On his next day off Jamie took Eddie to see two apartments both on the lower east side near the village. Both apartments had doormen greeting the young couple as they walked in then used the elevator to go upstairs. The first apartment was located on the fourth floor, in a hallway decorated with bright paintings and a wood floor.
The real estate agent Steve offered his hand to them when they walked in. After coming in through a short hallway the room opened up to a white staircase that led up to a second level. In the large room a large dinning, living area that held a single window. The couch seated four, faced a sixty two inch flat screen hung on the wall. Two love seats sat on either side of the couch facing each other.
Down that same hall they found the master bedroom which held a king bed against the far wall beside one window. Like most of the apartment the floor was soft wood in a light brown color. Two windows, one over the radiator brought light into the room.
"This is really nice," Eddie turned to look around the entire room. With the right furniture it would be spacious yet cozy.
Through another door they entered a small hall with two bedrooms fit to serve as kids rooms with a bathroom in between. Further down a kitchen with rounded black top that matched the two door refrigerator. Both halls were decorated with pictures of flowers in clear vases.
"The asking price is 2 million and as you see it's a cozy house for a small family like you," Steve smiled. "There are two trains within a three to four block walk and this neighborhood is safe, with an expansive night life. The doorman is always on duty for security purposes."
Jamie nodded with his hand extended out to shake. "Thank you very much. We would like to take a few days and discuss our options but we'll be in touch shortly."
The second apartment didn't jump out at them either forcing Jamie and Eddie to go home and start over. "We'll look again Eddie. It's a big city so there are a lot of options out there," Jamie assured over lunch at a local diner.
"I know. I just hope we find it before I'm to fat to move," Eddie chuckled lightly.
Eddie had her final early the next morning so they settled on the living room couch for an all night last minute study session. Jamie searched in between asking her questions to make sure she was ready. "You are going to ace that test tomorrow. I'll be working but let me know when you're done," Jamie cupped under her chin and kissed her.
"If I pass I will owe you for helping me get through this semester and trust me it'll be a big reward," Eddie smiled.
She pulled him up to the bedroom, slowly changing into shorts and a large t shirt to sleep in. She prayed for a good night to get enough rest when a wave of nausea hit, quickly forcing Eddie to the bathroom with Jamie on her heels. He knelt down too, brushing her hair back watching sadly each time Eddie got sick.
By the end Eddie was so worn that Jamie carried her bride style back to bed. "I love you Eddie. Try and get some rest " He cuddled her close, closed his eyes and fell asleep.
The night was better then most lately, only having to wake up three times. The last time occurred just a bit past five, right before they had to get up anyway. Jamie was right there by her side with soft assurances until the wave of sickness passed. Without having to ask he made her favorite chocolate chip pancakes with scrambled eggs and toast, a shake for himself.
By six thirty Eddie kissed him goodbye to take her test and Jamie headed Into work early. Several of the guys stood out front but Jamie passed them to catch up with his sergeant, coming in from the other side. "Hey sergeant. How's it going?"
"Hey Harvard," Renzulli slowed down to let his new boot catch up smiling. He liked the kid, he was sharp, smart, and had something. Jamie was also good hearted like Joe. It still pained the veteran what happened to his old boot. He wouldn't let the same thing happen to this one. "How was your day off kid? Spend it with the girlfriend?"
They walked up a hallway towards the men's changing room. "Actually we went house hunting. We didn't find anything yet but we're going to keep looking. Poor Eddie's been getting sick. She has her final today."
"Yeah, I remember when Marie was pregnant with our daughter. She would get sick a lot too but just remember she has a special reason. Be there for her as much as you can."
The locker room was empty which Jamie was grateful for. He breathed in, "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. I know I'm a rookie but is there any way I can add Eddie and the baby in case something happens to me?"
"There's a form we can fill out once we're dressed. I can give it to the CO to process so hopefully it goes through quick," Renzulli turned to take his uniform out from the locker. "I know it sucks thinking about that but in a job like ours, you can never be sure. That's why I always tell you eyes wide open."
Jamie gave a slow nod from behind his own locker door while he changed. He flipped open his cell smiling as he sent Eddie a text when she came out. Just wanted to say I love you and know you'll knock em dead. Text me when you're done. J
All he could do through his tour was think about how Eddie was doing with her test. He didn't hear back from her for four hours almost halfway through his tour and when she text him it read Come straight home tonight.
When he did get home the kitchen lights were dimmed to a low setting. "Eddie," Jamie followed the light coming from the half open bedroom door smiling in the doorway.
Eddie looked up from the bed smiling at him. Without saying a word she slowly crossed to him and moved her arms around his neck. "I aced the final thanks to you. Professor graded it and I got a 95. It's all thanks to your helping me."
"Good Eddie. I'm really glad. Now you can relax for the rest of summer," Jamie let his hands rest against her waist.
She collected on her promise to pay him back for helping her study until nearly midnight. Jamie rubbed his fingers over her belly slowly while she slept in his arms. He had so much in his mind, be was stressed and now had two more mouths to feed.
It was hard to sleep with so much responsibility on his shoulders that he stayed up most of the night. Somewhere around When they woke up a letter from under the door addressed in Jamie's name. Jamie picked it up and recognized the writing as Eddie's father. He opened the letter and his heart sank. Jamison, I am writing to inform you and Edit that we received a bill from Edit's doctor visit and refuse to pay it. From now on you will be paying all the doctor expenses for her.
Armin.
He sighed, he didn't have that kind of money. One visit cost sixty and they would have to go for nine months, not to mention the day Eddie goes into labor. How would they do this. He stuffed the letter away so Eddie didn't see hoping and praying. When he heard her stirring Jamie quickly went to start coffee.
"Hey you," she smiled. "oh it smells good."
With a forced smile he started across the kitchen to hug her. "Hey, how are you feeling so far Eddie," he asked softly.
"A little better" she smiled. "You were up early."
Unable to take the accusing look in her eyes Jamie turned back to take a cup down. "Yeah, I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to wake you up so I came out here for a little bit. You need to rest Eddie, for both of you." This is the first lie he told her but it was better then the hurt look on her face if he told the truth.
"Well thanks you," she replied. "I feel a lot better. A lot better. I have to use the bathroom again. I'll be right back."
While Eddie was in the bathroom Jamie's phone rang from its charging nest on the counter. He picked it up seeing Renzulli's name. "Hey Sarg, is everything okay," he greeted quietly, watching the door for Eddie
"Hey rookie," he replied. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news kid but the only way you could add Eddie on your insurance is to marry her. There's no way around it, believe me I checked."
Jamie sighed, "Okay ...but the baby would be covered right?"
Renzulli replied, "Yes the baby will be covered so I processed that part. Once you marry Eddie you can add her too and she'll be covered. I tried to find a way around it kid but department policy says there's no way around it."
"Okay, then I guess you need to meet us down at the courthouse, she needs the coverage."
The older man sighed, "At least bring her a ring kid. Do that much okay? I'll meet you at the couthouse kid. Just text me when."