TANNER*

It’s seven in the evening, and Blaze, Jace, and I have finally made it home to Blaze’s house. Earlier, we had stopped at Pizza Hut to grab several pizzas. It was a convenient choice since we were running late and everyone, including the toddlers, can enjoy it. As I looked around, I noticed that Lyra and Vega were sitting in the living room.

“How are things going with Cora and Adelaide?” I asked Vega after getting her attention.

“The girls are doing great. Lyra brought Cora home, and I stayed with Kaysen to help her finish packing. Kaysen hasn’t been feeling well. She checked on Cora and went to bed. She and her mother had an argument that I walked in on. Lyra felt it was best to bring Cora here for her protection. I’m glad she did, because I was having a difficult time trusting that woman.” 

“I thought if you both went instead of me, things would go smoother, but I guess I was wrong. You both see why I needed to get Kaysen and Cora out of there now, I guess,” I said, walking towards the guest room to check on Kaysen and Vega followed.

“Well, her mom was screaming about getting a lawyer and taking Cora away at one point. Kaysen thought I had left, but I lingered outside of the doorway for a moment. I think you may need to talk to either your dad or your uncle about what is going on in case her mom does gets a lawyer involved. She’s messing with the wrong family. I hope she doesn’t take things that far, though.” 

I ran my fingers down my face and scratched at the stubble of my goatee in frustration. I can’t understand why her mother was being so difficult. Other than staying the night that one night, I have done nothing but be a gentleman and spoil both Cora and Kaysen in front of them. I have not given them any genuine cause not to like me. This was all absolute insanity.

“I’ll be right back,” I say, intending to check on Kaysen and see if she would like to come out and get some pizza. “Considering what happened at her parent’s house, I’m sure she is upset and may even feel embarrassed. It’s unfortunate that her mother has a way of words and treats her like a child. Just the other morning, I told her mom that she needed to stop treating Kaysen that way, but it seems like she’s going to learn the hard way.” With that in mind, I leave Vega behind and head inside to check on Kaysen.

When I arrive, I find Kaysen curled up into a ball, snoring quietly. I’m unsure of whether to wake her up, but I’m aware she needs to eat for herself and the babies. It is unclear how long ago Kaysen and Vega arrived, but it has been at least two hours, if not more. I decide to crawl in behind her, gently running my hands through her hair. In response, Kaysen mumbles something incoherently.

“Babe, we came back with pizza, and Vega and Lyra are worried about you. Do you think you could come out and eat?” I asked Kaysen, nuzzling her neck with my nose.

“I haven’t had lunch or anything, so that would be good, and I need to take my prenatal vitamins. Tanner, I’m mortified by how my mother acted today, and I’m scared that my mom will try to take Cora away from me. I don’t know what I would do if that were to happen,” Kaysen says, turning to face me.

“Vega informed me about what happened with your mom. Losing Cora is not something you need to worry about. My dad and Blaze’s dad are lawyers, and so are many other members of my family. Have you ever heard of the Cunningham Law Firm? My brother, Blaze, Connor, and Wade were all expected to become lawyers and take over the firm, but we chose a different path. Anyway, there’s nothing for you to worry about, alright? You and Cora are safe here. None of us will let anything happen to either of you. Come out and eat, and let go of your worries about your mother,” I assure, standing up from the bed and extending my hand to help Kaysen up.

“I believe it’s necessary for me to schedule an earlier appointment with the doctor. Ever since I discovered I was pregnant on Tuesday, I’ve been experiencing severe nausea and have been having an upset stomach. Unfortunately, the anti-nausea medication my doctor prescribed hasn’t been effective. Perhaps it’s because of the high levels of stress I’ve been dealing with this week. I’m grateful to be here, away from my mother, as I’ve been feeling incompetent for a while now. I feel a burden lifted from my shoulders. However, I want to ensure the well-being of the babies, if that makes any sense,” Kaysen explains while walking down the hall to the playroom to gather all the kids.

“I understand. Maybe you could call and see if you could get in on Monday.” 

It didn’t take long for all my nieces and nephews to notice me once I walked through the door. “Uncle T!” all the kids screamed, running up to hug me. Cora followed behind everyone and waited her turn to hug me as well.

“Who all want’s pizza?!” I asked excitedly as all the kids took off down the hallway. Along the way, I scooped up baby Jonah to prevent him from being left behind. He’s still getting around slower than all the older ones.

***MONDAY MORNING***

The rest of the weekend had gone off without a hitch, with no drama to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. This allowed Kaysen to relax and get quality time getting to know Vega and Lyra better. As they all went to church, I watched them and prepared some takeout for everyone to enjoy upon their return home. It was during this time that Cora, filled with excitement about going to a new church, ran up to me and insisted that I join them next time. How could I resist such an invitation? As a result, I will accompany them all next Sunday. I can’t say no to that cutie.

Looking forward to the upcoming weekend, I am excited for my dad and Crystal to meet Kaysen and Cora. My dad and Crystal got married two years ago, shortly after Blaze and Lyra tied the knot. Crystal, who is in her early thirties, is trying to have a baby with my dad. Who knows, maybe I’ll become a big brother and a dad at the same time.

As Kaysen and I made our way to the doctor’s appointment, I had just picked her up from Blaze’s house. Despite feeling better for the last couple of days, Kaysen still wanted to see the doctor. Personally, I’m excited about the visit because not only will I hear the baby’s heartbeats, but there’s also a chance the doctor might perform another ultrasound. In fact, I plan to request one and let them know that I’m willing to pay extra. This is an opportunity I wouldn’t miss for the world.

“Hello there, I’m Dr. Ryan. I’m going to take a guess and say that you are the father. Am I correct?” Dr. Ryan asked, shaking my hand with a grin.

“Yes, ma’am,” I introduced myself, then mentioned I had recently gone on vacation and coincidentally bumped into Kaysen last week. With a wide smile on my face, I shared my excitement about becoming a dad soon. As I spoke, Kaysen beamed at me, and I could feel her love radiating towards me.

“You two certainly look like a happy couple now, and I’m so glad to see that. Tanner, over the next seven months, Kaysen is going to need you. I was actually hoping you could make sure that she doesn’t do any heavy lifting. Until she reaches month four, it’s important that she doesn’t spend over thirty minutes at a time on her feet. Our key priority is to ensure the safety of the babies until the Depo shot has left her system.”

“Don’t get embarrassed by me asking this, Kaysen. Can we have sex, Dr. Ryan?”

“Yes, that should be fine, but nothing too strenuous until after the fourth month. Just be gentle with Kaysen for a while, alright.” 

“Yes, I can do that, thank you. Also, I missed the last ultrasound. Is there any way we could get another one?”

“Not today, but next week, during Kaysen’s scheduled check-up, I will. However, I’ll be getting the Doppler out so that you can hear the heartbeats. Sometimes when a baby has a slower heart rate, they are usually boys, and girls have a higher heart rate. Can I ask why you came in to see me a week early, Kaysen?” Dr. Ryan asked as she helped Kaysen to lie down on the bed and lifted her shirt, then retrieved the heart, Doppler.

“I have encountered a lot of stress this week concerning my mother and moving out. It’s a long story, but the anti-nausea medication you prescribed me hasn’t been helping. I’ve been throwing up a lot and having difficulty keeping anything down. Is there something else you could give me?”

“Yes indeed, don’t worry, I’ll prescribe you something else. Alright, let’s see if we can find the baby’s heartbeats now.” Dr. Ryan places the Doppler on her stomach, and Kaysen and I watch on in anticipation. I had to fight from jumping up in excitement when I heard the first baby’s heartbeat. Kaysen and I glanced at one another, grinning, then Kaysen grabbed my hand, squeezing it.

“It’s hard to tell, but I would have to say that baby A may be a boy,” Dr. Ryan said and then went in search of the other baby’s heartbeats.

“Baby b might be a girl, but we won’t know for sure for another three months. Your babies have strong heartbeats, though, so that is something to celebrate.” 

“Thank you, Dr. Ryan,” I said as I helped Kaysen up from the bed.

“Here is your prescription, Kaysen. If that doesn’t help, call me, ok. Also, Ginger Ale and Saltines are a great help. I will see you both next week. Take care, Kaysen.”

“It’s the most fantastic thing hearing the baby’s heartbeats, isn’t it?” Kaysen asked me as we walked out of the clinic.

“Yes, babe, it is indeed.”