Page 125 of Rebound
“The second part I already knew. But okay. No engagement party.”
I eat something heavy on the vanilla and make a face. “And no flashy wedding. We’re keeping it small and simple.”
“How small? You know our parents are going to make it difficult.”
I love that he’s been referring to his folks and Vera’s as our parents. Even though Tessammai didn’t give birth to me, she’s the closest thing I have to a mother.
“I’ll tell Jakesapapen I don’t want a big wedding. He’ll listen.”
“You think Vera didn’t try that? You underestimate the power of the women in your family.” I scowl at him and he chuckles. “You strong-armed me into a lot of things for the house, baby. Or are you misremembering this?”
“You said you agreed because you love and trust me!”
“Obviously. And you always get your way.”
I gasp and my attempts to take my legs off his lap are foiled by his giant baby. “Ugh. I can’t even move.”
He laughs and slides his hands under my dress, up my calves to my thighs. “I have no regrets about anything to do with our house. I love giving you what you want, always. That doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
“Fine, but like…you like that I’m powerful, right?”
Patrick stares at me for a moment, then his face splits into the most beautiful smile. My heart gallops and steadies as we swoon. This man could win anyone over with a smile, but he always turns it on me.
“I love that you’re powerful. I love everything about you, Tamara, in case it wasn’t obvious yet. I love how strong you are. How ridiculous you can get sometimes. I love your creative mind and the way you’ve transformed our house into a home. I love that you’ve spent the last nine months carrying my giant baby with only a few complaints. I love that I get to witness you become this incredible human. But mostly, I love that you love me and want to be with me for the rest of your life.”
I blink fast, trying to hold back the tears. I don’t even care that everyone can see us or people have already frowned at Patrick feeling me up under the dress. I feel so overwhelmed with love for this man and I nee—oh no.
His expression shifts instantly. “What…what’s wrong?”
“Did I pee or…”
“Good thing I brought the spare underwear, huh?”
In all fairness, even if he’s carrying spare panties, this has never happened before. A little comes out on the way to the restrooms, but for the most part I’ve been able to hold it in. I shift in my chair, the wetness spreading and dress chafing against my thighs. “Ugh, this is gross. Why is your spawn being so difficult?”
He laughs and reaches for the bag under the table as I stop squirming. Then he freezes and sniffs loudly. “Uh, Lo, I don’t think it’s pee…”
My eyes widen as I look at my lap and then back at Patrick. “Oh my god,” I whisper and the music suddenly gets really loud.
Patrick’s eyes widen as a smile splits his face. “Holy shit. Giant baby on the way?”
“I am not having this baby here.”
There’s a moment of confusion—my feet are still in his lap and he needs to grab everything from under the table. I reach for his arm and squeeze it gently, forcing him to breathe. He meets my eyes and laughs nervously before I’m shifted carefully so my feet are on the ground. We finally made it to antenatal classes with Laxmi and Patrick apologised profusely for what happened the first time we were there. She insisted it happens to everyone and got down to work. We both know what to do and the clinic has my birthing plan. And yet, I can’t remember her instructions beyond how to breathe.
He picks up the bag as the first contraction rolls through me. I groan loudly and squeeze my eyes shut. At this point, I don’t care if we’re drawing a crowd. This baby is coming a week early and it’s their fault I’m now the centre of attention. I try to remember everything Laxmi taught me and huff-puff all while Patrick’s standing there dumbly, staring at me.
“Fuck, do you want me to carry you?”
“I don’t know,” I force out and he says something else to me, but the next contraction catches me off guard. A hand lands on my back, brushing up and down and I look up into Varun’s concerned face.
He holds his hands out and gripping them, I lift myself up. Another contraction works its way through me and I hiss. Before I can straighten up, my feet are off the floor and cradled in Varun’s arms as he moves through the ballroom. Everyone’s standing, gasping and pointing, but I can’t stop laughing. I even see the corner of Varun’s mouth twitch. It’s the only way I can work through the contractions and the fact that this baby is almost here.
Patrick and Vikram are standing on the porch with the back door of the car open. Varun slides me in and my baby daddy climbs in after me. The Thomas boys get in front and drive, as another contraction grips me. I groan and bury my face against Patrick’s shoulder.
“Your fucking giant baby is trying to rip me open!”
His shoulders bounce and I know he’s laughing. He brushes my hair back and kisses my forehead. “Fuck, I love you so much.”
