Second Chances

6- The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known

I stared at all seven of the pregnancy tests and tears began to fall as they all read the same thing: PREGNANT.

I cried so hard; my chest hurt. I couldn't believe that all this was happening. I was given another chance at this life with Caleb, and everything was perfect. After I made that terrible mistake of getting an abortion, there was always a piece of me that was left empty. Mike didn't fill it and didn't care to alleviate me in any way, but now that I was back with Caleb and carrying his child again, I felt whole.

I decided to keep it a surprise from Caleb because I wanted to be super extra when I told him. I needed to get to my Ob/GYN, but I had to be slick about it. Since I still needed to merge my businesses, I decided to use that as a front to use a jet and fly to the States. Don't get me wrong, I could easily go to a doctor down here, but I'd rather go to someone I trust. I quickly gathered the pregnancy tests and put them in the bag from the store and hid them where I knew Caleb wouldn't find them. I immediately called Caleb because it was close to lunchtime now, and he was still gone.

"Hey, bunny. I was just talking about you. I'm sorry about not calling but since we decided to move up the wedding, I decided to sneak out and do some planning of my own. How would you feel about getting married next Saturday while the sun is setting?"

"You are such a thoughtful man, Caleb. You've grown tremendously since we've been apart, and I've noticed that you've learned to love me. That is why I am marrying you, babe." I could hear him sniffle on the phone, and I felt little flutters in my stomach. I so desperately wanted to tell him that he was going to be a father, but I resisted the urge.

"You've made me such a happy man, Selena. I promise you will never want for anything again."

"I'll hold you to it. Listen, I have some restaurant business to take care of, and I was wondering if I could borrow a jet for a day or two?" I crossed my fingers with hopes that he wouldn't offer to join me, and he alleviated my thoughts by telling me to be careful and return to him in one piece. Immediately after we hung up, I packed my overnight bag, and I tossed the bag of pregnancy tests in there as well. I wasn't going to take any chances. Less than an hour later, I was surrounded by plush leather and the gentle clouds in the sky.

I wasn't scared, but I was nervous as hell. It's crazy how in less than four months, I was divorced, engaged to be remarried, and now I'm pregnant. Back in the day, I expected so much from Caleb too soon. We weren't even in our twenties yet, and I was forcing him to settle down before either one of us got a chance to see the world. The crazy part is, it's been twelve years and I haven't even done or seen half of what I would like to. I allowed Mike to halt my life plans, and I was willing to settle and deal with living a mediocre life with him, but seeing Caleb again reminded me of everything that was missing in my life. The only thing that I truly regretted was making Jasmine my only 'friend.' Instead of me embracing all of my sisters, I was living like a hermit. I don't even remember the day Jasmine and I began, but as I think back on it, she was always pushy as hell.

While I reminisced about my college days, I couldn't help but think about the last time I was active in my sorority. I lived for the step shows and the opportunities to help out in the community, and it was then that I decided to get active again. Since I was free from the boredom of Mike Baxter, I could pursue my interests and do what excited me, and marrying Caleb was at the top of my list.

When I landed in Baltimore, I felt carefree. Everything seemed so foreign, and I had to tell myself that I had never seen the airport this much when I was married to Mike. Hell, I was lucky if I got a chance to go to the store without him calling me every five minutes. I was lucky that my doctor was willing to meet me at her clinic for a late check-up. The second I told her that it was urgent, she was penciling me in her schedule and cutting her Zumba class short. I was spread-eagle on her exam table with her head all up in my business while Caleb passed through my mind. I was wondering what he was doing at this very moment and if he was okay. I jumped when I felt the cold gel against my skin and nearly fell off the table when she asked if I wanted to hear my baby's heartbeat. I shook my head vigorously and tears formed as the strong heartbeat resounded through the room. I couldn't wait to tell Caleb and I was thinking of the most elaborate way to do it.