Can we love again?- A Reddie Short Story

Chapter Four

He stared at her, unsure whether to laugh or cry. So many questions rushed through his head.

"Is- is it mine?" He stammered

Rachel nodded

Eddie sighed in relief.

"I'm 38 weeks" she added

"Why didn't you tell me?" Eddie asked painfully

"I was too scared" she shrugged

Eddie stood up, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

It suddenly all made sense. The oversized, baggy cardigan she wore over every outfit, the mood swings, and the way she'd been acting towards him. Even the phase she'd been through a few months ago where anything and everything made her sick. How she'd managed to hide it so well for so long, he didn't know. If she hadn't just showed him, he would have been none the wiser.

Nevertheless, he was happy. He was going to be a Father again. For real this time.

Rachel was staring at him nervously, trying to gage his reaction. She'd dreaded this moment from the day she'd found out she was pregnant in August of the previous year, a month after she and Eddie had separated. And now it was finally here. Eddie's silence was making her uneasy.

"Please say something" she begged

He caught his lips with hers, kissing her passionately, hoping it would communicate how he felt. Rachel melted into the kiss. She had her answer. Her thudding heart suddenly paused in its track, flooding with relief.

Eddie pulled apart from her, placing his hand on her stomach. The baby kicked in response to her Father's touch. Rachel smiled.

"I love you, Rach" he whispered

Rachel's eyes welled up with tears. She hadn't heard him say that for a very long time. In fact, she'd never thought she'd hear him say it ever again.

"I love you too" she whispered back, pecking him on the lips

Eddie smiled

"And I love our baby" he added

Rachel was about to respond with a smile, when she felt liquid running down her leg, forming a small puddle on the floor. Before she could react, another pain tore through her, stronger and more intense than the previous two. She groaned, leaning into Eddie, her head resting on his chest. He held onto her tightly, swaying side to side with her in his arms. With his free hand, he rubbed her lower back.