Best Kind of Surprises
Chapter 4
The more Andrea thought about it, the more she loved the idea of a baby. Motherhood the second time around would give her direction. She was worried about Mike's reaction. He had been so heartbroken over the loss of his children. Having a new baby might bring that all to the surface and the last thing Andrea wanted was for Mike to suffer. She went to her first OBGYN appointment, and got to hear the baby's strong heartbeat. It had been surreal.
She was starting to show a little, so Andrea hoped Mike made it home before she had a full on baby belly. The war with Gran Columbia was heating up and she was worried about Mike. She knew he would be on the James, but it still concerned her. Andrea kept busy, visiting Miller and helping Courtney and her mother with the USO packs. She also began planning the baby's nursery, but decided to wait on Mike to put everything together.
When the news came that the James sunk, Andrea was sad. She had spent a lot of time on that ship and it was like losing an old friend. She checked the list of the dead and injured and fortunately Mike's name wasn't on it. She checked for other names of course, but it was Mike's name she searched for first. The war against Gran Colombia had been won, and now it was just a waiting game for Mike to come back. She had sent him a text telling him to come by her house when he got back to town, and late one night; she heard his key in the door. She threw her robe on and met him in the living room. He immediately gave her a long kiss and a big hug.
"Hope it's still okay to come over?" Mike asked.
"Of course. I'm glad to see you." Andrea said.
"I'm glad to see you too. I hate to ask, but do you have anything to eat? The Michener was low on food so I didn't eat all day." Mike asked.
"I have some soup and I'll warm that up and fix you a sandwich." Andrea said before giving Mike another kiss and walking into her kitchen. Mike sat down at the island and watched her for a few moments.
"How have things been for you?" Mike asked.
"Good. I visited Miller at least once a week, and helped Courtney and her mom with all their fundraising efforts. Gave me something to focus on." Andrea said, dreading telling him about the baby.
"They've been a big help. I plan on visiting Miller sometime this week too. Once I get some rest." Mike said, obviously exhausted.
"Mike…you know how in my email to you, I said I hadn't been feeling well? I finally went to the doctor and they did some blood work. I don't know how…well, I know how, but I'm pregnant…" Andrea said and watched the emotions cross Mike's face.
"A baby? I didn't think you could get pregnant." Mike asked.
"I didn't either considering how much trouble I had with Lily. Mike; I'm sorry. I know at our age, a baby is a hard pill to swallow, but I really want to keep this baby. I know this probably hurts some, and I am sorry." Andrea said. She shut the stove off and walked around, wrapping her arms around Mike, which he was receptive towards.
"Its just going to take me some getting used to. Is everything okay?" Mike asked.
"Yeah. Due to my age and my situation, I was referred into a high-risk OBGYN. I like her and she said she thinks everything should be fine. Right now, I've had a Doppler and the heartbeat is good and strong. My next appointment, I will be able to see the baby on the ultrasound. Eventually, they'll have to do an Amniocentesis due to my age." Andrea explained.
"That's good. Just give me some time. I just need a little time." Mike said and Andrea nodded. It was better then she had figured he'd react, but she knew he was going through hell. They both needed time.