Chapter 37
37
Cate
I’m pregnant.
As soon as we arrived at the hospital, I was sent one way, and Shane was rushed off in the other direction. If he had his shoulder taken care of years ago, I wouldn’t be standing in this unfamiliar city in a hospital I’ve never been in before all by myself dealing with this life-altering information. Damn.
I’m not leaving the hospital until he does, but worst-case scenario, how long could that be? Hours? Days? I press my hand gently over my stomach and walk down the hall toward the waiting room. Shane is in surgery. Luna’s in New York at a premiere. I’m stuck in Albuquerque. Alone .
Sort of . . . I shift my crossbody bag around to my back so I can wrap my arms around my belly. I know it’s too early, but I steal one moment to feel the blooming of love for the new little life in my tummy.
Shane’s not here to share the news. I wish I could tell my grandmother. She’d be thrilled. She once told me I would break my parents’ pattern and be a wonderful mother one day. It was like she could see what I’m struggling to process.
I’m going to be a mother.
I can’t wait to tell Shane.
Being single for so long, I didn’t dare let my heart hope for something this amazing. Kittens were easier to imagine than me meeting the man of my dreams and having a baby. But somehow that dream found me anyway, just like Shane.
Spying the nurses’ station ahead, I make my way over. “Hi, I’d like to check the status of a patient.”
Without looking up from the monitor, she asks, “Patient’s name?”
“Shane Faris. We arrived together, and he was taken into surgery.”
Her eyes slide to me. “Are you related? I can only release that information to relatives.” She’s not unkind and only following the rules, but the rules suck when it comes to wanting details about the man I love, and he’s being gatekept from me. And then it occurs to me . . .
I don’t have the energy or time to make up an elaborate story to trick her into looking the other way while I sneak into his room to wait. The truth should be enough in this case. “I’m his wife.”
Her eyes narrow in the slightest, but she turns to the computer and starts typing. “Name?”
“Cate, although he calls me Cat, which is cute and only something he does, but my real name is Catalina Far?—”
“It’s right here on the approved list, Mrs. Faris.” She smiles at me like I’ve broken through her tough exterior. “Your husband listed you on the form before he went in. I see there’s a typo, though. Someone entered Farin instead of Faris. I’ll get it corrected.”
“One letter apart.” It’s funny how little things like the letters of our last name brought us together in homeroom junior year. All these years later, I’m having his baby while he’s getting his rotator cuff fixed.
“What?” she asks, looking at me again.
“Nothing. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. The status shows prep. Your husband is still being prepped for surgery. The doctor doing the surgery hasn’t yet arrived. It will be a while before you’ll get the first update.” She uses her hand to guide me. “The waiting room is ahead, and although the cafeteria is closed, vending machines in the public lounge on the second floor have coffee and snacks. It’s just one elevator ride up.”
“Thank you again.”
I start down the hall under sterile light that’s not flattering on anyone while searching for any recognizable faces. I don’t find anyone else waiting on him after a quick sweep of the room we’ve all been relegated to, which feels sad to me. Alone again.
I sit down, my mind still reeling with concern for Shane. Though I know this isn’t a life-threatening surgery, it’s still going to take time to recover. If I had to guess, he’s not the best patient, though I’ll be happy to take care of him.
Having the best news of my life and no one to share it with has tears welling in my eyes.
I’m pregnant.
I’m going to have a baby.
With Shane.
“Cate?”
I look up, and the quick action causes a tear to fall down my cheek. Tommy is standing in front of me. “Are you okay?” he asks. The concern wrenching his eyes down on the outside corners seems like it would be reserved for his family, the bands he works with, or his friends. Not for me —a woman Tommy met a few hours ago and the person responsible for Shane getting injured. But there it is, comforting and earnest.
A nod is managed, but I’m too choked up and afraid I’ll start sobbing if I speak. He’s kind enough not to force me. “Would you like to wait with me and the others?”
“Yes.” I stand, and he waits until I’m ready to walk. He starts down a different hall than the one I came down.
“They put us in a private room to lessen any disturbances the band would cause.”
“With fans?”
“Yes. Can you imagine Nikki hanging around, worrying about her cousin while being mobbed by fans? Not a good scenario.” He knocks and then opens the door. “It’s me.”
Laird stands when he sees me. Nikki’s on her phone beside her brother but quick to hang up. Tommy shuts the door behind us and then takes a seat on the rolling stool in the corner, leaving the couch for me and Nikki.
Nikki comes toward me first with her hands out. Taking mine in hers, she asks, “How are you doing? Are you okay? Hurt?” Pulling me into her arms, she’s warm and welcoming, hugging me like I’m an old friend and not a high school acquaintance she barely knew. Leaning back, she looks me over. “I heard you were hurt.”
“I’m fine. There’s a little bruising on my hip but no swelling. I’m a bit sore, but nothing is broken.”
Laird remains standing by her side, and I’ve never seen such a big guy look shy. “Am I that intimidating?” I tease, hoping to break the ice.
He smiles, and I can see so much of Shane in it that I feel close to him simply because of the resemblance. I also know he’s someone I can joke with. He chuckles, light and not from the heart, but we’re all in the same circumstance—waiting to hear an update about Shane.
Rubbing a hand over his head, he replies, “Kind of.” As a group, we laugh. It feels good and like I’m a part of their club. “It’s going to be a long night. Do you want to take the couch?”
“Please sit,” I say to Nikki and move to sit on the other end from her.
Laird stands at the window, but with no view and it being too dark to see anything, he makes his way to a chair at a table in the corner. Tommy’s sitting in the other chair.
There’s silence for a moment, and then Laird starts talking about Mack sitting up on his own. The superstar lead singer of one of the biggest bands in the world melts. “Ah, my little Mackie. That’s good.”
They talk about a lot of everything to nothing and then sitting peacefully in silence and playing on their phones. I join in here and there, but so much is on my mind that I struggle to focus.
Nikki shows me a photo of her daughter, and Laird shares pics of his twins. My heart swells in happiness thinking about the secret I’m literally carrying. When the guys leave for coffee, Nikki says, “I heard the medic ask you about being pregnant.” She allows space for a response, but my throat is tightening as tears spring to my eyes again. “You don’t have to tell me anything, but if you need a friend . . .” She knows. Reaching across the couch, she gives my hand a little squeeze, and it’s enough for me to know she’d listen and be there for me.
I swallow the lump in my throat but don’t speak. The effort will be raw, and I’m too close to the edge of breaking down—happiness over a baby and worry why this surgery is taking so long. I turn my hand and squeeze her hand back.
The door opens and we step apart. A nurse comes in and I’m on my feet and then Nikki follows. The nurse says, “Surgery is going well. They’ll be wrapping up soon, and then the doctor will come speak to you, Mrs. Faris.”
Nikki steps forward as if she were answering roll call. “It’s Crow actually.”
Laird and Tommy approach her from behind, carrying steaming cups of coffee.
Smiling awkwardly between us, I realize what is about to happen too late to stop it. The nurse says, “I was referring to Mrs. Faris, the patient’s wife.”
Pins dropping come to mind when everyone turns to stare at me. “Thank you,” I say, my tone trembling.
The awkward tension couldn’t be thicker. She slips out of the room like she’s escaping. As soon as the door closes, nothing changes. We stand there in silence.
Laird comes to stand behind Nikki, fortifying their twin powers together. Although I want to laugh at my inside joke, I can’t. They aren’t doing a them-against-me thing. They also couldn’t be nicer, more supportive, or more welcoming. But standing here, I understand how Shane could feel like a third wheel.
Tommy sets his coffee down on the table and pulls his phone out like he’s ready to call the police. “Are you and Shane married?”
The question doesn’t throw me into a panic, and I’m not made to feel intimidated in any way. I also know this probably wasn’t how Shane wanted them to find out either. I won’t lie, and I can’t avoid a direct question. “We are married.”
The words feel strange, not in a bad way, but in a getting-to-know-you way. I’m sure one day they’ll roll off my tongue without a second thought.
I’m smiling to myself when I look up to find their mouths open. Nikki asks, “Do his parents know? Do yours?”
The question doesn’t sting as much as it would have not too long ago. Because of Shane, I’m healing. “No. No one does, except the people in this room.”
“And you shared the news with us first?”
“Shane loves you, but he also trusts you.”
I’m not sure what tips her over, but red blotches cover her chest and throat when tears fill her eyes. “Cate, oh my God.” She throws her arms around, hugging me so tight. “Welcome to the family.”
Maybe it’s the words or the sentiment, the baby news, or that I’ve just admitted I’m married to Shane Faris—not because of a mistake but because I love him and want to be. I finally let myself cry all the joy I’ve been holding inside since I got the test results back. Dropping my head to her shoulder, I embrace her. Now that they know one of our secrets, I can’t wait to share the other news.
Laird nudges Nikki, and says, “Welcome to the family, Cate.” It’s a hug fest all around. I hug him and then Tommy because I can see the sincerity in their demeanors. Shane would want them to know, and the support has replaced any awkward tension.
“Oops, I lied. Accidentally,” I say, realizing someone outside the room knows. “My best friend Luna knows because I told her when I found out Shane and I were married.” My head wobbles as I explain, “This was before Shane knew, though, and before we were dating. It was when we still thought it was a mistake. Not for real, like it is now.”
I spoke too soon or said too much because their eyes have widened as they stare at me rambling. Laird asks, “How did Shane not know you were married?”
“Well—”
“Hello, folks.” The doctor walks in and looks around the room. “I have to say it’s quite the honor to meet you.” The comment doesn’t seem to faze them as much as mine did. “And to operate on the great Shane Faris.”
“How is he?” I ask, my feet glued to the spot where I stand, too nervous to crowd the family out.
“Great. He did well and is in recovery.” Turning to me, he says, “When you get back to Los Angeles, he’ll need to get in with a local doctor regarding follow-ups, physical therapy, and recuperation.”
“We have someone we’re working with,” I say. The others redirect their attention to me. “He already has an appointment set up for next week.”
“Great. Get with the nurses, and we can get the files sent over.” He rocks back on his heels, smiling and looking relaxed. That’s a good thing. That means the surgery was a success, so I’ll take that reaction. “This isn’t a surgery we normally require an overnight stay for unless you think it might be best. Otherwise, he’ll be ready for discharge in the next two hours.”
Tommy says, “Thanks, Doc.” His eyes go to the twins. “If we can leave by three a.m., we’ll have a better chance of getting out undetected and can have him in his own bed by seven. I’ll call to get the plane ready.”
Nikki says, “Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate you taking care of him.”
“My pleasure.” He holds out a clipboard. “Do you mind signing an autograph for my daughter? She’s a huge fan of yours.”
“Not at all. What’s her name?”
They go about signing and talk a minute about his daughter. Before he leaves, I ask, “When can I, we, see him?”
He replies, “Shortly. The nurse will be in to take you over to see him.”
A collective sigh of relief fills the room, and we chat until we are taken down the hall to see him. My heart skips with every step I take, little nerves kicking in, excited to tell him the news.
Stopping outside the door, the nurse says, “Preferably one person at a time. Once he’s fully alert, though, you can all go in.”
Tommy says, “You’re family.”
“Oh, right.” I step aside for Nikki and Laird.
Laird smiles. “That’s you, Cate. You’re family.”
“Go on in,” Nikki says. “He’ll be happy to see you.”
I’m trying my best, but they’re making it really hard not to cry. “Thank you.”
Nikki rubs my back as I press my hand to the door and open it ever so gently. The room is dim with only a small lamp putting out light. A tray beside the bed has a pitcher and a cup next to it. But hearing his steady heartbeat on the monitor has mine beating faster.
It’s not until I close the door that my eyes fully adjust, and I see him. I walk to the bed and stand at the railing. His eyes are closed, his breath even, and his hair still stupidly sexy. There’s no pretense in his build, no ego to check. He’s not a rock star but the love of my life.
I slip my hand under his and stand, studying the bandage and how they wrapped him. Would I have done it differently to make sure he’s had the best care? It looks like they did a good job. So I take off my nurse’s cap and stand by my husband.
His lids slowly open, the smallest of urges tugging the corners of his mouth up when he sees me. “Did I survive, or did I weasel my way into heaven?”
I cover his hand with my other as well. “You’re right here with me, babe.” I start to debate whether I should wait to tell him until we’re home and he’s fully awake and aware. Home? I don’t even call my apartment home.
“That’s the only place I want to be.”
“The surgery went well.”
Shane nods but doesn’t seem as interested in that topic. He takes a breath and wraps his hand around mine. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
I laugh. “And this is the right time?”
“On the edge of good pain meds and reality . . . yeah, feels like the right time.”
Sliding the railing down, I lean down to kiss his head, and whisper, “What do you want to talk about?”
“Let’s get married.”
“Those must be good drugs.” I slide my finger down his nose, grinning. “Did you forget? We’re already married.”
“No, Cat,” he says, his tone dropping and taking a turn. “Will you marry me? Forget about the school project. I want my life to be tied to yours in every way possible. I want the vows exchanged, the kiss at the altar. The honeymoon. All of it.” I’m shocked he can waggle his brows in this condition. “I want you and to raise a family together.”
“Shane,” I say, but it’s softer and has my heart burrowed in it. “I want that, too. Everything. The life, the family, the love, the vows.” I smile. “I want a family with you and to create our own home together.”
Home . It’s not about the house. It’s about us. I found my home in him. He’s found his in me.
He asks, “So that’s a yes?”
“That’s a yes.”
We’re about to kiss, but he stops and pushes back into the pillow to see my eyes. “Hey,” he says, rubbing his thumb over my cheek. “Why the tears?”
“I’m happy.” I lean over and kiss him. His arm comes around as our mouths embrace. When our tongues touch, the slow dance begins. “We can’t do this here.”
“Sure we can.” A drowsy smile hangs on his face, reminding me of the meds he’s on, which appear to be doing a solid job. “We’re getting married.” His lids dip closed for a few seconds before he opens them again, and asks, “How’d the test turn out?”
The debate ended the moment he asked. I lean in and kiss him again, and with my lips still pressed to his, I whisper, “You’re going to be a daddy.”
His right arm comes around my waist to hold me closer. “Really?”
The tears I kept restraining now freely flow down my cheeks. “Yes. I’m pregnant.”
He lifts but then winces in pain. “I love you so much, Cat.” I stay closer, so he doesn’t have to move at all. “More than anything.”
“I love you, too, babe. More than anything.”
“I want you to hear this straight from my heart.” I wait with bated breath, and then he says, “I’m going to be the best damn husband and dad I can be for you and our babies. I promise you that.”
We haven’t been together all that long even when counting the last time and that kiss at the bonfire, but this feels right for us, and I know he’ll keep his promise to give us a beautiful life.
We kiss once more before my feet land back on the tiles. “So we’re going to bust you out of this place and get you home so I can take care of you. How are you feeling?” I press my hand to his forehead.
“I’m getting married and having a baby. I’d say life is pretty fucking grand.”
Even on meds, he’s a handful and all mine. “I think you’re going to live.”