Soulmates

Chapter twenty-two

Two weeks passed with Claire making it to her second trimester. I requested the day off after I came home last night and she was emotional, moreso than usual. It hit me this morning that it was because she made it to her second trimester. 

I woke up this morning to both her and Kelly still asleep. Kelly's been sleeping at Claire's back since we learned about the triplets. It's been comforting for her and that's what we came to agree on. Doing whatever keeps Claire calm and relaxed. So when I came home to her in distress, I called in for today off.

Her stomach was resting against my side with Kelly's hand caressing her bump. I bring my hand up to join Kelly's and moments later I feel a kick. Claire's eyes fly open as I felt kick after kick. She breaks into uncontrolled sobs and I kiss her forehead. Kelly wakes from behind her, sweeping her thumb and kissing her shoulder. "It's their way of telling you they're okay," Kelly says in a soothing whisper and Claire lets out a calming breath. 

"Or they just want to say good morning mommy," I say with a smile and Claire laughs through her calming sobs. "Can you feel all three of them?"

"One of them is kicking your side and either of your hands," she chokes with relief. "I'm glad you're home today. I'm not sure if I'd be this calm if you weren't."

"Aside from us and your doctor, I told my captain about our situation. He's very understanding about this and said at any time you need me, just call and I'll be home," I say in a soothing whisper and she lets out a relieved sigh. 

"I'm ready to tell the others," she chokes in a calm whisper. 

"When did you want to," Kelly asks softly, kissing her shoulder. 

"Can you call them over now? I want to tell them while I'm in this calm state," she says quietly and Kelly and I make eye contact.

We were both concerned about her telling everyone too soon, but it's what she wants and we don't want to upset her. "I'll call them while Jennifer does breakfast," Kelly says softly and Claire looks back at her. "What do you want me to tell them to get them here?"

"Just tell them I have news they'll want to hear," she says with a light smile and Kelly gives her a kiss. 

"Is there something special I can make for breakfast," I ask softly, rubbing her stomach and she hums with content. 

"I'm craving blueberry pancakes with assorted fruit with whipped cream," she says with a smile and I give her a kiss. Her smile falters as she asks, "Do you think telling them is too soon? Be honest with me, please."

"I do, but if you really want to tell them, then Kelly and I will be there for you if it gets too overwhelming," I say in a soothing whisper and she nods lightly. 

"I want all our mothers included in this beautiful experience, even if it's a little stressful," she says with a smile and gets out of bed. "I'm going to find Kelly, I want to know if everyone is coming."

I get up to follow her and we find Kelly in the kitchen with Caroline. Caroline comes over and asks, "Do I get a sneak peek in this secret you're sharing?"

Claire takes her hands and places them on her stomach. Caroline's eyes light up and asks, "There's two?" Claire moves one of her hands and moments later Caroline looks at her with shock. "Three?"

Claire nods vigorously as tears roll down her cheeks. Caroline takes her in a comforting embrace, rubbing her back. "Its going to be okay Claire," she says in a soothing whisper and Claire lets out a calming breath. "Now I know why my sister and Kelly have been hellbent on keeping you calm and why Jennifer called in today."

I mouth her a thank you and she gives a light smile. Kelly comes over and we both stand aside knowing that Claire gets overwhelmed with too much comfort at once. "Everyone is on their way, including Monica and Carrie. Grace wanted to see Jennifer," Kelly says looking at me with tears in her eyes. "She's not doing good and Monica is hoping seeing you will brighten her up."