22. Baby on Board
Chapter 22
Baby on Board
Darcy || 30 weeks pregnant, January
M y feet are so swollen I’m living in my slippers. I feel like a beached whale and I’m supposed to be at the beach house for my baby shower in two hours. I’m about ready to call it quits, giving up on the baby blue maxi dress that I purchased for today—that no longer feels like it fits right—and show up in Tatum’s sweats and one of his no-longer-oversized t-shirts because of how big our child is getting.
There’s a soft knock on the door and I turn to find Tatum leaning against the door frame, white lilies in hand. Wordlessly, I follow his gaze as it bounces between my tired expression, to the blue dress on the floor. He just waits, knowing that I’ll word-vomit any moment. He won’t have to wait long.
“My dress doesn’t fit like I want it to. My back and my feet hurt. My makeup looks awful and I’m so tired. I don’t want to go today.” I whine in his direction, squeezing my eyes shut to ward off the tears I can feel burning behind my lids. A warm body and the scent of the sea and cedarwood envelop me, pulling away the tension from my shoulders.
“Do you want to know what I think?” Tatum asks, speaking into my hair.
“I guess.” My reply comes out muffled by his t-shirt. His chest moves under my head and a light puff of air ripples through my hair as he laughs.
“That you could wear a damn potato sack and still be the most beautiful woman in the room.” He lifts my chin gently so he can hold my gaze, “I think that today is about you, so if you don’t like that dress then don’t wear it. I think that you should let me see you in it first though.”
Tatum lifts the crumpled dress from the ground, gesturing for me to lift my arms above my head. Sliding my arms and head into the appropriate holes he pulls the dress over me and down to the ground before stepping back and taking me in.
“Do a little spin for me, Mama.” And because for the life of me I cannot tell this man no, I quickly spin. Suddenly feeling shy, I look to the ground waiting for him to comment.
“You look so fucking beautiful and fuck me if that bump doesn’t do something to me.” I look up at him just in time to see him adjust himself in his pants.
“Thank you. That helped.”
“Good. What shoes are you wearing?” He asks, walking towards my closet.
“White strappy sandals, I think.”
Tatum pops out of my closet, my shoes in hand. “Have a seat.”
“I can put my shoes on myself, Tatum.”
“I know, but I’d like to help you. Once you’re ready, I’m going to drive you to the beach house for the shower and Kodi already told me she would drop you back here afterward.” He drops to his knee in front of me, lifting my dress above the ankle, then bringing my foot to his knee and he places soft kisses there before sliding my shoes on. If we didn’t have somewhere to be, I would’ve hiked my dress up even further and pulled his face between my legs. He must know what I’m thinking because he smirks, and tells me, “I’ve got you later Mama. Let’s go.”
The drive to the beach house is quick and quiet for the most part. Tatum hums along to the music and I watch the ocean go by, spotting a dolphin or two along the way.
“Ready?” Tate asks, parking the car in front of the house. Luckily the only cars I see so far are Kodi and Sinclairs. Wondering where Harley is, I open my messages and see she hasn’t said anything in the group chat.
“Yes, let’s get inside before my Mom gets here.” Tatum jogs around and helps me out of the car, grabbing my bag including my fuzzy slippers in case my feet start to hurt from the back seat before extending his arm to me.
Near the front door of the house, a small sign reads ‘Welcome to Darcy’s Baby Shower’ and when we enter, nothing seems out of place until we cross the threshold into the living and dining space. A balloon arch sits on one side of the room surrounding a picture backdrop that says ‘Baby on Board’ and a little tikes cozy coupe that’s been painted baby blue sits beside it, complete with a toddler-sized surfboard on top. I take it in, tears prickling my eyes because my friends took my dream and brought it to life. Tatum’s strong arms wrap around me from behind.
“They did a really good job.”
“They did.” Barely holding back the tears, I continue to where the kitchen island is dotted with fruits, charcuterie, little themed cookies that look like the ocean, boards, and seashells along with sand-colored cutlery and plates.
“Ah, you’re here!” Kodi squeals, stepping inside from the back porch and beelining it for me. Sin follows not too far behind her, Bella on her hip, and the next thing I know my friends are wrapped around me.
“Do you love it? I put more effort into blowing up those balloons than I’ve ever done blowing a man.” Sin teases while covering Bella’s ears.
“Alright, I think that’s my cue, can’t be late for my Huggies and Chuggies party with the team, whatever that means. Ladies, if I may borrow Darcy for a moment?” Tate asks, clearing his throat.
“Yes, but don’t be long. We need to get some photos before everyone shows up!” Kodi says, “Actually, wait. You two stand over there and let us take a few pictures of you together.”
We move together to the backdrop where Kodi directs us—in true mom form—giving us comments like “Act like you like each other” and “Darcy Marie give me a real smile” and Sin poses us before Tatum drags me to the front entryway.
“Have fun today, Mama. I’ll have sweatpants and an Icee waiting for you at the condo.” Tate smiles down at me, pushing a loose curl behind my ear and letting his thumb gently rub the nape of my neck as he speaks.
“I will, thanks for this morning and driving me... and for the lilies.”
“Anytime, D.” Our lips embrace softly before he leaves and I make my way back to my best friends. Well, two thirds of them.
“Anybody talk to Harls?” I’m trying not to think about the fact that she promised she would be here and hasn’t checked in.
“Nope, she was staying at Benji’s last night but told me she’d be here before she went.” Sin sighs, resignation is heavy in her tone.
“She hasn’t texted?” Kodi asks as she busies herself making sure all, what I imagine are, the final touches are accomplished.
“I’m going to call her.” I call her on speaker, knowing Kodi and Sin will want to hear what she has to say if she answers.
It rings and rings and rings until we get her voicemail, “Hey Harley, just checking in. Can’t wait to see you today. Love your best bitches.”
We don’t have much time to sit and wait for a response as the guests begin to arrive. I didn’t want it to be a crazy big event. We invited Rose, the twins, my Mom, Grace flew in, and even Enid, Conrad’s girlfriend, RSVP’d. She’s been hanging out with us more often and since Conrad was taking Mace to the Huggies and Chuggies, I figured she could come to hang out as well, along with a couple other friends and ex-coworkers that I still keep up with.
I’m standing by the snack table, catching up with Quinn, an old coworker, when a shrill voice causes my shoulders to bunch.
“Darcy!” she calls. My mother has arrived.
“Excuse me, it was great catching up with you.” Turning towards my Mom, I welcome her, “Mom, glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, my first grandbaby.” She pulls me into a hug before pulling back and inspecting me from head to toe, her scrutiny evident by the way her eyebrows scrunch at my lightly wrinkled dress.
“Lorraine, I’m glad we are finally meeting. I’m Rose, Tatum’s mother.” This woman is a blessing from heaven, I feel her presence beside me, silently thanking her for interrupting.
“Lovely to meet you.” My mom smiles curtly.
“I’m going to let you two get to know one another. Thank you both for being here.”
I scan the room for my besties, and when I lock eyes with Sin, she waves me over frantically as if she needs me.
“Doing okay?” Kodi asks, “Did they buy it?”
“Doubtful, but I’m fine. Rose is an angel for taking her attention off of me.” I tell them.
“Do you want to do games or gifts first?” Sin asks next.
“Gifts!” Bella squeals.
“Bella baby, the gifts are for Auntie Darcy and the baby in her belly, okay?” Kodi drops to eye level with Bella as she explains this.
“Ah phooey.” Bella furrows her eyebrows at Kodi in frustration.
“You can help me open them though.” I smile down at Bella, and her mood instantly brightens. She jumps up and down excitedly, running over and plopping down on the floor next to the chair Sin placed near the gift table.
“Alright everyone, let’s find a seat, Darcy is going to open her gifts. Tessa and Tinsley, paper and pen for the list are behind you.” Kodi announces loudly for the room. The next hour flies by with oohs and aahs at little onesies, mama care kits, books, and other gifted odds and ends. Bella flies through the bags, handing me items with wild abandon.
* * *
As everyone leaves, my mom pulls me to the side of the room. “Where will you be delivering?”
“Why?” I ask, nerves coiling in my stomach.
“So that when you go to deliver, I can make sure to be there to support you.” She says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“With all due respect Mom, Tatum, and I will be the only ones present in the room when I give birth. After that, we’ll have time where everyone can come and visit at home.” I say sternly, trying to keep my cool.
“You don’t want me there?” she throws back, impetuously. I swear she would be stomping her foot if she wasn’t in a room full of people.
“That’s not what I said.”
“Will she be there?” She gestures across the room where Rose sits with Bella reading one of the books we received today.
“Rose? No, Mom, just like you, she will be coming and meeting her grandson after he is born and I’ve been able to rest.” I stop, but then add, “But unlike you, she is okay with the choices that we’ve made regarding the birth of our child.”
“Darcy Marie, that is no way to speak to your mother.” She whisper yells, in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to us.
“Maybe if I felt respected, I would give it back. However, in the past seven months, instead of love and support from you, I’ve felt pushed to do the things that you want.” My throat begins to clog and I quickly survey the room to make sure we don’t have an audience. I catch Sin stealthily making her way across the room from the corner of my eye and her approach brings me a small sigh of relief.
“Ms. Whitestone, I think maybe it’s time to go.” Sin interjects, her voice firm but not disrespectful. “Let me walk you out.”
“I’ll call you, Mom. Thank you for coming today.” I manage to choke out, forcing a smile. Before I know what’s come over me, I turn about and quickly make my way to Rose.
“Hey, sweetie.” She smiles brightly at me but upon seeing the tears running down my face she changes her tone and says, “Oh Darcy, come here honey.”
“Thank you. She’s just so difficult.” I sniffle into her shoulder.
“I know honey but I’m here for you when it’s tough.” Her love and empathy cocoon me just as tightly and warmly as her hug does. At this moment, I know that if I do want someone else in my delivery room, it will be her.
When Sin returns, she’s got Harley in tow. She’s pretty late considering she missed my entire baby shower. As much as I want to be upset with her, I know that she wouldn’t want to miss this. I wish she would have at least let me know she wasn’t going to make it on time.
“Darcy, I am so sorry.” She sucks in a breath, eyes already overflowing with tears. “It was Benji, I… I… I’m done but he didn’t make it easy for me to get out of there.”
“Oh Harley, it’s okay. We missed you though.” I inspect her, looking for signs of mistreatment. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
Fear flashes across her face but she shakes her head left to right quickly.