“Liam,” my mom says as she comes to me, placing her hands on my forearms. “I’m going to go order us some food. You guys have to be starving.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I watch her walk away and think about these past few months. She spends more and more time at our house, which doesn’t seem to bother Josie. They’re often laughing together. I was shocked as shit when they started shopping together. Whatever happened when I was in LA, for her and Josie, has been a great thing.
My father is another story. He refuses to acknowledge Josie as my wife, which means he doesn’t acknowledge Noah and that is unacceptable in my book. He’s not welcome in our home and he knows it.
I’ve told my mom that as soon as the baby’s born, she and I will go back to LA and get my grandmother’s estate in order. There’s a trust in my mother’s name that her father left her and I think it’s about time she claimed it. Maybe she’ll use the money to leave my father.
One could only hope.
When I was in labor with Noah, my mom was by my side. My dad, Katelyn and Mason waited in the waiting room for the news that Noah was here. As much as I love Liam and know he’ll be by my side, helping me through this delivery, I need my mom and Katelyn with me right now.
They both come rushing in, each taking a side. My mom bumps the nurse and doesn’t apologize. I’m sure the nurse is used to overbearing mothers.
“Don’t be mean, Mom, she’s just doing her job.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” she says turning her attention on me. Her fingers push through my hair and even at this age, I find it calming to have my mom here.
“The baby is coming early. I’m scared.” I say to both of them through tears. “What if it’s not ready?”
Katelyn grabs my hand. “I was scared, too, when the twins came early, but look at them. They’re healthy. They only had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. If the doctor didn’t think the baby was ready, he’d be doing everything he could to stop things. You’ve got to trust him.”
“She’s right, Josie. You need to have faith,” my mom says. These words are easier to hear, but not so easy to believe and I won’t be able to until I’m holding my baby in my arms.
Katelyn gives me a kiss on my forehead and steps aside so I can see my dad.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Hey, Sweetheart. You really gave me a scare.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
My dad has never been an overly emotional man. I’ve seen him cry only a handful of times. When I told him Sterling wouldn’t help me find Liam, he said it broke his heart that I was going through this by myself. He cried then, when he held Noah for the first time and now.
“Don’t cry. You’re going to be a grandfather again.”
“And I can’t wait.” He kisses my forehead and excuses himself. Once he leaves, everyone starts to come in. Pretty soon my room is full of family and friends, and the smell of delicious pasta.
“Where’s everyone else?”
“Tess and Mr. Powell took the kids back to the hotel to swim and make sure we aren’t booted from our rooms since we were due to check out after the game. Nick took Aubrey there, as well, because the seats in the waiting room aren’t very comfortable.”
“I can imagine,” I say, looking at Liam. Then to everyone else, “You guys don’t have to stay.” From the look on Harrison and Jimmy’s faces, they want to get the hell out of dodge.
“This is where we want to be, Josie.” Bianca says as she hands me a plate of plain pasta, with plain toast and some applesauce.
“All of this is okay, I checked with the nurse.”
“You did?” I choke back sob of gratitude.
“Of course. I don’t want you sick when you deliver. You need strength, so eat. I know it’s bland. We’ll just have to go out to dinner after the baby arrives.”
“Thank you, Bianca.”
She smiles and looks away, not liking the attention. When she passes by Liam, he pulls her into his arms and gives her a quick hug. They’re still working on building their relationship and I have no reason to believe it will ever crumble again. She’s determined to do right by her son.
Liam sits next to me while we eat. With each bite he takes, I long for the heavy cream of Alfredo sauce.
“How does yours taste?”
“Great, want some?”
I shake my head and turn back to my plain noodles with my plain toast. I could really use a hot dog right now.
When the nurse comes in, she brings me a Popsicle. I think I love her. She looks around the room and smiles once she realizes who is in my room.
“You’re one lucky lady.”
“Thanks,” I say as I suck on the icy treat. “I don’t know which one is the dad though, so it’s a bit awkward, if you know what I mean. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to be in this position.”
Her eyes go wide, as everyone in the room starts to laugh. My mom chastises me for saying such a thing. I shrug and continue giving my baby a massive dose of sugar.
“You can ask for their autograph if you want, but only if you give me a discount on my bill.”