Chapter 52
(Phoebe's POV)
The past couple of weeks have been filled with stress and worry. Anytime I leave the house I am paranoid that something is going to happen. Claire's brother was arrested for the vandalism, but said that he has people on the outside. This has taken a toll on Nathan and me. I am worried for him, myself, and Henry.
Claire is beside herself over the whole situation. She has been apologizing nonstop. We have told her many times not to worry and that it is not her fault. Truth be told it is not her fault.
I am 24 weeks pregnant and looking like it. I feel great. I feel bad because this baby's pregnancy has been overshadowed by all that is going on. I can't believe I am 16 weeks away from meeting this baby. The whole dynamic of the house is going to change.
Speaking of houses. Nathan and I are moving out of Escala. It is not family friendly and will not be good for two kids. Nathan and I are looking at houses after I finish work today.
On my office door there is a knock. "Come in," I say. Lia walks in holding a folder. She is the social worker on Henry's case.
"Hi," I smile.
"Oh my goodness, look at your bump," she says and I smile. I am wearing a tighter shirt under my blazer so my bump is popping out.
"I know, I can't believe I am supposed to get bigger than this," I laugh and Lia smiles.
"So for the adoption to be fully processed we have to go to an adoption hearing. I am filing your petition today. I have the adoption hearing scheduled for next Thursday. It will be at the courthouse. Both you and Nathan and Henry need to be there. Any other family is welcome too," she says.
"That is great, thank you so much Lia," I say.
"It is crazy to see how far we have come," Lia says and I nod.
"It really is," I say and she smiles.
"Okay all I need from you is a signature here and I will get out of your hair," she says. I sign the paper and she leaves me in my office. The baby kicks and I rub my belly.
"I feel you, bean," I say to my belly.
After I do a quick patient visit I am off. I head to the first house Nathan and I are viewing. I am meeting him and our realtor there. I text Nathan I am on my way.
When I pull up to the house, I examine it. I don't mind the exterior. It is a large brick house with a big front porch. That would be nice to sit on while the kids played.
"Hi Bee," Nathan puts his hand on my back and kisses me.
"Hi," I smile.
"Hi Phoebe," Paula, our realtor, says.
"Hi," I smile and shake her hand.
"So here we have a family home, it is 5 bedrooms and 5 and a half bathrooms. It has brand new flooring and brand new furnace. It is priced at 4.2, but we can negotiate if you both like it," she says. I look at Nathan and he smiles.
"I like the color of the brick," I say and Nathan nods.
"Me too, it is a pretty color, not crazy about the front porch color," she says. It is bright white and against the brick it does clash.
"We could paint that," I say and he nods.
"I will let you two look around. If you have any questions just holler," she says and I thank her.
The entryway is very grand. There are marble floors and tall ceilings. "I like the floors," I murmur and Nathan nods. We walk up the large staircase. There are four bedrooms to the right. They are all pretty large.
"This could be the nursery," I say.
"Why this one?" Nathan asks. All the rooms are about the same size and painted the same color.
"She kicked when I walked in," I say.
"She?" Nathan asks.
"Oh my gosh, I didn't even realize I said she," I say.
"I like the big window, I think HE would like it too," he says and I laugh.
The entire other side of the second floor is the master. There are two closets: a large bathroom and a large bedroom. "This is nice," I say and Nathan nods.
We see the kitchen, the living rooms, and basement. When we go back to the foyer I look at Nathan. "So?" I ask.
"I am not crazy about the location," he says and I nod.
"It is like 30 minutes from my parents and farther than that from Teddy. We are close to Berk, but she is moving soon," I say.
"What do you think?" He asks me.
"It just doesn't feel like our house," I say and he nods.
"I agree, let's go," he says. We walk out and tell Paula our concerns. She still has one more house to show us today that she says we might like.
Nathan drives with me. He is in the passenger seat. "Lia stopped by my office today," I say and Nathan looks at me.
"Did she have any news?" He asks.
"Our adoption hearing is next Thursday," I say.
"So it'll be official then?" he asks.
"Yes, it will," I smile. Nathan squeezes my hand.
"I was thinking we could invite our families," I say.
"Yeah, I know Berk and my mom will want to come. I am sure Nana is already on her way to the court house," He says and I laugh. Nana is very involved in our lives. In the best way possible.
"My parents will too. Ted and Liv may not be able to just cause the baby," I say.
"How are they," he asks.
"Amazing. Leo is so cute. I can't believe he'll be a month old soon," I say and he nods.
"It is crazy. Just like the fact that we will have a baby here come summer," he says and leans over rubbing my bump.
"I know. I am popping today," I say. "I had to move my seat back while I drove," I say and he laughs.
"You sat too close anyway," he says.
"Watch it," I say and he holds up his hands in defeat.
We pull up to a pretty stone house. This house is on the sound on the water like my parents' place. The house is about 10 minutes from them and 15 from Nathan's mom and Nana. So location wise this is great.
"I like the stone," I say as we get out of the car.
"This house has been on the market for a couple of weeks now. They are hungry for a buyer, so that is good for negotiating a price. This house is newly built. It is 5.8 Million. 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It has a finished basement and new appliances that you would get to keep," she says and we nod.
When you walk inside the features of the house are very dark. The floor is dark and the walls have a dark trim. I look at Nathan and make a face. He squeezes my hand.
"It's too dark," I say.
"I agree. We could lighten it up though," he says. I nod and look around.
We go into the kitchen and it's all dark wood. The marble is dark with flecks of gold. "This doesn't feel like us," I say and he nods.
"You're right it doesn't," he says.
We go down the hall and check the master bedroom. It is nice and big. It has a standard bathroom and a his and hers closet. Nothing to rave about.
We head outside and tell the realtor it isn't for us. She nods and smiles telling us she understands our concerns. "I have a house that is going on the market next week. Do you want me to schedule a Wednesday showing? I think you both will love it," she says.
"Sure that sounds great," I smile. We bid her goodbye and headed into the car.
"Let's go pick little man up," Nathan says. Henry was at my parent's house while we looked at houses.
We head over to my parents to get Henry. When we get inside we hear giggling. I laugh as my dad and Henry both have capes on playing in the living room. Henry loves his Bubs.
"Hi," I smile. Henry sees me and runs over giving me a hug.
"Hi little man," Nathan says as Henry hugs him.
"Are you having fun?" I ask Henry.
"Bubs pway heroes," Henry says and I smile.
"Bubs is the best huh?" I ask.
"Yep," Henry says and runs towards my dad who comes over and gives me a hug.
"You look great, Bubs," My dad says and I smile.
"A little whale like, but thank you," I laugh. Nathan and my dad hug.
"How was little man?" I ask my dad.
"He was great, he just ate lunch and should be ready for a nap," My dad says and I smile.
"We wanted to invite you to Henry's adoption court next Thrusday. It is when we get full custody granted to us," I say and my dad smiles.
"We will be there," he says and I smile.
"Thanks dad," I smile.
We bid my dad goodbye and headed home with Henry. He is yawning and drifting off in the car. When Nathan asks if he is tired Henry responds with it's not nap time. He is so funny.
Nathan puts Henry down for a nap and I start planning all that needs to be done for next week.
(NEXT WEEK WEDNESDAY)
I have on a blouse and a pair of maternity slacks. They are surprisingly comfy and fit over my bump that doesn't stop growning. "You are going to be a big baby, aren't you?" I ask my bump. I get a kick in the ribs in response.
I walk out and see Nathan on his phone in the kitchen. He is a beautiful sight everytime I look at him. "Hi," I smile and go over to him.
"Hi beautiful," he says and I roll my eyes. He kisses me then bends down kissing my belly. My heart grows twice it's size.
"You ready?" Nathan asks and I nod. We are going to see the house that Paula booked us to see.
"I hope this one works out," I say and Nathan nods.
"Me too," He says and we get into the elevator.
"I am tired," I say and rest my head on his chest. He rubs my back and kisses my head.
"Did you stay up late again watching the bachelor," he asks and I smirk.
"That answers my question," he says and grabs my butt, making me laugh.
We drive to the house and talk about the baby. That is what most of our conversation revolves around these days. I can't remember life before having Henry and our baby in my belly. It was a dark time when I had a miscarriage.
We pull up to a white modern farmhouse style home. It is absolutely breathtaking. The location of this house is great. It is 10 minutes from all of our family. Paula pulls up behind us. We greet her and she starts explaining all about the house.
"It is a new build. This neighborhood is amazing. There are a lot of people your age. The school district is great too. It is a 5 bedroom and 6.5 bathroom house. The basement is finished and has a bathroom. There is a large backyard with a fenced in pool. The price is set at 2.8 million. I am sure we could negotiate. I know the seller," she says and we thank her.
We head inside the house and I fall in love. There is an interior balcony, so from the upstairs you can look down and see the living room. The kitchen and living room are open concept. The marble countertops are stunning and so are the brass finishes.
"Wow," I say and Nathan nods. There is a large pantry and beautiful dining room.
"Let's check out upstairs," I say. We go up the wooden staircase and head into the master. It is a huge bedroom and bathroom. There is a clawfoot tub which I have always wanted. The view over looks the sound.
"The house is right on the water too," I say.
"I like that we have our own closets too," Nathan says and smirks at me. I have a lot of clothes.
"It is beautiful," I say.
The bedrooms are large and all have their own bathroom. That is nice because the kids will have their own bathroom as well as guests that stay at our place.
The basement is fully done with a bathroom. The kids would love it down here. There is so much room to play around and roam. Henry would be in 7th heaven.
We head outside to the backyard and see the pool. It is big and has a diving board. There are lounge chairs out and a patio dining set. I love this set up. There is also a basketball hoop in the driveway with a place to play.
"You could teach Henry to play basketball here," I say and Nathan smiles.
"So what do you think," I say.
"I love it, it checks all the boxes," He says and I nod.
"Me too," I say and Nathan smiles.
"So," I say.
"Do you want to put in an offer?" Nathan asks. I nod and smile.
We walk over with the realtor. She is thrilled and walks off to call the seller. "I am so excited," I say and Nathan agrees. He wraps me in his arms and kisses my head as we look at the house.
When Paula comes back she is smiling. "They are reviewing your offer with the seller. They will be in contact soon. They are eager to sell this place, so I am sure your offer will be accepted," she says and I smile at Nathan.
"You two are free to go for now. I will call and forward any paperwork that needs done," she says.
"Thank you so much, Paula. Should we be putting Escala on the market soon?" I ask.
"Yes, I would say as soon as you feel comfortable I will post it as for sale," she says. I look at Nathan.
"I am ready when you are," Nathan says.
"Me too," I say.
"Okay, let's put it up for sale," Nathan says.
"Okay, I will head to the office and do it now. Moore's I will be in touch," she says and shakes both of our hands. She drives off and I get another look at the house.
"It is beautiful," Nathan says and I agree. I imagine us raising our babies here. It is all so crazy. Who would have thought the guy I met in high school would be fathering my kids and co signing a house with me.
We head out and head towards Mrs. Moore's house. She has Henry because the daycare closes at 5 and our showing was late today. It'll be bedtime for Henry and then when he wakes up tomorrow he will officially be adopted. Everything is moving so fast.
We knock on the door and Noel answers. "Hi guys," she says and we smile.
"Hi Mom," Nathan says hugging her. Henry watches them.
"Your little guy is exhausted," she says and we smile.
"Momma," Henry says and gives me a great big bear hug. He has never called me momma before. We talked about how I am his mom, but he has never said it. I look at Nathan with an open mouth. The emotions get the best of me and I start to cry.
"Hi buddy," I say and hold him. He rests his head on my shoulder.
"Daddy?" Henry says and reaches for Nathan. Noel and I are in tears and Nathan has the world's largest grin on his face. We are his momma and daddy. This is so sweet. Nathan pulls me to him and kisses my head. How did we get so lucky?
We head home and put Henry to bed. I lay in bed with Nathan and he rolls over to me. "Hi baby," he says. I smile and lean over kissing him.
"It was a good day," I say.
"It was, are you tired?" Nathan asks and I nod. He holds me to him and kisses my head.
"Sleep then," he says. I lay my head against him and drift off.
When we wake up in the morning I am filled with excitement. It is Henry day! Nathan is asleep beside me. I lean over and kiss his nakes shoulder. It is 6 so Henry shouldn't be up for another hour.
I kiss his shoulder again and he grumbles turning over towards me. "Hi baby," his morning voice is so hot. I pull the covers over my body. He is so hot and I am huge.
"You're pulling those the wrong way," he says and I shake my head.
"No I am not," I laugh. "I am a whale, I am sparing you," I say. Nathan frowns and sits up on his elbow.
"What's going on, Bee?" He asks. I sigh and look at him. To be honest, I am so happy to be pregnant and to be able to grow this baby. I am just having trouble accepting my new body.
"Nothing," I smile. Nathan starts to pull down the comforter cover to expose me. If the morning light wasn't illuminating our room I probably wouldn't have cared. I don't want him seeing my body in this bright of a room.
"I have seen you naked since we were 17, you have never tried to hide yourself from me. Obviously something is wrong," he says. He reaches his arm out and strokes my shoulder.
"I just don't look the same as I did," I say giving him a sad smile.
"What do you mean?" Nathan asks.
I lay back and feel the tears coming. Stupid Pregnancy hormones. "Bee," Nathan says. He reaches out stroking my cheek, he wipes a tear away.
"Ugh, this is stupid," I say. Nathan shakes his head.
"Nothing that affects you is stupid," he says and gently wipes a tear away.
"I just- my body is changing. I am so used to being naturally small and not having to worry about my weight. And I know I should be grateful for a healthy baby, but this has been difficult for me." I say and Nathan nods.
"It sounds selfish, after the miscarriage and everything," I say and wipe my eyes, sighing.
"Baby, it does not sound selfish. This is a brand new experience for you. You are allowed to feel however you are feeling. I want you to know that I find you more beautiful than ever," he says. I roll my eyes.
"You are growing my child, Phoebe. I am the only man that has ever done this with you. Do you know how sexy that is? How much that turns me on," He says. I guess I never thought about it like that.
"I know, it's just you are so beautiful and fit. And I am just Phoebe-" Nathan silences me by leaning over me and kissing me. He is firmly holding my head and kissing me. He takes my hand and brings it to his erection.
"This is what you do to me," he says against my lips. "You haven't even touched me. Just looking at you makes me hard," he says and my heart flutters.
He kisses me hard. I lean up meeting his kiss. His hands run through my hair. He pulls up my shirt and throws it off. I am not wearing a bra. My boobs have grown with this prefnancy and Nathan never fails to remind me of that.
He takes my breast in his mouth and plays with the other with his hand. Since becoming pregnant, sex has been so much more intense. I can orgasm with barely any touching. Everything is sensitive.
I arch my back and he smiles. He moves the blanket off me exposing my stomach. I feel vulnerable and nervous. It is bright as day in the room. His eyes rake up and down my body.
Nathan kisses from my breasts down my stomach and situates himself between my legs. I lay back and am breathless. Because of my belly I can't see him. This is so erotic. He kisses up my thighs and teases me.
"Please," I moan.
Nathan's lips find my center and I groan. He does everything right. I can't see him so I have to absorb all the sensations. He holds open my legs as my hips buck to meet him.
"Come for me," he says and I do. The sensation is so intense that I have to bite my hand to quiet myself.
Nathan laughs and kisses me. He lays on his side as I come back to earth. "I love you," he says and I smile.
"I love you more," I say and he kisses me.
"I'll get little man up while you shower and get dressed," he says and I smile.
"Nathan?" I say as he goes to get Henry.
"Thank you," I smile and he kisses me again. I am so fucking lucky to have this man.
I get ready and then switch with nathan. He gets ready while I dress Henry. I have Henry in a button down shirt and khakis. He looks so cute. He's like a little man now.
I am in a dress with a blazer on top. Very professional. The bump is also popping. I take Henry downstairs and Nathan comes out in a suit. "Henry do you know what's happening today?" I ask him. He is only 2 so it may be an abstract concept.
"Ice cweam?" He asks and I laugh.
"We can get ice cream after yes, we are adopting you today. That means you'll stay with us forever," I say and he nods.
"I get nilla," he says and we laugh. Always about the ice cream.
"We get to see Bubs today," I tell him as we leave for court.
"Yay," Henry says and jumps around the elevator. Nathan picks him up and carries him to the car.
As we drive to court I am nervous. Nathan pats my leg and smiles at me. I rest my hand on top of his as Moana plays in the backseat.
When we get to the courthouse we have to park and head inside. The nerves are real now. I see Lia and our lawyer.
"Hi Moore's," Lia says. I hug her and so does nathan. She bends down to see Henry who hides behind my leg.
"Hi Henry, are you ready to be adopted?" She asks.
"I see Bubs," he tells her and I laugh informing her that Bubs is my dad.
"That's awesome buddy," she says and stands up.
Our family arrives and greets us. Henry is in my dad's arms. Noel Berkeley and Nana are here too. Ted and Liv come last. Leo is in his stroller asleep.
"Thank you for coming," I say as I hug Ted.
"Are you kidding? Today's the day I am legally uncle teddy," Ted says and I laugh.
"Moore family," a woman announces. We shuffle into the courtroom.
Henry is on my lap as we sit at the desk in front of the judge. Our families are behind us.
We are all sworn in to court. This is so nerve wracking. Henry is playing with a toy car on my lap. I smell his head for reassurance. He still has that baby smell.
"Please introduce yourselves," the attorney says.
"I am nathan Moore. This is my wife Phoebe Grey Moore," nathan says and I am thankful he is talking because I am so nervous.
"How long have you known Henry Strachas?" Hearing Henry's real last name makes my stomach drop. He is our baby.
"I am a pediatric surgeon at Seattle Children's and my Wife is a psychologist at Seattle children's. We met Henry when he first came into the ER at 6 months. He was in and out of the hospital til about 22 months when we took him in. He has been with us ever since," nathan says and I nod.
"Will you be providing a loving home for the child?" The judge asks.
"Yes, Henry is already a part of our family. We have created a home and safe space for him," I say.
The judge is flipping through files on the table. I look back and see my dad. He is nervous. I can tell because his brows are furrowed. He gives me a warm smile and nod. I needed that.
"Do you have any remaining questions?" The judge asks the attorney who shakes his head.
"Well Moore's I am signing the adoption Decree. Henry Strachas is officially Henry Moore," everyone claps and I hug Nathan with Henry between us. Tears roll down my face.
Henry is clapping with everyone and laughing. We get passed around by our family giving hugs and taking pictures. We get a picture with the judge.
Today Henry is officially a part of our family. He is Henry Moore.