Chapter Thirty-Four
KATIE
After I was released from the hospital yesterday evening, Eric drove us home.
On the way, he discussed returning to Vegas in a few days, considering Brittany’s no longer a threat.
For the first time since all of this started, I felt like the stress had finally dissipated.
Until he leaves, Eric's staying in Everleigh's spare room because there’s central air and the basic essentials.
I owe Eric so damn much because I'm not sure Noah or I would be alive without his help.
My mother brought Owen back after dinner, and he was very clingy, not that I minded. He's never seen me in the hospital, and I think it scared him. I tried to assure him I'm fine and everything is okay, and I stayed with him in his room and held him until he fell asleep.
Noah even spent the night with us. He slept in my bed for a bit and held me, then went to the couch before Owen woke up.
Because the doctor was so adamant about me resting, Noah wanted to make sure I did.
The stress and trauma combined with dehydration could’ve resulted in tragedy, but I try to push those thoughts away.
I'm overwhelmingly grateful we’re all okay.
I was shocked about the twins, but to see the pride and excitement radiate from Noah made me so happy. I'd been nervous to tell him, trying to find the right time, wanting to be certain it wasn't a false alarm.
Now that he knows, things are different between us. In a good way, though. In the type of way where I know we'll always be together. I'd be lying if I said the thought of miscarrying again hasn't given me anxiety, but Noah’s understanding.
I sleep in and wake to the sound of my bedroom door opening. Noah enters with a tray full of food, and Owen carries a glass of milk and orange juice. Sitting up, I rest my back against the headboard and smile.
“Good morning,” Noah hums, setting the tray on the bed as I brush fallen hair from my face. My eyes widen, seeing biscuits and gravy, sausage patties, bacon, and a fruit bowl.
“Happy Mother's Day, Mom!” Owen says, handing the drinks to me.
“Thank you, sweetie,” I tell him, meeting Noah's eyes with a soft smile. “I totally forgot.”
“We've been just a little preoccupied,” he reminds me.
“One second,” Owen says, then runs off. Noah takes the opportunity to lean in and steal a kiss.
“You're so beautiful in the morning,” he whispers against my lips before pulling away.
Owen rushes back with something in his hand. When he gets to the edge of the bed, he passes me the item wrapped in pink paper.
“You got me a gift?” I ask.
Owen nods, eagerly waiting for me to open it.
I tear off the paper, and I'm instantly in awe. Owen drew a picture of him, me, and Noah standing in front of the new house. I swallow hard, hoping I don’t cry.
“You like it?”
“I love it, baby. It's incredible.”
Noah leans over and looks at it. I watch his eyes soften as a grin touches his lips. “This is awesome!”
“Last week, my teacher let us make gifts for Mother's Day, and I asked if I could draw a picture instead. I've been practicing a lot with my comics.”
I open my arms, and Owen falls into them. I squeeze him tight. “Thank you. I love it so, so much.”
“You're welcome, Mama!” We break apart, and he snags a piece of pineapple from my fruit bowl with a laugh.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, offering more.
“We already ate,” Noah tells me with a wink. “Enjoy your breakfast and meet us in the living room when you're done.”
“Breakfast in bed. I can't remember the last time I've done this,” I admit, taking a big bite of eggs. Noah and Owen leave, and I nearly inhale the food. After I'm done, I get dressed and walk into the living room that’s full of balloons and several dozen roses.
Owen eagerly yells, “Surprise!”
I gasp. “You two spoil me too much.”
Happiness streams through me, and the only thing that pulls me away from the moment is my cell phone ringing. I see it's Loretta and decide to answer.
“Hey, Katie,” she greets. “I just wanted to check and see how you're doing.”
Noah meets my gaze as I sit on the couch. “I'm okay, was told to rest and drink plenty of liquids.” I don't dare tell her why, at least not yet. That’s not the type of conversation you have over the phone anyway.
“Good. I've been thinking about you all morning and wanted to know if you'd mind if I came by after lunch so we can talk.”
I owe her at least that much, considering what she did for us. “Sure, that’ll be fine.”
“Thank you,” she exhales. “I'll see you then.”
The call ends, and I stay quiet for a second.
“Everything okay?” Noah finally asks, taking a seat next to me as Owen goes to his room.
“Yeah, Loretta wants to come over later and talk. I wonder what she's gonna say.” My voice trails off when Owen comes back with his tablet. I force a grin, and he turns on the TV.
“She probably wants to explain herself,” Noah suggests, and I know he’s right.
We watch TV and play games for a few hours until it's lunchtime, and Noah whips up some quesadillas. Owen hasn't left my side all day. Eventually, moments like this will be few and far between, so I try to enjoy them. After we finish eating, I sit at the table and watch Noah clean up.
“Do you think we should tell him?” I ask Noah when Owen excuses himself.
“Only when you're ready,” he says, walking over and pressing his soft lips against mine. I tug at the hem of his shirt, needing him more than I need air.
“Mmm,” I moan against his mouth before he pushes away.
Owen returns with his iPad and plops down.
“Hey,” I say to him, and he looks at me. “There's something I need to tell you. Well, we need to tell you.”
I glance at Noah, and he sits at the table beside me and across from Owen, who glances back and forth between us. “What?” he asks.
I lick my lips then grab his small hand. “Do you remember when you were little, and you always asked me for brothers or sisters?”
Owen nods. “Yeah.”
“What if I told you that you're gonna be a big brother?” I ask.
Owen's eyes widen. “Seriously?”
“Yep.”
Owen wraps his arms around my neck. “I'm gonna have a little brother or sister?”
“Actually…” Noah says. “Maybe both? We’re having twins.”
“Two babies?” Owen giddily asks.
“That’s right,” I say, loving how excited he is.
“Does that mean you're staying forever?” Owen asks Noah.
“I'm not going anywhere, bud,” Noah says, then squeezes my hand.
“So you're moving in?”
“Uhh,” Noah hesitates. “That's kinda up to your mom.”
I don’t answer his question. The last thing I want to do is put pressure on Noah, although I’m sure he’d do it in a heartbeat.
“There's one more thing, Owen. You can't tell anyone yet because it's still early in the pregnancy.”
“Don't worry, Mom. I'm really good at keeping secrets,” he says, then glances at Noah. “I’m a pro!”
Noah and Owen don't let me leave the couch for anything and wait on me hand and foot. While I wait for Loretta, I get a group text from Everleigh and Gemma.
Everleigh
Happy Mother’s Day, mamas!
Gemma
Thank you! Happy Mother’s Day, Katie! How’re you feeling today?
I smile because this Mother’s Day is more special than any of the others I’ve had.
Katie
Thanks! I’m feeling okay! Just enjoying being spoiled today.
Everleigh
Yay! You deserve it. I was super worried about you, but thankfully, Gemma kept me in the loop. I’m glad you’re alive. Otherwise, I might’ve had to avenge you.
Gemma
Everleigh! You’re terrible. Katie, glad you’re doing good. Noah’s being on his best behavior then?
I snort, and Noah glances at me and shakes his head, knowing we’re talking about him.
Katie
I had breakfast in bed, balloons, flowers, a yummy lunch, and I’ve been told I’m not to get off the couch unless I have to pee. I feel like a queen.
Everleigh
Cause you are!
Gemma
After everything that’s happened lately, you deserve it.
Soon, a knock taps against the door, and my heart hammers in my chest. Noah opens it.
Loretta gives him a soft smile. It’s a much better reaction than the sneer she typically throws when his name is mentioned.
Although yesterday she seemed relieved to see us both.
It’s proof things are changing for the better.
“Hi, Noah,” she politely says, and he steps aside, allowing her in.
Owen runs over to give her a hug. It breaks my heart that I’ve kept them apart, but my intentions were good.
“Mimi, I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you too, baby,” she says, then meets my eyes, and I think I see a tear fall.
“Hey, Owen, wanna go shoot some hoops while your mom and Mimi talk?”
He grins, then runs to his room to change.
“Thank you,” I mouth to Noah before they go outside.
Loretta moves to the couch and sits a cushion’s width away. At first, I’m tense, and the whole situation is awkward, but then she speaks.
“Katie, I’m so sorry for keeping the truth from you,” she says. An apology from the beginning is a good start.
“Thank you,” I say, genuinely meaning it. “I hope you understand why I wouldn’t let you see Owen. A mother’s intuition never lies.”
“You’re right.”
“With that being said, I’m grateful that you were there. I don’t know if I’d be sitting here right now or if Noah would be alive. There was a lot at stake, and you risked so much. I appreciate you.”
She grabs my hand and squeezes it. “I knew Brittany was gonna try to pull something. She called me and rambled about how I won’t see her again after today.
I got in my car and drove to the grand opening.
When I was getting ready to park, I saw Noah and that man frantically searching for something and knew something happened.
So I followed them. Luckily, Noah never noticed me, and when they pulled into the storage, I parked on the side of the road where I could keep watch.
I sat there contemplating what I needed to do, but then I heard what sounded like gunshots and reacted. ”
“Thank you,” I whisper.