Chapter 3 #2
It’s a blessing and a curse that my mother brought us girls to other homesteads when women were giving birth. It was always a community affair. Women came from several miles around to help each other give birth. I’m aware of the process. I know it’s horrifying.
I haven’t told anyone, but I know exactly how far along I am.
I shouldn’t have waited as long as I did to leave Presley.
I was scared, and I kept hoping he would change his mind about this baby.
He never did. But I’m lucky I didn’t give birth while I was walking here, especially considering how strenuous it was.
Finally, I open the door a crack, making sure the coast is clear before widening it and reaching for the pile of clothes. Aaric was so thoughtful that he dragged a chair over and set everything on the seat. I’m not sure I could have bent over to get anything off the floor at this stage.
Hurrying, I set it all on the counter and start dressing.
I put on the panties first. They’re tiny, bikini cut.
I’ve never worn anything like this. I guess this is what Rebekah wears now.
She’s also included something that looks like thick tights.
Leggings, I think they’re called. I’ve never had any. I’ve worn dresses most of my life.
Rebekah was always the tomboy of the two of us. She preferred overalls so she could romp around in the woods. I didn’t play outside as much as she did. I liked dresses and more girly things.
The leggings are black and comfortable. They won’t come up over my belly, but I don’t mind.
They nestle right below my huge stomach.
There’s no bra. Not surprising. Any bra of Rebekah’s would be way too small.
I consider putting on the gross bra I’d been wearing, but decide against it.
It will feel nice to let my breasts remain unrestrained.
I pull Aaric’s white cotton T-shirt over my head. It’s large enough to reach around me and hangs to my thighs. That’s a relief. Aaric included a pair of white socks, too, but I don’t have the energy to bend down and put them on.
When I finally step out of the bathroom, I’m not sure what to do next. The bed is so inviting that I stare at it, chewing on my bottom lip for a moment before turning toward the door to the hallway.
The first thing I notice when I open it is the delicious scent of food cooking. My stomach grumbles even though I just ate not two hours ago. Feeling awkward and self-conscious, I pad into the main room.
Aaric is sitting on the couch, and he jumps up when he sees me entering. His smile lights up the room. “Feel better?”
“Much. Thank you.”
He comes to me, strokes a finger down my cheek, reaches for a lock of my hair, and thumbs it reverently. “You’re stunning, Hannah.”
I groan. “I’m a whale. I feel like I washed up on shore, and now I’m slowly dying.”
He chuckles. “What a vivid imagination, but you look radiant.” He turns me around. “You need to sleep, sunshine. Head back to the bedroom. I’ll grab you something to drink.”
He really wants me to sleep in his bed? It seems too intrusive and rude, but he doesn’t have another bed. I should just rest on his couch. Hell, I could sleep on the floor at this point, though I’m not sure I’d be able to get up again.
I feel like I’m waddling as I make my way back to his bedroom. The bed is up so high, I wonder if I’ll be able to boost myself up.
I’m still staring at it when Aaric joins me. He sets a large reusable bottle on the nightstand. It looks like the lid flips up to take a drink.
“It’s apple juice. I figured you liked it earlier. I’m sure your body needs the calories and the fluid. You can even drink it in bed with you. It won’t spill.”
Fascinating.
He chuckles. “You can’t possibly climb this high, can you?” he jokes as he pulls the covers back.
Before I can process his intention, he bends, lifts me into his arms, and deposits me on the bed. The breath catches in my lungs as I stare at him.
He reaches over me and grabs another pillow before tucking it under my head. “Not sure how you like to sleep. Maybe on your side this late in your pregnancy?”
“Sometimes,” I agree.
I’m further stunned as he helps me roll onto my side, facing him. He tucks a third pillow between my legs before pulling the covers up. “How’s that?”
I purse my lips, trying not to cry.
Aaric sits on the edge of the bed and brushes a lock of hair from my cheek. “I should have shown you where the hairdryer is. You shouldn’t sleep with damp hair. I don’t want you to get sick.”
I swallow, unable to respond to his kindness.
His hand comes to my cheek, and he bends and kisses my temple.
“You’re safe, Hannah.” He’s told me this several times.
It’s hard to fathom. “I’m sure you have a million concerns, but try to let them go for a while and rest. I’ve placed an order in the city for everything I could think of.
Adrian is headed there now to do some pickups. ”
I don’t know what he thinks I need. I can’t think of anything.
“Can I ask you something, sunshine?”
I nod.
“Do you know when your baby is due?” His fingers run through the hair at my temple while he talks.
I draw in a deep breath and let it out. “Any day now,” I admit.
“Have you seen a doctor?”
“No.” My face heats.
“Ever?”
I shake my head.
“Okay. One more question, and then I’ll let you sleep. Do you know where the father of your baby is?”