Page 33 of Zombie's Howl-O-Ween
“Yup. You just need a shower, handsome.” I pinched my nose again.
“Oh, damn. I’m sorry.” He backed away from me, then sniffed his armpit. “Jesus, I stink.”
Like a skunk.
“Yes, but it’s hard to notice when it’s on yourself. After your shower, you can kiss me all you want.” I watched his reaction, and he seemed fine.
Learning all about Brandon’s neurodivergence was my top priority. I wanted to be able to communicate with him effectively. And for the most part, I did just fine.
But then I had known him for several years, and I’d figured out that being direct and concise, and in an even tone worked best.
“It’s funny because I’ve noticed you’re more sensitive to smell lately. What’s up with that?”
“Oh, really? That is funny.” I bit my bottom lip and went to the kitchen sink where I’d been washing mixing bowls. “Do you want me to make you a snack, for after your shower?”
“That’d be great. I’m starving. The guys just like to drink when we’re hunting.”
“Yeah, I smelled whiskey on your breath.”
“Man, your nose is better than Dodge’s Foxhound.” He laughed on his way out of the kitchen.
I ran to the back door, swung it open and sucked the fresh air into my nose to cleans it from my stinky man. Fortunately, it didn’t take long or I might freeze.
My hand went on my belly, and guilt tumbled around in my heart.
I needed to tell Brandon that his plan to get me pregnant on Halloween had likely happened. But with everything going on, I didn’t want him feeling overwhelmed until after today.
It was challenging to predict how he’d react to something. I’d like to believe he would be thrilled we were having a baby, but I wasn’t certain. His initial reaction might not be joyous, and he’d need to process. I wanted him to have the space he might need.
But I absolutely believed he’d be elated and would be a terrific father.
Fortunately, his parents were staying in a hotel tonight, since we hadn’t put together the extra room. Then tomorrow they were heading home, unless they changed their mind. I doubted it though. I think they just wanted to come check out things and see Brandon for a brief visit. Perhaps the next time they came to Minnesota, they’d stay longer.
I just wanted to get through the next couple of days before sharing the news. When the moment seemed calm and stress-free, I’d tell him he was going to be a daddy.
Plus, at most, I was four weeks along and miscarriages were common in the first trimester. I’d been reading up on it since I first gagged when I entered the deli. There were a lot of strong scents in that building.
I wasn’t sure how I would survive working for the next couple of months without my parents knowing I was pregnant. My mother would probably figure it out, so I needed to tell Brandon. He deserved to find out first.
Feeling better, I resumed what I was doing before my stinky boyfriend came home. Thank goodness, he hadn’t brought the birds and deer into our home. I would have surely barfed.
Shaking all that out of my head, I got back to preparing my side dishes. I wanted everything ready to go before his parents arrived, and time was ticking faster than I was moving.
While Brandon was in the shower, I managed to finish the yams and corn casserole, and I set the table for our meal. We’d borrowed a banquet table from his club and six chairs. His biker friends and their wives were incredible, so giving and willing to help. It was because of them that we were all moved in. I was grateful to have them in my life.
A new dining set was the first large purchase we would make together. I just hadn’t had time to shop for one while working at the deli. The holidays were a busy time. We had an increase in catered orders on top of our regular customer traffic flow.
Hopefully, I’d have one by Christmas.
“Trix, come here!” he hollered from the bedroom.
“Sure, one sec.” Weirdly, the muscles in my shoulders locked up when I heard something different in his voice. I couldn’t imagine what happened or what he needed.
I stood after I had just sat down to take a breather before everyone arrived. Which wouldn’t be long now. It was almost two o’clock.
“Trix!”
“I’m here.” I appeared in the doorway of our bedroom. “What’s up?”
