9. Epilogue
Epilogue
Shannon
I splash some water on my face to see if I can feel reinvigorated once more. I quickly brush my teeth and put the toothbrush away. The past three months have been a punishment of some sort. I go back to the bed and pick up a cracker from the package on the nightstand. This and ginger ale are all I can eat most mornings.
They're supposed to settle your stomach, but I don't feel settled at all. I lay back on my bed and placed a cool, wet washcloth on my forehead. That helps with the migraine. I should know by now that chocolate triggers them, but whenever I feel like I can eat, I splurge on chocolate. Thus, the migraine.
I know that at three months, I'm just starting the journey, and I don't blame Junior for being uncomfortable. Well, most days I don't. The guys are already head over heels for this baby, but I'm a bit scared of becoming a mom. I hear the front door open, and I know that my men are back from wherever they went today.
"Knock, knock," Sean says softly.
"I'm awake," I answer without opening my eyes. That would take too much energy.
"Baby, you should see all the goodies we got the baby."
"You went shopping without me?" I sit up abruptly, and the washcloth ends up in my lap with a thud.
They have the decency to look ashamed at my words.
"You weren't feeling well," John explains.
"Aren't you supposed to have some empathetic feelings towards me and be, I don't know, a bit more considerate with your partner?" My nausea makes a guest appearance, and I put my hand over my mouth. "Oh God, I need to vomit."
I run into the bathroom, closing the door on their faces. A couple of minutes later, I came out and found them sitting in the room. I'm guessing they knew this discussion wasn't over.
"Regardless of the fact that what just happened proved your point, I'd like to ask you to at least invite me next time. Let me accept or deny, but let me feel included. End of speech." I lay back down on the bed and reapply my washcloth. "Besides, it's too soon to be shopping."
"We'll have to agree to disagree on that. We're ex-military. We need to be prepared for any eventuality. Our baby is no exception." John says.
"Do you want me to get another ice pack for that washcloth, Shannon?" Sean kindly asks.
"Yes, please." I sigh in relief. John pushes me aside so I'm in the center of the bed, and he rolls in beside me. His weight on the mattress gives me comfort, and I know soon I'll be cocooned by both of them.
"We'll be more considerate in the future, baby, I promise."
Sean comes back and hands John the ice pack. He wraps it inside my washcloth and places it back on my forehead. He takes his shoes off and gets on the bed on my other side.
"Do you think we'll be good parents?" I ask, a bit scared of the answer. They both take a bit of time to answer, making me more anxious.
"We have a strong relationship, and there is love in this home. I know love doesn't solve everything, but with that as a foundation, I think we'll do great." John answers.
"Stop worrying about this, Shannon,” Sean says. “We’ll start a savings account designed for therapy for the kid.” He chuckles.
“OMG, that's so not funny!"
"Get on your side so we can spoon." Sean nudges my arm annoyingly.
"I need my ice pack."
"We'll put it back on after cuddling. You need this more."
I do need to be in their arms. It soothes me and makes me feel loved. I know our lives will become crazy when the baby comes, but I think it will be crazy good. And I've got two solid partners who are making sure that I am taken care of every single day, in every sense of the word. It's an amazing feeling, and I wish I could bottle it and sell it in my Etsy shop.
I get on my side, Sean to my back and John in front of me, and smile at them. This is my life, and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.
"I love you both," I whisper, even though there is no one else to hear us.
"And we both love you as well," John adds. "Forever."
***