Hi Readers: Did you like the surprise update that I gave you guys yesterday? Well, I am glad to say that's not the only new update that you guys are going to be getting this weekend, as I want to just get a daily update schedule going for this story; and that is due to the fact that I don't want you guys to miss this story too much, even though I want to concentrate on the other story that I am currently writing. But like last chapter, I can't (always) promise that the updates are going to be very long. But for now, I think we're good. And that's the only message that I really had to share with you guys today regarding this story, ahead of me posting this and updating the other story; because I hope that you guys are reading both this story (The Caseys) and my new story (Lost and Found). But for now, how about you enjoy this update of The Caseys. Thanks again for reading, and I can't wait to see what you think of this chapter.
Chapter Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine
Baby Halstead #3: When…and How?
She could tell based solely on her husband's reaction to her statement that Jay was shocked when it came to her telling him that she wants to wait until 2022 to have another baby, even though she has her own reasons; reasons which are related to when she gave birth to the twins, and which she still struggles with on a regular basis. Heck, that they both continue to struggle with to this day on a daily basis; after all, Jay had to experience that too. He had to watch her give birth a lot earlier than expected, which was something that neither of them planned to do; but that doesn't mean that it's going to happen again, for the reason that Alex just told her husband. But now, she knew that they needed to talk about it; especially since her husband was confused about her statement. And if there was one thing that Alex didn't want, it was for Jay to be confused; rather, she wanted to be on the same page as her husband. At the same time, she wanted them to come to this agreement together. Yes, she made this decision on her own.
But that didn't mean that she didn't want Jay to understand where she's coming from and have a bit of a say in whether they stick to the timeline that she just proposed (which she hopes that he does). But right now, that's not something that she can ask her husband; at least, not until she takes him to the living room, and they take a moment to speak about it together. Until they sit together and talk about the decision that she made for the both of them; and the reasons behind her decision of not wanting to get pregnant for a couple years at the earliest. That is, if they even want to have another child; because they aren't really sure about that yet, whether they even want to get pregnant. And that's, of course, also due to how things turned out during her previous pregnancy; but that didn't mean that Alex wasn't a bit intrigued by the idea of her getting pregnant again, as she wanted to have the opportunity to do it right. For her to give birth on time, and not have to worry about giving birth so early; especially not if they only have one more child.
And that's due to the fact that, if she's only pregnant with one more baby; then there's a better chance that she can give birth closer to 38 (or even 40) weeks. And in her mind, that's the ideal number of weeks that you should be pregnant; prior to you giving birth to the baby that you have already waited so long to meet and are going to love from the moment they're in your arms. And that's what's going through Alex's mind at the moment, as she led Jay to the living room so that they could sit down together and talk about what was on her mind; and so that she could tell him the reasons behind her wanting to wait to have another baby, not that they are really in a rush. Anyways, she'd be open to it if it happens; because there's no way that she would ever allow her hunk of a husband to use protection with her, not when he's the love of her life. But still, that didn't mean that she and Jay weren't going to talk right now; while she sits in his lap and cuddles up to him. But first, she needed him to sit down on the couch, which she was about to tell him to do.
She was going to tell him to do so, as she turned around to face her man (whilst still holding his hand this afternoon). After all, she likes to cuddle. "Can you…" Already well aware of what his wife wants him to do, Jay smirked as he just got close to Alex; after which, he wrapped his arms around her and brought her body against his chest. "Let me guess, you want me to sit down so that you can sit in my lap?" Alex smiled as she heard Jay ask her that, as that was exactly what she wanted. But first, she wants to do something else; something that Jay wants her to do as well, just as soon as she stepped close to him and wrapped her arms around him. In return, Jay wrapped his arms around Alex's waist and smirked as he looked down into those gorgeous eyes of hers (whilst also bending down and kissing her softly); after which, he moved his hand to her neck and smiled. "I love you." Alex agreed with Jay as he told her that he loves her, well aware that was the case. "Oh, I am well aware of the fact that you love me; because that was a lot of fun back there."
Jay smirked as he heard Alex say that she had a lot of fun "back there", because he already knew where she was referring to; and that would be in their bedroom, where they made love to each other (while the twins took a nap). And damn, was Alex delicious in bed; just like she always is, as Jay just loves making love to his wife. It's something that he will always love doing, for the rest of their life as that's how long Jay plans on being married to her and can now be guaranteed to do so. And honestly, that was one of the main reasons that Jay was okay with leaving the police department in the first place; aside from the fact that it meant that he would get away from Hank and give him the ability to take it easy with Alex (rather than always have to worry about his father-in-law). That's when Jay decided to put his hand on her sides, before leaning in and proceeding to kiss the woman he loves; after which, Alex wrapped her arms around Jay's neck and just smiled as they both took things nice and slow with each other this morning.
"I love you." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, before smiling as he kissed her once more. "I love you too." That's when Jay saw that Max was currently by the back door and craving to go out to the washroom. "Listen, I need to go put Max outside; after which, I'm going to come sit with you. Want some water or anything?" Alex smiled as Jay asked her whether she wanted some water or anything, as she most definitely did want some water. "I'd love some but remember to fill Max's water bowl too." Jay agreed with Alex as she reminded him to fill up Max's water bowl, before grabbing her hand; after which, he walked away and just smiled as he was ready to take it easy and just relax with the woman he loves on the couch. But first, he needs to put Max out; and at the same time, he also needs to get them some water. But little did Jay know that him getting some water, would also lead to him and Alex getting sexy here on the couch (not that the couple really mind, as they are really happy right now). But first, time to get Max outside and some water.
Walking back inside after bringing Max into the house, Jay sighed because he really hates that he didn't remember the time; the time that the automatic sprinklers went off, which meant that both he and Max ended up getting pretty wet. And that was due to the fact that Jay ended up playing with Max a bit and got all soaked in the sprinklers; but now, he was back inside and just wearing his shorts. Not that Alex minds, as her husband is really sexy; but at the same time, she was confused as she made her way into the kitchen in her lingerie (as she decided to take off her robe ahead of her cuddling up to Jay). "What happened?" Turning his head to look up at his wife while closing the door behind him, Jay smirked due to the fact that he really likes the sight in front of him; the sight of his wife just wearing her lingerie, while no longer wearing a robe. Meanwhile, he was just wearing his shorts; and boy did Alex like that sight, because she loves it when Jay is shirtless. And she'll always love it when her dreamy husband is shirtless, like he is right now.
Looking down at Max, Alex smirked as she was quite happy over what he did; and that was due to the fact that it now led to Jay being shirtless, and damn is he sexy. And even better, it allowed her to get close to the man she loves; and at the same time, she can get sexy with him…which is exactly what she did, as she put her hands on his muscular chest. "So, you got wet because of the sprinklers? You sure it's not for another reason?" Getting close to Jay, Alex smirked as she proceeded to put her hand on the side of his neck; after which, she put her hand on his chest and got close to him. Meanwhile, Jay wrapped his arm around her waist so that he could turn his head and kiss her; but before he could do that, Alex proceeded to kiss his neck softly. And damn did Jay love that feeling, and he'll always love that feeling; but not as much as when he turned his head, and then leaned in to kiss the woman he loves more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that and smiled at the man of her dreams.
Putting her hands on his face, Alex smiled as she got close to him; after which, she wrapped her arms around his neck and just held him close to her. "I love you." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, before smiling as he wrapped her arms around her back; after which, he smiled as he rubbed her back. "How about you go sit down? Then, I will get the water that you wanted." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, before smiling as he said that. "Listen, how about you get Max all set up? I'll go put this in the laundry and check on the kids." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, liking that idea as she proceeded to walk away with his shirt; after which, he turned his head and looked down at his dog. "Be lucky that I love what this is going to get me, because then I might be mad at you." Laughing as she heard Jay say that, before turning her head and looking at the man she loves. "Okay, just calm down and take it easy." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that; after which, he proceeded to walk away so that he could get both himself and Alex some water.
That way, they can be hydrated as they talk to each other about something; more specifically, they are going to talk about their plans for the future…which is something that they were going to do ahead of him having to put Max out but are now going to do that when Alex is back; they are just going to make sure that they talk to each other, and they are going to make sure that they just take it easy and relax with each other. And now, that's exactly what the couple are going to do; as they have one of those conversations that Jay and Alex need to have with each other, as there are things that you need to do when you're married. And that includes making decisions together, especially decisions that are related to their family; and that's due to the fact that husband and wives need to be on the same page when it comes to that, especially when Alex is the one that will carry the baby. Maybe. Alex is actually not sure about that, as she's just worried; and it's also something that she doesn't want to talk to her husband about, how she's dealing.
How she's dealing with the aftermath of everything that happened, and how she just got a message from her doctor at her latest post-natal appointment. The news? It turns out in the aftermath of controlling the bleeding…the doctors had to do something that they weren't consulted upon, because they didn't have a chance to do it; and that would be the fact that she was given a tubal ligation. But that wasn't the worst part of the news…that was the way she reacted to the news. Rather than being mad, or sad about the news…she felt relieved.
But now, she needed to decide, and that was the following: she decided to break the news to her husband the moment they were sitting together, as she couldn't hold the secret in any longer; the secret that she's been holding in for the past couple weeks, ever since she had her postnatal appointment. But before she could tell her husband, she felt like she needed to digest the news; and she also had to just figure out how to say it, which she finally did when she spoke to her sister-in-law Natalie. God, and now that was a hard conversation that she can still remembers clear as day.
Flashback to a week earlier – December 4, 2019
He asked Natalie to come, so that she could be here to help Alex with the twins while he and Will went out; the two husbands wanting to get a head start on their Christmas shopping, and what they are going to get. And Alex had to say, she was quite happy that Natalie was here; and not just due to the fact that she was happy to have a bit of girl time, but because she needed to talk to her sister-in-law about something that she's yet to speak to her husband about. Something that she learned at the hospital, and really needs to figure out; and she just hopes that she isn't going to be judged by her sister-in-law, which is something that she's going to say from the start as she walked into her bedroom (which is where she and her pregnant sister-in-law are going to relax today). "Okay, remember what I said. I don't want you to judge me." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, as that was something she can agree to do. "I promise, I won't judge you." Taking a breath, Alex agreed with her before walking over with some water, which she and Natalie both needs.
After which, she proceeded to set her bottle down on her side table while leaning over her bed. "Here, this is what Will ordered you take." Natalie laughed as she heard Alex say that, before agreeing with her. "I already checked on the kids, they are all fast asleep." Alex agreed with Natalie as she said that, before climbing into bed with her sister-in-law. "So, I can't help but wonder whether there's a reason that you needed me to come here today?" Alex sighed as Natalie asked her whether there was a reason why she needed to be here, as she wanted to make sure that she gets some help. "I just need some help with something." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that. "With what?" Alex sighed. "So listen, I recently went to the hospital for my postnatal." Natalie agreed. "Jay mentioned that. How'd it go." Alex sighed as she looked at Natalie. "It went good, and I got some news that I was not exactly expecting." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that. "And what would that be?" Alex sighed as she heard Natalie ask her that. "Okay, this is just between us."
Natalie agreed with Alex. "Hey, of course." Alex agreed. "So, apparently; while I was giving birth, bleeding was everywhere." Natalie agreed. "Alex, I know how things went." Alex agreed. "Well, apparently…in the middle of all of that, the doctors did something that we just found out; they gave me a tubal ligation." Natalie was a bit taken aback as she heard Alex say that. "What?" Alex agreed. "That's why you're here. I'm panicking Natalie!" Natalie then tried to calm Alex down. "Okay, slow down. First, how the hell are you feeling? Are you okay? Are you mad? How are you dealing with it?" Alex sighed. "That's why you're here. When I heard the news, I actually wasn't mad." Natalie was shocked. "Wait, what?" Alex agreed. "That's why I'm really panicking, because I felt relieved; I felt happy that it happened, even though I didn't ask them to do that. I mean…" Taking a breath, Alex just looked at her sister-in-law. "Jay is going to hate me for feeling this way, because this is not how I should be feeling right now; I should be furious, and just not happy."
Natalie shook her head as she heard Alex say that. "Hey, don't feel that way unless you really feel that way Alex. Just take a breath and talk to me. What's going on in your head?" Alex sighed as Natalie asked her that question. "I mean, I did have a hard birth. And it was….it was just a lot, and I can't help but wonder if this was how it was supposed to happen." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Okay, well I am not sure how I can tell you that." Alex agreed with Natalie, before taking a breath. "How in the world am I supposed to talk to Jay about this? How am I supposed to tell Jay that, and how am I supposed to tell my husband that I'm happy that we can't have more kids; when I love him more than anything in the entire world, and we both want kids?" Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Alex, just take a breath and remember that Jay loves you; and that at the end of the day, he's always going to love you. Plus, he can't hate you when you gave him kids."
Alex agreed with her sister-in-law as she said that, glad that was the case. "I know, it's just…it's a lot to take in." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Alex, at the end of the day…you just need to be honest with him. And you need to tell him the truth, because that's what's going to make him happy. He's going to be happy that you told him the truth, and that you guys are going to be on the same page." Alex agreed with Natalie as she said that, before getting close to her; after which, she hugged her and smiled. "Thanks for giving me this advice." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, before smiling as she rubbed her back. "Alex, everything will work out; I promise, and Jay is just going to be happy that you told him the truth." Alex smiled as she heard Natalie say that, well aware that was the case. "I know, and I just need to take it easy and breathe." Natalie smiled as she heard Alex say that, before going to grab her hand; after which, she stroked it with her thumb and just made sure that they both relaxed.
Taking a breath as she finished thinking about what happened a week earlier, Alex looked at her husband, who was starting to get worried, and quite concerned. "Hey, are you okay?" Alex agreed with Jay as he asked her that. "Just trying to think about what I'm going to do after I tell you something, and how you might react." Going to move towards the corner of the couch, Jay smiled as he went to sit down and then grabbed a pillow; after which, he opened his arms and looked at the woman he loves. "How about you come here? Hold me, and we can talk." Alex took a breath, before agreeing with Jay as he proceeded to crawl over to him; after which, she sat down in between his lap and proceeded to cuddle up to him (while wrapping her arms around his torso). At the same time, Jay wrapped his arms around her and smiled as he turned his head and kissed her forehead softly. "So listen, what's going on?" Alex sighed. "So first, I need to tell you something." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that. "And what's that?" Alex just sighed.
Turning her head, Alex looked up at the man she loves. "I already told Natalie this." Jay looked down at Alex as she said that. "You told my brother's wife news that you have to tell me, before you told your husband?" Alex sighed. "Jay, I needed to talk to someone I trust; someone in our family, whom I needed advice from. Please just understand and know that's how hard it is." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, understanding why she had to talk to Natalie now; and that was due to the fact that this is something that was going to be hard for her to talk to him about. "So, what's going on?" Alex took a breath as she laid her head down on Jay's heart, and just cuddled up to him; meanwhile, Jay wrapped his arms around her back. After which, Jay turned his head and kissed her forehead softly. "So, what's going on?" Alex sighed. "Well, I recently went to my latest post-natal appointment; and I got some news that is going to change the future of us expanding our family." Jay agreed with his wife as she said that. "Is everything okay Alex?"
Alex sighed as Jay asked her that, before moving to grab her hand; after which, she intertwined their fingers and looked up at the man she loves. "Well, at my post-natal appointment; I got some news that are going to make things a bit complicated, when it came to us expanding our family and having another baby." Jay was a bit confused as he heard Alex say that, before moving to kiss the back of her hand. "And what news would that be?" Alex took a breath as she looked up at the man she loves. "Jay, I can't get pregnant again." Jay looked down at Alex as she said that, before rubbing her back. "Hey, is that due to the fact that you're still scared from the last time you gave birth? Because if that's why, then I understand…and we can…" Alex shook her head. "Jay, no. You need to take what I said literally….I literally can't get pregnant again." Jay was a bit confused as he heard Alex say that. "And why's that?" Alex sighed as she looked into Jay's eyes. "You remember how I was bleeding after giving birth?" Jay agreed with his wife. "Oh god, now that was scary."
Alex agreed with her husband as he told her that, well aware that was the case. "And it was also a risk to my health, so much so that the doctors had to do something drastic to save my life. Something I just found out at my post-natal appointment." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that. "And are you going to share with me what that is?" Alex agreed with Jay, while taking a breath. "As part of them controlling the bleeding, they had to do a tubal ligation." Jay was a bit confused. "What's that?" Alex sighed, before telling Jay.
"It's permanent, surgical birth control…which means that I only have a 0.5% chance of ever getting pregnant again."