Before we start, many of you asked and the answer is yes...I was smacked on the ass with a sword at my wedding. A lovely welcome to the Marine Corps, indeed! LOL! Several military terms along the way and a few time jumps here and there. Pay attention and enjoy ;)
^^ TotS^^
EPOV
"How are they?" I leap up, the words tumbling out of my mouth before Dr. Epperly even gets the door closed.
"The baby is still cozy and safe inside, and Bella did just fine. She'll be waking up in recovery shortly. Cerclage looks good. We'll keep an eye on her for the rest of the day and you can take your wife home tomorrow," she says with a smile.
I nod, relief washing over me. I've been on edge since last night before we fell asleep, to say nothing of the state of my nerves this morning since our five o'clock check-in time to get Bella into surgery. "Can I see her?"
"We'll have a nurse come out and get you when she's ready to head back to her room. Shouldn't be too long now."
"Thank you, Doctor," I sigh, shaking her hand before she turns to leave us in the family waiting room.
"Well, now that I feel a thousand percent better, I'm heading to the cafeteria for some coffee. Anybody want to join me?" Renee gets up, looking at Charlie and me, both of us cemented in place.
"None for me, thanks. I don't need to be any more hopped up and nervous than I already am," I chuckle. "You guys can go on ahead, though."
Charlie stands and slips his palm into his wife's hand. "We'll just be downstairs, kid."
Renee pecks me on the cheek, and they leave me to compose myself after the last few hours of demon-infested shit I allowed to slither through my head. I need to make an appointment with my therapist for next week. I haven't had any fear-issues come up for several months now, so I figured it was all smooth sailing from here on out, but as soon as it was time to put my money where my mouth was, horrid thoughts seeped in, trying to get the better of me. I had Bella and our baby dead and buried. If I wasn't already damn near bald because of Marine Corps regulations, I'd have pulled every fucking follicle from my skull by now. This morning has been pure torture.
Rather than going home right after the new year like my family had to, Charlie and Renee have decided to stay for another week until Bella is up and about again after today's procedure. It's easier for them because they retired last summer. My mom retired from full time work a few years back, but Lauren could only afford two weeks off from her job for Christmas and the wedding, and Bailyn needed to get back to school. Even though she's only in Pre-K, they're paying tuition whether Bay's there or not, so it just made sense for them to travel back earlier this week.
I shoot off a quick text to Riley, Emmett, Rosalie and Bella's friend, Mallory, letting them know the latest. While Bella is recovering for the next week, Mallory will be the full-time sub in her kindergarten classroom. It's what Bella hoped for because her students are already used to seeing Mallory everyday as their classroom aide.
After the text, I send an email to my mom and sister to let them know Bella's out of surgery, and I'll call them later tonight before they head to work in the morning.
Riley's response is first.
Glad all's well, brother. K & I will swing by the hospital tonight to say hi. I'm heading into the conference with Kalia's teacher now. Will let you know how it goes.
Right, the conference. As soon as classes started again after the holiday break, Riley got a call from Kalia's teacher saying that she's struggling a bit. He wasn't really surprised. DODDS schools are usually tougher with curriculum and standards than those of some public schools in the states, Hawaii being a big offender. Bella let Riley know that if Kalia's falling behind, now's the time to get her caught up so it doesn't overwhelm her down the road.
Texts from Rosalie and Emmett pop up one right after the other. Those two…always in sync with everything.
Thank God. Em and I will be over after work. Love you all!
G2G. I'll grab Rosie, and we'll drop in after work.
And did I mention they share the same brain?
"Major Masen?"
I look up to find a nurse waiting in the doorway.
"I can take you to your wife now."
^^TotS^^
"Okay, I think I got everything on the list." I place the cooler next to the nightstand where Bella can reach it, then I put down the three shopping bags at the foot of our bed, after nudging Max to the side. He pays me no mind, yawns and pads up the bed to plop his furry ass right on top of my pillow, ensuring I know who's boss.
Fucker.
"What's all this, and what list are you talking about?"
"I couldn't sleep last night, so I tried to think of everything you might need while I'm at work. I loaded it all up in these bags and the cooler," I announce proudly. "That way I'll know you're taken care of while I can't be here with you."
"Babe, that's why my parents are here for the rest of the week. Emmett's bringing them by around nine. You didn't have to go to all this trouble—"
I cut her off, waving my hand. "I know that, but this way they can focus on just taking care of you."
Bella's eyes spin around the room as her face crinkles. "But…that's the very definition of them taking care of me…if I need something, they'll run and get it."
"I know," I respond with a shrug, "but this way I've done most of the work for them so they can just physically care for you."
"But, it's not like I'm paralyzed. I'm just a little sore and would need help getting back and forth to the bathroom. I can still—"
"Masen…" I warn in my officer voice.
My wife purses her lips, her cheeks puffing out with air. She's biting her tongue because she knows I'm a lunatic and that she'll ultimately lose this battle.
We've been over this a billion times. The supply and logistics officer in me will always, always map out every possible scenario and every contingency plan for each of those scenarios. This should not come as a shock to her.
Eventually, her mouth morphs into a smile and she crooks her finger, beckoning me to her.
When I get to her bedside, she grabs my dog tags and pulls me down till her lips are on mine.
Soft, wet, enticing, dick-hardening…
"Oh, no, you don't," I grunt through another kiss before attempting to pull away. "Don't start something you can't finish."
She waggles her brows, tugging on my tags again. "Oh, I can finish all right. Let me take care of you." She drags her fingers down toward my buckle, but I laugh through a final kiss and step back.
"You need to chill, Mrs. Hot-To-Trot. You're only three days post-surgery. No physical exertion, remember."
She rolls her eyes with a pout and crosses her arms. "I'm not asking you to fuck me, you know. I just wanted to have a lick."
Licking aside, I widen my eyes at her snippy tone as she huffs, falling back into the stack of pillows I propped up behind her.
"This sucks. We haven't had sex in almost a week. What kind of newlyweds are we?"
"The kind who are making sure our little bun stays in the oven as long as possible. Once you get the all clear at your check-up on Friday, I promise I'll let you ravage me all you want," I appease, and it draws a giggle from her. "Now, look at all the awesome stuff I have for you here! All your recent cravings: Cheez-Its, Cinnamon Life, bowl, spoon," I point to the cooler "this is filled with grape-flavored Propel water, a quart of milk, blueberries and three Granny Smith apples."
"You're too stinkin' sweet, Major."
I continue with a smile. "I bought you 50,001 Best Baby Names so we can get started on that tasker. And if there's nothing on TV, I brought you Tangled, the first season of Alias, your Harry Potter box set plus your favorite movie munchies: Reese's Pieces and Mike and Ikes."
I step over to my bureau. "Here's the phone book and the cordless. Now you can call anyone you want. Your laptop is fully charged, but I brought up your cords just in case. Oh, and your cell." I place her phone on her nightstand and wait for the verdict. "What do you think?"
She shakes her head, love evident in her eyes. "I think you're the best husband and supply officer on the planet. And I'm never trading you in for an upgrade unless of course, you refer to choosing our baby's name as a 'tasker' one more time."
"Too much Motivator?"
"Just a smidge."
"Duly noted, Mrs. Masen. Won't happen again." I drop my knees to the floor and wrap her up in my arms. "Sure you're gonna be okay today? I fucking hate leaving you."
She pulls back to find my eyes. "I'll be fine. Promise. I don't want you taking any more leave while my parents are still here and available. You never know when I'll need you down the road."
"I kinda hope you'll always need me, Clementine."
"We will, Daddy," she whispers, moving my hand to her belly. "Always."
^^TotS^^
I look at my watch and realize it's after five and I should get going. Bella's been fine for the last few weeks since her surgery, but her appetites — both for food and for sex— have surged and she becomes a little unhinged if she goes without either for too long.
It's adorable, and a little scary, to be honest. I never thought she'd be able to go back for seconds and thirds once I'm stuffed, but she's been proving me wrong time and again.
There are several emails that need a response before the morning, so I get started just as my cell rings. I look at the name and chuckle at the thought that I'm about to get reprimanded.
"Mrs. Masen."
"Honey, if I don't eat a meatball sub from Robin Hood in the next twenty minutes, I fear I may lose my SOFA status due to behavior beyond my control which could then lead to an international incident."
I burst out laughing, listening to Bella's degree of drama. "Hungry, are you?"
"Please, tell me you're pulling into the development as we speak."
"Not quite, but I am closing down my laptop momentarily."
"Uh uh. Not fast enough. You'll have to meet me at the food court, Major."
"Jeez, you're bossy," I chortle. "How's the peanut treating you today?"
"Not too badly. Just craving meatball parm at the moment."
"Well, far be it from me to stand between my child and his or her dinner. Meet you there in ten. Love you."
Just as I suspected. I wonder how long it'll be before she pounces on me demanding sex. I'm hardly complaining, but she's just about turned lovemaking into an Olympic sport.
And she's always going for the gold.
^^TotS^^
BPOV
My mind wanders back to the last conversation we had about today's appointment. I'm pretty sure it was Valentine's Day and we were in bed, surprise surprise.
Thank God my husband is in good shape. I know I've been working him out. Some of the stuff I've read said that my sex drive might be intense at times and then dwindle to nothing.
Yeah, we haven't gotten to that dwindling part yet. I'm a little out of control, I think. Six weeks have passed since my cerclage was placed, and I haven't slowed down a bit.
Edward's smooth voice brings me back to our conversation.
"Whatcha thinking about?"
"There's a part of me that wants to know."
"I don't wanna know," he tosses back, smiling. "I mean, I do…but I want to be surprised more."
"Yeah…I guess."
Our hands are clasped as we follow the nurse toward the back waiting room for our monthly OB appointment. When we arrive in the smaller vestibule, a familiar voice from around the corner catches our attention.
"I'm grabbing one of each!" Emmett is facing the wall that has at least a dozen pamphlet containers for every condition, disease, vaccination and medication offered for pregnant women. Rosalie is standing at the desk, speaking with a nurse.
I scoot ahead of Edward and hip check Emmett as best as my small frame will allow compared to his monstrous one. "Whatcha doin'?"
"Heeeeey! Bellsy!" Emmett wraps me up in a hug and we rock back and forth. "Check it out!" He hands me a strip of ultrasound pictures. "Played my girl some Marvin Gaye and knocked her up like a boss!" He nods, all proud of himself. "So, yeah, I'm collecting as much info as possible from this wall of baby momma knowledge."
"Congrats, brother. That's fantastic." Edward comes up behind me and reaches around to hug Emmett.
"That's wonderful!" I squeal as Rosalie approaches with a smile from ear to ear. "So happy for you both," I gush, hugging them.
"Yup. Since we missed typhoon season, I think my swimmers made magic happen on our Martin Luther King ninety-six when we escaped to Okuma. At least that's what my best guess is."
We all chuckle while Rosalie slugs her husband in the gut. I check in with the nurse, and the four of us take a seat in the waiting area.
"So what week are you guys in again?"
"Twenty," Edward and I announce in unison.
"Ahhh, so we can find out the sex today, eh?"
Rosalie shakes her head with a chuckle. "You'll have to forgive Dr. Spock here. Ever since we got the positive test result last weekend, he's read What to Expect When You're Expecting from cover to cover and memorized all the notable weeks and milestones throughout the pregnancy."
"So, what are we thinking here? Girl? Boy?" Emmett fires away. "I'm still going with girl because God is just that much of a comedian to give you a little doll that'll land you square in the brig after you shake down the first boy who makes her cry."
Edward is unamused. "I can't even wrap my brain around that day." He fists his shirt over his heart and turns to me, terrified. "I swear my blood pressure just sky-rocketed."
I cover Edward's hand with mine to calm him. "I hate to burst your bubble, Uncle Emmett, but we're pretty sure we want to be surprised." My face contorts into a hopeful "are we sure we don't want to know" look as a last-ditch effort in an attempt to convince Edward that maaaaaybe we want to know, knowing full well that I don't even know what I want. I change my mind every two hours. He quirks his brow in response, and I have my answer. "Yeah, okay," I grumble. "We're definitely gonna be surprised."
"What? No way!" Em protests. "At least have the doc write the sex down on a piece of paper for you."
"Emmett?" Edward shakes his head. "Is this another suggestion from the book?"
"Nooooooo," Emmett spits. "It's from A Baby Story on TLC."
Rosalie's head falls back onto the chair, exasperated, while I simply laugh.
"What? I'm studying as much as possible about a baby's development and all the stuff that goes along with it. The show said some couples who aren't sure what they want get the doctor to write down the sex of the baby on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope," he explains. "That way, if you have to know down the road, you have the ability to just tear it open and you're all set!"
"I can handle that."
Leaning forward in my chair, I gawk at Edward's unexpected agreement. "Really? You're cool with that?"
He shrugs. "Yeah, why not? We start out by not knowing, but if it's just driving us berserk, we'll have the answer at our fingertips."
"I don't trust my fingertips," I laugh.
"Let me hold it!" Emmett begs. "I swear I won't look at the results unless you ask me to."
I look to Edward, who nods.
"Okay, Uncle Emmett, you've got the job." I shake Emmett's hand as he fist pumps in victory with the other.
"The fact that you're allowing him to wield this much power is frightening," Rosalie deadpans.
"Isabella Masen?"
Edward and I stand, ready to follow the nurse into the exam room.
"Now, don't cheat and study the screen, you two!" Rosalie teases.
"Yeah! I'm the gate keeper!" Em calls after us. "Don't steal my thunder!"
^^TotS^^
"Mmmmm."
My hips roll and bounce as Edward presses his fingers into the flesh at my waist. Filled and stretched, my husband knows exactly how to move to get the chills rocketing up my spine.
"Fuck…yesssss, Bella."
Ever since the cerclage was placed, just as the doctor ordered, it's been Condom City for us. We both carry a supply wherever we go as if we're horny teenagers hoping to get lucky under the bleachers after a high school football game. But no, we're two very married, very horny adults…hoping to get lucky at any given time, day or night.
And if my purse or our pockets are empty or not within reach— perish the thought— we've managed to strategically stash condoms throughout our two-story townhome over the last couple of months. Behind our framed wedding pictures on the mantle, under the throw pillows in the living room, in the utensil drawer in the kitchen, medicine chest in the bathroom and of course, both our nightstands.
Not only is my husband an officer of Marines…he was also a Boy Scout. That "always prepared" thing stuck and only intensified with time.
Speaking of intense…
I find myself speeding up, desperate for my orgasm that is just out of reach. I tip forward, my breasts bouncing and jiggling with each jolt of my body.
"Goddamn, I love your tits."
Edward wraps his lips around one nipple while he moves his hand to roll and pinch the other, knowing it'll drive me to the brink. As the beautiful wave hits me, I freeze and he drills into me faster…harder.
In a flash he sits up, his mouth attacking mine.
Tongue, teeth, heat.
When he releases us from our lip lock, he pushes me off his body onto all fours and is suddenly up on his knees behind me, yanking my hips back, and plunging in before my high dissipates.
"Ahhh, shit, yes!" I scream out in pleasured pain. "Faster!"
Edward lets out a throaty chuckle through his panting. "So, you're wanting jackhammer sex, then?"
I can feel his hips swivel with each drive forward. My face falls into the pillow while I gasp for air.
"Good?"
"So good!" He really didn't have to ask, but I appreciate that he did. It's all my husband can do to try to keep up with me these days. And this is already round two. I attacked him earlier this evening when he walked in the door from work.
Groaning, humming and coming… his jerky movements slow to a stop as we catch our breath. He kisses my spine and climbs off the bed to get cleaned up as I fall to my side, rubbing my protruding belly.
"Anything?" Edward's hands join mine in search of the little person who only recently started kicking and pushing to the point that Edward could feel it, too. I've been feeling the flutters for a couple of weeks now.
"Nope. Bet we rocked that baby right to sleep with this go-round," I giggle as he nuzzles his face into my hair, placing kisses along my neck.
"I'm beat." He reaches down to pull the covers over us and within sixty seconds, I hear him snoring.
Unbelievable.
I grab my phone and play a few rounds of Candy Crush. I move through a couple more levels of Angry Birds and then hop over to Words With Friends and play my turns against my family and friends.
I look to the clock, seeing that only forty-five minutes have passed and Edward hasn't moved. This boy is knocked out. Unconscious. No chance of life.
I wonder if a blowjob will wake him up. I've got some nerve, but I'm ready to go again. I can't help it! I have extra energy, my horniness is off the charts and I took a nap this afternoon as soon as I got home. I'll be up until three in the morning.
Figuring I have nothing to lose, I dive under the covers, squirm down to dick-level and engulf him with my mouth. It only takes a few slurps and teases to wake the sleeping giant. Edward's hand finds the top of my head and he cups my cheek.
"Woman, you're gonna be the death of me."
I snicker. "You complaining?"
"Fuck no. Keep going."
^^TotS^^
After round three, I leave my sleepy husband alone and figure if I really, really need to go again, I'll grab the Rabbit. Edward's been working so hard in the last few weeks, even more so than usual. Apparently the group has a training exercise in South Korea coming up, and they're doing a lot of the legwork for it on the front end. He's been at his desk by six every morning and doesn't get home to my waiting arms until nine or ten at night.
After messing around on the computer for an hour, and placing phone calls to my parents and mother and sister-in-law, I figure it's time to try to get some rest. I do have to work in the morning. And exactly as I predicted, it's coming up on quarter to three.
I crawl into bed as quietly as possible but the sheets and duvet jostle and tug a bit. Edward stirs, rolling toward me. With his eyes still closed, he puts his fingers to his forehead, as if deep in thought.
"D'joo you get those FitReps done and on my desk?"
I raise my eyebrows and freeze, worried I've awakened him. Then I realize what he just asked.
"Hmm?" he pushes. I think he's actually waiting for an answer from me.
I squint my eyes, focusing on him and confirming the ridiculous.
Yeah, he's dead asleep and using his Major Masen voice asking one of his Marines if they completed an assigned task.
Do I really want to piss the man off and answer the wrong way?
"Yes, sir," I respond with baited breath.
"Good to go," he replies with a simple nod and proceeds to roll over, back into his Devil Dog Dreamland.
I stifle the giggles that erupt and bury my face in the pillow. Thank God he was pleased with my answer. I'd hate to think what he might've said or done if I told him I didn't finish those FitReps.
Maybe I'll mess with him and tell him no the next time we have a confrontation in his sleep. That oughta be fun.
^^TotS^^
It's a beautiful March day and an even more perfect day to be spoiled. Rosalie, Kalia and I give our names to the receptionist and wait as they set up our pedicure spots. A few minutes later, a sweet girl, all smiles, leads us back to our awaiting technicians.
"So, I failed the damn screening and now I have to go for the glucose tolerance test. I hope it doesn't come out positive. I don't want to have gestational diabetes," I whine, getting comfortable in the enormous recliner as the pedicure technician sets up her station at my feet.
"When do you have to take the test?"
"Tuesday." Kalia passes me the nail design booklet. "Do you know what you're getting already?"
She nods. "Ladybugs, see?" She points to the picture. "Lani loved them. She said they were always a sign of good luck and happiness. And her birthday is next week." She shrugs. "Just wanted to do something that would make her happy."
Rose winks at Kalia, and I pull her out of her chair to give me a hug. "C'mere, you." I cup her cheeks. "You do make Nalani happy. Riley is so proud of you…we all are. And I agree about the ladybugs. I'm going to ask my tech to put a red one in the designs on two of my toes, as well."
"Sounds like a perfect idea," Rosalie chimes in. "Do you know what you're getting, Bella?"
My eyes scroll over the pictures. "These cherry blossoms are pretty. I'm going with them."
Rosalie nestles into her seat next to me. "So what flavor did they give you for the glucose screen?"
"Orange. Lots of people complain about it but it just tasted like the sweetest, coldest, flattest orange soda on the planet." I shrug and laugh at the grossed out face Kalia makes. "I loved it!"
"Ick," Rose groans, shuddering. "I hope they have other flavors to pick from when I go. I heard the fruit punch is tolerable."
After we choose our designs, the three of us sit back to bask in the luxury of the two-hour-plus pedicure. Cocok's is famous on Okinawa for the way they spoil their patrons. Rosalie and I have a standing date every month to indulge. Not only do they have soft leather recliners, and offer sweet tea and cookies, but each leg also gets a full half hour massage before the technician paints freehand on all ten toes the spectacular design of our choice.
"Hey, how's tutoring going, Kalia?"
"It's great. Miss Senna is awesome."
"Yeah? Tell me about her." Rosalie inspects the emerald shamrocks her tech is painting on her toenails. "She comes to you twice a week, right?"
"Mhmmm. She comes after dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
"Cool. And what's she working on with you?"
"Math and English. I hate diagramming sentences," she grumbles. "But Miss Senna makes it fun, so it's not too bad. I don't know if Riley likes her, though."
Rose and I quirk our eyebrows at each other.
I pipe up. "Why wouldn't he like her?"
She shrugs. "I dunno. He's really quiet when she comes over. And he looks a little angry." She giggles when the technician brushes the arch of her foot. "But after she leaves, he acts happy. Like…normal again."
I narrow my eyes while Rosalie lifts a shoulder.
"Maybe he's just trying to stay out of your way and not bother you both. I'm sure he likes her and isn't angry with her. Hey!" I tap her hand. "Your grades have jumped up since she started working with you in January, right?"
She nods.
"Well, there you go! He can't be upset if she's helping you improve," I reassure. "I bet everything is just fine. Nothing to worry about."
When I settle back in my chair to enjoy the rest of my pedicure, I make a mental note to drop by on a Tuesday or Thursday to check out Miss Senna and dig a little deeper into why Major Biers would be so broody around her. She came highly recommended from my principal and a few other teachers on the Kinser faculty.
I have a feeling there are a few more layers of the onion to peel away here.
^^TotS^^
I hear the keys jingling in the lock so I leap up to greet my man at the door.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I sing, "Hi, hubby!" I rise on my tiptoes, wanting my smooch.
"Hi, wifey," he mutters through our slow, juicy pecks before dropping to his knees to address our ever-expanding baby bump. "Hey, Warfighter—" belly kiss, "—you being good to Momma today?"
I scratch my fingernails over his buzz cut. "We're fine…but…we have some icky news."
He stands, grabbing my hand before we walk over the couch.
"Can't be any ickier than mine," he grumbles, digging his fingers in his eyes, trying to stifle a yawn.
"Want me to go first?" He nods before I continue. "Welp…got the call from Dr. Epperly this afternoon. The glucose tolerance test showed I have gestational diabetes." I crinkle my face and stick my tongue out. "I have to go over to her office tomorrow to meet with the nurse who'll show me how to test my blood and stuff."
"Just a nurse? Why isn't the doctor meeting with us? I'm coming." He's already panicking, I can tell.
I squeeze his hands. "I figured you'd want to come, but I don't want you to flip out and go all Major Masen on me. We're gonna be okay."
He inhales sharply. "Major Masen is the only way I know how to be. And you've just been diagnosed with a disease that affects you and the baby." He stands up and starts pacing, his fists clenched. "DAMN it!"
Here we go.
"Babe, it's gonna be fine," I say convincingly enough for my ears. Whether it's working on him is still to be determined. "I did some research online in preparation for a result like this, and it'll all be controlled with diet. I might pout for the next few months with my lack of pasta, pizza and ice cream, but I really don't want you to worry."
He levels me with his glare. "Bella, I'm going to stay as calm as possible until we get the plan of attack from the nurse tomorrow." He kneels down in front of me, his forehead pressing into my kneecaps before he looks back up. "But here's where my shitty news comes into play."
"Okay."
"You know how the group is sending four hundred Marines to Korea for UFG in May. Well, my colonel announced that this has to go off flawlessly because the general's planning to be on deck, so we're not just trusting it to a few majors and below like originally planned. Now everyone and their grandma are required to be there."
I shut my eyes knowing what's about to come.
"I'm stuck out there for all forty-five days, maybe closer to fifty going in early and being the last one on the grid, shutting operations down."
I purse my lips, scrunching my face. "Wow. Definitely a double ick." Realization dawns a second later. "You're gonna be gone for—"
He leaps up. "It means I'm gonna be gone for almost two fucking months of this pregnancy. I'm not slated to come home until twenty-two June and I take off the first weekend in May!"
Now my pout really comes. "You'll be gone for the anniversary of when I broke your nose! And your birthday," I whine, falling back into the throw pillows and rub at the punch the little peanut just landed. "I hate that I'll miss your birthday, Edward."
"Screw my birthday! Do you know how terrified I am to be away from you for all that time? And at the end when you could go into labor at the drop of a hat—"
Waiting for him to chill out, I sit quietly as he takes a few deep breaths. He falls into the couch and pulls my feet onto his lap, bending down to kiss the tops. He starts massaging and nnngh, I'm gonna start playing footsies with his crotch if he isn't careful. This really isn't the time, though.
Just as the rubbing, pressing and kneading is getting phenomenal, he stops and barks. "And to find out you have gestational diabetes, fuck! How am I supposed to be away from you for that long?" He sounds pained and I feel awful. His fears, his demons…he tries so hard to ignore them. But they're there. They'll always be lingering in the recesses of his mind.
I crawl over to him, climbing onto his lap, my stiff belly pressing into his chest. I tip forward, my face nuzzling his neck so that we can be closer. I can feel the pounding of his heart and the slide of his Adam's apple as he swallows tightly.
"This sucks," I whisper. "But we'll get through it, babe. I know we will."
He shakes his head, pressing it into the top cushion.
"I even tried to plead my case with my colonel. His charming response? 'If the Marine Corps wanted you to have a wife and family, they would have issued them to you, Masen'."
Ouch.
"I know guys miss the births of their kids and stuff, but it can't be me." He looks right into my eyes. "I won't let it."
I kiss him gently. "We'll just do the best we can, okay?"
"You'll stay with somebody while I'm gone. Riley, Emmett, Mallory..."
"Honey, I can't invite myself into somebody else's home and disrupt their lives for two months."
"It's non-negotiable, Bella. Emmett and Riley would agree with me on that. Not with your previous medical history and now with the diabetes."
I sigh, nodding. I won't argue with him. He's losing his mind and doing his best to control what he can while he's in the field. And honestly, I will feel a little better about being with somebody else while he's gone. I'll be the first to admit that I'm independent and strong, but we're talking about the safety of our baby here.
"All right. Let's make some calls and get things in order. But listen," I command, fisting his collar, "…don't let this ruin the next six weeks that we do have together, deal? No scowling, broody husband. We're still newlyweds, remember?" I wiggle on his lap for effect.
A smile cracks through his frustrated façade. "How could I forget? You remind me two or three times a night."
I snort while he hugs me tightly.
"I don't want to leave you," he murmurs into my shoulder.
"I don't want you to leave, either. But this is what we do. We'll get through it. Hey, I'm the wife of a Marine Corps officer …queen of squared away, right?" I reassure both him and myself.
"That you are." He leans in for another kiss, tucking my hair behind my ears. "Always ready to go and up for a challenge. You're my perfect tip of the spear, baby."
Military Terms:
G2G – Good To Go; part of Marine Corps-speak for "sounds like a plan".
Tasker – Military lingo meaning an assigned piece of work.
Motivator - Another nickname for Marines because it describes them as, you guessed it, always motivated! Oorah, Motivator! Semper Fi!
"leave" - Military lingo for vacation days.
SOFA status – Status Of Forces Agreement; contract between a host country and military members and their dependents of a foreign country which states these people will maintain a certain level of acceptable behavior and conduct while they are stationed in that host nation.
Ninety-six – A 96-hour weekend...aka four days off.
Brig - The military's jail.
FitReps – Fitness report. Proficiency reports given to all Marines to evaluate every aspect of their performance, both physical and on the job within their MOS. Every Marine, no matter the rank, receives FitReps by their commanding officer. These also weigh heavily when it comes time for promotions in the ranks.
UFG – Ulchi Freedom Guardian; a combined military exercise between South Korea and the US. This annual exercise is the world's largest computerized command and control implementation which mainly focuses on defending South Korea from a North Korean attack.
"on deck" – Military lingo meaning present and accounted for. If the general was going to be "on deck" for the exercise, that means he's going to be there to observe and participate in some if not all of the training.
"on the grid" - More military lingo for being present and accounted for.
"twenty-two June" - June 22nd. Buncha weirdos with how Marines talk, right? LOL.
"Queen of squared away" - The term "squared away" that's used by Marines means perfectly organized and ready to go. The Queen of Squared Away would be any female spouse of said Marine. :) I have a license plate frame that says "Marine Wife" at the top and "Queen of Squared Away" at the bottom. Marine wives are just as organized, if not more, than their spouse. We have to be. Case in point, ME! My Major is off mobilized elsewhere, so while he's gone I've got the three kids with me, I'm running the household as well as packing it up and putting it on the market so that we can move to be with him in the summer!
A/N: The next is the last, dear readers. Don't fret too much because there will be an epilogue and one additional outtake coming as well. The outtake I wrote for the Christmas Wishes Toys for Tots Compilation will be posting in about a week, too.
Super duper crazy love and thanks to Team Cabana for all they do for me, on and off the playing field. Hugs to all my readers and extra thanks to those who take the time to leave me their thoughts. So much love and appreciation for all of you. Thank you to all who nominated and/or voted for Tip of the Spear in the recent contests. I was astounded and flattered by the kindness; your praise consistently humbles me.
And one other thing... the sinners are coming.
Sinning sinners.
A reader's salvation.
We offer you a compilation.
Seven sins, seven stories of our creation.
Follow us into temptation.
The Sinners are coming. March 4, 2014
^^^^^^^^^Trust me that you'll want to read it. Swap the asterisks for periods and put us on alert at the address www*fanfiction*net/u/5447587/
xo, Jen