Chapter 17 #4
“There’s nothing sexy about maternity underwear,” Claire commiserated. “I’m hoping I lose my baby weight. I asked Kassie if I can use the gym before work.”
“Hey,” Patch said firmly. “I’m fine with you losing it to stay healthy. Whether you lose all of it or not, you’re gorgeous. I won’t have you worried about a couple of pounds when you’ve carried our child.”
Claire smiled and kissed his cheek.
“Do you want to sit?” Patch asked her.
“No. I have a backache and sitting only makes it worse,” she explained. “I’m in the ‘I can’t get comfortable stage these days.”
“Say the word, and we can get some pillows in here,” Patch said, worrying about her.
“He stuffed the backseat with pillows and blankets. He apparently planned on a nap,” Claire teased. “I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“Ouch,” Gabby said, holding her side. “We must have a linebacker in there.”
Maddie smiled as she greeted them. “Gabby, you and Knight help yourselves to the buffet. It’s ready. Claire, you and Patch go next. I’m sending Avie next, and we’ll get Catherine fed.”
“Thank you, Maddie,” Gabby said, rising from the table. They walked to the buffet, and she piled her plate with chicken salad, fruit, and sliced veggies.
“Dang. I thought you only kidded about the chicken salad,” Knight said, staring at her plate.
“Knight, it’s not nice to judge a pregnant woman’s choice of foods,” she reminded him.
“There’s no judgment. I have never seen you eat this much,” Knight said gently.
“Umm, I beg to differ. I polished off an entire pan of Tess’ tacos with Bryanna. This time, Mexican food hurts my stomach. It’s funny how it changes with each pregnancy. Then again, every child has their own personality.”
Knight took her plate, carried it to their seats, and returned for drinks. When he got back to the table, Gabby winced and glanced up at him.
“Can you please get Kassie? I’m not sure if these count as real. They’re not coming regularly, but they’re uncomfortable.”
Not wanting to leave his wife, he whistled, and Patch immediately turned his head toward him. “Get Kassie,” he said.
Patch dropped his plate on the buffet line and interrupted her conversation with the grans and Catherine. Kassie immediately turned and followed him back to Gabby.
“What’s wrong?” she asked sweetly.
“I keep having pains. They’re not regular, but they’re uncomfortable,” Gabby explained. “I’m sorry to bother you. It’s probably nothing.”
Kassie felt her stomach. “It’s not a problem. Bryanna mentioned you seemed to have dropped since she last saw you. Why don’t we take you up to Dr. Greene and have her check you?”
“I’m not due for another couple of weeks,” Gabby argued. “Can it be Braxton-Hicks?”
“Babies come on their own time,” Kassie said. “They don’t necessarily keep a calendar. With your history, I’d rather you be safe than sorry. I’ll call Dr. Greene, and you make your way there. Take your time. I don’t see an emergency. We’re playing it cautiously.”
“What about the shower?” she asked. “You all worked hard to pull this together, and I’m leaving.”
Kassie grinned. “Have you ever known this crew to turn down food and a party? I’ll arrange for your gifts to be delivered to your house. We’ll pack up food and your cake. Do you want to grab a picture with you and Knight next to it before you leave?”
“No. We’re leaving now,” Knight said protectively.
Gabby put a hand on his arm. “We didn’t do this last time. Let’s start new memories. It’ll only take a second.”
Knight dug in his pocket for the keys, throwing them to Patch. “I parked about halfway down. Can you bring it to the door? I don’t want her walking.”
“You got it, brother,” Patch assured him. “Take your picture, and I’ll have it there for you. Do you feel all right to drive? Claire and I can go with you,” he suggested.
“No. I got this,” Knight said anxiously. “Oh crap, I forgot about little Marcus. He’s with the babysitter.”
“She’s not expecting us back until four. We most likely will be home by then,” she said gently.
“Don’t worry, Knight. If you’re still there, Patch and I will care for him,” Claire reassured him. “Keep us updated.”
Knight escorted Gabby to the cake, and Kassie snapped a few photos. Gabby gripped his arm as he led her from the restaurant. As promised, Patch pulled the SUV to the front and opened the passenger door.
“Thanks, man,” Knight said as he helped Gabby into the vehicle.
“Whatever you need,” Patch said. “It’s a good thing we got here when we did.”
Knight sent him a relieved expression before getting into the driver’s seat and heading toward the hospital.
Peering at his wife, he recalled her last pregnancy and the unexpected difficulties during labor.
Fear ran through him. Dr. Greene assured him the pregnancy progressed without any indication of complications.
It didn’t change the fact that things happened.
His leader didn’t plan to leave his wife alone with four children.
Knight gulped and concentrated on the road.
Life suddenly seemed fragile and precious at the same time.