Chapter Thirty-Nine
Ariella
I still couldn’t believe the doctor at the hospital. He had to have been wrong.
Pregnant?
How was I pregnant? I mean, yes, we hadn’t been one hundred percent careful, but I was assured that I couldn’t get pregnant again.
My last and only pregnancy with my son had been difficult. He’d been born early and hadn’t survived life outside of N.I.C.U.
Worry filled every ounce of me, and while Jaxson had accompanied me to an Obstetrician, Neurologist, and Midwife, they all confirmed that I was doing well, had adjusted the medication I was on and assured me that the baby was in good health according to every test they’d run.
Bed rest wasn’t a requirement as long as I was taking it easy, not undergoing too much stress, and my heart rate was within the normal perimeters.
The doctors also assured Jaxson and me that we could have sex, as long as we were careful not to do anything too strenuous, and recommended a bed, anything to keep me seated or laying down.
My cheeks had flamed with embarrassment. But Jaxson had seemed like he was mentally taking notes at the appointments, learning what he could and couldn’t do with his pregnant girlfriend.
Jaxson insisted I monitor my heart rate constantly, which wasn’t complicated with a smartwatch. He was more than just a tad overprotective, but I appreciated his concern.
Besides, he wasn’t the only one worried about the health of the baby.
How could I not have fears after the last time I’d been pregnant? The good news was that the chronic symptoms that plagued me were minimal in my second trimester. Being pregnant had at least temporarily made me feel better.
I could get around easier without my heart rate skyrocketing when I stood. My stomach, while in knots, had been over concern of our little one and not from the adrenaline spikes that I had been accustomed to.
Curled up in bed together, Jaxson’s hand grazed my growing belly. While I hadn’t felt our little pumpkin yet, it was only a matter of time.
I rolled onto my back, and Jaxson lifted the hem of my shirt, dropping soft kisses over my belly. “I’ve never seen you so eager to kiss my stomach,” I teased.
His long, dark lashes fluttered as he smiled up at me. “I will have to rectify that, Freckles.” His touch was soft and light and made my stomach feel like a thousand butterflies.
My eyes widened, realizing it wasn’t my nerves or his touch exciting me. Well, it did that too. But it was the baby.
“Oh my gosh! Did you feel that?” I asked, staring into Jaxson’s gaze.
“The baby likes my attention.”
“What sane person wouldn’t?” I asked. My fingers tangled in Jaxson’s hair, caressing his scalp. “I’m almost afraid to admit it, but I like being pregnant.”
Jaxson stared up at me. His breath hovered against my stomach. His hand rested over the small bump. “It suits you,” he said. “The saying is true that a pregnant woman glows.”
I rolled my eyes and scrunched my nose. “I’m not sure I believe that,” I said, and laughed. “But you should know my symptoms that I’m accustomed to—the heart rate issues, nausea, all the chronic bad stuff seems better. Like being pregnant healed me. I mean, it’s probably crazy and nonsense, but if I always felt this good, I’d be happy always to be pregnant.”
He quirked a grin. “So, we’re going to have a herd of little Monroe’s running around here?”
I smacked his arm. “They’re not cattle!” Shaking my head, laughing, it felt good not to have to hide our relationship or the fact that he was the father of my little pumpkin.
“Platoon?” he grinned. “I can have my own little Eagle Tactical army.”
“You are horrible!” I pointed my finger at him. “You’re not teaching our boys or girls any military training. They’re children.”
Jaxson leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my forehead. “I know that. I meant when they’re older. Not just boys, but grown men. So, like when they’re thirteen.”
“Oh, brother,” I muttered.
His fingers tickled my hips as he inched my shirt higher, disrobing me of my clothes.