Chapter 30
(Phoebe's POV)
Everyone has just arrived at our house. It is Claire's last night here. She is being picked up tomorrow morning by her aunt. I am excited for her to get settled in her permanent life. I will just miss her so much.
"Hi Bubs," my dad says coming behind me.
"Hi," I smile. "What can I get you?" I ask him.
"I was coming over for a glass of wine," he says. I grab him a glass and pour white wine in it then hand it to him. He thanks me.
"Big day tomorrow," my dad says. I nod smiling. We both look at Claire, she is sitting on the couch with William laughing. They are very close together.
"Very big day," I smile leaning against the island.
"Are you ready?" My dad asks.
"I am, not for her to leave, but for her to have a permanent healthy home," I say and my dad nods. He squeezes my hand.
"Not many people could do what you have done, you amaze me everyday Phoebe grace," he says and I shake my head. Everyone could do what I did.
"I mean that," my dad smiles.
"I know," I say. Teddy and Olivia walk in. She has a small bump now. Tonight we are figuring out the gender. I already know, but everyone else is. I had it made into a cake. The middle layer of the cake is the color of the gender.
"Liv, you look amazing," I smile and hug her. Teddy has his arm around her.
"How are you feeling?" I ask her.
"A little bit better, my nausea has gone down. My bump is showing so that is exciting," she says and puts her hands on her belly. Teddy hugs me and thanks me for having them
Over.
"Are you guys ready to find out the gender of baby G?" I ask.
"More than ready," she says and we smile.
"I'm so excited for you guys it'll be so good," I say.
Dinner is ready and we all sit. I am next to Claire and Nathan. "I would like to make a toast to Claire. We love you so much sweetheart. You have to come visit us all the time. You are always welcome here," my dad says and Claire smiles. Everyone nods and cheers glasses.
Nathan keeps his hand on my thigh as we eat. Everyone is having a great conversation. I smile and glance at William and Claire in their own little world. I love it.
"Eat," Nathan says into my ear. I look down at my plate and realize I've been shuffling the food around.
"I am," I say back.
"You aren't, what's going on?" He asks. I smile at Berkeley and Cole talking to Ava and Andrew.
"Bee," Nathan says and I take a large bite of my salad.
"Thank you," he says and squeezes my thigh. I had to Suppress a moan. That shot through my body. This is the first time that has happened Nathan always has his hands resting on my leg. These pregnancy hormones are kicking my butt recently. I've been insatiable. Last night I had Nathan up past midnight.
"I heard that… later," Nathan says and I blush. I continue to eat.
After dinner, everyone is hanging out and around the kitchen. Ava comes up to me and smiles. "What," I say. She has that look on her face.
"What can't I smile?" She asks.
"Yeah but you have that look on your face," I say and she laughs.
"What's up," I say.
"I just accidentally walked in on Claire and William," she says and I cover my face. I am her parent. That is the last thing I want to hear.
"Ew I don't want to think about that," I say and Ava laughs.
"Oh they were only making out. But the look on their faces was priceless," she says and I do laugh at that.
"I feel bad being a cock block," she says and I laugh.
"I think they will live," I say and she smirks.
"Says you, you have been eye fucking your husband all night," she says and my mouth drops.
"Have not," I say.
"Have too, Jesus it's like I'm watching a porno everytime I see you two," she says and I start laughing.
"See you know I am right. But hey I'll give it to you, baby blue is his color," she says and I agree. His tan and eyes pop when he wears it. He looks so good tonight.
"It is," I smile and we both laugh.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" She asks.
"As I'll ever be," I say and she nods. She hugs me tightly and I smile.
"I'm here for you," she says and I thank her.
"Hey ladies," Maisy walks up to us. We invited Maisy and Blake because Claire loves Maisy.
"Hi momma," I say. She sits with her hands on her belly. She is due in less than a week. She could pop any minute.
"hey hey," she says.
"You look good Mase," Ava says. Maisy rolls her eyes.
"I look like a whale. I am huge," she says. She really isn't even that big. She looks full term, but not shockingly big.
"You look beautiful," I smile at her.
"Says the tiny one," she laughs. If I wasn't pregnant I would have Been hurt by that comment.
"Are you ready?" Ava asks her.
"More than ready. If I don't pop by next week I am being induced," she says and I smile. We talked out her birth plan. I am glad she is comfortable with it.
"I would be too. I can't imagine carrying for this long," Ava says and I smile.
"Well speaking of let's find out the gender of baby G," I say. I call everyone over. Claire stands next to me and I smile at her. I might have let her read the gender card. Just might have though.
I give Teddy and Olivia a knife. They smile for a few pictures. The cake is pink and blue tye dye. It looks so good. My parents look like they could jump out of their seats. They are so excited to be grandparents.
They start to cut the cake and Teddy lifts up the slice. "Blue it's a boy," Olivia says and jumps up and down. They kiss and I take a bunch of pictures. Nathan smiles at me and I laugh.
"Baby J is going to have a boyfriend ," Olivia tells Maisy. Their kids will be about 5ish months apart.
"Congratulations," everyone is hugging them. My mom is crying. It is so exciting. Nathan comes up and hugs me tightly.
"This night has been amazing," he says and I nod.
When it is time to say goodbye everyone is hugging Claire. They will see her again just not as frequently. I hug everyone goodbye. Finally it is just Claire, Nathan, my parents and I.
Claire gives my mom a big hug and holds her tightly. They talk for a bit. My mom's eyes are misty. As Claire is hugging my dad I can see the sadness on his face. Him and Claire got very close. Closer than I could have ever hoped for.
"We love you, Claire," my dad says and let's her go. He hugs me goodbye. "Call me tomorrow, Bubs," he says and I nod. I know he'll want to check on me. I hug my mom goodbye and soon it's just the three of us.
Claire is looking down and I smile. "Did you have fun?" I ask her. She looks up and I see tears in her eyes.
"Bear," Nathan says and she loses it. She starts crying into her hands.
"Hey come here," I say and hug her tightly. I run her back and hold her to me.
"What's going on?" I ask her.
"I don't want to leave," she says and I knew that was coming. I know she doesn't mean it to insult her aunt. She is just comfortable here.
"Claire, you were so excited to see your aunt. You are going to have so much fun living with her," I say and she nods.
"I just don't want to leave you guys," she says. Nathan takes her in his arms.
"Bear, you aren't leaving us. We are still 15 minutes away. You know you can come anytime. We will be here for you always," Nathan says and I nod. Claire nods and pulls away wiping her eyes.
"Thank you both so much for letting me stay here," she says and we smile.
"We love you, bear," Nathan says and I smile.
"We still are going to see you all the time," I say and Claire smiles.
"I know, I'll just miss waking up to you two," she says and I nod.
"I am excited to meet your aunt," I say, trying to turn things more positive.
"I am so excited for you guys to meet her," she says.
"It's my mom's younger sister," she says and we smile. Susan sounds like a great lady.
"Well I should be getting to bed. That way we can have breakfast before Susan gets here," Claire says and we nod.
Claire heads up to bed and Nathan and I head into our room. I wash my face and get into my pajamas. I crawl into bed with Nathan. Neither of us say anything. I think we both know what the other is thinking. I turn to face away from Nathan and lay on my side. He comes behind me and wraps an arm around me pulling my so my back is to his chest. He rubs my arm and says something but I am already asleep.
When I wake up the next morning, I have my morning sickness. After I walk out to Claire and Nathan making breakfast. My heart is heavy today. I am not ready to say goodbye.
"Good morning," I smile.
"Morning Pheebs," Claire says and I smile.
"We made banana chocolate chip pancakes," Nathan says and my stomach growls.
"Yum," I say and we all sit.
"Claire what are you doing with Susan today?" I ask.
"Well, we are going to dinner tonight and then tomorrow since I have school we are just going to take it easy," she says and I nod.
"How is William?" Nathan asks.
"He is good, he has lacrosse lifting and practice everyday after school," she says.
"Oh I know that one," I say and look at Nathan. He had basketball everyday.
"It's so annoying," Claire says and I laugh.
"Trust me it's more annoying having them around," I say and we all laugh. Nathan flicks whip cream on me.
"I was thinking maybe Wednesday we could get dinner," she says. I know she is nervous about leaving and needs to know there is a day that she is going to come see us.
"Wednesday works for me," I say and look to Nathan.
"Yeah that's perfect," he says and I smile.
"We can go to Roy's," I say and Claire smiles.
"Anything good happening at school this week?" Nathan asks.
"Umm not really, I have a chem test and Econ quiz," she says and we nod.
"You'll be so great," I smile.
"Thanks, chem might not be," she says.
"I can help you if you need. You have my number or you can come over," Nathan says and I smile.
"I'm going to miss you guys," Claire says.
"We are going to miss you too, but you have the car and you're only 15 minutes away," I say and she smiles.
"We'll never be far," Nathan says and I nod smiling.
"Well I should go up and get my suitcases," Claire says.
"I got it, are they all packed?" Nathan says.
"Yes, but really I can grab them," she says.
"No, no you stay down here," he says and heads upstairs. I smile as he goes up the stairs.
I start to clean up breakfast and Claire helps me. "Thank you Phoebe, really for everything," Claire says and I turn to her.
"Of course, you remember we are always here any day anytime," I say and she nods. I hug her tightly to me.
After Nathan comes downstairs with her bags, her aunt rings our doorbell. We all head over in the foyer. Claire looks nervous. As the door opens a stunning young woman is standing there. She is probably 10 years older than me, but is beautiful.
"Aunt Susan," Claire exclaims and runs to hug her. They hug tightly. I smile knowing Claire will be in good hands.
"Hi sweetheart," Susan says hugging her tightly. They exchange some words then Susan turns to us.
"I am Susan Wilks, nice to meet you both," she says. She is very well dressed.
"Hi, I am Phoebe and this is my husband Nathan," we shake hands.
"Thank you so much for keeping her, I was in Israel with my church and we got delayed there. It was crazy," she says and smiles.
"She is such a pleasure to have," I say.
"Oh sweet girl you are so old and so beautiful," she says hugging Claire again. Claire seems more relaxed now.
"Well we will let you guys go and get all moved in, but Claire give us hugs," I say. I am trying so hard not to cry.
"I love you Phoebe, thank you for everything," Claire says.
"I love you more, remember anytime any day we are here," I say and she nods. I cup her face as her cries.
"We will see you so soon sweet girl," I say and then she hugs Nathan. I see Susan smiling at the sight in front of her.
"I love you, Bear," Nathan says and hugs her. He kisses her head.
"Thank you for everything," Claire says and they hug for a little longer.
"Okay," Claire says wiping her eyes.
"Wednesday," she says and we both nod.
"Thank you guys again, it was nice meeting you," Susan says.
"Bye phoebe, bye Nathan," Claire says and we blow her kisses goodbye. When the door shuts I cross my arms. I turn to Nathan and he looks at me.
I walk forward and he wraps his arms around me. "Are you okay?" He asks and I inhale his smell. I nod my head and let him hold me.
"I'm happy she'll be with her Aunt," I say and Nathan nods and kisses me.
"Just because you are happy with where she is going doesn't mean you can't feel upset about her leaving," he says and I nod looking up at him. Tears start to come out of my eyes. I will miss her so much.
"It's going to be okay," Nathan says and I nod.
"I know," I say and wipe my eyes.
"I need to get to work," I say. I have work today starting in an hour.
"Maybe you could call off today," Nathan says and I shake my head. Henry is back today and on my list of patients to see.
"I'm okay babe," I say and he nods kissing me.
"I'll have dinner ready when you get home," he says and I smile. His hands go over my belly and I smile. Having this bean in my belly makes everything better.
I get ready for work and get dressed. When I walk out I kiss Nathan goodbye. "I'm here if you need anything," he says and I nod. I am suppressing my emotions for both our sakes.
When I get to the hospital I go into my office and get organized. I am going to see Henry first. He's going to be so big since I last saw him I know it. I practically run down to the fifth floor.
When I walk into his room my heart fills again. He is here. My sweet Henry. "Bee bee," he says and I have to fight not to cry. He remembered me.
"Henry," I say and quickly get him out of the hospital crib. He points to my bag. He also remembers where the toys are. This sweet boy.
I sit playing with Henry for an hour. I do my psych evaluation. He is happy and looks healthy. His development is on track. I watch as he starts to get tired. I rub his back and place him back in his crib. I turn on the hospital sound machine and walk out.
"Happy to have him back?" The nurse who had him last time asks.
"I wish he could have had a forever home, but it is good to see his smiling face," I say. She nods and pats my shoulder.
"Bee bee was the first person he asked for," she says and I smile. This little boy has my whole heart.
I visit a couple of other patients and have a meeting before heading home. When I get home Nathan as promised has dinner on the table. He got my favorite Italian food.
"Hi baby," I say and he smiles. He comes over and hugs me tightly to him. I melt into his arms. He just always knows.
"How was work," he says against my head.
"Good, I'm exhausted and we're hungry," I say and he laughs.
"Come eat," he says and I follow him to the table. He has lemon water set out for me.
"Thank you so much," I say and start to eat.
"Does baby M approve?" Nathan asks.
"Wholeheartedly approves," I say and he smiles.
"Claire called," he says and I look at him.
"She is settled and is very happy," he says and I smile.
"That makes me happy," I say and he nods.
We talk the rest of dinner. After as I am cleaning the plates, Nathan comes over and asks to show me something. I give him a strange look but follow him up the stairs.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Patience Bee," he says and I smile.
We come to one of the guest room doors. "A door," I say and he rolls his eyes.
"Open it," he says and I do.
When I open the door I gasp. Nathan has a crib built and the room painted. It was the crib I always wanted. It has a grey base and on the front side the bars are clear so you can see your baby. He has painted the room a soft grey.
"You did this?" I say and tears start to come out of my eyes. Happy tears of course.
"It was the one day I had off that you didn't," he says and I run my fingers over the crib. I imagine our little baby squirming around in their bed.
"I love it, thank you so much," I say and cup his cheeks kissing him.
"This means the world to me," I say and kiss him again.
"Of course baby," he says and kisses my lips then my belly.
"I love you so much, Nathan Moore," I say and he wraps his arms around me.
"And I you, Phoebe Moore," he says. How did I ever get this lucky?