Chapter 17

Reba and Vic quickly made an appointment to see the doctor, Dr. Parks, tomorrow at ten in the am. Vic was excited and couldn't wait to see how the baby was doing. Once he made the appointment they decided to make up for lost time by going upstairs but of course Vic got as far as lifting Reba into his arms before her daughter Kyra burst in saying her friend had an emergency to deal with and she had to come home. Reba had to smile at Vic's disappointed face. A little later that night Cheyenne and Elizabeth came over to hang out since Jake and Van were having some guy time. Barbara Jean and Brock also came over to celebrate with them on their engagement. Vic and Brock decided to make dinner for the moms-to-be, of course it was more of Vic making dinner and Brock just sitting there, supervising.

Reba immediately told her family that she and Vic were definitely getting married and of course they were all happy for them. Cheyenne and Barbara Jean immediately got into the details of the wedding. Reba was surprised because they really didn't even talk to her about it. They planned a dress fitting but Reba mentioned her rapid weight gain and they had to push the fitting off. Reba didn't know what she would do about a dress but they haven't even set a date yet. They just knew they wanted to get married in the spring.

Reba sighed as she walked down the stairs after her nice shower. She had gotten up early that morning and felt so great she actually went for a jog. She didn't go on a long jog because she knew being pregnant, too much exercise wouldn't be good but light exercise would be good for her and the baby. She felt even more wonderful after her jog and shower. She couldn't believe this pregnancy was going so well, it was quite shocking. She had no morning sickness. Except for the weight gain, little fatigue, cravings and she was a little bit more hungry than usual, she had no signs of pregnancy. Reba wasn't holding her breath though. She expected the morning sickness to start anytime soon.

She walked into the kitchen to find Barbara Jean and Cheyenne sitting at the kitchen table. "Good morning." She said cheerfully. She grabbed some pineapple orange banana juice from the refrigerator and a large glass from the cup board, pouring a generous amount into the glass. She brought the glass to her lips and immediately gulped down the sweet juice. She finished the tall glass in record time and poured herself another before putting the carton back into the refrigerator. She turned to find Cheyenne and Barbara Jean staring at her. "What?" she asked as she took a small sip of her juice.

Barbara Jean looked amused. "Thirsty?"

Reba shrugged and smiled, sitting down next to them. "So…what are you guys doing today?"

Cheyenne smiled as she pushed a piece of paper over to her mother. "We are just writing down a few ideas for your wedding and a bridal shower we plan on giving you in a couple of months."

Reba eyed the paper and shook her head. "Can I make a few suggestions?"

Cheyenne nodded and handed over the pen. "Of course, it's your wedding." Reba smiled and started scratching some things off. She then handed the paper back to her daughter who frowned. "No doves?"

Reba shook her head and then Barbara Jean took the paper and pouted. "No strippers at the bridal shower?"

Reba raised an eyebrow. "Definitely not. I don't think Vic would very much appreciate another guy shaking anything in my face."

Barbara Jean sighed and looked up smiling at Reba. "So, why are you so happy this morning? Is Vic in the shower?" she said with a grin.

Reba rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Vic went home last night and I am just happy this morning because I have never felt better. I felt so great today that I had a nice little jog around the neighborhood."

Barbara Jean frowned. "You're not sick or anything?"

Reba smiled and shook her head. "Nope, I am quite surprised it hasn't happened yet. I mean I have to be almost three months."

Barbara Jean pouted and crossed her arms. "You're a lucky hag."

Reba giggled. "Are you sick?"

Barbara Jean nodded. "I woke up, smelled Brock's coco butter and feet and did a beeline for the bathroom." Barbara Jean paused for a moment and looked at Reba curiously. "Did you really not know you were pregnant until Vic told you in the hospital?" Reba nodded. "Didn't you even have your…you know…friend visit you." Cheyenne cringed, this was really more information than what she wanted to know about her mother.

Reba stopped herself from rolling her eyes at Barbara Jean's subtlety and just shrugged. "I can't remember. I have been just so busy with so many things I just didn't notice."

Barbara Jean raised an eyebrow. "Are you one of those woman who doesn't know their pregnant until their on the toilet and a baby pops out?" Reba didn't even answer that, just rolled her eyes. Barbara Jean just shrugged and sighed. "I also threw up on the way here and then when I arrived here…three times." She said, changing the subject back to her.

Reba smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry."

Barbara Jean shrugged. "It will all be worth it in the end but I was hoping I wouldn't have to go through this alone. I mean you aren't sick and even though you say you've gained weight, you definitely don't look it. If anything the extra weight makes you look even more gorgeous. Meanwhile I can't even eat because I'm so sick and in a month I'll be a big fat pig, my husband will leave me and I'll be all alone." Tears started pouring down Barbara Jean's face and then she looked up through her tears with a smile. "Maybe you can leave Vic and we can raise our babies together."

Reba shook her head and looked to Cheyenne. "Those hormones are working fast aren't they?" Cheyenne nodded and Reba turned back toward Barbara Jean. "Do you know exactly how far along you are exactly?"

Barbara Jean took a moment to think about it. "Well…I went to the doctor about a month ago and they said I was about eight weeks so probably about three months." She said excitedly towards Reba.

Reba nodded but was clearly not excided about this. That meant she and Barbara Jean would be going through this together, really together and might be in labor at the same time, that was a scary thought. Reba continued to sip her juice and just listen to Cheyenne and Barbara Jean as they planed her wedding. Reba sighed. They didn't even consider talking to her about it or ask for her input. Reba shrugged and finished off her juice before putting her cup in the sink. "What?" she asked when she heard Barbara Jean ask something.

Barbara Jean smiled. "You want to go baby shopping with me today?"

Reba raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it just a little early to go baby shopping?"

Barbara Jean shook her head. "No, I'm just thinking of looking at stuff, maybe getting a few things. It's never too early to be prepared."

Reba shook her head. "I would like too but I can't. I have a doctor's appointment this morning. Vic is picking me up and…" She stopped when she heard the door bell ring and smiled. "That's probably him now. See you guys later." Barbara Jean and Cheyenne just waved after Reba and went straight back to their planning.

Reba walked to the door and opened it to find Vic's smiling face behind it. "Good morning." He said leaning in for a kiss.

Reba gladly gave him a good morning peck. "Good morning."

"Are you ready to go?" he said with an excited smile.

Reba nodded. "Yeah." She stepped aside to grab her jacket and she walked out with him, shutting the door behind her. "You know…" she said slipping on her jacket. "You don't have to ring the door bell, you can just walk in or I can get you your own key. It's time you had your own key."

Vic eyed her curiously. "What happened to me moving in?" Reba seemed a bit shocked because they both wanted him to move in but after they talked about it once they just didn't seem to talk about it again. Vic shrugged and looked down shyly at his feet. "I can understand if you don't want me to move in…"

Reba shook her head. "No I do, we just never talked about this before except once. You never brought it up again so I just thought you changed your mind."

Vic smiled. "I would love to move in now. I mean I figured I would move in eventually because we are getting married."

"And having a baby." Reba finished for him.

Vic nodded. "I haven't forgotten about the baby." Vic's grin grew as he helped her into the car. He got in on his side and was just itching to get to the doctor's office.

Reba chuckled as he pulled away from the curb and into the street. Vic sighed and shook his head. "What?" Reba asked noticing the uneasiness he had.

"I'm sorry I am just a little nervous about all this. You've been through this three times. This is my first, obviously."

Reba patted his leg and leaned over to kiss his cheek, which caused him to swerve. "Sorry…" she said chuckling. "And you will be a great dad. Just relax, I am sure everything will be all right and just because I have three kids doesn't mean I'm an expert on parenting. I am still learning new things every day about my kids and what they need."

This made Vic feel a little better but not much. He was still nervous yet excited. He was anxious about being able to see the baby but he was so nervous about what the doctor would say. He knew enough about babies that he knew Reba wasn't exactly in the best of health to have one. There was a great risk with her high blood pressure and her age. He was worried about the baby but he was more worried about Reba. If anything happened to Reba he didn't know what he would do. He didn't know how Reba could stay so calm.

What Vic didn't know was that Reba may seem calm on the outside but on the inside she was churning with nervousness. She never planned on having another baby. She had three beautiful kids and she thought she was done. This fourth child was a big unplanned yet good surprise. She was happy, she truly was. She couldn't think of anything better than having a baby with Vic but she was so scared. What if she couldn't do it? What if she couldn't handle it with her high blood pressure? What if something happened to the baby? She only hoped the doctor said everything was okay.

They arrived at the doctor's office around nine forty five all smiles. Reba took his hand into hers and led him inside. Reba couldn't help but notice how sweaty his hand was. He was so cute when he was nervous. Reba opened the door and motioned for Vic to sit. He sat down immediately and started nervously tapping his foot. Reba smiled and walked up to the front desk. "Hello, how can I help you?" The receptionist said cheerfully.

"Hello, Reba Hart, I have a ten o'clock appointment with Dr. Parks."

The woman tapped away at a computer and then turned back smiling. "Yes, Mrs. Hart, Dr. Parks is in with another patient right now. If you sit down we will call you back in a moment. Here…" she said handing over a clipboard. "We need you to fill this out and then hand it to the nurse when she brings you back."

"Thank you." She said walking back to Vic and sitting down. Vic was still nervously tapping his foot and chewing on one finger nail. Reba giggled and smacked his hand. "Quit that, it's a nasty habit. Just relax, everything will be fine."

Vic put his hand down in his lap and turned to Reba who was filling out the forms. "I don't understand how you can be so calm."

Reba gave him a strained smile. She hoped he didn't notice the true nervousness behind it. "I've been through this three other times. It will be fine."

Reba filled out the rest of the forms and tried to act as cool as a cucumber. She accepted Vic's hand as he grabbed hers and noticed he held on tight. Reba was able to relax a bit as she read a baby magazine. She grinned as she flipped through, looking at stages of pregnancy and remembering the times that she was pregnant. She was so engrossed that she didn't hear her name call. "Reba." Vic said.

"What?" she asked smiling.

"Let's go."

"Huh?" She said looking up confused. "Oh!" she said when she saw the nurse standing by the door that led to the patient rooms. Reba stood up and Vic followed behind her. "The lady at the front desk said I give this to you." She said handing it over.

"Thank you." The nurse said smiling.

She led them down the hall and to the last door on their right. She held the door opened for them and let them pass through. "The doctor will be with you in a moment." The nurse said stepping inside the door. She pulled a gown out of the cup board and handed it over to Reba. "You will need to put this on. Dr. Parks will be here soon." The nurse stepped back out and shut the door.

Reba sighed and set the gown on the patient table. Vic was looking over the pictures and he smiled. It was the different stages of pregnancy, showing the baby inside the mother's stomach. It was a beautiful sight to see, even if it was just a picture. Vic smiled one last time before turning toward Reba. "I can't wa…whoa!" he said, he quickly turned back around to give Reba some privacy. She was stripped out of her shirt and jeans.

Reba giggled. "It's okay Vic."

Vic turned around smiling. Now knowing it was okay, he was disappointed to see she already had the gown on. Vic just shrugged and settled himself in the chair next to the patient table where Reba had hopped up on. "So…" Vic said looking around at the different objects, "What will they do in here?"

Reba shrugged. "Well, they will probably check my blood pressure, listen to my heart, and maybe even do an ultrasound…the usual stuff."

"I don't know the usual stuff. I've never done this before." He said nervously.

Reba chuckled and reached for his hand. "Everything will be fine. There is no need to worry." Vic nodded and reached up to kiss her. Their lips were just about to connect when there was a light knock on the door and in walked a tall beautiful young looking blonde. "Hello, I'm Dr. Parks."

Reba gave the woman a smile and took her hand hesitantly. 'This was the great doctor?' Reba turned to Vic who was just smiling like an idiot. Reba had to roll her eyes. "So…Mrs. Hart…how are you this morning?"

Reba shrugged. "I'm doing all right I guess."

She smiled and nodded as she looked over Reba's file. "And how is Mr. Hart doing?" she said glancing at Vic.

Reba glared at the woman's head. "He is doing fine."

"And it's Mr. Mariano." Vic said taking the woman's hand and shaking it lightly. "We're not married."

Reba glared at Vic. He had to mention that. "Yet." Reba said finishing for him. She smiled and flashed her large diamond engagement ring. "We're engaged."

The woman smiled widely. "Congratulations then. Now..." she said sitting down on a stool. She looked over Reba's file once more, "It says here that you're last menstrual period was roughly three months ago…so you will be about ten to twelve weeks along. You have also put down that you have high blood pressure so that would put you in the category of high risk pregnancy so I will be taking your blood pressure today. Now…" She set Reba's file aside and picked up her stethoscope. "Let's get started."

Vic sat back and watched the doctor's every move. He watched Reba's face and made sure she wasn't uncomfortable or anything. He didn't know what he was here for as he just sat back and watched. Moral support, he guessed but it made him feel better that he was just watching out for Reba, he felt like he was apart of the whole process.

The doctor took Reba's blood pressure and made a concerned face. "Your blood pressure isn't where I would like it to be. You can usually lower it by just relaxing and light exercise wouldn't hurt either." Reba nodded as the doctor made some notes. "I also want to see you every two weeks instead of every month. I want to monitor that blood pressure closely." Reba nodded. "Now, we need to measure your stomach." Reba cringed. She had blocked out this part. She hated this. It only showed her how fat she was getting. Reba was happy the doctor did it quickly but what she said next made Reba sad. "If you don't mind me asking, what have you been eating lately?"

Reba shrugged. "I had pizza the other day, ice cream with cheetos, and I always seem to want to add ranch to everything." Reba said with a giggle.

The doctor smiled and wrote something down in her file. "Well the reason I ask is because you're a little rounder than I like you to be. You really should eat more fruits and vegetables. It's not just for your weight but also for the baby to be healthy. Try and stay away from the real fatty foods and the sugary sweets. You haven't been drinking any coffee or any soda, have you?" Reba shook her head. "That's good. Caffeine isn't good for the baby either." The doctor wrote a few more things down and turned smiling. "Now that I have grilled you like I should. I need you to lie back and we can get ready for the pelvic exam."

Vic didn't think much of it until he saw Reba put her legs up on the stirrups. He felt a little weird and had to turn away. He knew what was happening but he didn't really even think they had to do that now. He was just really thankful now that Dr. Parks was a woman. He didn't turn back up until the doctor took off her gloves and started washing her hands. "Everything looks good, now if you just relax back, we can do the ultrasound in a moment."

Reba grinned at Vic as the doctor wrote another set of notes down. Vic scooted up closer to Reba and took her hand. The doctor set up the machine and took out the gel, squeezing a generous amount onto Reba's stomach. The doctor turned on the machine and Vic wasn't even really paying attention until something came up on the screen and the doctor said, "There's your baby." She said smiling and pointing to a small thing on the screen.

Reba turned to Vic who was staring at the screen with his jaw slightly dropped. He couldn't believe he made that. It was an amazing sight. He suddenly heard a fast thumping like sound filling room. "What's that?" he asked confused.

The doctor smiled as she moved around on Reba's stomach. "That is your baby's heart beat."

Vic smiled and stared at the screen as he continued to hear the fast beat. "Is it supposed to be that fast?"

"Yes, that's normal."

Reba looked over to Vic and she held his hand tight. She smiled happily when she saw the tears forming in his eyes. "Is that his…?" Vic asked pointing to a long something on the screen.

Reba rolled her eyes and the doctor couldn't help but chuckle. "That is a foot. It's a little too early to tell the sex of the baby yet." The doctor kept moving around on Reba's stomach and smiled. "Here is the head…the body…" She kept pointing things out but again Vic wasn't paying attention. This was just too much. The tear slipped and he quickly wiped it away but not quickly enough for Reba not to see it. "Let's get a picture of your baby and then you can clean up and then you're free to leave. Do you have any questions?" she asked as she worked with the machine.

"Well, yeah…" Reba said as the woman cleaned the gel up. "I haven't had any morning sickness or anything. I didn't even know I was pregnant until Vic told me." She said chuckling.

The doctor smiled. "That is normal. Some women don't get morning sickness. It really all depends on you. It's fine. There is no need to worry."

Once the doctor left Reba got dressed quickly but Reba stopped Vic when he reached for the door. Reba smiled and pulled him into a quick kiss. "I saw you tearing up."

Vic scoffed and shrugged. "I don't what you're talking about."

Reba just smiled and giggled. "All right, come on, let's go I'm hungry."

Vic smiled and they almost walked out the door when the nurse stopped them. "Mrs. Hart…" she said walking quickly towards them, "You forgot your prescription for your prenatal vitamins, pamphlets the doctor wants you to read on becoming a mom again and for your high blood pressure, and…" She handed them a small envelope, "Your baby's first picture."

Reba happily took the picture and opened it on their way to the car. She smiled when she saw the picture. "Look…" she said handing the picture over to Vic. Vic took the picture and smiled. He had to hold back the tears again. Why was he getting so emotional? He still couldn't believe it. He looked up to see Reba smiling at him, waiting for him to open the car. He smiled at her. He had never seen her look more beautiful at that moment. She was glowing.

End of Chapter