When I See You Again

Part 26

At eight months pregnant, Stevie didn't like being alone. She didn't have to spend more than a day without Rick. If he wasn't around, then Lindsey would come over. However, Rick had to get on a plane to go home for a family emergency. She couldn't be sure, when he was coming back and his absence made her anxious. 

The pregnancy had changed Stevie's routine quite a bit. She no longer stayed up until the early hours of the morning, she was constantly tired and uncomfortable. Tonight, however, she couldn't fall asleep. She wasn't experiencing any pain, but she felt some sort of tension, which was exactly what was keeping her up. 

With a heavy sigh, Stevie sat up straight and turned the bedside lamp on. She checked the time and a thought crossed her mind, which she quickly shunned away. Then she thought about it again and her eyes focused on the phone next to her. What if he says, no? If he says, no, at least she tried. 

"Yeah?" 

"I'm sorry to wake you, Lindsey."

"Steph?" She heard some rustling. "Is everything okay?"

"Fine, everything's fine, just..." She hesitated for a second. "I'm alone, Lindsey, and I've been feeling weird."

"I'll be right there."

"No, you don't have to come." She said, despite having called him to ask if he could come over. "Really, it's-"

"Stevie, you called me for a reason. You don't feel comfortable being alone. I'll get dressed and be there soon."

"Lindsey..."

"What?"

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. I'll see you soon." 

Still half asleep, Lindsey blindly searched for his clothes, which he'd scattered across the floor earlier. He didn't honestly believe that he would manage to leave without waking Cheri up, but he didn't want to deal with her right now.

"Where are you going?" Cheri asked, sitting up in bed.

"To Stevie's." Lindsey replied, zipping up his jeans.

"Excuse me? The hell you are!" 

"Don't, okay? Just don't start." He tried shutting her up, pulling down his T-shirt over his head. "Her due date is approaching, I would never forgive myself if something happened."

"Well, doesn't she have someone to take care of her?" Cheri asked, knowing he wouldn't like to be reminded of that.

"Stevie told me, she's alone. I don't want her to be, so I'm going, whether you like it or not." Lindsey shrugged on his way out. "I don't care."

Jumping into his car, Lindsey turned the engine on and sped off out of the driveway. He wasn't going to say anything, but it warmed his heart that Stevie chose him. She could have called anyone, she had a lot of close friends, Christine for example, but she wanted him. 

Over the past several weeks, things took a turn for the better. Keeping true to his word, Lindsey didn't mention their relationship once. He was there for Stevie and for their baby. He bought things for the nursery, he painted the nursery and he put all the furniture together. And Stevie was impressed, she told him so herself. Lindsey didn't even explode, when she admitted to being romantically involved with Rick. He did, of course, when he got home, but he kept his cool in front of her.

Pulling into her driveway, Lindsey looked up and he saw her bedroom dimly lit. She hadn't fallen asleep, she still needed him. Running a hand through his messy curls in order to tame them down a little, Lindsey rang the doorbell and waited. He didn't get impatient, he knew, she had difficulty moving around.

"Hey." Stevie finally let him in, a shy smile on her lips. "You didn't have to come, though, Lindsey."

"Yes, I did." Lindsey insisted, stepping inside. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." She nodded, clasping her hands. "Now that I'm no longer by myself."

Lindsey smiled on the inside, hearing those words. "You look tired, Steph."

"I am." She agreed through a yawn. "I went to bed hours ago, but I couldn't fall asleep."

"Come on." He hugged her around the shoulders. "I'll lie with you until you drift off."

"Lie with me? Like, in my bed?" Stevie stopped, giving him a look.

Lindsey rolled his eyes and decided to be funny. "Yeah, wouldn't be the first time. It's what got us, where we are right now. Now, move."

Keeping a tight grip on her, Lindsey helped Stevie get back up the stairs. She wasn't against him taking charge at all. Pushing the door to the master bedroom open wider, Lindsey allowed Stevie to enter first as he followed behind. He then helped her sit and held up the covers, until she got situated and then tucked her in. 

"I'll be here, until I'm sure, you're sound asleep." Lindsey repeated, getting in bed as well. "Do you want me to turn off the light?"

"Please." Stevie nodded and turned on her side, facing him. 

Lindsey pretended like this wasn't a big deal, but it was. Just a couple of months ago, Stevie didn't even want to see him. He considered this to be a small victory. She didn't say it out loud and likely wasn't going to, but she needed him.

It felt like only several minutes had passed, when Lindsey turned his head and looked at Stevie. Her breathing had evened out already and while she didn't do it consciously, she still sought out his hand.