Learning to Live

Chapter 1

©️jrf2022

Isabella keeps watching Jud. The look he has on his face right now is the same look from two months ago. She knows he is lost in the memories of that dreadful day. He was so heartbroken over Jake. Isabella couldn't drop anymore heartbreak on him so she kept that pain all to herself. She had lost their baby before she could tell him there was a baby to lose. But today, she doesn't have to tell him about the loss because there is news of a gain. That is if she can get him out of his thoughts, memories. He hasn't heard anything she's said yet.

They are staying at his mom's while they are on their trip. Sadie has Angel today, they just dropped her off. The doctor had informed her of the results this morning. The timing couldn't be more perfect. His car rolls to a stop in the driveway. Jud puts it in park and shuts the engine off. He stares out the window at the barn, where Mingus had found Jake. He finally moves to get out of the car when Isabella yells at him. "Judson!" He spins around falling back into his seat. A look of panic on his face. She hasn't used his full name in a long time and she hasn't yelled at him in an even longer span of time. His mind is racing, trying to figure out what he is in trouble for. "I'm, what did I do?"

"Why do you think you did something?"

"You called me by my full name, and you yelled."

Isabella laughs, "well I didn't yell but for starters, I have been trying to talk to you and you haven't heard a single thing I've said." Jud drops his head.

"I'm sorry Iz," he is on the verge of tears now, "I wasn't trying to ignore you, I promise."

"I know Jud, I know. I'm not mad. I know where your mind is...I just need you to hear me right now." She smiles at him and he looks at her anxiously. "On second thought," she pulls out her phone and opens her patient portal app, "maybe you should read it for yourself." She hands him the phone and he reads it, over and over while Isabella waits for his reaction.

"Is this?" He starts and then looks up at her, eyes filled with tears — happy tears this time. Isabella has a heavenly glow around her, at least that is how Jud sees her in this moment. She slowly nods, biting her lip. He speaks again, "Are you shittin' me?" Isabella shakes her head.

"I most certainly am not! You're going to be a papà. Jud raises his hand grabbing her by the back of her neck and pulling her into a deep kiss. When he pulls away he starts rambling excitedly. About names, whether he wants a boy or a girl more, a nursery, and all the work they have ahead of them to get ready for this little one. "Oh man! We need a house. Our apartment is too small!"

"Slow down cowboy," Isabella laughs, "we still have a long way to go." Jud shrugs jumping out of the car and running around to her door. He swings it open and scoops her up into his arms, carrying her onto the porch. That smile on his face is exactly what she was hoping to see.

They have been curled up on that porch swing for about an hour now. Jud has been talking to their unborn child the whole time. "So," he sighs looking to Isabella now, "when do we tell everyone else?" Isabella bolts up out of the swing almost dumping Jud onto the porch. "Oh per l'amore del dio! Papà, non passiamo dirlo a papà!"

Why can't we tell your dad?" Jud asks pulling her back into his chest and into a hug, "he'll be thrilled to be a grandpa."Isabella turns her head up to look at him, fear in her eyes. "or not." Jud continues his thought.

"No, no he won't." She buries her face in his chest, "I haven't even told him we're living together, let alone having sex. As far as I know my papà still thinks I am a virgin."

"Oh shit woman," Jud gasps jokingly, "you tryin' to get me killed?" Isabella shoves him stepping back and folding her arms across her chest. She pokes out her bottom lip. Jud chuckles softly before pulling her back into his arms. "Don't worry babe, we'll figure it out." He moves his hand up and down her back, calming her. She always feels better in his arms.