Chapter 39: Hard Times and Pregnancy Stresses

Santana's POV

*Monday 6th March 2023*

In the beginning of the pregnancy, everything was great and all cute and we were all so happy but now it's changed. Don't get me wrong, I am still incredibly excited about having another child as is Brittany but as the pregnancy progresses, the side effects of it progress too. My cravings intensify, my body begins to ache and my mood goes from one emotion to another in the blink of an eye. This then causes me to get irritated by things easier because I don't feel myself so then I take that frustration out on whatever is close to me which unfortunately happens to be my wife. She does not deserve my bad attitude at all but I really can't help it.

Brittany and I are currently getting ready for bed after a busy day at work. As soon as we got home, we relieved Ashley of her duties and spent time with Jaxon. We then had dinner together and went straight upstairs to get organised. Brittany is in the master bathroom brushing her teeth at the moment and I'm in the bedroom trying to settle Jaxon before I take him to his room to go to sleep for the night.

"Hey" Brittany says as she leaves the bathroom.

"He is screaming again Brittany; I don't know what to do" I say in frustration. Honestly, I could just cry right now, I am that frustrated.

"It's ok, I've got this. Just relax babe" Brittany says calmly as she takes Jaxon from my arms. "He's just teething really badly right now but it's going to be ok."

"I hate seeing him cry" I point out.

"I know and I do too but getting frustrated most certainly won't help so let's just take a breath and calm down. If we're not calm then Jaxon really isn't going to be calm because he'll sense something is wrong" Brittany replies.

"I am calm" I shrug.

"No baby, you're really not" Brittany chuckles. "I love you but you're really not calm in this moment."

"Yeah, I'm the complete opposite of calm right now" I sigh.

"Let me take care of Jaxon right now and you take care of you. Why don't you get some rest? Take a lie in bed or watch a movie on the couch or something. Just do you right now babe and I'll look after Jaxon until he falls asleep" she tells me.

"I'm not just going to walk away from him when he's crying like this" I state.

"I'm not asking you to do that Santana. I am suggesting that you take care of yourself and our other baby right now by getting some rest" she explains.

"Ok fine but let me kiss him goodnight first" I say as I walk towards them and kiss Jaxon's head.

"I'll take him to the nursery and read to him there while you have some time to yourself in here" Brittany says before leaving the room with Jaxon.

The whole time Brittany is with Jaxon in his room, I lie in bed just staring at the ceiling. I'm supposed to be relaxing and taking a moment to myself but I just can't. I can't focus on anything but Jaxon and my pregnancy right now. I hate seeing Jaxon so upset and I hate it even more that I can't make him better. I know he's with Brittany who is his mom too but it still doesn't make me feel any better as a parent. The pregnancy is also on my mind because it is stressing me out at times, and I feel bad about that because that's my baby in there so I hate the thought of putting blame on my baby when that's not the case.

"Hey honey" Brittany says as she gets into bed beside me. "Jaxon is finally sleeping now in the nursery" she says as she wraps her arms around me.

"That's good" I reply.

"Are you ok, you sound sad?" she asks me.

"I'm sorry I was getting so stressed out tonight" I apologise as I lean my head on her shoulder.

"It's ok, you don't need to apologise. It's quite understandable that you're under a lot of stress with the pregnancy at the moment" she tells me as she gently pushes a strand of hair from my face.

"I feel like a bad mom sometimes when the pregnancy takes its toll on me because it's like I can't handle looking after the new baby and I also can't handle looking after Jaxon" I admit.

"Please don't ever think that, Santana. You are not a bad mom in any way" Brittany assures me.

"I should be able to put Jaxon to bed at night on my own but I can't because I'm tired. At the same time though, I feel bad for being tired because it's like admitting I can't take care of the baby inside me" I sigh.

"It's not like that at all Santana, trust me. You are not alone feeling this way, I promise you. I mean unfortunately I can't relate but anyone else I have spoken to that has endured pregnancies feels the exact same way. My two sisters could probably relate to how exhausting pregnancy can be" Brittany says.

"Do you think so?" I ask.

"I really do. I know you are the best mom there is so don't think that you're not. You would do anything for Jaxon and I know you will be the same when the new baby gets here" she smiles.

"Thank you, I really needed to hear that" I say as turn my head slightly and lean forward to peck her lips.

"I love you and I am here to support you in whatever way you need me to, ok" she says as she gently caresses my stomach.

"Ok" I smile.

"It's all going to be ok" she tells me as she leans forward to kiss me this time. As she begins to deepen the kiss, I pull away.

"Not tonight Britt, I'm going to sleep" I tell her as I turn around to lay on my side.

"Ok, goodnight" she says as she kisses the side of my cheek and then turns around to face the opposite direction.

"Goodnight, love you" I say.

"I love you too babe" Brittany replies.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

*Wednesday 8th March 2023*

Brittany and I have just finished work for the day so we're heading home to Jaxon now. We're finished work a lot earlier than we usually would be but that's for a special reason. Today is my 2nd scan of the pregnancy so we're getting to see our little baby and hear the heartbeat. It's not just a regular ultrasound scan of the baby but it's even more special today because it will be Brittany and Jaxon's first time hearing the heartbeat live so I can't wait for that. Neither of them could be at my first scan so this is really exciting today for me because I have them with me.

"Hey Ashley, it's just us" Brittany announces her presence as she and I enter the house.

"You're just in time actually because Jaxon has just woken up from his nap so he's awake and ready to go out with you" Ashley smiles as she approaches us with Jaxon. "He's been fed and had a diaper change as well already" she adds.

"That's good" Brittany smiles as she takes our son from Ashley.

"How has Jaxon been today?" I ask.

"Really good actually. He was teething a little bit earlier but that seems to have subsided for the moment" Ashley replies.

"Hopefully it stays that way" I say as I gently stroke my son's head.

After catching up with Ashley about Jaxon, she heads off home. There was no point in her hanging around to spend a full day at work if none of us were going to be here this afternoon so we let her leave early. Brittany and I are now just getting freshened up and changed to go to the hospital while Jaxon patiently waits for us in his car seat.

"Do we want to find out the gender of the baby?" I ask Brittany.

"I really don't mind either way" she smiles. "On the one hand I think it might be nice to be surprised so maybe we should wait but on the other hand if we found out right now then it means we can get some plans in place and get organised" she adds.

"Finding out would mean we could get the new baby's nursery sorted out and we can buy what we need to and start picking out some names" I say.

"Yeah that is true" Brittany nods. "I do like the element of surprise as well though" she adds.

"We can have a think about it then and decide once we get to the appointment" I tell her.

As soon as Brittany and I were finished getting ready, we headed downstairs with Jaxon. We got everything we needed for Jaxon before leaving the house. I locked up while Brittany loaded Jaxon and everything into her car. Brittany then drove us off towards the hospital. There was a little bit of traffic on the way but we still got there in enough time. We're now just walking into the hospital with Jaxon in his stroller.

"Do you know what, I think I want to be surprised about the gender if that's ok with you" Brittany tells me.

"Yeah, it is ok with me" I smile.

"It'll give us something else to look forward to as well" she smiles. "Hey, I'll go and let them know we're here and you can take a seat" she says as we arrive in the waiting area.

"Ok" I smile while taking Jaxon with me and Brittany heads over to the desk. "Hey Jax, are you ready to meet your little brother or sister?" I ask my son as I take him from the stroller. He doesn't reply, he just looks at me before smiling which is just so cute.

"They've had a cancellation this afternoon so your doctor can see you now since we're here early" Brittany says as she walks over to us.

"Ok let's go then" I say while putting Jaxon back in his stroller. We then make our way to the appointment room.

"Hi, in you all come" the doctor smiles at us as she holds the door open.

"Thank you" I say while leaving Brittany with Jaxon while I hop up onto the table, ready for the examination.

"How are things with the pregnancy?" the doctor asks.

"Oh, just the usual really, cravings and mood swings" I shrug.

"Have you been concerned about anything since you were last here or has it been a pretty straightforward pregnancy for you so far?" my doctor asks.

"Actually, I'm a little worried I haven't felt the baby kick yet. Is that normal right now?" I ask in concern.

"Sometimes they haven't kicked by now and sometimes they have but we'll get you scanned anyway and see what's going on" she replies. "I have seen it being as late as 24 weeks before they kick but we'll have a look anyway" she adds.

"Ok" I nod. The doctor then starts the ultrasound scan.

"Ok here we go, we've got a good picture" the doctor says as she puts the scan into focus. "That right there is your baby and the sound you hear is the heartbeat" she smiles as she points to the monitor.

"That's our baby" I say as I stare at the screen.

"Yeah, it is" Brittany says quietly while squeezing my hand.

"Brittany, are you crying?" I ask surprised.

"Yeah, I'm sorry" she apologises as she wipes the tears from her cheeks. "It's just this is the first time in this pregnancy I've got to really hear the baby's heartbeat."

"It's ok you don't need to apologise" I smile as I squeeze her hand harder.

"What do you think Jaxon?" Brittany asks as she takes him from his stroller and shows him the ultrasound screen.

"I don't think he cares" I say with a laugh as my son turns around in Brittany's arms to look away from the screen.

"It's your little brother or sister in mommy's tummy" she tells Jaxon.

"Yeah I still don't think he gets it" I laugh.

"Never mind" Brittany shrugs. "The main thing is that the baby is ok and is developing well" she smiles.

"Exactly" I smile back.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

*Friday 10th March 2023*

I am having the most awful day today with my pregnancy. I love Jaxon and I will love this baby too just as much but right now; I hate being pregnant. Brittany and I are supposed to be going out for dinner with our friends tonight but I'm not even sure I'll make it. I'm just so tired and not in a happy place where I can feel like I want to socialise with people. Jaxon is going to be spending the night with Brittany's sister Grace tonight and her family so we can hang out with our friends as long as we want to but like I say, I'm not even sure I'll last that long tonight.

"I am actually so done with being pregnant" I sigh as I step out of the shower.

"Huh?" Brittany says distractedly as she brushes her teeth.

"I don't like being pregnant right now" I tell her as I towel dry my hair. "My whole body aches and that shower did nothing for me. I thought the hot water would soothe my aching body but apparently not" I add while sighing again.

"Ok" Brittany mumbles as she stares at me.

"Not that you give a rats ass or anything" I say annoyed as I wrap a towel around myself. I love Britt but I would like her to say something to make me feel better rather than just mumble and look distracted.

"Honey, I do care" she says softly as she finishes cleaning her teeth and gives me her full attention.

"It seemed like you were distracted" I point out.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't help staring at you because you're naked. You're standing right in front of me naked and all I could think about was how sexy you were" Brittany smiles. "I am genuinely sorry though for not properly listening to you and I'm sorry for acting like a creep, just staring at you" she apologises.

"It's ok" I smile.

"Are you sure because you seemed annoyed a second ago?" she says confused.

"I was annoyed that you weren't listening but with the way I feel right now, I kinda like that you were checking me out" I state, my tone softening a little. "I don't like it when you don't listen to me but I can forgive that right now because hearing you tell me you find me sexy means more to me. This pregnancy has been kicking my ass lately so I don't feel sexy at all so for you to think that I still am makes me feel better" I explain.

"Trust me, you are very sexy" Brittany smiles. "I do want to make you feel better but that's not just why I'm saying it. I am saying it because it's very true. I've always been attracted to you, no matter how you look."

"Thanks Britt" I smile. Brittany always knows how to make me feel better, no matter the circumstances. It's one of the reasons why I love her so much and why our relationship works.

"Can I kiss you now?" she asks.

"I'll be offended if you don't kiss me" I smirk.

"Ok" Brittany laughs before leaning forward to kiss me.

As soon as Brittany and I are ready, we head off to the restaurant to meet our friends. Nothing much changes with my wife and I so we're the last ones to arrive as usual. Everyone else is already seated at the table, waiting on us arriving. We don't want to keep our friends waiting much longer so as soon as we got sat down, we all ordered some drinks and looked over the menu to see what we wanted to eat. We then caught up with each other for a little while before the food arrived.

"So, what else is going on with everyone?" Brittany asks curiously as she looks around the table.

"Well actually, I have something I want to say" James replies nervously.

"You do?" Quinn says confused as she looks at her boyfriend.

"Yeah" he nods.

"I think I know what's happening right now" Brittany smiles.

"What?" I ask confused.

"Just wait and see honey" Brittany tells me as she takes a hold of my hand under the table.

"You and I have been in a relationship for some time now Quinn and I've never been happier. There is just something about the two of us together that works so well. I don't think I could picture my life with anyone else so I know we're meant to have a future together. I've never been anymore sure of something in my life before so that's why I want to ask you this question" James says while taking a breath. "Quinn Fabray, will you marry me?" he asks as he pulls out a ring and drops down on bended knee.

"Now that is a proposal I like" I say excitedly as I clap my hands together. I know I love being the center of attention so I can only imagine how good this makes Quinn feel to be asked this question in front of everyone.

"Honey, don't interrupt" Brittany whispers to me.

"Shit, sorry" I apologise before shutting up.

"Yeah…so…will you marry me?" James asks Quinn again, nervously.

"Yes of course I'll marry you" Quinn replies excitedly while leaning down to hug James.

"That is a really beautiful ring" Brittany says as we all admire the ring James just placed on Quinn's hand.

"We're so happy for you both" Tina tells them.

"Thank you" Quinn smiles.

"Yeah, I'm glad you could all be here tonight" James says as he takes his seat.

"We're glad we could be here to see this because it's such a special moment for you both" Mercedes smiles.

"Yeah, I wouldn't have wished it any other way than to share this moment with my best friends" Quinn says.

"I'm just going to the bathroom; I'll be back in a second" James tells Quinn as he leans down to peck her lips.

"Yeah, I'm heading to the bathroom as well" I say as I stand up from my seat.

"You are?" Brittany says confused. "Didn't you just go not too long ago?" she asks.

"Yes I did but I need again" I state. "Blame your future son or daughter who keeps bouncing on my bladder" I add.

"Oh, ok" Brittany smiles.

I follow James to the bathroom but as soon as he goes into the men's room, I wait outside. I don't bother going into the lady's bathroom because I don't actually need to use the toilet. I only said I did because I needed an excuse to leave the table. What I am actually doing is waiting to talk to James. I want to have a chat with him about Quinn and make sure he is aware of how lucky he is to be marrying my best friend.

"Hey" I say as James leaves the bathrooms.

"Hi Santana" he says as he looks at me sceptically.

"I approve of tonight" I tell James.

"That's great Santana but I don't need your approval. As Quinn's best friend I am glad you're happy we're engaged now but I was going to ask her even if you didn't want me too" he tells me.

"Quinn is an amazing person and you're lucky to have her in your life so I need you to be aware of that. The reason I followed you to the bathroom is because I wanted to talk to you and make sure you knew how privileged you are to have Quinn love you and want to be with you" I state.

"I knew you didn't really need the bathroom again" he tells me while shaking his head.

"Ok so sue me for wanting to protect my best friend" I state.

"I'm not going to hurt her Santana" James says with a sigh. "You can stop following me all the time and having these little chats with me like you're Quinn's parent or something."

"Like I say, I'm just looking out for her" I shrug.

"There is a difference between looking out for your best friend and involving yourself in a relationship where you don't need to be involved in. Just stay out of my private business Santana" James says before marching off in a bad mood, back to the table.

"What have you said, James looks fuming right now?" Brittany whispers to me as I sit back down with everyone.

"Not much, I was just looking out for Quinn" I shrug.

"He's just got engaged so I hope you haven't upset him or put him in a bad mood because it's a special night for him so we don't want to spoil that" Brittany replies. "I know you love Quinn but James loves her too so let them be happy."

"I am letting them be happy" I state.

"Ok, that's fine then" Brittany smiles at me as she kisses my cheek.

After having another few drinks at the restaurant, we all decided we should celebrate Quinn's engagement a little more so we went to a few more places to have drinks. Even though I can't really celebrate as much with them because I can't have alcohol, it's still been a fun night hanging out with everyone and watching some of them getting a little tipsy. Quinn has just asked me to help her get the next round of drinks so we're just at the bar just now.

"Hey, before we go back to the table with these drinks, I want to talk to you about something" Quinn states.

"Ok" I smile. I don't know what it's about so I'm intrigued to find out.

"I know you're looking out for me Santana but sometimes you come on too strong and James gets offended. We're both happy so can you just be happy for us?" Quinn replies. Ok, I know what this is about now.

"I am happy for you, I promise" I tell her honestly.

"Ok well stop making James feel bad about things because there is no reason to" she states. "I mean I wouldn't take Brittany aside and say these things to her as much as I want to protect you too."

"Brittany is amazing though so you wouldn't need to take her aside to talk to her" I say while frowning in confusion. Why would she even compare my wonderful wife to James like that because they couldn't be any more different.

"The thing is Santana; I feel the same way about James. I don't understand why you don't see what I see in him. He would never hurt me intentionally" she points out. "Do I look unhappy to you?" she asks me.

"No" I shake my head.

"Ok well just leave James alone and be happy for your best friend, please" Quinn says.

"I am sorry I have upset you both because I didn't mean to. I will leave the situation alone from now on" I say seriously. I can't help who I am, always wanting to protect the people I love, but I will leave things alone for the moment.

"Thank you" Quinn smiles. "Now can I get a hug from my best friend?" she asks.

"Yes, you can" I smile back as we lean in to hug one another.

"Ok, we should stop now because Brittany is staring at us and she's not exactly smiling. I mean I'm not saying she looks mad but I have seen her look happier before" Quinn says as she pulls away from me.

"Huh…I think I like that" I say smugly.

"You like the fact your wife isn't happy right now?" she questions me confused.

"I like that she doesn't like it when I hug other people. It makes me feel wanted and I like feeling wanted by Britt" I shrug.

"Ok well let's go back to the table now with the drinks before Brittany has a heart attack and everyone else dies of thirst" Quinn jokes.

"Ok" I laugh. We then make our way back to the table. "Were you jealous that I was being hugged by Quinn and not you?" I ask my wife as I take a seat on her lap and wrap my arms around her neck.

"Maybe a little bit" Brittany admits embarrassed.

"That is really cute, do you know that?" I whisper in her ear.

"Come here" she says as she gently places her hand on my cheek to turn my head round slightly so she can kiss me.

After a fun night out with all of our friends, we all headed home. Brittany and I are just getting ready for bed now. It's nice to get this little bit of time to ourselves to get ready for bed. It's a boring task but it's nice because we're spending time just the two of us which we don't always get at nights because we'll be putting Jaxon to bed. Brittany is just brushing her teeth in the bathroom and I'm getting changed in the bedroom.

"So, you must be happy now that you know your best friend is happy and finally moving forward in her relationship the way she wanted to" Brittany says.

"Yeah, I am super happy for Quinn" I smile.

"You seemed to like the proposal as well since it was in front of all of our friends" she points out.

"Yeah I liked that idea because everyone could be there to see it" I say.

"Do you wish our proposal was different. We proposed to each other just in front of each other so do you wish that we had did it with everyone else?" she asks me.

"No I wouldn't change anything about that night we got engaged" I smile. "It was a really amazing night. I just meant the proposal tonight was cool because I knew Quinn would like something like that but I don't wish ours was different. I do like being the center of attention but I like that you and I asked each other at home in private" I explain.

"Ok" Brittany smiles.

"Hey, can you do me a favour when you're finished getting ready for bed?" I say.

"Yeah, sure" Brittany nods.

"Will you dance for me?" I ask my wife.

"Maybe" Brittany smirks.

"What will it take for you to dance for me?" I ask.

"If you sing to me" she smiles.

"Ok, deal. You dance for me and I will sing to you" I smile back.

"I don't want you to sing a kid's song that you would sing to Jaxon. I want to hear like a love song or something" Brittany tells me.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to sing to you like I do to Jaxon when I'm trying to put him to sleep" I laugh.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

*Tuesday 14th March 2023*

Brittany and I were just getting ready to go to work when Ashley turned up this morning so she has just finished giving Jaxon his breakfast for us. We were pretty much on schedule this morning with getting ready so now that we have a little time to spare, Brittany and I are hanging out with Jaxon for 10 minutes. We don't usually have this luxury before work to spend some time with him so we're making the most of it while we can.

"Oh buddy, I think someone needs a diaper change right now" I say to Jaxon.

"I'll do it babe" Brittany says as she lifts Jaxon from my arms.

"What are you doing? I can change my own son's diaper; I am capable so I don't need you to do it for me" I say while taking Jaxon back from Brittany.

"Sorry, I'm just trying to help" Brittany apologises.

"Well, I've got it so go and see if Ashley has got everything under control because we'll be leaving soon for work" I reply.

"Ok" Brittany nods and then leaves the room.

Once I finish changing Jaxon's diaper, I spend a little more time with him. I then put him down in his travel crib for a minute so I can grab the things I need for work. Brittany doesn't seem to reappear in the room so I'm now just on my way to find her with Jaxon so she can say goodbye to her son before we leave. It doesn't take me long to find her because I can hear her voice in the kitchen, talking to Ashley. I enter the kitchen, but Brittany doesn't seem to notice her wife or son, she and Ashley just keep talking so I sit Jaxon down in his bouncer at the side.

"Have you seen this?" Ashley asks Brittany. "It's hilarious" she states laughing as she holds her phone towards Brittany.

"No I haven't, play it from the start" Brittany says as she watches the video Ashley is playing on YouTube.

"Ok" Ashley nods as she starts the video again.

"Oh my god, that is funny" Brittany says, bursting into laughter. "Babe have you see this cat video on YouTube?" she asks me as she finally notices me in the room.

"I can't say I have seen it. For one I don't like cats and you know this and for two, I've been far too busy to be watching stupid videos online. I've been juggling work, a 6-month-old baby and a pregnancy so no, I haven't fucking seen the video" I say annoyed.

"I'll be back in a minute Ashley" Brittany says as she takes my hand and gently leads me out of the room. "Honey, what's wrong?" she asks me in concern.

"Nothing" I shrug.

"You were pissed as hell in there so there is clearly something wrong. Talk to me baby and maybe I can help and make you feel better" she tells me.

"You just disappeared out of the room" I state.

"You told me to go and speak to Ashley to make sure she knew her plan for the day so that's what I did" Brittany replies.

"You were watching videos with her though, that's not planning her day" I point out.

"I know but we had finished talking so we were just waiting for you and Jaxon. Watching one video surely can't be that big of a deal babe so what's really going on because you have been off with me all morning" she states.

"I guess I am jealous of you because you can live your life as you normally would at the moment by watching silly videos and having fun whereas I can't. As each day progresses, I feel even more miserable" I admit.

"Come here" Brittany says as she wraps her arms around me to hug me. "This is not forever, it's going to get better, especially once the baby comes along" she smiles.

"Ok" I say as I lean my head on her shoulder.

XXX

Brittany and I are at work now and Jaxon is at home with Ashley. As soon as we got into work, we had some stuff to work on but now we're about to go to a meeting. I asked everyone to meet me in the conference room so I could go over some key aspects of the business. There were just some important things that I needed my staff to know which also concerned Brittany's area of the business so all of her staff are here too.

"Ok everyone, thank you all for coming to this meeting today. I know it was scheduled last minute but I had a few things I needed to say to everyone that could not wait" I explain to my staff.

"Yeah, so as soon as we're done, we'll let you all get back to work" Brittany says.

"Exactly" I nod. "The quicker you all pay attention and listen to me, the quicker the meeting is done and you can all get on with your working day" I say.

"Ok so firstly we wanted a quick word about sales for the two lines of the business" Brittany says, starting off the meeting.

As soon as Brittany has mentioned what she wanted to, I take over and talk to everyone about some of the stuff I needed to say. It doesn't take me too long so everyone is back to work in no time at all. I have got to say though, I am not in the happiest of moods right now. As soon as the meeting finished, I stormed off to my office and let Brittany dismiss everyone. I just couldn't stay there much longer without letting my anger out and causing a scene.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're cute when you're angry?" Brittany says with a smirk as she walks into our office.

"Yes, you" I state. "I didn't care for the comment then and I don't care for it now either" I add.

"What's going on anyway, why are you angry?" she asks.

"Did you see half of our staff members today talking through my meeting. I mean what the fuck is that all about? They should all be respecting me and listening to what I have to say" I say annoyed.

"It wasn't half of them honey; it was just one or two and they stopped talking when they saw you glare at them" Brittany replies.

"I know but it annoys me that they thought they could talk in the first place when I was speaking. Have I suddenly lost all of my authority by getting pregnant?" I state.

"It's nothing like that babe. The two members of staff work in different departments so they don't see each other much during the day so they probably thought they could take the opportunity at the meeting when they were sitting together to talk to one another" she explains.

"And that makes it ok?" I ask.

"No, I didn't say that. Look, it was rude babe but it's done now so let's just move on. It's their own fault if they missed an important part of the meeting" she tells me.

"Yeah, I suppose it is" I nod. If they missed something crucial about a new policy or something then it's not my fault and I will willingly give out warnings to staff members who can't follow rules.

"You're the best businesswoman out there so there is no way you've lost any of that magic so don't worry about being pregnant at the same time because you're amazing. You can handle all of this so don't worry about anyone else" she smiles.

"Thanks babe, you always make me feel better" I say as I wrap my arms around Brittany.

"It's what I'm here for" she says as she hugs me tightly.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

*Thursday 16th March 2023*

Today started off like every other work day with Brittany and I planning to go into work and Ashley coming over to take care of Jaxon. Brittany and I got Jaxon up and out of bed as usual and started off his morning routine. Ashley is here now so she is giving Jaxon some breakfast downstairs while Brittany and I are getting ready for work. I've just finished getting changed but something has just happened so now I need to get my wife out of the shower.

"Brittany, are you almost done in the shower?" I ask as I walk into the bathroom.

"Not really babe, I literally just stepped in" she laughs.

"Step back out then because this is important" I state.

"I'm not stepping back out now that I'm in here and the water has started to soak my hair and body. If you need to talk to me about something then just talk to me" Brittany says as she reaches for the shampoo.

"Do not even think about squeezing that bottle onto your hands and lathering up your hair" I say seriously.

"Uh…too late" she tells me as she continues in the shower, washing her hair.

"I'm serious Brittany, get out of there now" I say sternly.

"What the hell is going on with you?" she asks me unamused.

"Oh, it's no big deal or anything. Your second child is just kicking for the first time but please, don't give a fuck and go on and continue your morning routine" I say annoyed. "I'm so sorry for wanting to let you feel our children kicking for the first time. I won't ever make you touch my stomach again. I was trying to do a nice thing for you but anything I do seems to be wrong" I sigh.

"Wait…the baby is kicking, are you serious?" Brittany asks surprised as she shuts the water off and steps out of the shower.

"No I lied, I thought it would be funny to say they were kicking when they weren't just to get you out of the shower" I say sarcastically.

"Please don't be smart with me" Brittany sighs as she grabs a towel and wraps it around her naked body.

"Yes, the baby is kicking for the first time" I say.

"Baby, I love that you want me to experience these things for the first time but you really should have just told me what was going on from the get go and I would have understood" she explains. "I'm sorry for making you mad though because I don't want that" she adds.

"Give me your hand" I say as I hold mine out.

"Ok" she says as she holds her hand out where I take a hold of it by the wrist.

"Can you feel that?" I ask as I gently place the palm of her hand on my stomach.

"Yeah I can definitely feel that" she smiles. "That's our baby" she says in amazement.

"Yeah, it is" I say, struggling to hide the smile. I am still a little mad at her for not doing as I asked in the beginning but I'm also so happy right now because that's my baby moving in there.

"I never doubted before you were pregnant but going to the scan the other day and feeling the baby kick now makes things even more real and it's so amazing" Brittany says.

"Yeah, it is" I nod.

"Hey, I am really sorry for making you mad again" she says softly as she looks me in the eyes. "You have to know that whatever I'm doing is never meant to hurt you."

"I do know that and I guess I'm sorry too because maybe I could have made myself clearer in the beginning" I say. "Anyway, we need to get ready for work now so let's get organised" I tell her as I let go of her hand.

"Yeah, I should get back to what I'm doing" she nods.

XXX

"Hey" Brittany says as she enters the office.

"Hey" I reply back.

"I've got you some coffee" she says as she places the cup down in front of me.

"I'm not supposed to be drinking coffee when I'm pregnant, remember" I state.

"Yeah I know and lots of coffee wouldn't be a good idea but you can have the odd cup every once in a while, honey" Brittany shrugs.

"Ok, well thank you" I smile.

"Was that a smile I just saw on your face" Brittany teases.

"It might have been" I say, struggling to stop myself from smiling.

"It definitely was, I know it" Brittany smiles as she leans forward and kisses my cheek.

"I'm sorry I've been so up and down lately; this pregnancy is just doing things to me and I don't like it. I have the shortest temper sometimes and my mood swings from bad to good constantly" I admit.

"It's ok, you don't have to apologise because I get it" she smiles.

"No I do have to apologise though because you don't deserve me taking things out on you all of the time" I say genuinely.

"It's really ok Santana because I know you don't mean to do it" she tells me as she takes my hand in hers. "Just don't stress about it because the last thing you need to do is worry about me, just concentrate on you and the baby" she smiles.

"Ok" I smile.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

*Saturday 18th March 2023*

Brittany, Jaxon and me have just gotten back from the grocery store. We aren't working today so our plan now is to just have some nice family time together. We're just putting all of the groceries away just now and then we'll put Jaxon down for a nap. Then I'm going to relax on the couch in front of the TV and hopefully Brittany will join me. We've not really had some proper time together in a while because I always spoil it by getting stressed out with the pregnancy and everything.

"Oh no" I say in annoyance as I realise something.

"What's wrong?" Brittany asks as she turns around to look at me.

"I forgot to collect my prenatal vitamins when we were out. I'm going to have to go back out now and pick them up" I sigh. I am so tired today with this pregnancy that going to the grocery store was enough for me. I don't want to have to go out again today.

"I'll go and get them for you if you want" Brittany offers.

"You really don't mind?" I ask.

"I really don't mind helping you babe, you know that. I want to do whatever I can to help you during this pregnancy" she smiles.

"Ok, thank you" I smile back.

"I would offer to take Jaxon with me so you can have some time to yourself but I really think he needs to nap now after his trip to the store" she replies.

"I'll put Jaxon down for his nap, don't worry" I say while walking over to kiss my wife. "Thank you honey for doing this, I just really can't be bothered going out again today" I smile.

"I told you, it's totally cool so you don't need to thank me" Brittany shrugs. "I'll finish putting these groceries away and then I'll head out" she adds.

"Ok" I nod.

As soon as all of the groceries are away, Brittany runs upstairs to get ready. I meanwhile go to the living room and hang out with Jaxon for a little bit. He is supposed to be going for a nap but he's wide awake right now so I'll probably read to him or sing to him so he'll start to fall asleep. Jaxon and I are hanging out together for another 10 minutes before Brittany walks into the room.

"I'm heading out now but I'll see you soon" Brittany says as she walks towards me and Jaxon.

"Ok honey, bye" I smile.

"Bye" she says as she leans down and kisses both Jaxon and I before leaving the room to leave the house.

"Oh honey, your car keys" I say as I run after her with her keys.

"I don't need them babe" she smiles.

"Are you walking to the drugstore?" I ask confused. I know Brittany likes to keep active so she does like to walk places but the drugstore isn't really within walking distance for us.

"No, I'm taking my motorbike for a change. I haven't been out on it in a long time so I might as well give it a spin to make sure it still works" she replies.

"You're joking right?" I ask seriously.

"No, I'm taking my motorbike today" Brittany shrugs. "Anyway, I better go now. I won't be too long" she says before leaving this time.

I am so mad right now at Brittany. I hate that motorbike and she knows that so why she thinks it's ok to go riding on it right now, pisses me off. I swear to God if she puts me in the same position she did with my last pregnancy, I will literally keep her locked in this house until I give birth. She had a bad motorbiking accident when I was pregnant with Jaxon and it stressed me out so much. I do not want that to happen again.

For the next half an hour or so, I pretty much sit holding on tightly to Jaxon with one hand and clinging to my phone with the other. I know I was supposed to put Jaxon down for a nap but I just couldn't let him go because I wouldn't be able to hold it together on my own. I love my son more than anything so he's like a comfort to me and makes me feel better so I needed him with me when Brittany was out. I also needed my phone with me at all times because I needed to know right away if anything happened to Brittany.

"Hey, I'm home" Brittany says announcing her presence. I don't respond, I just wait on her appearing in the living room.

"Have you got my vitamins?" I ask.

"Yeah, so there you go babe" she smiles at me as she places the vitamins down beside me. "Wait…why isn't Jaxon napping?" she asks as she realises he is still awake.

"What took you so damn long?" I ask, not answering her question.

"I didn't think I took that long at all" she shrugs. "Hey baby boy, why aren't you sleeping?" she says as she takes Jaxon from my arms and hugs him.

"He's not napping right now because I needed him with me" I state.

"Why?" she asks confused.

"I'll go and put him down for a nap now" I say while taking Jaxon from her and heading out the room. As soon as I get Jaxon settled, I return to the living room.

"Did he go to sleep quite quickly?" Brittany asks.

"I'm going to rest on the couch now until Jaxon wakes up" I tell her.

"Are you ok, you seem a little pissed at me because you won't answer my questions. You just start talking about something else?" she replies.

"That's probably because I am pissed at you Brittany. I have been here, worried sick about you the whole time you were out" I state.

"Worried sick about me, why what's going on?" she asks confused.

"The last time I was pregnant and you went out on that fucking motorbike, you ended up in hospital so yes I was worried sick about you. I didn't lose you then but I could lose you for real some other time if something worse happens to you on that bike. I know you're a great driver and good on your motorbike but it's not about you Brittany. The last time you were involved in an accident it was someone else's stupidity so how can I control that. We can't predict how other people disrespect the road so it's too dangerous" I explain.

"I don't want to have this fight with you again Santana, I really don't" Brittany sighs. "We fought about this a lot after my accident and we came to a compromise where you said I could keep riding my bike as long as I promised to ride it on the quieter roads so I'm sticking to the deal" she adds.

"I don't care what I said in the past, we're in the present now so no more motorbike" I state seriously.

"Not happening" Brittany shakes her head at me.

"So what, you're putting your motorbike ahead of me?" I question.

"You know you and Jaxon are the most important things in my life so don't even say something like that to me. You know that's not what I am doing at all. I am just saying as my wife you can have an opinion but you can't tell me how to live my life so if I want to ride my motorbike, I will" she replies.

"It's me or the bike" I shrug.

"Are you actually being serious with me right now?" she asks in disbelief. "I could understand you issuing me with an ultimatum like that if it was something serious but it's a motorbike for god's sake" she says shaking her head at me.

"It is serious Brittany because you could have died when you had that accident last year" I tell her. "I'm not going to joke around when my wife's life is at stake."

"You are taking this a little far right now Santana. I understand what you mean but it's an unnecessary thing you're asking me to do" she sighs.

"I just don't like that motorbike at all and it terrifies me when you ride it. Can't you think about me for a moment?" I say.

"I know your emotions are heightened at the moment due to the pregnancy so for as long as you're pregnant, I won't ride my motorbike. I can't promise I will never ride it again though. How about that" she tells me.

"Ok, fine" I nod. I don't ever want her to ride it again but at least this way it buys me a little time just now to think of how I can stop her once the baby comes. I don't want to fall out with my wife either so I can live with this for the moment.

"Now Jaxon is still napping so how about you and me spend some time together?" Brittany suggests.

"Sounds good" I smile.

"What do you want to do? We could watch a movie, do some online shopping or be even more relaxed by taking a bath" she replies.

"Taking a bath actually sounds really good and relaxing right now" I state.

"Do you want to do it alone or will I take a bath with you?" she asks me.

"You can join me in the tub but no funny business, ok?" I say with a smile.

"I'll be on my best behaviour, I promise" Brittany smiles.


That's it for the chapter, let me know what you think.