Page 80 of Never Really Mine
For it being early May, it’s excessively hot. Though, maybe it’s just me being in the third trimester of pregnancy. Josie seems to be handling it just fine, though, she won’t stop hovering over me.
She’s been asking me what feels like every thirty seconds if I’m staying hydrated, offering me sports drinks, or making sure my water bottle is close by. Marissa was more than willing to help me with this wedding before my maternity leave, and most of my clients I had booked for the summer ended up switching to her, which I’m grateful for. She’s so talented, and deserves to have a steady clientele.
It’s about time for the ceremony, so we head towards the building. After doing countless weddings here, I know this place like the back of my hand, and it’s always nice when there is a last minute need and the wedding planner is busy, I can just run and find it, or call Isaac. Today has gone off without a hitch.
Marissa is walking beside me as the bridal party all separates to do a few last minute tasks before the ceremony. “So, getting close, huh?” she asks.
“Thank goodness,” I mutter. My back is absolutely killing me. It doesn’t help that my camera harness is not cooperating today, putting more pressure on my shoulders and lower back than there already is.
“Third trimester sucks. In the early weeks of it, you feel great, but then, those last six weeks hit you like a freight train, and everything makes you uncomfortable and pisses you off.”
“You’ve got that right,” I reply.
“I can’t even imagine doing it with twins though. On the bright side, if you have another kid, chances are you’ll have only one baby, and it will be like a totally different experience I bet.”
I groan. “The thought of having another baby right now makes me want to vomit. I haven’t even had these ones yet.”
Marissa chuckles. “Fair.”
We make it into the ceremony area, where guests are finding their seats. I gratefully take a seat in the back of the room, my backache easing a bit. I spot Josie in the front making final adjustments to the flower arch, and Fallon, running around with her trusty clipboard.
Marissa is going to be taking a majority of the photos of the ceremony, and I’ll take the secondary duties, giving myself a little bit of a break before the reception, and portraits. I rest my body for a moment, then I’m up and taking pictures again as soon as the ceremony starts.
About halfway through the ceremony, a tight pain like the one I had a few weeks ago bands across my stomach. The pain stays, and I fight to breathe through it, knowing it’s more than likely just some Braxton-Hicks contractions. Dr. Ness told me I would more than likely experience them now, but only to come in if they develop a pattern in timing, or the pain gets worse.
The pain evaporates, and I get back to work, all thoughts of pain and preterm labor fleeing my mind. The babies are as activeas always, with Baby Girl pressing on my bladder more often than not.
The rest of the ceremony goes by quickly, the bride and groom bringing nearly everyone—myself included—in the room to tears with their love story.
The Braxton-Hicks continued off and on throughout the ceremony, but never enough to conform to a pattern or make me question if I was in preterm labor. Josie has been watching me the entire time, and I suspect she’s going to make her way over to me within minutes. I take a few pictures of the receiving line and watch as Josie does exactly what I thought.
As soon as she reaches me, she speaks. “Are you okay? You winced a few times and you look like you’re in pain.”
I wave her off. “I’m fine, just some Braxton-Hicks contractions, and they’re irregular.”
Josie furrows her brow. “No, I don’t think you should be working anymore. Especially in this heat. I can call Beau to come get you,” she murmurs, already pulling her phone out.
I swipe her phone from her palm without thinking twice. “I’m. Fine.”
She narrows her eyes. “I’m watching you, Momma.” To drive home her point, she holds two fingers to her eyes, then moves them to me, and back again.
“If anything changes, I’ll tell you. But this is normal.”
“Right,” she murmurs, and I know she’s not convinced. “Can I at least have my phone back?” She holds her open palm out.
“Only if you promise not to text Beau.”
She begrudgingly agrees and I hand over her phone.
Marissa saves me from the moment, thankfully. “Ready for portraits? The bride really wants some photos in the cellar.”
“Yep, let’s go.” I fully expect Josie to hover and follow along with us, but instead, she waves at Marissa.
“Hey, she’s having some Braxton-Hicks contractions. Watch her. If they get more regular, call me.” She points at me again. “The babies need to cook longer, so don’t push yourself.”
I sigh, knowing she’s only trying to take care of me. “I won’t. I promise I’m okay.”
She throws her arms around me in a tight hug. “I’ll be up here if you need me.” I nod into her embrace, the babies kicking at my stomach. “Woah, was that them?” Josie asks in surprise.
