Chapter 53
(Phoebe's POV)
Our offer on the house got accepted. We signed today and are now on our way back home. Escala is in the process of being sold. We want to move before the baby gets here and that will be a very interesting task.
I am officially in my third trimester. I feel huge and am growing by the day. Nathan has been amazing about reminding me that I am beautiful to him.
Right now, we are working on a restraining order from Claire's brother. There is so much going on and all while trying to prepare for a baby and a new house. My parent's and Nathan's mom have been so amazing. We are going next month on a family vacation with my parents and Ted. Little Leo is getting so big it kills me. I can't wait to spend the week with him.
Berk's wedding is this weekend. Henry is the ring barrier and it is so cute. Nathan has been practicing with him. Henry calls us mommy and daddy now. I am living my dream.
"Are we planning on staying at the hotel this weekend?" Nathan asks me and pulls me out of my thoughts. Berk's wedding is at the beautiful new hotel that was just built.
"Um, we can. It is up to you," I say and Nathan smiles.
"I can see if my mom will have Henry in her room for the night," Nathan says and I laugh.
"So you can spend the night with your 7 month pregnant whale wife," I say. His hand finds my belly making the baby kick.
"If you mean my beautiful wife who is carrying my child yes," he says and I roll my eyes.
"I need to remember to tell the daycare about our vacation," I say.
"We leave in what 3 weeks?" Nathan says and I nod.
"That is exciting, I need to go shopping," I say. "I have no warm weather maternity clothes," I say.
"We can go shopping," Nathan says and I smile.
"Okay," I smile. The baby kicks my ribs and I massage the burn.
"We are house owner's," Nathan says.
"I should call my parent's and tell them, they were asking about it last night," I say.
I pick up my phone and dial my dad's number. "Hey Bubs, is everything okay with you and the baby?" He answers instantly. I smile at his quick response.
"Yes, we're both great. Nathan and I wanted to tell you we signed on the Lakewood house," I say.
"Oh guys, congratulations. That is so exciting. When do you move in?" My dad asks.
"We are hoping next month. We placed our furniture orders for the house right after we left," I say.
"That is smart. I have a team who can help you. Did you call Mia," he asks. She works in interior design now.
"Yes, she made the furniture order," I say.
"Good, congratulations. Is there anything we can do to help?" He asks.
"No I think we are good as of now," I say.
"Okay well let us know. I am proud of you, Bubs," He says and I smile.
"I love you," I say.
"Most," He responds.
I hang up and Nathan and I drive back to escala. We head up and walk inside. "I need to wrap Berk's wedding gift," I say.
"Do you need help?" Nathan asks. I smirk at him and turn.
"I don't think so, not that your wrapping skills aren't amazing," I say. Nathan likes to stick everything in bags with tissue paper.
"Hey watch it," he says and wraps his arms around me kissing me. I smirk and turn to meet his lips.
Sawyer comes in with Henry running behind him. I laugh and watch as Nathan picks up Henry and kisses his head. "Hi Sawyer," I say.
"Hi Pheebs, how is the bun in the oven?" He asks.
"He or she is kicking up a storm," I say. He laughs and looks at my belly.
"How was your special day with Sawyer?" I ask Henry. Sawyer took Henry to Chick Fil a so we could sign on the house. Henry is obsessed with Sawyer.
"I gots milk takes," he says and I laugh. Milk takes are milkshakes.
"No way, Jose. Did you say thank you?" I ask him.
"And peas," he nods. I smile and look at Sawyer.
"How was he?" I ask.
"The best as always. He told me that mommy has 3 baby boys in her belly and he is going to be a big brother," Sawyer says and I laugh.
"Only one in my belly as far as I know," I say and he smiles.
"Thank you for letting me take him," Sawyer says.
"Are you kidding? THank you for taking him. He loves you," I say.
"And I love him. I am proud of you Pheebs," he says and I hug him. I just adore Sawyer.
(Berk's Wedding Day)
I am in the suite with Berk and her bridal party. I am the maid of honor which I am so honored to be. Berk is so sweet. I am getting my hair and makeup done right now. Nathan sends me a picture of Henry in a tuxedo and I laugh.
I lean over and show Noel and she laughs. "That boy," she says and I nod laughing.
"Phoebe, have you and Nathan picked out names for the baby?" Nana Moore asks.
"We have," I smile.
"Tell us we can keep a secret," Mrs. Moore says. I laugh.
"Your son would kill me," I laugh and they nod.
"That is fair we will just be surprised," she says and I smile.
My hair is put in long beach waves. My makeup is glamorous. I haven't felt this good in awhile. Mrs. Moore helps me put on my dress. It is a little awkward because I can't wear a bra with this dress. "Look at your bump," she says and I smile.
The dress fits tightly around my bump. It is silk and has a slit up the side. The sage color looks great on everyone. I turn in the mirror and smile. I would feel better if I wasn't 7 months pregnant, but I do feel beautiful.
"You look stunning," Berk says and hugs me tight.
"Oh my goodness, you look amazing Phe," Berk's bridesmaid who models for Vogue says to me. She is absolutely stunning and has been friends with berk since high school.
"Says you Haley," I laugh. The baby is kicking up a storm.
We help Berk put on her wedding dress and Mrs. Moore is sobbing. Today is extra emotional because Mr. Moore isn't here. He is a piece of shit. But still he should be walking her down the aisle. Nathan is instead.
She looks absolutely gorgeous. Berk is a natural beauty. She always has been. I smile at her. "Beautiful," I say and hug her.
"Oh my baby," Nana Moore says and I smile. They hug and get lots of pictures.
Finally, it is time. I am talking to Haley as the door opens. I turn and see my husband. He looks amazing in his tuxedo. Like I could rip his clothes off right here amazing.
I smile and watch as he looks at Berk. He has the largest and proudest smile. It makes me grin. I got so lucky. They hug and I watch them together. Berk is trying not to cry.
Nathan and I lock eyes and he starts toward me. "Hi," I say smiling.
"Bee," he says and takes a step back. I shake my head.
"You are stunning. I am so lucky," he shakes his head. I laugh.
"I mean it, look at you," he says and I blush under his stare.
"Come here," he pulls me into his arms.
"Henry will have to stay with his Nana tonight," he says and I smile. He smells like Nathan and his expensive cologne.
"Maybe so. You look edible," I mumble into his chest. He looks down at me smiling. This is all I have ever wanted.
When it is time to walk out, we head downstairs. When we get to the ballroom the reception is in we hear the buzzing of the people talking.
Nathan and I are standing talking to Cole. They are doing their first reveal at the altar, so she is not down here yet. Haley walks over and gives Nathan a big hug.
"Oh my gosh, Haley. You are so old now. I remember you coming over in high school," Nathan laughs.
"Oh we were always at your house. We all had the biggest crush on you," she says and we laugh. "Some of us still do," she smiles. Okay, that was a little out of pocket. Especially while his 7 month pregnant wife is standing here.
"I hear you model now," Nathan says.
"Yes, I was lucky to make it here on time. I was in Egypt with Vogue," she says and he smiles.
"We are proud of you, Hales," he says. The green envious monster comes out. She is probably 5'7, long blonde hair, biggest natural boobs, and the figure of a model. Here I am 5'2, 20 lbs heavier than I have ever been, and the figure of a pig.
"Thanks Nate," she grabs his arm. Okay I need to walk away. The hormones are rearing their ugly head.
I hear Henry and walk away. I smile as he is skipping in with my dad. My parent's, aunts and uncles, and cousins are here. The Moore's and my family got very close after Mr. Moore went to jail. They spend every holiday with us. It is so nice that we don't have to split time.
"Who is that?" I ask Henry.
"Me Mama," he says and I laugh.
"No way, Jose. My Henry is a little guy," I say. He looks so big in his tuxedo.
"I Henry and I big. I two," he says and I smile laughing. I look at my dad who smiles at me.
"Thank you for staying with him," I say. My dad is going to head back in for the ceremony.
"Of course. He is my best friend," I have to hold back the tears. Gosh my hormones today.
"I love you, so does he," I say and hug my dad.
"You look stunning Bubs," he says and hugs me tightly.
"Thank you, Dad," I smile. He heads back in and I bend down to Henry.
"Are you ready to walk down to Mr. Cole and give him the rings?" I ask Henry. We have practiced this for months. I was nervous he was going to try to run off or get distracted, but he is taking this job very seriously.
"Yep," he says. "Where daddy?" he asks. I turn to see Nathan and Haley talking still. I try not to feel irked.
"Right there," I point out and Henry runs over. I smile as Nathan picks him up and tosses him in the air. He holds him on his hip as he talks to Haley. Henry is interrupting them and for once I am not going to stop him. Hormones.
When it is time to walk I line up with Cole's best friend, Ian. He is a cute guy. He looks very nervous. "First wedding?" I ask him.
"Yeah, I don't know how to feel about this," Ian says and I smile.
"It is not bad," I say.
"Good to know," he smiles.
When it comes to us we walk down the aisle. I look around the beautiful decorated room. The flowers smell amazing and the ambience is stunning. Berk's designer did a wonderful job. We walk to the altar and Cole is standing there nervously.
When Henry walks down the aisle everyone is awing at him. He has the biggest smile on his face. The flower girl is about 5 years old so she is walking near him. He looks so stinking cute. I laugh when he stops and waves to my dad and mom.
When the doors open to Berk and Nate I can't help but cry. Nathan has tears in his eyes as they walk. Berk is his baby sister. He has always been so protective over her. It is the sweetest sight to see them together. Mrs. Moore and Nana are both sobbing.
When Nathan passes Berk off to Cole, he shakes his hand and hugs him. Nathan stands beside them. I smile at Nathan and he winks at me. Even though I was irritated earlier, there is no one I love more in the world than this man across from me.
They say their vows and exchange rings. I can see Henry started to melt down a bit and get bored of what is going on. I smile at him and he waves at me. Luckily, he holds out a bit longer. They both wrote their own vows and it was very sweet to hear.
"You may now kiss the bride," I hear and honestly I am a bit relieved my feet are starting to hurt. Badly. Third trimester is kicking in and is not a joke.
We all clear out and head into the reception. I have Henry's hand in mine as we walk. The reception room is decorated just as beautifully as the ceremony.
"Momma, I have to go potty," he says and I nod.
"Okay, buddy let's go," I say and we head out. Nathan is with his mom and Nana. I take Henry to the restroom and we go into the family bathroom.
"Did you see me walk," Henry asks as I unbutton his pants and help him onto the toilet.
"I did you did a good job, buddy," I say and Henry smiles obviously proud of himself.
After he goes to the bathroom I help him wash his hands and we head back out. Henry is very excited about the dance floor and music. "Where's Bubs?" Henry asks. There are about 150 people here.
"I am not sure, buddy. We can walk around and try to find him. We have to go see Daddy first," I say and Henry nods.
I look around trying to find Nathan. I pick Henry up because he is tired of walking. He also is getting hungry for dinner. I will sit him down and give him the food we packed.
"There," Henry points. He starts to squirm when I see Nathan. He runs over and pulls on Nathan's hand.
Nathan bends down and talks to Henry. I grab his food from my bag and set it out on a table for Henry. I turn and see Haley and another girl talking to Nathan. What is this? Make Phoebe Jealous day. It is working.
"Hen, come eat buddy," I tell him. I set him up and stand by the table. He plays on my phone while he eats.
"Hi Phoebe, I am Logan. I am Nathan's best friend from home growing up," He says. I smile and shake his hand. I have heard a lot of stories about logan.
"Hi, it is so good to finally meet you," I say smiling.
"I know. I heard you have a little one and obviously another on the way," he says and I nod.
"Yes, we are due in about 3 months," I say.
"Boy or girl," He asks.
"We don't know yet. The only person who does is Berkeley and she is in the process of designing our nursery," I say.
"Oh that is so fun. Well congratulations," he says and I thank him. Nathan comes up and steals Logan and they start talking about sports.
The reception is in full swing. I am more annoyed than I was at the start because it seems our friend Haley is never going to leave my husband alone. It is the hormones.
I am watching Henry and some other kids dance. He is having a blast. I know he will ask when our next wedding is for months after this. He is quite the little dancer.
"Look at him go," Ava says.
"Oh I know. I don't know where he got those moves from," I say.
"Not you," My mom says and we all laugh. I am not the best dancer.
"That is right," I say
"Are Ted and Olivia bummed they couldn't come?" Ava asks. Olivia is exclusively breastfeeding so she couldn't leave the baby for longer than 2 hours. They also didn't want to expose Leo to this many people because he is so young.
"I think Olivia more so than Ted. Ted is a homebody. He doesn't mind staying in," I say.
"I get that," she says.
"Do you?" I ask.
"Not at all," she says and we laugh. I look over at Nathan who is now with Haley and Berk talking. What is up with this girl. Give my husband a break.
When dinner is called we have Henry between Nathan and I. I have barely talked to Nathan this whole time. Usually he is glued to my side. Must be hot blondes. Calm down Phoebe. He loves you.
We eat chicken and steak. It is absolutely wonderful. I hand Henry some of my vegetables because he is obsessed with red peppers right now.
"Mom," he says. I love my family's reaction every time he calls me that. It is so normal to me now.
"Yes buddy?" I ask.
"When can I haves cake?" he asks and points to the huge wedding cake.
"After Berkie and Mr. Cole," I say and he nods.
We finish up eating and Henry is winding down. He wants to go on the dance floor with me, but my feet are killing me. I have to sit for a bit which makes Mr. Henry not happy.
"Come," Henry says and pulls at my arm.
"Not right now, bud," I say. "I will watch," I say. The terrible twos rear their ugly head as the pouty lip comes out. A full blown meltdown comes fast. He is on his back crying. He is exhausted and didn't get to nap today.
I am out of my chair bending down at his side. I pull him to a seated position and am trying to get him to stop screaming. "Henry, I am going to wait for you to stop crying," I say.
"Dance," he cries and I nod.
"I understand you feel frustrated and sad because Mommy can't dance," I say. I always try to validate his feelings before we talk things out.
"You have two choices. You can calm down and mommy will watch you dance and Rosie can come. Or we can go back to the hotel room and go to bed," I say.
"I wanna dance wif Rosie," he says and stands up. I smile as he runs out to the dance floor and joins hands with Rosie. Rosie is the flower girl. She is so sweet.
"Crisis averted," my dad says as he helps me stand up.
"Clearly," I say and watch Henry jump around on the dance floor.
"He can stay with us tonight. We will probably be headed up soon anyway," he says and I smile.
"That would be great," I say.
"I am really proud of you Bubs," My dad says. I thank him as we watch Henry.
"Where is Nathan?" My dad asks. I look around and find him talking to one of his high school friends and low and behold Haley is less than a couple of feet away talking to Logan. They are at the bar getting yet another drink. Stupid open bar.
"He is talking to one of his friends from high school," I say and he smiles nodding.
"Are you tired?" My dad asks and I nod.
"The third trimester energy dip is hitting full force," I smile.
"Don't push yourself Bubs if you need to head up it is okay," My dad says and I shake my head. I knew he would get worried.
"I am okay, trust me," I say and he smiles.
We watch Berk and Cole do their first dance and cut the cake. After I make my speech, my parents come up to me and take Henry upstairs. He fell asleep on my dad's lap. It was a very sweet sight. My speech was very heartfelt. Berk has become the little sister I never had.
Nathan tries to come up to me. I have barely seen him all night. I finally don't have Henry and am exhausted at a table talking quietly to Sara, one of Berk's bridesmaids. I have begun to be more patient with Nathan. Since this is Berk's wedding all of his friends from Florida are here and their families. I just wish he would have included me in these conversations.
Sara excuses herself and leaves Nathan and I. "There you are," Nathan says.
"Here I am," I smile and he kisses my cheek.
"I was just catching up with Ethan," he says and I nod knowing that is a friend from Florida.
"Are you tired?" He asks and I nod.
"Is everything okay?" he asks and I nod.
"Can you speak?" he asks and I sigh.
"I am exhausted from being on my feet all day and my feet have swelled to the max," I say and he smiles.
"Well after they do their exit I will give you a foot massage," he says and I smile. He still is my sweet Nathan.
"That sounds lovely," I say and yawn.
We hold sparklers as Berk and Cole leave. They are going to the Maldives for their honeymoon. Nathan is across from me. Haley is next to him but I chose to ignore it. Berk has the largest smile on her face as she gets into the car.
They drive off and everyone starts to disperse. I walk up to Nathan who wraps an arm around me and kisses my head. I smile and kiss him back. Haley comes over.
"Nathan, it was so good to catch up with you," she smiles and touches his arm. I give her a tight smile as they hug.
"It was really good catching up, Haley. If you need anything you know where to find me," he says and she laughs. I am not laughing. When we walk away we head toward our hotel room. I am quiet as Nathan slides the keycard in.
"Did you have fun?" He asks. He has a slight buzz on. He was at the bar for a good amount of time.
"I did. I am exhausted," I say.
"You seem angry," Nathan says and I look at him confused.
"What?" I ask. I am a little upset, but I am not acting like it.
"You have been short all night with me and have had that look," he says and I shake my head. I am attempting to get my zipper and he comes behind me and unzips the dress. It starts to slip and I hold if.
"I have not been. You have just been out and about all night," I say. I put on one of NAthan's shirts. It is the only thing that fits these days. I feel like a Pooh bear.
"I knew it," he says and I look over and start wiping off my makeup.
"What?" I ask.
"You were mad about Haley," he says and I throw away the makeup wipe. I go to wash my face.
"Nate, what are you talking about?" I ask.
"Anytime she was near me you were a sourpuss," he says and I laugh as I scrub my face.
"A sourpuss? Seriously?" I say as I dry my face.
"You don't trust me," he says and I roll my eyes. He is in his dress shirt with the top unbuttoned. His sleeves are rolled up and to say that doesn't drive my hormones wild is a lie.
I put my moisturizer on and eye him. I am in his shirt and panties. My belly is hanging out. I look crazy I am sure. I rest my hand on top of my stomach and raise an eyebrow.
"I am pregnant with your child isn't saying I don't trust you a moot point," I say and he shakes his head.
"This isn't a joke Pheebs," he says.
"Who said it was," I say and sneak around him.
"You are laughing," he is drunk, I am exhausted. I am not in the mood to fight, and I know whatever is said will be forgotten tomorrow so I am trying to tread lightly.
"I am not, babe. I am just tired. The baby is low right now and the weight and pressure is killing me," I say.
"Lay down," he says and takes me to bed. He puts a pillow behind my head.
He lays at the end of the bed and takes his foot in my lap. I smile as he begins to massage it. At this point this feels as good as an orgasm. I close my eyes and hum in appreciation.
"A year in a couple of weeks," he says and I open an eye.
"We've been married a year April 11th," he says and I smile.
"You are right we have," I say rub my belly.
"I want to take you out," he says. "A proper dinner. My mom will take Hen," he says and I smile.
"We can do that," I say and he smiles.
"I am sorry about tonight Bee. I am realizing I left you with Hen most of the night and didn't check up on you as much as I should have. I was around Haley a lot and I saw how that bothered you. You are the most important woman in the world to me. I never meant to hurt you," he says and I look at him and smile. How did I get so lucky?
"Babe, you do not have to worry. You are right it did bother me. But I remembered how well you love me and how lucky I am to have you," I say.
"I love you my girl," he says and I smile.
"Most," I say and he kisses me.