Chapter 24
(Phoebe's POV)
I wake up early to go out and make breakfast. Today is Nathan's birthday. I have balloons up with 27s on them. I am making his favorite omelettes and pancakes.
I get the table all set with mimosas for him and orange juice for me and Claire. I am not sure if I am pregnant yet, which is why I am taking a test today. I smile and walk into our bedroom.
I go and I kiss him on the lips. He stays asleep so I kiss his neck then down his chest. He slowly starts to sit up and smiles at me. "Happy birthday," I say and he smiles and kisses me.
"Thank you, baby," he says.
"Did you sleep well?" I ask him.
"I did, you wore me out last night," he says and I laugh.
"It smells amazing," he says.
"Well come eat," I say. I heard Claire get up so I assume she is downstairs. I have his presents that I got him on the counter. Claire is sitting down and when she sees us she stands up.
"Happy birthday, Nathan," she says and hugs Nathan.
"Thank you sweet girl," he says. We all sit down and start eating.
"Phoebe, these are so good," Claire says.
"Thank you, sweetheart," I smile.
"So what are you guys planning today?" Claire asks and I look at Nathan.
"After running around and working all week honestly just some time to chill. Maybe go to Pike Market," he says and I smile.
"Aw yeah, that would be fun," she says. She has something to tell us I can see it in her eyes. I wait for her to speak.
"I wanted to tell you guys that I'm giving you guys the night to spend with just you two," she says and I tilt my head.
"I've been here with you guys ruining your time alone," she says.
"Claire, hun we want you here with us. We love having you here," Nathan says.
"I know you do. Thank you. I just want tonight to be special for you guys," she smiles. She is so thoughtful.
"Well where are you going?" Nathan asks.
"Well actually William invited me over for dinner," she says and everything clicks now.
"He did? That was nice of him. But Claire we never want you to feel like you aren't welcome here," I say.
"Yeah, we always want you around," Nathan says.
"I know guys don't worry. I am excited for tonight," Claire says and I smile.
"Curfew is still midnight," Nathan says and she laughs.
"I know," she smiles and we finish eating. After I get the presents and Claire runs to her room. Nathan opens his scrubs first.
"You always know," he says and I smile.
Claire comes running back down and she has a wrapped gift in her hand. I smile at her and she sits down putting the gift down. "Oh Claire, you didn't have to," Nathan says and she shakes her head.
"Of course I did," she says. I have no clue what she got him.
Nathan opens the card Claire got him. I watch and see his face change. A sad yet happy expression comes across his face. I smile at him. He gets up and hugs Claire tightly.
"You haven't even open the gift," she says from his chest.
"Oh right," he says and goes to open the gift. I watch him pull out a self stirring coffee mug. You put the lid on and it stirs and mixes your coffee. It also self heats. Nathan loves his coffee.
"Bear," he says and laughs with her. I am confused about what is so funny. Must be an inside joke.
"I thought it would be good for you with your spilling tendencies," she says and I laugh.
"Hey watch it," Nathan says and I laugh. I pass him the gift that I said was from both Claire and I. It's the season tickets for basketball.
"Guys, oh my gosh," he says with the world's biggest smile on his face. He hugs Claire and kisses me.
"You can bring whoever," I say and he smiles.
"Thank you both so much," he says and I smile hugging him.
"I'll clean up breakfast," I say. I pick up the plates and the cups. I wash them and put them in the dishwasher. Nathan and Claire both head back to their rooms to get ready for the day. I clean up the gift bags and wrapping paper. I need a shower.
When I check the time I notice the clock ticking down to the time I am forcing myself to take a test. I am 2 weeks late. It would be amazing to find out I was pregnant today. Nathan's birthday of all days.
I walk into our room to find Nathan getting dressed. "Thank you for my gifts," he says and kisses my lips.
"Of course," I say and he smiles.
"Are you going to shower?" He asks and I nod smiling.
I go into the bathroom and strip my clothes off. I look into the mirror and step to the side. My body hasn't changed. I put my hands under my flat stomach as if there was something there.
"I hope you're in there," I stupidly speak to my belly.
I get into the shower and wash myself off. I wash my hair and my body. After I go into the mirror. I brush and dry my hair. After I curl it into loose curls and apply makeup. I throw on jean shorts and a white shirt. Once I am satisfied with how I look I walk out to the main room. Claire and Nathan are watching something on her phone.
"Hi," I smile.
"Hi Bee, you look pretty," Nathan says and I smile.
"Thanks birthday boy," I say.
"Okay, do we want to go to the market?" I ask.
"Let's go," Claire says and I smile.
We all get into my car and head to Pike Place. Nathan loves it there. It is pretty fun to walk around and see. It is Monday too meaning free samples and ice cream.
We spend the afternoon getting food and eating. I take a lot of pictures of Nathan and Claire. It is so much fun to hang out with them and be relaxed. I love these two so dearly.
We get ice cream and sit on the water. It is so nice out today. I love being here. These two make my heart so full. Nathan has been in pleasant spirits all day which makes me so happy.
When we head back home Claire goes upstairs to get ready for tonight. She asked me to curl her hair. She has a crush on William and it is the sweetest thing. Hopefully Mia and Ethan watch those two.
In the meantime, Claire showers and Nathan works out. I decide to do what I've been dreading. I am going to take the pregnancy test that is stored in our cabinet. Four months of trying and four months of no luck. I pray that this goes well.
I take a deep breath and go into our bathroom. I pull down my pants and unwrap the test. I do what I need to do and lay the test flat on the counter while I wash my hands.
Two minutes. The longest two minutes of my life. I don't feel any different. My mom said she knew with me because of how sick she was. With Teddy she had no clue. Maybe that is how I am. Maybe I am pregnant with a little boy.
Daydreams of brown haired and crystal blue eyed little boys fills my mind. When I look down at my phone it's been two minutes. I can't get myself to flip the test over. I'm so scared of what the result will be.
Finally I do it and look. My mouth drops open. The words across the screen say PREGNANT in all capitals. I drop the test and cover my mouth. Oh my god. Oh my god. I am pregnant.
I want to yell and scream but I am stuck in my spot. Pure disbelief fills my body. We did it. I'm pregnant. I want to shout it from the rooftops. We finally have got what we have been praying for. I jump up and down for a second freaking out.
I take the test and quickly put it away. I want to surprise Nathan. I sit on our bed and put both my hands on my stomach. "Hi little baby," I say. I know I'll need to make a doctors appointment. Nathan and I both have work off Wednesday. We both work tomorrow. I text my Dr. Greene. Perks of being a Grey. M
My thoughts of babies are interrupted when Nathan walks in. I can't act weird. "Hi," I say, standing up. I have already failed the not being weird mission.
"Hi," Nathan smiles coming over to me.
"What's going on?" Nathan asks.
"Nothing why," I ask.
"You're acting funny. Tell me there's no surprise party tonight," Nathan says and I laugh.
"I'm not acting funny and no there are no surprise parties, I don't like you that much," I say and he laughs.
"Claire is waiting for you upstairs. She said to tell you she's ready," he says and kisses my lips.
"Okay, have a good shower," I say and he nods. I head upstairs and go into Claire's room. I feel so much different now that I know.
"Hi girl," I say and smile at her.
"Hi," she smiles nervously. I have her sit in front of me and I break her hair into sections. I heat up the curling wand and brush out her long hair.
"What are you guys going to do tonight?" I ask her.
"I'm not sure yet… I think go to dinner," she says and I smile.
"William is nice huh," I say and she blushes the color of a stop sign.
"Yeah he is," she says and I smile.
"I see that blush," I say and she laughs.
"He's pretty cute," she says. "But just a friend," she says quickly and I nod.
"Whatever you want him to be," I say and wrap her hair around the iron.
"What do you think I should wear? I don't want to be too dressy or too casual," she asks. I remember asking my mom this question before I went and met Nathan's family.
"It's warm out. You could wear that new romper we got. The white one," I say and she smiles.
"Yes that's a great idea. Do you think I could borrow your nude shoes that wrap around the ankle. If not it is okay!" She says nervously and I smile patting her shoulder.
"Of course. What's mine is yours, as long as you ask," I wink and she laughs.
I finish curling her hair and it looks amazing. She is such a stunning girl. Foster mom bias aside. A tiny little thing too. I grab the wrap shoes for her and come back upstairs.
"I suck at makeup," she says.
"I've never seen you wear make up," I tell her sitting on the chair in her bathroom.
"Yeah, cause I suck at it," she says.
"Claire, you don't have to wear makeup, you are naturally stunning," I say.
"Says the supermodel," she says and I shake my head.
"I am nowhere near it. Do you want some help?" I offer and she nods. I am going to go very light. What I said is true, she doesn't need this stuff. I apply some bronzer, blush, and mascara. I add a little lipgloss and have her look.
"It's perfect," she says and I smile.
"Good, I'm glad," I say.
I let her get changed and she walks out all dressed. I smile and have her turn. She looks amazing. Absolutely amazing.
"Claire, you look stunning," I say and she shakes her head. We both head downstairs and Nathan looks at Claire when she comes down.
"You look great, Bear," he says and she thanks him. I kiss Nathan's head as I walk by. He smells like freshly showered Nathan. One of my favorites.
"Are you driving or is William picking you up?" I ask her.
"He said he would pick me up if that is okay," she says and I smile nodding.
"Sawyer will be following you guys," he says and she smiles. I roll my eyes. Overprotective.
"He'll be here in 10 minutes," she says and I smile.
"What are you guys doing for dinner?" She asks.
"We are taking out our favorite Chinese food," I say and she smiles. I also have chocolate cake in the fridge. Nathan's favorite.
"That sounds great," she says. She is very fidgety. I can tell she is nervous.
"Claire, remember if you need us to call. We both have our phones on us," I say and she nods.
"Curfew is midnight. Tell William I am not afraid to kick his ass," Nathan says and Claire laughs.
"It's not like that," she says and Nathan and I look at each other. We were 16 and 17 once too.
"You're going to have so much fun. Try to keep us updated if you can," I say and she says of course she will.
"Oh he's here," she says.
"Have so much fun," I say and hug her. Nathan gives her a hug too. She grabs her bag and heads out with Sawyer. Once the elevator door closes I look to Nathan.
"What do you think, birthday boy?" I ask. I almost forgot about the news I have to share. I will after we eat.
Our Chinese food gets delivered and we sit eating it. We talk about our days and the future. Nathan even brings up kids a couple of times. I want to scream and tell him but I also want it to be a surprise.
"Cake time," I say as I clean up our things. I had Gail make his favorite.
"Oh I was hoping you would make this," he says and I smile. I light candles and sing to him. He pulls me onto his lap as he blows out the candles.
"What did you wish for?" I ask him.
"If I tell you, it won't come true," he asks and I smile leaning back and kissing him. He dips his finger in some chocolate frosting and puts it on my lips.
"Dude," I say laughing as he kisses me.
"Mmm almost as sweet as you," he says and I laugh. I cut the cake and gave him a piece. I am way too nervous to eat a piece. I just want to scream at him. I'm pregnant you fool.
"Why aren't you having a piece," he asks me.
"I am stuffed," I say and put my hands on my stomach. He rolls his eyes and puts his plate in the sink.
I come behind him and wrap my arms around him. He turns leaning against the counter and smiles down at me. He flips us and lifts me onto the counter. He stands between my legs. He is still taller than me this way but we are closer in height. I wrap my arms around him and kiss his neck.
"Thank you for today," he says and his hands roam.
"Of course, baby," I say and he smiles. His hands make their way up my shirt and we start getting lost in the moment.
"Wait," I say and he backs up instantly.
"What?" He asks.
"Come with me," I say and hop off the counter with his help.
"I like the sound of this," he says. I am assuming he thinks I have birthday lingerie. Unfortunately it is not that.
We go into our room and I have him sit on the bed. "What is this?" he asks looking around.
"Just go with it," I say.
I go into our bathroom and pull out the test. I wrapped it in a box that I got a necklace in. I smile and walk out. I hand it to him and he smiles. "Bee, all I need is you," he says and I laugh. I sit indina style on the bed looking at him.
Nathan unwraps it, and when he opens it he freezes. He picks it up looking at the words and looks at me. "Is this? You are… you are," he is stuttering. I smile and he puts the test down and picks me up swinging me around.
"You're pregnant," he says and kisses me deeply.
"I am pregnant," I say and he laughs running his hands through his hair.
"You're going to be a dad," I say," he smiles and kisses me again. He cups my face in his hands. I have tears streaming down my face.
"I have been waiting for this day since I sat next to you in that office," he says and I smile. I lay on the bed and he strips me down.
We get lost in each other, but this time it is different. It is purely love. There is no rush, just two people connecting.
When we finish we lay naked in our bed under the covers. Nathan has his arm wrapped around me tightly. He lowers the covers to see my belly. He puts his hand there and kisses me.
"We have an appointment wednesday," I say and he nods.
"When did you find out," he says.
"When you were working out," I smile and he laughs.
"We are going to be parents," I say and he leans down kissing my belly.
"We are," he says.
"I'm excited for Wednesday," he says and I nod.
"I know," I smile.
We end up falling asleep shortly after Claire gets home. This day has been so amazing.
I wake up the next morning for work with Nathan. Today Claire is going with Ava to shadow her. She is very excited and I am excited for her. Ava is the most excited. She says she can't wait to corrupt her.
I put on my work clothes and walk out with Nathan. He is in his scrubs already. Claire is sipping her coffee at the table.
"Hi sweetheart," I say and kiss her head.
"Hi," she smiles.
"How was last night?" I ask.
"It was so much fun, we went to Marcella and then we got ice cream and saw a movie," she says. "William is so nice," she says and I smile as Nathan eyes her.
"I'm glad you had fun, Bear," he says.
"Yeah actually, he asked me to hang out tomorrow. I was thinking maybe he could come here," she says and I smile at Nathan. Nathan's overprotective side is coming out.
"Of course," I say and she thanks me.
"How was your guys' night?" She asks.
"It was great, the food was amazing," I smile and she nods.
"Nathan, how does it feel to be 27, old man?" She asks and we all laugh. I love the banter we have.
"It feels amazing, I'm sure it's almost as good as hanging out with your crush," Nathan says and she turns the color of a tomato.
"He's just a friend," she says laughing.
"Mhmm," he says and we all laugh.
"Ava will be here in 30 minutes. Nathan and I have to go to work," I say and kiss her head. Nathan gives her a hug and heads out.
We drive to work and Nathan kisses me then my stomach and I laugh. Tomorrow we get to go see this bean. The daunting thought in my head tells me I'm not. But that is why I am in the bathroom right now taking another test. I set it on my office bathroom counter and wait.
PREGNANT
Seeing the words again makes my heart flutter. I throw out the test and sit down at my desk. There is a knock on my door before I have my thoughts straight. Lia walks in.
"Hi," I smile.
"Good morning, do you have a minute? I saw your light was on," she says and I smile.
"Of course," I say as she sits. "What's up?" I ask.
"Okay, so two things," she says. I hope one is about my Henry. My heart aches at his name.
"Henry is doing well. I did my first home visit yesterday," she says and I smile.
"They are struggling with his fussiness, but adjusting," she says and I nod. Change and fussiness in toddlers go hand in hand. She gives me a picture of him with a toy.
"I know how much he adored you. I thought you'd want this," she says. I smile and look at his chunky face. I used to not enjoy Lia, but she is really growing on me. This picture means the most to me.
"Thank you this means more than you could know," I say and pin the picture up on my board.
"Of course," she says.
"So, the other thing. We were contacted by Susan Palmer," she says and I know this is Claire's aunt. My heart sinks.
"And?" I ask.
"She is stuck in Israel for 2 additional weeks," she says. We still have Claire for two more weeks until she was supposed to go back to her aunt Susan's. Now she isn't coming back for another 2. Truly I haven't even thought about Claire leaving.
"Well that's no problem, she can stay with us," I say and Lia releases a large breath I doubt she knew she was holding.
"Really?" She says and rights something down.
"Yeah of course," I smile.
"Phoebe, thank you," she says and I smile.
"I have to head out to a patient, but thank you for stopping by," I smile. "And for the picture of Henry," I say and she nods.
I head to my patient and finish the rest of my day.
How wonderful it is.