Chapter 34
CHAPTER 34
E lla
There were only a few days until Christmas, and I would officially be twelve weeks pregnant. It was hard to keep it from the family, especially from my dad. Graham, Lily, my mom, and Georgia were the only people who knew. I took the ultrasound picture, framed it, and placed it underneath the pink onesies that read: Hello, Grandpa. See you in June. After wrapping the box, I placed it under the tree. I couldn’t wait for my dad to open it and see the look on his face. I hadn’t been drinking, which my father questioned. I used the excuse that we were short doctors at the hospital, and I was on call a lot.
I placed my hand on my belly as I stood before our beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
“How are my girls.” Graham walked over, wrapped his arms around me from behind, and placed his hands on mine.
“We’re good.” I smiled.
We found out we were having a girl after the results of my NIPT came back. Graham and I told Georgia we wanted to know and we’d do the gender reveal ourselves at Christmas.
“The wait is almost over, babe. Then we can tell the family about our little angel.”
“I know. It’s been pure torture keeping it from my dad. You know how badly he wants a grandchild.”
“He sure does. He asked me about it again the other day,” he said.
“When?” I turned and looked at him.
“The night you were working late at the hospital. We were out, sitting around the bonfire, when he brought it up. Then Simon started in about me possibly shooting blanks.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry. You know how they are.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I told them we weren’t ready to have kids yet to get them off my back.”
“They’ll be off your back soon enough.” I kissed him.
Christmas Day
G raham and I were up early to open presents and get over to my mom and dad’s house for family breakfast before we opened the gifts from our family. I saved the baby announcement gift for later when we were together with everyone else. We stayed at my parent’s house until it was time to head to the Kind Brewhouse. Since our family had grown so much over the years and was still growing, we ran out of house space, so Sebastian started the tradition of gathering and having Christmas dinner at the brewhouse.
Graham and I walked through the door and greeted the family with Christmas wishes.
“Merry Christmas, Grandma.” I hugged her.
The family gathered around the large table, and I thought it was the perfect time to give my dad his gift and announce my pregnancy. I didn’t want him questioning why I wasn’t drinking wine with dinner.
“Hey, Dad. I forgot to give you this earlier.” I handed him the beautifully wrapped box.
“Sweetheart, you already gave me enough.”
“It’s something small.”
I looked at my mom, and she winked at me.
“Well, let’s see what it is.” He smiled.
All eyes were on my dad as he unwrapped his gift. Removing the lid from the box, he lifted the pink onesie, stared at it, and then looked up at me with tears in his eyes.
“Hi, Grandpa. See you in June!” Willow exclaimed. “Oh my God! We’re having a baby, and it’s a girl!”
The entire family shouted and clapped.
My dad took the framed ultrasound picture from the box and stared at it.
“This is the best gift I could ever ask for.” He stood up and hugged me. “Congratulations, sweetheart. Graham.” He hugged him. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandpa. Did you know?” He glanced at my mom.
“Yes. But Ella wanted to make it extra special for you.” She kissed his cheek.
The family congratulated us with warm hugs and kisses. We sat down to eat, and the excitement never left my dad’s face.
“Welcome to the grandfather’s club.” Stefan patted his back.
“Thanks, Stefan. It feels good to finally be a part of it.” He grinned.
Four Months Later
G raham
We were gathered by the bonfire when Ella told me she needed some double chocolate chip ice cream.
“I just bought you that gallon two days ago,” I said, and Nathan reached over and placed his hand on my arm.
“So? What are you trying to say, Graham?” Ella narrowed her eyes.
“Be careful with your words,” Nathan whispered in my ear.
“Nothing, babe. I’ll be more than happy to go to the store and get you some more.”
“That’s what I thought. I’m heading home.” She leaned over and kissed me. “Your daughter really wants that ice cream now.”
“And she shall have it, my love.” I smiled.
I let out a breath the second she walked away, and the guys laughed.
“Let’s go,” Nathan said. “I’ll drive.”
“It’s okay, Nathan. You don’t have to go.”
“Don’t argue with me, Graham. I’m driving you to the store.”
We climbed into his car.
“She’s been so irritable lately,” I said to Nathan.
“The baby is growing. She’s uncomfortable, tired, always hungry, and her hormones are out of whack. Need I go on?” Nathan asked.
“No.” I chuckled.
He grabbed a cart when we entered the store.
“Why do we need a cart? We’re only grabbing a gallon of ice cream,” I said.
“Let me make life easier for you, Dr. Malone. It is a given that when your pregnant wife wants ice cream, it’s best to buy more than one gallon. That way, it’s always in the freezer when she craves it and saves you from running to the store every other day. Happy wife, happy life.” He grinned as he set the gallons of ice cream in the cart.
“Six gallons, Nathan? Really?”
“Trust me, son.”
He dropped me off at home. After placing five gallons in the freezer, I grabbed a spoon and the sixth gallon of ice cream and took it upstairs. When I walked into the bedroom, Ella was on her laptop.
“One double chocolate chip ice cream for my queen.” I smiled.
“God, I love you.” She grabbed the ice cream and spoon from my hand. “Oh my God, this is so good. Thanks, babe.”
“You’re welcome.” I climbed on the bed next to her.
“Want some?” She shoved the spoon in my face.
“No, thanks. Have you decided if you’re taking some time off before the baby comes?”
“I’m not. I’m working until the day I deliver. You know how I am. I can’t sit here all day waiting. It’s best that I keep busy at the hospital.”
“And what if you’re in the middle of a life-saving surgery when you go into labor?”
“You know that’s not going to happen. I can guarantee you that I’ll go into labor in the middle of the night. That’s how it usually works, right?”
“I haven’t a clue. I’ve never been pregnant.” I smirked.
“Smart ass.” She tapped the end of my nose with the spoon before climbing out of bed.
“Where are you going?”
“To put this away and refill my water.”
“Uh, I can do that for you, babe.”
“It’s fine. I can do it.” She smiled.
I placed my hands behind my head, and suddenly, I heard Ella scream my name. Jumping out of bed, I flew down the stairs and saw her standing with the freezer drawer open.
“What is all this?” she asked.
“Ice cream.” I furrowed my brows.
“Six gallons, Graham? What are you trying to say? HUH?” she spoke with irritation. “Are you trying to make me fatter than I already am?” Her eyes narrowed.
“Babe, calm down.” I shut the freezer and gripped her shoulders. “Your dad?—”
“My dad? What does my dad have to do with this? Did he go to the store with you?”
“Yes,” I answered. “And he told me to buy six gallons so I didn’t have to keep running to the store every other day.”
“That was actually a good idea.” She kissed my lips. “I’m sorry for yelling.”
“Don’t be.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into me. “I know how uncomfortable you are, and I would do anything to make you feel better.”
“Is that an invitation for sex?” she asked.
“I didn’t realize I had to send one.” A smirk crossed my lips.
“You don’t. But I’m taking you up on your offer to make me feel better, Dr. Malone. I need you to work your magical doctor skills on me.” She took hold of my hand and led me up the stairs.