44
One Month Later
I never wanted a fancy wedding.I wasn’t one of those girls who planned every detail of their wedding down to a T, but I definitely had the occasional fantasy about it.When Robbie and I got married, we invited all our family and friends, which turned into a much bigger wedding than either of us originally expected.It took months to plan and was more stressful than we hoped.But the day itself was filled with nothing but happiness, and I have no regrets about my wedding to Robbie.He was handsome as ever in his tux, I felt like a princess in my giant ballgown, and we had our mini fairytale.
But my wedding to Tristan feels more like me.
I didn’t want to wait until after the tour.I knew when I said yes I meant it forever.I had zero doubts, and I didn’t want Tristan to have any either, so instead, I suggested a simple beach wedding and then a small reception with family and friends at Tristan’s—nowour—house.
The beach means a simple cream dress that accentuates my petite curves and flows in the gentle wind behind me.I’m barefoot to reduce the tripping hazard.Tristan stands next to the minister under a beautiful wooden arch in a white linen shirt and khaki shorts.He worried it would be too informal, but I think he looks handsome.
Seeing him standing there waiting for me with tears glistening in his eyes and the brightest smile I’ve ever seen on his face, the last thing I care about is his clothes.
He could be in boxers and I’d still be on the verge of happy tears as I make my way down the aisle with my dad by my side.
“I’m so happy for you, sweetie.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I say, trying not to let my emotions ruin my makeup.
And then we’re at the front, and my dad hands me off to Tristan, who doesn’t even try to hide the tear he wipes from his eyes.Trent stands behind him and places a hand on his shoulder in moral support, while Kasen and Miles stand next to him with gentle smiles.
Becka and Tamsin stand on my side, and I hand my bouquet to Becka with my own watery smile.
Before the minister gets a chance to get started, Tristan pulls me into a kiss, which causes our small group to all burst into laughter.
When he pulls away, he turns a sheepish smile to the minister.“Sorry.Couldn’t help myself.”
The minister smiles knowingly and then gets on with the ceremony.Tristan and I don’t look away from each other until we exchange rings, and there’s something about seeing my ring on his finger that makes my heart feel like it’s literally expanding in my chest.
My mom once told me it was okay to love two men at once and it didn’t mean I loved one more or less than the other.I know now what she meant because while I will always love the life and love I had with Robbie, it doesn’t diminish or lessen the overwhelming love I have for Tristan.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”The minister pauses and smiles at Tristan.“You can kiss your bride now…again.”
Tristan smiles and steps forward, sliding one hand around the back of my neck and the other around my waist.He pulls me flush against his body and kisses me with so much passion I know he’s searing himself on my soul with this kiss.
“Are you sure?”
The ultrasound tech simply laughs at my shocked face as she replies, “I’m sure.See right there, the blinking thing?That’s your baby’s heart beating away at 162 beats per minute.”
I watch the flickering on the screen in shock and awe.I’ve seen it once before, although this little peanut looks much more like a person already than the little bean I remember the last time I was pregnant.
“It seems big,” I say, my voice shaking slightly.
She moves the wand around, taking pictures and measurements at different angles as she speaks.“It’s measuring about fourteen weeks.”
“Fourteen weeks?!I’m already in the second trimester?How is that possible?”
My last two periods had been short and very light, but I’d bled right on schedule.How am I so far along?
“It happens.Some light bleeding or spotting is also normal during the first trimester, but if it continues or gets any heavier, you’ll want to talk to your doctor.”
She finishes with her pictures and wipes off my stomach with a white washcloth.“Your doctor will be in shortly and can answer more of your questions.”
“Thanks,” I say, already distracted doing mental math.Fourteen weeks.I’ve already made it through one trimester, farther than I made it the last time I was pregnant.I’ve had no signs or symptoms except for being slightly lightheaded.Given what happened with Robbie, Tristan was paranoid about me getting checked out, which led to a doctor’s visit, then a pregnancy test, and now this ultrasound.No one—especially me—expected me to be so far along.I haven’t even told Tristan yet.I just told him the doctor said I was fine.
Knowing I’m already past the first trimester eases some of my fears about losing the baby.I know the odds of losing it now are low, but they’re not nonexistent.After my past loss, I’m hyperaware of all the things that could go wrong, and it tempers some of my excitement.
My doctor comes back and assures me everything looks great, tells me to start taking a daily prenatal vitamin, and gets me scheduled to come in every month and come back in six weeks for an anatomy scan.