. Let me check your file." He searched the papers quietly for a full few minutes then sighed. "Okay you are over the norm for this period so let me get an ultrasound to see if we can find out why. It could be nothing."
It didn't take long for a technician to retrieve Eddie for a ride upstairs with Jamie holding her hand the entire route. He settled on her bed in a small white room while the tech pulled gloves over her hands. "Okay, let's see what's going on," the technician smiled as she carefully rubbed jelly over Eddie's stomach.
Eddie held her breath not just because of the coldness but concerned. She watched the screen come alive not letting go of Jamie's hand. The tech moved the wand until they saw a clear picture. This one was different then the first they'd seen. Most of the picture was black, except for two lemon sized circles. "Ah well there's your answer. This is inside of you, here is baby number one and right there is baby number two. Sometimes the second baby hides behind their twin."
"Oh my god Jamie. We're having twins," Eddie's mouth dropped unable to look away from the screen. A mix of shock and disbelief hit her suddenly yet it all made sense. The extensive exhaustion, weight gain and sickness was all because she was carrying two.
Realizing he hadn't answered her yet Eddie turned her head to his. His eyes rounded wide, glued on the screen and twinkling with tears. He smiled though, happy through the shock. "Wow," was all he said after kissing her.
Sensing they might need a private minute the tech excused herself from the room. "Jamie, are you okay? We're having twins! How though? Are there twins in your family? I think there might be in mine but I don't know for sure. Twins Jamie. Can we handle twins?"
"I guess. I don't really know," Jamie admitted. "I'm okay just shocked. At least we know why now. We're going to have to figure it out Eddie because they're coming in five months. Are you okay? "
Sitting up slowly she turned back to glance the screen again. "I guess it just surprised me but yeah I'm okay. I won't lie though now I'm even more scared but long as you're okay. We'll have two mouths to feed, to raise. "
"I know babe and I'm scared too but also excited. It'll be okay. Jamie held her right there on the bed only nodding that they were ready to go back down when the tech came back in. She didn't say a word even while putting the bed back inside the room then exited.
Dr Brian returned shortly after the technician left smiling and sat down opposite them. ""So I guess congratulations are in order again. I understand this came as a shock and that's perfectly normal. Any problems or questions call me. I want you to schedule another appointment with my secretary."
Jamie managed a thank you before helping Eddie up. He wanted to sit out on the promenade a bit so they found an empty bench to watch the water in silence for several minutes. Finally Jamie spoke, "Eddie, talk to me. Are you really okay?"
"Honestly, the news just came as a huge shock Jamie but that doesn't mean I'm not okay. I'm scared , terrified about all of it but looking forward to raising them too," Eddie snuggled against him. She was usually grateful they could be honest with each other but never more so then now.
He cupped underneath her chin, leaning in so close their lips were just inches apart. "I am too Eddie and excited."
They sat for hours not saying much though Jamie's fingers slowly massaged Eddie's stomach. Way past the lamp lights turning on did they finally head back to the apartment. "Wait til I tell Pop," Jamie broke the silence smiling at his grandfather's expression.
With each day that passed Eddie also progressed further along in size so that she was forced to start wearing maternity clothes. The one thing that didn't change was her hormones and despite their daily love sessions she continued gaining weight.
It wasn't for another couple of weeks they received the second surprise. Soft music played in the background but the cell echoed right through it. Jamie looked over his shoulder at the lit up electronic on his dresser but his attention remained on Eddie. Their breaths caught hard both finishing at exactly the same time breathless.
As Jamie reached for his cell a small voicemail message came up on the screen. Keeping one hand on Eddie's waist he dialed the voicemail number laying over her still connected. "Hi Jamie, this is Ingrid. I just wanted go let you know that all the paperwork went through and you and Eddie have been approved for the apartment. Congratulations and give me a call back so we can arrange for me to give you the keys."
"We got the apartment Eddie. That was Ingrid, we got it," he breathed hard, looking at her with rounded eyes.
"We have our home Jamie," Eddie pulled him over her chest smiling through hot tears. "We can start shopping for the apartment, cribs and start packing the pictures to bring with us. This is great," she sniffled.
Cupping under her slowly he moved aside and dialed Ingrid back excited to get the keys so they could settle in the house. As he spoke Eddie watched how his faced changed. She moved in with him but it had always been his. This new apartment would be theirs . They would make it a home to raise their family
"Ingrid said we can pick up the keys on Saturday and start moving in soon as we're ready. I'll let the landlord know then we can slowly pack what we're taking. The pots and pans, dishes are all mine but we have to get a coffee maker."
It was sad and happy packing up the apartment into Jamie's little car. He debated whether or not to turn it in, feeling bad Eddie traded her car in but they didn't need two cars right now. Eddie's college allowed her to finish school online with the option of transferring to a closer college. There was one only three trains stops from the apartment but she would only go if all her classes transferred.
With the progression of her pregnancy Eddie saved taking classes online until she wasn't able to travel. For now she had the option if she choose to so long as she was careful.
Parking was difficult in the city and Jamie would likely take the train to work but he preferred keeping the car in case of emergency. Anything else they might need was accessible within walking distance from their apartment.
Eddie stared out the window amazed how busy Bay Ridge was no matter what time of the day. She hugged herself tight, sad to see the summer going. It was always her favorite season but she loved it even more because that's when she met Jamie.