
Chapter 84 - Family Dinner
POV: Emily
Word Count: 2112
April 28, 2012
All of my brother’s were at the house. Christina and Nadine were here, but Sophia wasn’t able to make it because of work. Joshua and Nadine had gotten married in December; they didn’t do anything big just a very small service, but it was nice to have another sister-in-law. George was concerned with my constant trips to the bathroom and I wasn’t sure that they wouldn’t figure it out before tomorrow. But we were just catching up and I was enjoying having Sheppard here as well. We had baby proofed as much as we could but he was a good baby.
I had fixed lunch but hadn’t eaten much because I had found that if I ate much smaller amounts I wasn’t as likely to get sick but it wasn’t a guarantee. Sheppard was in Zac’s lap about asleep and I was seeing months from now when he’d be holding our son or daughter.
“So, what’s everyone been doing?” I asked.
We went around the table listening to what each one had been up too, which was pretty much the same thing as we’ve always been up too. Working, dating, and taking care of children. Jason went last though and he looked at Sophia who smiled and nodded.
“We’re moving out of the apartment, we purchased a house just outside Atlanta close to our jobs and in a good neighborhood.”
“That’s good, you mentioned wanting to purchase a house in December.”
“Yeah, but we were going to wait but something came up and requires us to move that up a bit and since everyone is here already…the reason is Sophia is pregnant and we’re due in November.”
“That’s great!” I said.
He got congratulations and rounds of hugs, but I felt kind of jealous I’d watched her eat three times what I did and she was fine! They still didn’t know our reason for this gathering but they had just assumed it was because we weren’t busy and had the time, which was a valid reason also. We prepped some food items in the afternoon, the guys hung out and talked and everyone watched Sheppard as he played. Everyone went to bed rather early but I had spent most of the afternoon in the bathroom and most of the night too, the medication for nausea wasn’t working.
I had found Ensure worked ok sometimes, but I couldn’t rely on that for the duration of the pregnancy. Amanda was also out but today she had spent it with Craig, she was staying until after Hanson Day, her flight would leave that Sunday morning and I was glad to have her here for the week. I finally got to sleep about 2 am.
April 29, 2012; Sunday
Zac left me alone until about ten, then he woke me up and I got showered and dressed. I wasn’t really showing but I could feel the difference so I did wear clothes that weren’t as tight, I went with a summer dress today, something comfortable, although that alone seemed to surprise people because I rarely wore dresses at all.
Sheppard was beyond happy because he had Taylor and Isaac’s kids here to play with and they were awesome at keeping him occupied. We sat down for late lunch with everyone at 2. I was nervous because this was everyone close to us. I was grateful that everyone got along and it was the family I’d always wanted. Everyone loved and respected each other and they cared about what happened. I didn’t even make it through lunch before I had to run to the bathroom. Zac ran after me and we were able to return to the table after 15 minutes, but I pushed the rest of my plate away and stuck with the water. Taylor and Isaac looked at us worried and so did Natalie and Nikki, after all they knew why I was running. When everyone had finished eating I left it to Zac to tell them. He clinked the glass to get their attention.
“So, there actually is a reason why we called this reunion. It was because we wanted to see and spend time with our family while we’re not super busy or running around like crazy but there was another reason.”
Everyone was now looking at him and I could see the nerves his hands were slightly shaking and I got up to show support. Amanda looked at me concerned.
“We’re pregnant and our baby is due in October on my birthday.” Zac said.
Everyone got quite. “It’s why I’ve been so sick, the doctor said it wasn’t abnormal and should pass soon. Nadine you are so lucky at this point.”
She looked at me and smiled. “I’m sorry, I was horribly sick for like two weeks.”
“I’ve had all day sickness for two months. I’m hoping this tapers off.”
As the news sank in people began to congratulate us and hugs around. Ace was over the moon, because while he did claim Sheppard as his grandson this baby would truly be his grandchild. However, I was fine that he saw Sheppard as his grandson. Zac’s parents were thrilled.
“It’s about time! We’ve waited over two years!” she said.
She hugged us both. “We found out a few weeks ago but we elected to wait until the risk of miscarriage was much lower. I saw the doctor again Friday and he believes the chance is very slim.”
“Well Emily the first one wasn’t your fault and as you mentioned had those events not occurred then this little bean would be number two.”
“This little bean probably wouldn’t exist at this moment, but I think its fine the way it occurred.”
She smiled. “We love you and we cannot wait for a new grandbaby.”
I smiled at her. Jason was the first brother and person to do the spinning hug which Zac tried to catch him before he did and the moment he sat me down he knew something was wrong. I had to hold onto his arms because everything was spinning wildly which did nothing for the stomach and I barely made it to the downstairs half bath. Zac came and so did Jason.
“I totally didn’t mean to make you sick.”
“I tried to stop you but didn’t make it in time.” Zac said.
It took longer for the dizziness to fade and Zander actually came in and checked on me because Jason got worried. But he said vitals were ok it was probably just the shifting hormones that are causing the dizziness. Once Zander was sure I was ok we returned to the main rooms. Jason smiled.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s ok. You didn’t know that move would make me sick as hell, but if you do that again I will kick you.”
“No worries. Are you excited to be a mom?”
I hadn’t been asked that question. “Yeah.”
It didn’t sound as convincing to me as I had hoped, but he didn’t say anything. Each brother approached after being told and none of them redid the spinning hug, which I was so glad for.
Zac’s parents were over the moon happy because this would be Zac’s first baby and the first grandchild from him, yet it was tampered some because this was their sixth grandchild overall. His siblings were pretty much excited but over it quickly. They all tapered off and Amanda finally walked up.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I’m going to need some help now that you’ve finally fucking decided to move out here.”
She smiled. “You know I love Bradley but he’s doesn’t want to get married, he doesn’t want children, and he’s just running around doing stupid shit. I need my life to move forward so I left him and I’m coming here. I’ve already been talking to a guy online who lives in Jenks.”
I smiled. “I’m just glad you’ll be here soon.”
“Couple more months, I put in some applications already so as soon as something comes through I can head out.”
“Good.”
“How are you doing besides being sick as hell?”
“Aside from that, I’m good actually.”
She smiled and we talked a little while, Zac’s family left about five leaving less people. Amanda stayed until seven and then returned to her hotel room. I tried eating again after they left but didn’t get much down, but at least it did stay down, so that was a plus.
“It’s a weird feeling to know my daughter is having a baby. I almost feel like I should be feeling differently.”
I glanced at Dad and smiled. “Well, we haven’t really known each other a long time.”
“I know. I guess I still feel like I should have done more when you were younger.”
I turned to him. “Dad we’ve been over this many times. What’s important is that you’re here now. That you’re going to stay and not leave.”
He smiled. “I’m not going anywhere, I want a granddaughter though.”
“We have no idea what we’re having yet.”
“I know. You remind me of your mom when she was pregnant with the three of you, although, she wasn’t insanely sick.”
“I’m hoping that goes away really.”
“I’m sure it will. I came to say bye we’re headed home. But if you need anything you know where we are.”
“I do.”
I gave him a hug and walked him to the door, the other said bye as well and he and Nathaniel left. I went back to the kitchen and Christopher came in to help me.
“I’d have sent Zac but he, Casey and Craig are in a do or die game and I couldn’t resist a little time with you without them.”
I smiled. “You know I’m your sister you don’t have to find time to be alone to chat.”
“I know.”
“So...a little birdie told me you were being all kinky last year too.”
“Casey finally told you?”
“I don’t think Zac was aware that I didn’t quite know, but really it’s cool. I’m glad you trust him.”
“It was different, I won’t do details and Casey didn’t say anything about the times he was with you and Zac.”
“Good. How are you and Craig? Things ok?”
“We’re good, we’re thinking about purchasing a house though something more permanent than an apartment although, we both like the not having to do yard work or anything.”
“Oddly, Zac likes that stuff. The whole let me be a tough guy and chop a tree down.”
He giggled and we finished cleaning up. I got an Ensure from the fridge and he looked at me weird.
“Why not heat something up?”
“I’ll throw it up and this is iffy as well. But, it’s better than nothing.”
He frowned. “Can Zander give you anything?”
“No. He’s not an OB and he’s already said he can’t give me anything. It’s why I went back Friday I also scheduled all the tests and things I’d need to do.”
He smiled. “Being cautious are we?”
“No. Prepared because Zac said he wanted to be there for every appointment and this way they don’t schedule anything for that day. In fact the next appointment is mid-may for the sex. Which, we don’t know if we want to know yet.”
“Hey! We can’t spoil the little bean if we don’t know what color to buy!”
I rolled my eyes and went to the main living area, which was huge. Everyone was chilling out watching the three guys fight it out on the screen. Call of Duty game. I sat down and watched Christina as she fed Sheppard, she was a great Mom. She’d handled it well.
“Ems?” Aaron asked.
“Huh?”
“You ok? You look a little distant there.”
“Is that a trick question? I really want steak and potatoes and I know it won’t stay down. Yet, here you are asking if I’m ok???”
“Sorry!”
Zac giggled. “I can fix you steak and potatoes if that’s what you really want.”
“I’d take the offer but I already feel iffy with this.”
It got kind of quiet after that, I got half of the drink down before I stopped for a bit. I did get down with Sheppard and played with him for a while, because we wouldn’t always get to see him. Most everyone was in bed before Zac, Casey, and Craig called it quits with the game. I went to bed at ten, leaving Zac down with them and he came sometime after midnight. I only knew because I was sitting in the bathroom when he came in and after he made sure I was ok we went to bed.
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