TEDDY
As usual every morning when I wake up, Owen is looking at me intently.
"You know? This is getting a little creepy."
He laughs softly and kisses me on the forehead. "I can't get enough of you."
I laugh with him and snuggle up next to him, enjoying the calm and warmth of our bedroom before the twins come in with their laughter. Owen spoons me, burying his nose in my hair, breathing me in and cupping my belly, rubbing it with his thumb.
"Your belly button is starting to pop."
"It'll pop more or disappear completely." Suddenly I have a little déjà vu, I had dreamed of a moment similar to this a few years ago, when I was pregnant with the twins. Owen and I in bed, making fun of my belly button.
"Teddy? Teddy!" Owen calls my name. "You zoned out." He chuckles.
I take his hand and kiss it on the top, snuggling even closer to him. "Sorry, I'm still a little sleepy."
"Do you want to sleep a little longer? I'll take care of the children." He kisses my shoulder softly.
"No, it's ok. Besides, I've to prep everything for Megan and your mom."
"Are you excited?" He asks me, sounding excited himself. Even if he doesn't say it, I know how much he misses Megan and his mother, I know how much this visit means to him. For my part, I can't help feeling nervous. It has been more than 5 years since I last saw Megan and Evelyn, I've changed not only physically, but also mentally, I can say that I'm another person, I don't know how I'll react to seeing them again.
I'm afraid they hate me for not telling them about twins and for not telling them about the new baby yet. I've hardly talked to them much since Owen and I are together and part of the reason is my fear, I don't know how to act with them anymore and that hurts because I still love them.
"Teddy?"
I sigh. "I'm excited."
"But?" I smile sadly at him, he knows me so well.
"I'm scared... scared of being hated for having left them behind, for not telling you and them about the twins, for not telling them about the new baby."
He props up on his elbow and I turn lying on my back to look him in the face. "Teddy, they love you. They understand that everything that happened was not our fault and they don't hate you for that, on the contrary. They are excited to see you, to meet the twins. As for this little nugget." He places his hand on my growing belly, patting it softly. "It is our decision when and how to share the news with others. I love my sister and my mother, but this is something that only concerns you and me... and if tomorrow we decide that we want to become hippies and live in a camper is our decision. We decided to wait to share the news because it is our baby."
His words form a lump in my throat. He always has the right words for everything. "I know but—"
"But nothing. They don't hate you Teddy, and they will love the twins and love this new baby when we tell them the news."
"I don't know if there will be much to tell. I popped out in the last few days. It'll be the first thing Megan and your mother will notice, mark my words."
Owen laughs and again wraps me in his arms. We both take our hands to my belly. "You are the most beautiful pregnant woman in all Landstuhl."
"Just Landstuhl?" I pretend to be offended.
"Ok, all of Germany."
"At least I expected something more like 'all of Europe' or I don't know, maybe 'all the world', but that's fine, surely over there are pregnant women more beautiful than me."
Owen laughs out loud and gives me a smacking kiss on the cheek. "You're impossible!"
We don't have more time to enjoy the warmth of our bed when the twins run in, laughing and screaming.
"Mommy, daddy, today is the day!" Allison shrieks jumping to bed followed by Henry.
"Today grandma Evelyn and auntie Megan will arrive!"
They lie in the middle of Owen and I and we all snuggle closer together to keep the warm in the cold morning.
"Are you excited?" Ironically, I am the one who asks the children that.
"A lot!" Allison exclaims. "Mary has an aunt and they play a lot. Do you think auntie Megan will want to play with me?"
"I'm sure she will want to." Owen replies.
"Ok, so we have to get up now to prepare everything to welcome Grandma and Aunt Megan."
I get out of bed and pull the sheets and the quilt, making Owen and the twins complain and laugh.
We go with our day as planned. Owen and the twins go to the supermarket to buy everything we need for dinner and I stay at home making the last arrangements to Allison's room, where Evelyn and Megan will sleep during the next three weeks they will stay here.
Once Owen arrives with the groceries we both start making dinner while the twins take a short nap. It's 3 in the afternoon, Megan and Evelyn's flight is supposed to land at 3:30, plus train time from Frankfurt to here, they will arrive at the perfect time for dinner.
The closer the time of their arrival the more anxious and frightened I feel. My heart beats in my throat and I feel a pressure in my chest. I don't know what's wrong with me, it's Evelyn and Megan, practically my family, but I still can't help feeling nervous to see them again after so many years.
"Oh no, no, no! Not nuts. Megan is allergic to nuts, remember?" Owen stops me before I put nuts in the salad.
"Oh yes, sorry, sorry. I forgot it like a stupid." I apologize shyly and take the knife chopping the peppers instead. I sweat and my hands shake, it doesn't take long until "Ouch!" I cut my finger.
"Teddy! Are you ok?!" Owen takes a small towel and wraps my hand putting pressure on my finger that bleeds in ridiculous amounts. "Teddy, you are shaking!"
"I-I... I'm fine, it's just a cut." I take back my hand from Owen's, but my finger bleeds again creating small threads of blood running through my hand.
"Teddy, you could've cut an artery, in that case you and the baby may be in danger! At least let me check the wound or let me take you to the ER!"
"It doesn't even hurt that much. I'm surprised you don't think about the amount of blood vessels in the hands!" Owen was starting to exasperate me and that was translating into a stinging headache.
"But we won't know until we check—"
"Can you please stop, for fuck's sake?!" I shout at him.
We both fall into a silence so uncomfortable that shakes everything inside me. I can feel my whole body tremble. Owen looks at me confused and hurt, of course he is hurt. I don't know what the hell is wrong with me, nor do I recognize myself.
I take a deep breath trying not to burst into tears. "I... I need 10 minutes for myself." Without giving Owen time to say anything else, I turn around and lock myself in our bedroom, lying in bed to cry.
"What's wrong with me?" I whimper. I don't know what's happening to me, this isn't just about nervousness because of Evelyn and Megan's visit or pregnancy hormones, this is something else but I don't know what it is, but if it is what I think it is…
After crying my eyes out for several minutes I stop crying, I lie in bed hugging my legs, I don't realize when I fall asleep. When I wake up I hear that in the kitchen Owen keeps preparing everything for dinner and talks with the twins. I look at the clock, it's past 5 in the afternoon. I sit on the bed staring at the window. I look at my hand that stopped bleeding a long time ago. I feel so guilty about how I talked to Owen, I don't know how I will look him in the face.
As if invoked, Owen comes to the bedroom slowly opening the door. His expression is neutral, showing neither anger nor sadness.
"Dinner is ready and the children too." Owen tells me in a voice as neutral as his face. "I'll take a quick shower. Megan called me that they will be here in about half an hour."
Without saying anything else he goes to the bathroom but I stop him by taking him by the wrist. "Owen... I... I'm sorry." Again the lump in my throat. "I don't know what happened to me… I… it wasn't my intention to talk to you like that. I know how you care and why you care and I am an idiot and—"
"Teddy, Teddy." He interrupts me and kneels in front of me. "That… it hurt, I won't say it didn't and I want to understand you… Is there something that is bothering you, something that worries you? If you want, I can tell Megan and my Mother not to—"
"No! No, no, no, please no! I don't know what's wrong with me, Owen. That's it."
"Do you want us to talk about it?"
"Yes… but not right now, ok? Now the important thing is to welcome your mom and Megan."
He smiles at me softly and kisses my hand, I ruffle his hair. "Does it hurt?" He asks me about my wound.
"A little, but it has stopped bleeding."
He smiles and nods. Then his smile grows bigger when he places his hand on my bump. "It must think its mommy is crazy." I say.
"Just a little."
We both remain silent and then it happens. "Oh, my God! Did you feel that?!" Owen exclaims enthusiastically when he feels the baby kick.
"Of course I felt it!" I laugh.
He pokes and pats my belly. "Hi there little one, it's daddy. Did you know it can hear sounds already?" Owen is so excited and that just makes me feel more guilty about how I talked to him a couple of hours ago.
I don't say anything else, I let him marvel at our baby's little movements until it seems to fall asleep. Owen and I finish getting ready until the time comes.
"Mom and Megan are at the train station. They will be here in less than ten minutes." Owen informs the twins and me excited.
The twins jump excitedly and I smile at them. My heart beats hard against my chest and my hands sweat, yet I try to show as relaxed as possible in front of Owen and our children.
We check the last details of dinner when they knock on the door. Owen looks at me smiling broadly and goes to open the door. The twins run to me and hug me by the legs giggling between them.
"Mom!" Owen hugs his mother as soon as he opens the door.
"Oh son, I missed you so much!"
"Hi, stranger. Isn't there a hug for me?" Megan says and Owen hugs her sister tightly, lifting her off the floor.
"Get in, get in!" Owen helps them with their luggage. "Everything is ready for dinner. Are you hungry?"
"I'm hungry but where is—" Megan stops when she sees me. "TEDDY!"
She runs and gives me a tight hug. "I'm so glad to see you again." She whispers in my ear in a trembling voice. When she pulls back I can see the tears running down her cheeks, she wipes them and smiles. Then she squats in front of the children who are still hugging my legs and looking at Megan and Evelyn shyly.
"Hi little ones. I'm Megan, Auntie Megan, I'm very happy to meet you."
"I'm Allison." Allison introduces herself standing in front of Megan and offering her small hand.
On the other hand, Henry hugs tighter on my leg. "It's ok baby. It's Auntie Megan. Remember how excited you were to meet her?" He nods slowly.
"Hello." He says in a low voice while still hugging my leg and biting the nail of his thumb. Megan seems to understand so she just ruffles his hair and gives him a smile.
"Children, come and say hello to Grandma." Owen says.
Allison immediately runs to Evelyn again to introduce herself. "Hi grandma, I'm Allison!"
Evelyn opens her arms to Allison and she doesn't hesitate to hug her. Owen, Megan and I looked at each other touched. Evelyn cries while hugging Allison.
"You're so beautiful."
"Thanks grandma."
"Mommy." Henry whispers to me. "I want to greet Grandma."
I squat in front of him. "Then go, my love. It's okay, grandma is very excited to be here."
Henry smiles at me shyly and walks tentatively to where Owen and Evelyn are. Henry stands in front of his grandmother, she opens her arms to him and after thinking about it for a few seconds he finally throws himself into Evelyn's arms.
"I was so excited to meet you little one. Your dad told me so much about you and your sister."
After the emotional encounter between Evelyn and the twins I go to greet her. She gives me a tight hug and kisses me on the cheek.
"I can't believe it." She whispers in my ear and I know what she means. I can't believe it either. "Ok, wait a moment!" She pulls back and looks at me attentively and questioningly. Then her gaze goes to my middle section. Owen and I shared a look and smile, at that moment Evelyn realizes.
"Oh my God, you're pregnant!" Evelyn exclaims in amazement.
"WHAT?!" Megan shouts and goes to me. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, YOU'RE PREGNANT!" Owen laughs and Evelyn sheds some tears while Megan hugs me. "WE ARE HAVING A BABY! Oh my God, I am so happy!"
"Why didn't you tell us anything?!" Evelyn asks.
"We wanted it to be a surprise." Owen replies to his mother.
"How far along are you? Do you know if it will be a boy or a girl? I want all the details!" Megan exclaims eagerly, and so many questions overwhelm me. Soon Owen notices and intervenes.
"Why don't we talk about this during dinner? Surely you're hungry."
We all go to the table where everything is ready for dinner.
OWEN
We sit down to eat and everything goes in relative calm. The twins ask hundreds of questions to my mother and Megan and they are more than happy to answer each and every one. Henry looks more relaxed than a few moments ago and Allison is excited to introduce her friends to her auntie Megan and her grandma Evelyn. Once the twins have finished dinner, Teddy takes them to bed.
"But now tell us, Teddy, how far along are you?" Megan asks Teddy who has been silent most of the time. Smiling or answering with quiet monosyllables. I don't know what's wrong with her, I don't know what's upsetting or bothering her, she hadn't shown any signs of being upset until this afternoon.
"Oh, 18 weeks, in 3 days I will turn 19."
"But why didn't you say anything?! I would've brought a gift or something for the baby. Have you thought about doing a baby shower? How about a gender reveal party? Do you already know if it will be a boy or a girl? Have you thought of names? Will it be born here in Germany?"
With every question that Megan asks I can see how Teddy's discomfort grows more and more. She scratches her neck and stirs in her seat, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"Calm down sister!" I intervene. "We didn't say anything because we wanted it to be a surprise, in fact, we didn't say anything to anyone until the day you called telling them you were coming."
"But why not?!" Megan exclaims in amazement. "It's a baby, it's good news, it's something you should share with the family!"
"Megan." My mother intervenes. "They wanted it that way and we must respect it."
"I know. I'm sorry, I don't want to sound nosy or anything, but... it's a baby, and after... you know. But I am happy for you, you deserve this more than anyone else in the world."
"Thank you." Teddy mutters, taking Megan's hand with a light squeeze.
"And before you continue." I take Teddy's hand and kiss it on the top. "No, we don't know if it's a boy or a girl nor do we want to know until it's born, so no, no gender reveal party."
"But we can have a baby shower!"
"Oh... I don't know. I don't have many friends; I don't know if it would be a good idea." Teddy replies a little ashamed.
"Come on Teddy, it will be fun! It doesn't have to be a huge party, just you, mom and me, a girls' day."
"Megan, if Teddy says she doesn't want to, don't push her." My mother says in an attempt to make Megan understand our reasons.
"Sorry, sorry... it's just that I'm so excited."
"And I thank you so much. I promise I'll think about the baby shower, ok?"
We talk for a while longer, although in reality it is only Megan talking about how they did the last two weeks in Europe and how she and Nathan do in Seattle. Late at night I can see how Teddy looks more and more tired so I decide to postpone the talk for tomorrow and go to sleep.
"Well, why don't I show you the room where you will sleep?"
"Yes, please!" Megan says. "I'm exhausted!"
"You go; I'll stay to help Teddy clean up everything." My mother says.
"Oh no, no, no, Evelyn, you must be tired, I'll take care of everything."
"Nonsense. I'll help you."
Teddy just gives her a sweet smile and Megan and I go to Allison's room, where she and my mother will sleep.
"Owen, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Is everything okay between you and Teddy?"
I watch her frowning confused. "What kind of question is that?"
"I don't know, I notice her different, distant, even annoyed or angry."
"We're fine." I answer sounding somewhat defensive. "You haven't seen Teddy in more than 5 years, she has changed, we all have changed."
"I know and sorry, I didn't want to be indiscreet, it's just... brother, I've seen how you've suffered all these years and I just want you to be happy, that's all."
"And I appreciate the concern, but Teddy and I are fine, yes, with our disagreements, but you better than anyone know what marriage is like."
"What?! You're married too and you didn't tell me anything?!"
"No, no, no. I meant life as a couple."
"Oh, for a moment I was about to kill you."
"I would never hide something like that."
"I know. And speaking of... have you thought about it?"
"The truth, no. Everything has been so fast since we met again, then Henry, work and now the new baby, but now that you mention it, I don't know, maybe."
Megan gives me a mischievous smile and a pat on the shoulder.
TEDDY
While Evelyn helps me pick up everything on the table and put the leftover food in containers and then in the fridge, I take care of washing the dishes.
"I can't believe how beautiful Allison and Henry are, they remind me of Megan and Owen when they were that age." Evelyn says.
"I know; it was the first thing I noticed when their features started to become clearer. How much they looked like Owen and Megan."
"Let's see who this new nugget will look like."
I smile and bring my hand to my baby bump.
"How do you feel? My pregnancy with Owen was so easy, but Megan… everything was so hard."
I debate whether or not I tell her how the pregnancy was at the beginning, in the false negative, in the threat of miscarriage and in everything that I've been feeling in the last days and that neither I understand. This pregnancy is also so different from that of the twins and at the same time so similar.
"I… I feel good. Tired, but well, I've lived tired since the twins were born."
"They are a handful."
I chuckle lightly. "A little. They are not misbehaved or anything, but… it was difficult when they were born."
"I know, Owen told me about that."
I feel that my throat closes when I remember those times and how difficult everything was. I don't realize that I'm crying until Evelyn is next to me.
"Hey, Teddy, is everything okay?" She offers me a handkerchief.
"Sorry, hormones." I try to laugh, but I fail.
"I've been watching you since I arrived, this is more than just hormones. Is there anything you want to talk about? We may not have seen each other in years, but remember that I will always be there when you need it, as it has always been."
I can't contain myself anymore and I throw myself into her arms crying. She takes me to my bedroom and closes the door. We sit on the bed and I keep crying, I can't stop. She shushes me while stroking my hair and my back and hugging me tightly.
After a few minutes my crying becomes light sobs. "I'm sorry." I sigh against Evelyn's neck.
She takes my face soaked in tears between her warm hands and looks me in the eye. "You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. Do you understand me?"
I sit straight and wipe my face with my hands.
"If you wanna talk—"
"I don't even know where or how to start, I don't even know what's wrong with me!"
"Is it Owen, the kids, the baby, the job?"
"No, no, no! It's me, but... I'm supposed to feel immensely happy, I mean Owen and I are together, I love him with my whole being, my children are healthy and happy, we'll have another baby. I should feel immensely happy! But... for a few days now I don't know what happens to me, I can't stop thinking about my first pregnancy, how it was, how miserable I felt and how lonely I was, I can't stop replaying in my head over and over again how Allison was born there, on the cold floor of the bathroom, how I almost died giving birth to Henry... and then Owen... Owen is so happy about the twins and about this new baby and I feel so guilty because sometimes I don't feel like him, but when I feel happy for this new baby I remember that the twins had none of that and again I feel guilty and it's a never ending spiral of guilt and I don't know how to stop it and I'm afraid of hurting Owen or worse, I'm afraid it may split us."
And again I break into Evelyn, crying, and again she comforts me sweetly. "Oh my girl."
"And I don't even know how to talk about this with Owen. Evelyn, you should see him, see how his eyes shine every time he plays with the children or his huge smile every time he talks to the baby. I don't want to ruin this for him."
"Hey honey, listen to me. You won't ruin anything for anyone. That's what a partner is for, to help you, to lift you up when you're down, and darling, you better than anyone know that Owen is the only one who can do that, he is the only one who understands you as nobody and you to him."
"This afternoon I screamed horrible at him, oh Evelyn, it was almost physically painful to see his face, he was so hurt. Imagine if I tell him how I feel." I can't even see Evelyn in the face.
Evelyn looks at me tenderly and places my hair behind my ear. "He will understand; I'm one hundred percent sure that he will. What you feel, Teddy, is perfectly normal… I felt the same way when I was pregnant with Megan, I felt like I was neglecting my little boy and that made me feel terrible."
"And how did you do it? How did you get over it?"
"With love."
I laugh softly. "I… I know this is not an excuse, but… since I was pregnant with the twins I've been fighting depression. It comes and goes when I least expect it and when it comes... I've to put it on the back of my head, indefinitely postpone my five minutes to cry because I don't have time and because my children can't see me like that... but one way or another since Owen is with us again I feel that the burden is less on me… I love, love, I love him so much Evelyn, you have no idea how much I love him and how happy he makes me… this isn't fair to him."
"Everything you went through wasn't something we see every day. It was sad and unfair and you had to be strong for yourself and the children and you had to shut up so many things, but now you are not alone, you have Owen and you will see that between the two the burden will be less."
I hug Evelyn tightly. "Thank you." Whisper.
"You have nothing to thank me for, my love. I'll always be there when you need me."
"Teddy, are you—?" Owen comes to the room looking for me. "Mom? What's going on?" He sits next to me and when he notices my red and puffy eyes. "Hey love, is everything alright? Mom, what's going on?"
"I think she has to talk to you. Good evening." Evelyn replies standing up and leaving the room.
"Honey, what's up?" Owen asks me, cupping my face.
I take his face in my hands and kiss him passionately. "I love you so much". I whisper.
I proceed to tell Owen everything. How I feel and my fears. How much I love him, how much I love our children and how grateful I am for them and for him. He listens to me intently, letting me vent, comforting, loving me in his very Owen way, without judgments, always understanding.
It is past 1 am when we settle down in bed to sleep. I hug his torso tightly, he caresses my side and kisses the top of my head.
"I will always, always be here with you Teddy. No matter how difficult and black it gets, I will always be by your side."
"I know, and sorry for not telling you how I felt before. I didn't want to tarnish your happiness."
"You are not tarnishing anything, why are we together for if it is not to support each other?"
"Hey, I've been thinking and... I think Megan's idea of the baby shower isn't that bad after all."
"Really? Teddy, if you don't—"
"I do want it! When I was pregnant with the twins Conrad made me a gender reveal party, only he and I… it was perhaps the only day I felt happy."
"Megan will make it very special, you'll see. She's over the moon for this new baby." Owen slides down on the bed placing his face next to my bump. "Just like daddy is over the moon for it."
I laugh and rub my bump. "He or she will be a very spoiled baby. Its parents, siblings, uncles and aunt and grandma will make it a brat."
"That always happens with the second child, just look at Megan."
I laugh out loud. "She will kill you if she hears you!"
"Probably." Owen laughs. Then he attacks my bump with kisses here and there making me laugh.
"Owen stop, it's time to sleep!" I giggle. "I'll be moody in the morning if you don't let me sleep!"
"Wooow, that's a terrifying threat!" Owen stops and raises his hands playfully in redemption.
"Asshole!" I slap him on the shoulder and pull him from his pajamas shirt to me to kiss him. Owen hovers me and I give him space between my legs. He caresses my legs as he kisses not only my lips, but also my neck, my chest, my breasts, making me moan. "Owen." I sigh his name.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you want to sleep." He whispers seductively against the skin of my neck and when he tries to pull back I stop him by trapping him, circling his hips with my legs and his neck with my arms, keeping him close to my body.
"Shut up and make love to me." I say against his lips. The rest is a blur of emotions, feelings and fireworks.
The next few days I feel better, although not entirely. I'm struggling with depression, that doesn't go away overnight, but certainly after the talk with Evelyn and Owen I feel much better. I still have my moments, but Owen understands and gives me my space, in general everything is good. Evelyn and Megan are over the moon with the children, each morning they both accompany me to drop them and pick them up from school. Megan spends the afternoon playing with them and Evelyn helps me cook dinner every night.
They are being so helpful, the second trimester is killing me, I feel exhausted for most of the day, the morning sickness isn't gone yet, my back hurts just like the tendons of my pelvis that stretch to accommodate my little one that every day becomes more and more active. Morning sickness, congestion and nosebleeds are almost an everyday thing. But all in all I'm happy. My baby is healthy and my pregnancy develops normally. The whole family is thrilled and that makes me feel warm inside. At the end of all this discomfort I will be rewarded with my sweet baby.
It's all so beautiful that I fear I will miss all this when Megan and Evelyn leave. Which leads me to think about the possibility of moving to Seattle, but what about MedCom? I don't have anything in Seattle, not to mention my refugee clinics. There are more cons than pros of living in Seattle, I talked to Owen and he would love it too, but we both agree that for the moment it is best to stay in Germany.
The days keep going and the date when Evelyn and Megan will return to Seattle is getting closer and closer, which makes us all very emotional. But we decided to do the most of the time we have together. Everything blows up, in the best way, when Megan meets Conrad.
They are so similar that in seconds they click. Their laughter and good humor are so contagious that they give me a boost of energy when I feel more tired. It's thanks to them and their excessive enthusiasm for the new baby that I agree to have a baby shower. If it was difficult to deny Megan, when Conrad and the twins joined together it was impossible to refuse. And, to tell the truth, deep down I was excited too. Although I remember with much love the small gender reveal celebration that Conrad did to me when I was expecting the twins, I never had a baby shower. Although sometimes that annoying shadow of guilt still appears, I am happy. All the people I love will be here to celebrate this new life and that is the cause of my joy.
"Can we get in now?!" I ask Owen.
"Not yet. Until Conrad calls me."
I sigh. We're waiting outside the house, Conrad and Megan won't let us in until everything is ready inside for the surprise. From early we were kicked out of the house so they could prepare everything for the baby shower.
"What are they doing?! What is taking them so long?!" I ask, a little annoyed.
"It seems that you don't know Megan and Conrad, they always go big. I can assure you that whatever they are doing in there is anything but simple."
"I told them that I just wanted a small dinner and that's it. I don't want gifts, I'd rather they donate that money to the refugee clinic." I huff and roll my eyes.
Owen takes me by the shoulders facing me. "Ok, little hormonal monster, breathe. Everything is almost ready."
I sigh deeply. "Yes, but my bladder can't wait any longer. Your child has taken my bladder as a springboard and I'm peeing." I mutter through clenched teeth.
Owen laughs. "Think of something else. I don't know, puppies!"
"What?!"
"Distract your mind, don't think you want to pee and it will go away."
I look at him frowning. "Try to distract your mind when you have a 22 week baby jumping in your bladder and kicking your ribs. Let's see if it goes away!"
Owen laughs again and wraps me in his arms from behind, running his hands up and down my baby bump. "Sorry. But... you can try, come on. Think of... my kisses, my kisses on your neck, on your collarbone. My hands, my hands on your legs, on your hips." As Owen whispers these words in my ear he kisses my neck.
"O-Owen." I groan.
"Think of my body, and your body... naked, cold satin sheets."
"Hmmm."
"Oh, my God! You two really can't spend a minute without putting your hands on each other, isn't it?!" Conrad exclaims when he opens the door and finds us in such a show of affection, making us jump apart.
"Shut up and let me in!" I reply laughing.
"Wooop, wait!" Conrad pulls two masks from his pants pocket to blindfold us. "You won't ruin our surprise."
"Conrad, I want to go to the bathroom!" I complain as he covers Owen's eyes.
"You will go when you see the surprise... if you don't pee on your pants when you see it."
"I hate you so much!" Conrad covers my eyes and kisses me on the temple.
"Now, it's time." He takes us by the hand and directs us inside the house.
Once inside Conrad and Megan take the blindfolds from Owen and me. Everyone shouts surprise. All the people I love are here. My children, Evelyn, Megan, Conrad and Jacob. Owen and I run out of words and I start to cry.
Everything is so beautiful. Decorated in white and soft green. There are balloons everywhere. A small candy bar, a snack and a dessert table with a huge cake in the center, as well as a table with a ridiculous amount of gifts.
"Oh my God!" I cry and hug Owen. "All this is so beautiful!"
"Do you like it?" Evelyn asks me.
"It's more beautiful than I imagined. How did you do it?"
"I helped a lot!" Allison is proud to tell me that she helped prepare everything for her little sibling's baby shower.
"Me too!" Henry adds.
"Oh yes, this pair was the most helpful." Jacob points. "Especially this little perfectionist." He says referring to Allison. "Always inspecting everything was perfect."
"Thank you very much for all this, guys!" Owen says in a shaky voice and hugs me tightly.
The rest of the afternoon we all laugh until our bellies ache. Everything is perfect. The food and desserts are delicious, so much so that I stuck in countless tartlets, jello, brownies, chocolates and marshmallows. Later it is time to open the presents.
"Guys... What did we say about the gifts?"
"Calm down, woman!" Megan exclaims. "We also donate for your refugee clinic, because, what is the point of a baby shower without gifts?!"
I smile sweetly at her.
"Ok, first gift!" Conrad says, handing me a box wrapped in purple paper with a huge white bow. I open it and inside is a beautiful baby carrier.
"Awww, It's beautiful!"
I open and open presents and it seems that I will never finish, between Conrad, Megan and Evelyn they've practically set up a whole nursery. From diapers and baby supplies, to a stroller, car seat and clothes, lots of clothes.
"I can't believe you all!" I thank them all with tears in my eyes.
"I think there's a gift missing." Owen points out.
"Is it? Where?"
"Here." Owen hands me a small white box with an white ribbon.
I undo the bow and open the box, inside is a ring with a huge diamond. All gasp amazed and my vision is clouded with pooled tears. When I look up Owen is already down on one knee in front of me.
"Teddy—"
"YES, I DO!" I exclaim long before he can say something. I make him and everyone else laugh. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't even let you ask. Let's do it again. Oh my god, I'm ruining this, pretend I didn't say anything—"
Again he bursts into laughter. "God! You are so beautiful." He takes my face in his hands and kisses me with all the passion in the world, then he takes my hand and places the ring on my finger. "I love you, I want to spend each and every day that I have left of life at yours and our children's side." He says against my lips.
In the background I can hear everyone laugh and cry with joy, but they are only noises in the background. Right now it's just Owen and me. After all what we've been through, we're getting married…