Page 65 of Pieces into Place
“I know.” Alexis tenderly caressed Blake’s cheek. “I can see how much you needed it by how rested you look. I haven’t seen you like this in a while.”
“I haven’t felt like this in a while.”
“I’m so happy for you, baby. You deserve this.”
“We deserve this.” Blake pulled Alexis as close as she could get with her baby bump in the way. “I can’t wait to tell them that we are ch—”
“Shhh!” Alexis scolded as she put her hand over Blake’s mouth and she looked to the bedroom door. “Don’t run your big mouth and ruin the surprise just a few weeks before we plan to tell them.”
“You’re so bossy.”
“Yeah?” Alexis arched an eyebrow at her. “You like it?”
“You know I do.”
“Then get in bed so I can feed you breakfast.”
“Is that what you’re calling your clit now?”
“Blake!” Alexis playfully hit her shoulder as they both laughed. “I swear, pregnancy has made you so horny.”
“Like mother, like daughter,” Vera chimed in with a laugh as she and Isla returned to the bedroom. She and Isla had two more trays of food that Blake knew were for Alexis and Vera.
The four of them piled onto the bed as they chatted and ate their breakfast. Blake was beyond relaxed with her back against the headboard, her feet propped up on three pillows, and another pillow behind her lower back. It was easy to see why Vera was the most requested doctor at the hospital, and it made Blake feel guilty for not choosing her to be her doctor all over again.
It seemed so stupid now. How selfish could she have been to only think of herself when choosing a doctor? She hadn’t thought past her own insecurities to see how that decision would affect not only Vera but Isla as well. And although Blake knew that Alexis wouldn’t mind if she invited Isla and Vera to be in the delivery room, Blake alsodidn’t want to make a decision in the midst of so many emotions. After all, she had no clue how she’d handle being in labor. Maybe she’d want her mommy there. Maybe she wouldn’t.
Maybe I’ll just wait to make a decision about who will be in the room when that day comes.
Hopefully in the distant future.
Blake knew the distant future wasn’t that far away, though. She was thirty-four weeks, well on her way to the end of her pregnancy. Her due date was quickly approaching while she knew everything at home was ready for the new baby. Blake couldn’t quite get over her anxiety about the actual birth part. Hence why she kept avoiding it. Somehow she’d even convinced Alexis they didn’t need to go to the birthing class Dr. Jacobs had encouraged because she knew what to expect.
It was a lie. A flat out, bold face lie. All Blake knew about labor was what she’d seen with Alexis.
Maybe I can ask Vera.
No.
She’s not my doctor.
But she’s my mama.
Blake battled with her inner thoughts all day as the four of them hung around the house and relaxed. Since it was mid-March, the sun wasn’t too warm yet. She’d settled for sitting on the back deck in her bikini top and cargo shorts with her feet propped up on a nearby chair. Alexis and Isla were cleaning the pool as Vera worked on cleaning the grill on the deck near Blake.
Since waking up, Blake had had a couple of Braxton-Hicks contractions that she’d worked through without anyone noticing. They were uncomfortable, but not painful. Thank God. The painful one she’d had the night before had made her want to cry. But was that a sign she was going to be going into labor soon? Or would her water need to breakfirst? With Alexis, her water had brokenaftershe was in labor. Would it be the same for Blake?
She had no clue.
Nor had she thought to ask Dr. Jacobs the countless times she asked if they had any more questions.
Before she could talk herself out of it, Blake cleared her throat as she looked at Vera. She had her back to Blake as she cleaned, humming along to a song Blake vaguely recognized. Taking in a deep breath, Blake finally decided it was time.
“Mama?”
“Yeah, honey?” Vera set the cleaning rag down as she turned to face Blake with a smile on her lips.
“Will I know when I’m going intoactuallabor?”
