She knew what had caught my attention without me saying a word. I looked at her, then back at the box, then back at her, then back to the box, shaking my head.
“No way, not possible. I had my period—”I stopped walking to the couch and raised my hands slowly to my mouth. I remembered I hadn't had my period since before Colin was home. I had just brushed it off as stress related. I mean seriously, what did I have to stress about?
She simply grabbed the box and handed it over. I booked it back to the bathroom. Three minutes later, I walked slowly out holding the test. I just looked at Layla. She met me halfway and guided me to the couch. I was clearly in shock.
“How…” I started then swallowed hard. “How, how did this happen?” I was staring blankly at the room.
“Well, at some point when Colin was home, you two started kissing and holding each other. That led to—” She stopped when I smacked her in the arm.
“I know how, smart ass.” I was looking at her as she grinned back.
“What? You asked! I thought I'd remind you of health class.” She shrugged.
I grabbed my Sprite and crackers and sat back on the couch.
“What am I going to do?”
“Well, I would say first you eat that cracker and take a sip of your Sprite. Then I'd suggest calling Dale to let him know you need tomorrow off and then call your doctor for an appointment.”
“Funny you say that.” I took a sip of my Sprite and waited a moment to see if my sprinting abilities would be needed.
“I was going to have you call him for me, figuring I would need to rest.”
“Deal. I'll call him right now,” she said, reaching for her phone and dialing before I could tell her she didn't have to.
“Don't tell him!”
“I won't. Go call your doctor and make that appointment.”
Layla made sure I was okay before leaving me to rest, promising me she'd be by in the morning to pick me up from my appointment. I spent the night in disbelief. Sleep found me before I could make it to the bedroom.
Chapter 17
It had been a week since I discovered I was going to be a mom. I called off work and told Dale I wasn't feeling well, which was partly true. He grumbled, but told me to take care. I knew if I showed up to work, he would know something was up and get me to tell him. But I wanted to tell Colin first.
When my phone rang, I jumped. I had been staring at the ultrasound, clearly showing I was pregnant. I tried to slow my breathing as I answered my phone.
“Hello?” I must have sounded slightly winded still because on the other end I heard Colin start laughing. “Running for the phone again, babe?”
“No, it just startled me is all.”
“What's up, Joleene?” He stopped laughing immediately.
“I need to tell you something and I'm not sure how to or how you're going to react.”
“Okay …”
I could tell he was tensing up. His reaction only added to my nerves. Taking an audibly deep breath, I forged ahead. We had never discussed having a family. So I was unsure how he would take the news he was going to be a father. I took one look at the ultrasound and simply stated,
“I'm pregnant.”
Silence was all that greeted me. I thought we had gotten disconnected. So I looked at my phone. Nope. It was still connected.
“Colin, are you there? Did you hear me? Please say something.” The silence stretched on. I looked at my phone again. “Colin. Please say something.” The tears were welling up and threatening to fall. “Colin.” My voice cracked.
“Are you sure?” was all he said. Silent tears slid down my cheek.
“Yes. I saw the doctor last week and I'm holding a picture from the ultrasound.”
“Really?” His voice sounded different, disbelief but not disappointment or irritation. “Really? We're going to have a baby?” Excitement came over the line.
I lifted my head. He's happy. He's not upset. Or accusing me of stepping out on him.
“Joleene you there? You okay?” His concerned tone penetrated my thoughts.
“Yes. I'm here. I'm fine. I just”—I stopped mid-thought—“I just thought—”
“You thought what?”
“I just thought when you didn't answer, you were upset.” I was crying ugly tears by this point.
“How could I be upset? You're having our child. I'm sorry I didn't respond at first. I thought it was a dream. Then I thought you were joking. Oh, Joleene, I'm sorry I upset you. I, I wish I was there. I'd pick you up and spin you around kissing you.”
“If you did that, we’d both need to change. As I puke all over us.” I instinctively put my hand on my stomach as the very thought turned it and threatened to end our conversation.
“I wouldn't care. Oh, Joleene. I'm so happy. I may not sleep tonight.”
“Just make sure you stay focused on your next mission.”
“No worries there. I love you.”
“I love you.”
“I'm sorry, babe, but I have to go, but I'm so excited to talk more about us and the baby. I wish I could be there, but I'll be involved as much as I can. I love you, Joleene.”
“I wish you were here too, be safe. I love you, Colin.”
Click.
Chapter 18
Every new year brings new beginnings and this year for me was no different. I was nearing the end of my second trimester of what could only be considered a textbook healthy pregnancy.
Colin's unit was preparing for redeployment. Their time in the sandbox was finally coming to an end. I was so excited. I was moving into a two-bedroom apartment in
