Tris can feel her hands tremble as she and Tobias wait for Dr. Matthews and Dr. Johnson her OBGYN to come into the exam room. She had sat in an exam room in a paper gown so many times in her life it was routine but today was different.
"Tobias… I'm scared" She whispers as he moves to stand in front of her on the exam table and places a gentle kiss on her forehead.
She was nervous about so many things now. Would her baby have the same heart condition as she and her mother? Maybe Tobias had a point that this wasn't a good idea. She had taken two at-home pregnancy tests that both said she was pregnant but sitting here in the doctor's office was a bit nerve-racking. When she called Dr. Matthews, she wanted to confer with her OBGYN since her case was so special. She cried and Tobias hugged her when they told her that she was indeed pregnant. They had to do an ultrasound to determine the size of the fetus since she didn't really have the date of her last period. Tobias had been amazed at the sound of the heartbeat, it finally hit him that he was going to be a father.
Now they were waiting for some more labs and for the doctors to talk about Tris' prenatal plan that was going to have to be specialized.
"I know, everything is going to be okay, just breathe and remember one step at a time and we are doing this together," Tobias says, placing another kiss on Tris's forehead. She inhales deeply through her nose and tears fill her eyes.
There's a soft knock on the door and Dr. Matthews comes in with a smile.
"Oh Tris, why are you upset dear?" Dr. Matthew says, placing a gentle hand on her forearm. Dr. Matthews was a no-nonsense type of person and had always been straightforward with Tris and her family about her condition. But when things got really tough she did her best to comfort Tris.
"She's worried about the health of the baby," Tobias says quietly, stroking his fiancee's hair.
"Tris, everything looks great so far, the baby has a strong heartbeat and all your labs look good. We will need to make sure that your blood pressure stays under control, we don't want to overwork your new heart. We will keep an eye out for pre-eclampsia and diabetes. You've done well with your diet and exercise routine so you are in a good position."
"Do you think the baby will be sick like I was? like my mother?" Tris asks quietly, squeezing Tobias's hand.
"There is a chance, just like you ended up with the same condition but your brother did not. We will do some genetic testing early to see if there are any birth defects"
The rest of the appointment goes well and Tris lets herself relax. Tobias had relaxed as well after asking all of his questions about how to keep Tris and the baby safe during her pregnancy.
On the drive back home he holds Tris's hand with his right hand while he steers with his left.
"Tris, I know you are going to be upset with me if I suggest this but hear me out first please and know that I'm suggesting this after taking in everything that Dr. Matthews told us"
"I'm listening," Tris says softly.
"I want you to consider not working until after the baby is born. I don't want you standing on your feet all day waitressing. We are good financially but I know how independent you are, I just want to make sure you are safe"
Tris smiles and squeezes his hand back. Dr. Matthews had said that Tris was fine to keep working for now, but she would be having checkups more often. She didn't want to dismiss Tobias' feelings knowing how worried he was about something happening to her.
"I'll make you a deal. I promised you before that I would do whatever the doctor says. As soon as Dr. Matthews says I need to stop working or if my blood pressure is elevated I will stop. But I'll also do more of the lightweight work too. With Christina and I both pregnant everyone else will have to pick up the slack so we will have to make a plan anyway"
Tobias brings her hand to his lips while keeping his eyes on the road. He was glad they were learning to talk through challenges and she was considering his feelings.
"Deal"
That Sunday at brunch, everyone in the family is elated when Christina and Tris announce there are not one but two new babies about to be added to the family and their due dates are only 7 days apart with Tris due the third week of November and Christina the 4th week. Hana cries which makes Tris and Christina cry which in turn makes Rose cry as well. Andrew beams with pride at hearing his first grandchild is on the way. Will and Marlene are present that day for Sunday brunch and Marlene jumps up and down with excitement at the news.
"I can't believe I'm going to be an auntie" Marlene gushes as she goes over to hug Tris and then Tobias.
"Oh Lord, this kid is going to be spoiled rotten," Tobias says with an eye roll and a chuckle as he hugs his sister.
"Oh, you better believe it" Marlene adds.
"Chris, Uri, is this the last one?" Shauna teases as Christina practically blushes and Uriah pulls her in for a kiss.
"We never say never" Uriah laughs out and he picks up Jada who kisses him on the cheek and wraps her little arms around his neck. He and Christina had both admitted they loved growing up in a large family. They both had thought they would have at least four kids but Christina said she could maybe have 5.
"You two are going to end up like Cheaper by the Dozen" Caleb teases as Justin comes over to sit on his lap.
"What's Cheaper by the Dozen Uncle Caleb?" Justin asks as shifts on Caleb's lap to look at him.
"A movie where a family has 12 kids, we have to watch it sometime" Caleb explains.
"12 kids!" Justin exclaims looking at his fingers with wide eyes realizing that was more than the number of fingers he had. "Can I come live with you and Uncle Andrew if that happens? I need my own room"
Everyone erupts in laughter. Justin was always known to keep it real and say what was ever on his mind.
"Rose I hope that you can stick around a little while longer to help out. I know you wanted to go back to New Orleans" Andrew says smiling from ear to ear. He feels as though his heart could burst with so much happiness for his daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law.
"Well since we are announcing good news, I think now would be a good time to let everyone know that I was accepted into Tulane's Master's Program"
"Baby Girl that's great!" Max beams pulling her into a hug.
"I'm really proud of you Rosebud," Caleb says smiling and moving over to hug her too.
"Caleb, we have discussed this!" Rose says feigning disgust putting her hands on her hips even though she was still smiling.
"Umm if I have to live with still being called Bumblebee, you have to live with Rosebud" Tris teases referring to Rose's nickname.
"Well, the second part of my announcement is that I opted for the online program so I only have to go to New Orleans twice a year for in-person classes. Being home these past few months made me realize how much I miss all of you"
There's an outpouring of emotion and everyone asks Rose if she's sure about her decision which she confidently says that she is.
"It's the best of both worlds and it's clear I am needed around here!"
That evening everyone crowds into the tattoo shop where Rose, Will, and Marlene all get the flame tattoos just like Shauna, Zeke, Uriah, Christina, and Tris. Caleb comes along and refuses until everyone wears him down. He gets the smallest version of the tattoo and Tris howls with laughter at how big of a baby he is.
Tobias goes last and pulls out a piece of paper and shows Bud the tattoo artist what he wants. After seeing it, Bud smiles and shows Tobias three more symbols from his book and where he should put them.
"T, this is a huge tattoo," Marlene says as she watches Bud work while Tobias lays on his stomach in the chair. Tris was still in the corner laughing with Rose and Uriah as Caleb was complaining that he couldn't believe that he let them peer pressure him into getting a tattoo.
"Yeah, When Tris showed me her two I got to thinking about this journey I've been on and how I want to live life now. I learned a lot from losing Lauren and falling in love with Tris. Now that I'm going to be a father, I've been thinking all week about what I want my children to know and learn and it just kind of hit me. I want to be brave, smart, honest, kind, and selfless and I hope I can be an example of that for my kid"
"That's some real profound shit T.," Zeke says nodding his head holding the tattoo book trying to decide on what his next tattoo will be.
Tobias gets the outline done that night but has to come back for two additional sessions to get all of the design work done for his tattoo.
Tris can't stop staring at his back when they get home. She sees the flames, and clasped hands like hers, but also a set of scales, an eye, and tree all enclosed in circles.
"You like it?" Tobias asks with a grin.
"I love it, you amaze me," she says, kissing his shoulder blade before climbing into bed."I never realized tattoos could be so sexy"
"I can say the same thing" he replies as his fingertips trace the flames on her tattoo.
Things go back to relatively quiet for the next two months. Tris and Sounds of Candor do several shows for the Real Housewives of Chicago contacts that Tris made as well as their normal weekly set at The Pit. Even though her baby bump was still just a slight curve to her abdomen Tobias still tried to get her to sit on a stool for most of her performances. Bobby, Mike, and Ravi were sad that Tris was going to have to take some time off but happy for her. She promised them as soon as she got back to herself after having the baby she would be back in action. She loved singing way too much to give it up.
The doctors are happy the Tris is in normal range with her blood pressure. The first trimester was a little rough with her morning sickness. Tobias was right there. Pharoah could sense that she was pregnant and seemed to increase his protectiveness over her, following her foot to foot and not liking anyone but Tobias to even sit near her.
Tris is officially in her second trimester before Tobias decided to tell his parents about the baby. Tobias made it very clear to his mother that she was not welcome anywhere near him and Tris if she was going to cause any problems. He and Marlene had kept their distance from their mother since the eventful dinner. They had dinner with their father a few times who expressed he was not happy with Evenlyn's antics either. The show was set to start airing in a few months so Marcus wanted them prepared so he kept them informed with any information he had.
Tobias invites them over one Saturday afternoon for lunch with Will and Marlene after Tris suggests it.
"Tobias, I really want the opportunity to know my grandchild if you let me," Evelyn says quietly on the steps to Tobias and Tris's home.
"If I think I see Tris breathe hard, I will throw you out myself in a heartbeat" Tobias warns.
"I would never do anything to harm the baby, I hope one day you will believe that," she says solemnly.
Evelyn is cordial during the visit bringing Tris a gift of a prenatal massage that she could partake in once she reached her second trimester. Tris is polite but she was still wary of Evelyn not sure how to take her kindness. Marcus seemed to be on better terms with his wife but Tris was amused at how excited he was about being a grandfather. He even offered to redecorate one of the guestrooms into a nursery. Tris chuckled when he started talking about putting money aside for private school and college. Even with the tension around Evelyn Tris knew her baby was going to be loved
By the time Tris and Christina are moving into their second-trimester things start to settle into a new normal. Tobias hovers over Tris even though her doctors indicate that she's doing well and their baby is healthy. Tris wants to be annoyed with him but he was so cute she couldn't be mad even though Christina assured her further down the road it would annoy her. Tris loved the time at night when Tobias would read a book to the baby at night and make sure to rub her feet.
Tris decides that she wants a small wedding over the summer with a guest list of only 35 to 40 people. Rose, Shauna, Marlene, and Christina help pick out all the little details. The ladies all find a flowing gown gives Tris plenty of room with her growing baby bump. With all the ladies' help they manage to pull together a wedding for mid-July.
Tris insisted that she didn't need a traditional bridal shower especially since she and Tobias were already living together and she would much rather have a baby shower. Shauna, Marlene, Rose, Christina, and Hana still surprise Tris with an afternoon out with pedicures and afternoon tea. Tris ends up being thankful for the outing and the women spend the afternoon talking about relationships and men. That same weekend, Will, Uriah, Zeke, and Caleb all take Tobias out for an impromptu bachelor party. Tobias was in no rush to end up as he had when Tris was in Grenada so the night ends up being relatively tame but still fun for the guys.
"So Will, now that Tobias is taking things to the next level, what's up with you and Marlene?" Zeke grins as he takes his shot on the pool table.
"Ummm I feel like things are going in the right direction, with all of this wedding and baby stuff I think I might need to start planning something"
"You know she's the one?" Caleb asks taking a sip of his club soda.
"Yeah, I'm sure, We've been so focused on not putting any pressure on labels and things, it's been different but I'm confident she feels the same way. We've worked really hard on our issues"
"What about you Caleb? You've been cozied up to Susan for the past month. Is she the one that got away?" Tobias teases circling around the table trying to find the best angle to take his shot.
Caleb sighs "I haven't been completely honest with her about everything yet, I don't want to scare her off. She did agree to come to the wedding as my date, so that's a start."
"If she's the one, it won't matter," Zeke says giving him a soft pat on the back.
Caleb nods hoping that was true. He had been ignoring Cara's calls the past two months as he and Susan got to know each other again. Cara was a part of his life that he was trying to leave behind.
Tris is nervous as she sits in her old bedroom as Shauna and Rose work on her makeup. Today was the day she had been waiting for her entire life.
"Stop fidgeting, you look beautiful," Shauna says as she places the last curls in Tris's hair.
"I don't know why I'm so nervous" Tris finally admits she takes a deep breath.
"Don't worry I was nervous too, more of an excited nervous. Take a look" Shauna instructs as she sets the flat iron down and gives one final spray with the hairspray.
"Wow" is all Tris can say as she takes in the curls Shauna added to her straightened hair. Rose had done her makeup so that it highlighted her warm caramel skin but wasn't too much.
Shauna smiles as she unzips the bag for Tris's wedding dress. The soft flowing cream dress was bohemian chic and had a high neckline in the front but the back opened up and dipped down low. The front of the bodice was made of lace appliques but hid Tris's scar well. The flowing chiffon skirt had a small train and the empire waistline showed off the slight curve of her baby bump. Since it was June Christina had found a pair of white jeweled sandals to complete the look. Rose comes to help Tris finish getting dressed. All the women in the family had taken over the Prior home. Hana was helping Christina with her bridesmaid's dress. Christina's dress was long yellow chiffon that followed and showed off her baby bump as well. Tris decided that Tobias and Will would wear light gray suits to go with the overall laid-back theme of the wedding.
"Oh Bumblebee you look so beautiful, you look just like Nat on her wedding day" Hana gushes as she walks in as Rose and Shauna help fasten the buttons on the back of the bodice on the lower back.
"You just need a few final touches," Hana says as she pulls out a small jewelry box. "Your mother made me promise to save these for your wedding day"
"Auntie Hana, are you for real?" Tris whispers as she opens the box Hana hands her.
"Tris don't you mess up my masterpiece" Rose warns as she sees Tris start to tear up.
"I know, I know but Rose, this is...I just...I" Tris is speechless as she takes out the set of drop pearl earrings and a simple single pearl set on a thin gold chain.
"These belonged to our grandmother, who passed them down to our mother, who gave them to Natalie since she was the oldest. She wore them when she and your father were married and she lent them to me on my wedding day. Since you were the only daughter that she or I had, we wanted you to have them and I hope one day you can pass them down to your daughter"
At that Tris full out sobs as she touches her small baby bump and so does Rose, Christina, and Shauna. This was just a reminder of how blessed she was that she was alive and carrying a child.
"Hey, why is everyone crying?" Marlene asks as she walks in the room. "Ummm we have to leave in 20 minutes! She exclaims when she sees Tris's tears.
"Ahhhh," Rose squeals and everyone wipes their tears and hurries to help fix their makeup and to make sure that everything is perfect before they walk out of the door.
Jaden and Justin took their jobs as ring bearers very seriously with Zeke browning some surveillance equipment from the police precinct so that they looked like mini secret service agents with their matching grey suits and the mini aviator glasses Christina found for them.
Jada stole everyone's heart in her yellow dress filled with frills. She was walking well on her own. Hana walks slowly behind her as everyone oohed and awed as she places her fake flower petals one by one meticulously down the aisle. Laughter erupts as Hana tries to hurry her up down the aisle but she asserts her independence and not wanting her grandmother to help her or rush her.
Tobias feels like he stops breathing when he sees Tris and Andrew walk through the door of the church to head down the aisle. She looked angelic and all he could do was smile. This woman had given him so much already and now she was carrying his child. His heart was so full he couldn't even describe how much of a better man he had become because of Tris.
The ceremony was quick and to the point, with Bobby singing Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder before the couple said their vows. Tris can't stop smiling the entire time as she and Tobias stare at each other.
Beth, Randall, Kiki, and Oshani make the trip for the wedding and plan to stay a few extra days with the family. All the kids in the family enjoy hearing Andrew, Harrison, and Beth talk about growing up on the island. Beth gets Andrew, Harrison, Max, and Hana to agree to come visit a few weeks after the wedding so there is plenty of time before Christina and Tris have their babies once the kids all assure them that they can take care of the restaurant for a week to let them relax at the resort.
Tobias allows Evelyn to attend. Even though things were still strained with her, she had behaved herself in the recent weeks especially after learning she was going to be a grandmother. She sat quietly throughout the wedding next to Marcus smiling politely. Harrison and Max had to talk Hana down from giving Evelyn a piece of her mind before the ceremony started.
Everyone goes to a small venue in the neighborhood after the wedding for cake and a private dinner. Even though Tris and Tobias asked everyone not to buy gifts especially since there would be a baby shower in a few months, Amar and George, and Tori all make a donation to Donate Life America in Tris's name as a wedding gift. There was still a DJ so the small group could enjoy a small party for the evening.
Tris feels like she's floating as she and Tobias slow dance to Here and Now by Luther Vandross for their first song.
"I love you so much" she whispers to Tobias as he pulls her close.
"I love you too," he whispers back before kissing her as they sway to the music.
Tris and Tobias wanted to go back to Grenada for their honeymoon but with Tris pregnant and the doctors keeping a close watch on her, Tobias convinces her to wait until after the baby was born. Shauna and Zeke had gone and stayed for a week a few weeks before the wedding. Caleb was working up the courage to ask Susan to go with him in the winter and Christina, Uriah, Tris, and Tobias hoped to go the following Spring after the babies were born.
After some dancing, laughs, and dinner Tris and Tobias say good night and make their way to their destination for the next few days for their honeymoon. Tobias takes Tris to a mountain resort that was only a 2-hour drive from Chicago in Wisconsin for four days after the wedding as a consolation. Tris ended up napping most of the drive which was fine by Tobias. He knew she would be tired after the long day and he wanted her to get some rest. Tris thought the resort he had chosen was beautiful with its big windows overlooking the lake and the forest. Thier suite was large with a jacuzzi tub and king bed. Even though she enjoyed the quietness of the resort and the view of the mountains with the smell of the forest she determined that she preferred the ocean and the feel of the sand between her toes.
Tobias had been nervous about making love to Tris ever since they found out they were expecting even though their OBGYN said it was perfectly fine as long as Tris wasn't experiencing any cramping or bleeding. He tried to keep things interesting, spending more time pleasuring her with his mouth but Tris and her hormones had been in overdrive since she entered her second trimester and she couldn't keep her hands off him. She would end up getting her way with him giving in and making love to her even though he still tried to go slow and easy every time.
"Tobias, I would really like to not beg my husband to make love to me tonight," Tris says playfully as he runs his hands over her shoulders as she helps her out of her wedding dress. He places a light kiss on her shoulder and chuckles.
"Tris, There is no way in hell I couldn't keep my hands off you tonight"
Tris smiles as she turns around, his voice was husky and full of need. It was so amazing to her, that she could always find herself wanting him.
"You were so beautiful today Baby" he whispers as she helps him out of his shirt and pants letting her fingers linger across the muscles of his arms and chest. They weren't in a rush but the slow pace that they undressed had Tris wound up so tight she was already aching for him.
She moans as he runs his hands down her body before they move to the large king bed. Tris always feels cherished and special when she and Tobias make love but tonight was something different. It was full of emotion, slow, and tender, and full of whispered words of love and adoration. They both trembled as they climaxed clutching each other tightly and smiling as they caught their breath.
As they laid in the nude with Tobias pulling Tris against his chest so he could run his hands over her belly as he liked to do at night now. She ran her fingertips over his arms lightly.
"I was thinking if the baby is a girl do you want to name her Natalie?" Tobias asks.
Tris smiles as gazes off. "I thought about it but maybe for her middle name"
"You think it's a girl?"
"I don't know really, part of me wants a boy that looks just like you that will run after Justin and Jalen but it's been so fun with Jada getting to dress her up and do her hair, I wouldn't mind a girl either"
"What about Nia if it's a girl?"
"Nia, that means purpose right?" Tris says trying it out for herself recognizing Nia as a Swahili word used in the 7 days of Kwanzaa and knowing Tobias took Swahili at Morehouse. "Nia Natalie Eaton, Yeah I like it"
"Okay, what if we have a boy?"
"What's another Swahili name for a boy?"
"Well Jabari means brave one and Bakari means promised one"
"Bakari, I like that. How about Harrison Bakari Eaton" Tris says, knowing that her uncle had lost his child and wife in childbirth and all he had done to raise her and the other kids in the family it seemed right to include him.
Christina and Uriah had given Jalen the middle name of Reginald after Uriah and Zeke's father and then Justin's middle name was Andrew. Tris was pretty sure the next boy they had would have the middle name of Maxwell.
"I like it too, And I couldn't imagine a better person than Harrison to name our kid after" Tobias agrees.
Tris moves her hand to her belly, today had been the happiest day of her life. She smiles when Tobias tightens his arms around her. She was so happy but there was this nagging feeling she had that something bad was about to happen.
A/N: Let me know what you think of this chapter! This story will be winding down soon! What's something you want to see for these characters as this story comes to an end?