Sawyer
The plane touched down in Orlando. We were on our way to tell Knoah, and then Cameron later, about the baby. On Monday, we would go see our doctor. I was a little nervous going back. What if something happened to the baby? Knowing this wasn’t helping, I focused on getting off the plane and not the negative thoughts.
As I descended the stairs, I adjusted my large shirt. Baby Hendrix decided to show early, and my abdomen had a definite pooch. Slouchy clothes hid it well, but that wouldn’t work for long. This changed our plans for the baby’s announcement.
Originally, the shoot had been scheduled for the following week, based on the thought that the baby would start showing about then. Nope. Baby Hendrix had a mind of his own—like his father. But now we had a plan, and I liked plans. The magazine would release Monday of the next week. It was a special edition. Yeah, I was a nervous wreck.
The photographer and editor still had no idea what the article was about, just that it was news they wouldn’t want to pass up involving Kurt Hendrix. In fact, they had no idea I would be part of it, either. It would be interesting when they found out.
“How are you feeling?” Kurt asked from beside me as our driver took us to Shaw Tower.
“Good. Ready to see the doctor. Nervous about telling Knoah.”
“Me, too.”
My knee was bouncing at the speed of a jack rabbit. How would we break the ice? Maybe a joke. “Guess what I have in common with an oven. Oh, we both bake buns.” No, no jokes.
Shaw Tower came into view. It felt like a lifetime ago that I’d left for my mini break to Destin. So much had changed since then. At the time, I thought Kurt and I were over forever. And here we were with his hand resting on my abdomen, where our baby was growing. Life was full of unexpected good surprises.
Though things with my parents hurt, I would not let them dictate my life the way they had for so long. Maybe at some point, they would come around for good. One thing I knew—they would not play their games with my child.
The driver pulled the car up to the entrance of Shaw Tower and let us out. Security followed closely. A few photographers hung outside and snapped pictures. I held Kurt’s hand as we walked in, trying to appear normal, but I felt as if the baby pooch was on full display. We made it to the elevator an
d used our key card to access our floor.
“I miss George. Edge better not teach him anything bad.”
Kurt chuckled. “He’s already texted me twice about the directions you typed up, afraid to mess something up. I can’t believe Nina said yes to another date.”
“Oh, ye of little faith in my cupid-like matchmaking abilities.”
Kurt pulled me close and gave me a kiss. “You’ve made me a believer.”
I pushed on Kurt’s chest as panic came over me. “Wait. Are we telling her together or separate? We haven’t discussed a plan. Like, are we just blurting it out?”
“Oh shit. I don’t know.”
I was so happy about this baby, but I didn’t want the news to bring Knoah pain.
The door opened and Knoah waited in the hallway with balloons that said welcome home. There was no time to sneak into our apartment and bake up an announcement plan like this bun in my oven. Stop with the cooking puns. On autopilot, I walked into her arms, and Knoah squeezed me to her. I said, “Oh, I missed my bestie.”
And it was true. I liked the calming effect Knoah had. As she pulled back, I noticed her eyebrow was raised. “I missed you, too. How is everything?”
Umm…I’m pregnant. Instead, I said something suave. “Great! This one here drives me batshit crazy, but I think he makes a good sidepiece, so I’ll keep him.”
Kurt scooped Knoah up. “Ignore her. How’s it going, squirt? Did you bake me a fresh batch of cookies?”
“Of course.”
After setting Knoah down, Kurt shook Garrick’s hand. “Good to see you, man. Thanks for all your help.”
“Anytime. I hope the recommendations worked out.”
“Yes, they did.”
That seemed a little odd. I wondered what Garrick had recommended. Next, Garrick gave me a hug. It was good to be with our friends. Knoah seemed to be doing well, and she led us into the apartment.
I bugged out my eyes at Kurt, but he shook his head. When are we going to do this? Stalling, I asked, “So, how’s the new house coming? How’s the job? Tell me everything.”