T/W:
***
Steve
"Damn, I can't believe you're gonna be a dad," Dave says.
"You and me both," I say.
"How's Lex doing?" Dave asks.
"She hasn't been feeling the best," I reply.
"That sucks," Dave says. "Hopefully it won't last forever."
"I'm sure Lex would agree with you," I say. I hate seeing Lex so miserable. She hasn't been working as much, either. Most days, she lies on the couch, a bucket close by in case she can't make it to the bathroom in time. (There were a few times that happened and it wasn't pretty.)
She'll occasionally watch TV or read, but usually she just lies there, eyes closed, a protective hand resting on her stomach. Dave is still talking, but I realize I've missed half of what he was saying.
"Sorry," I apologize. "I wasn't listening."
"Jeez, man." Dave sounds more sympathetic than annoyed. "Married life wearing you down?"
"No," I answer. "I just got a lot on my mind. Plus I'm worried about Lex."
"I'm sure everything will work out," Dave tells me.
"You know what I like about you?" I ask.
"My charming personality? My rugged good looks? My fantastic sense of humor?" I chuckle.
"All of those," I respond. "But mostly I appreciate your positive outlook on everything. It keeps from falling into a dark pit of despair."
"Aww thanks, man," Dave says.
"I mean it," I insist. "It's really been helpful. Especially this last year and a half."
"No problem, Steve," Dave says. "That's what friends should do. Lift each other up."
"Completely agree. So thanks."
"Anytime," Dave says.
***
Lex
"Have you thought about names yet?" Calleigh asks me. She had a rare day off and we'd met up for lunch, although so far, I hadn't eaten much. Just some chicken noodle soup and a few saltine crackers.
"Are you kidding?" I ask. "I've hardly had time to think about much of anything, other than if my food will stay where it belongs or if I'm close enough to a bathroom." Calleigh laughs.
"I've heard pregnancy can be rough on certain women. But just remember, there's fun stuff involved, too."
"Such as?" I grab my glass of 7-Up, sipping it. So far, 7-Up has been my best friend.
"Well, I mentioned picking out the names, getting the nursery ready, and picking out cute outfits and toys." I set my glass back down.
"Once I stop feeling so shitty, maybe I can focus on that stuff."
"Would you ever consider naming the baby 'Tim' after...Speed if the baby is a boy?" Calleigh asks. I think about it.
"I might," I reply. "If Steve agrees. I want us to fully agree on the names." Calleigh nods.
"That's good." She studies me. "How are things between you and Steve?"
"Good," I answer. "I love him more every day. He's a hard worker and takes good care of me, just like Speed would have wanted."
"I'm happy things are going so well for the two of you," Calleigh says. "You both deserve some happiness." I smile.
"We certainly do."
***
After I return home from lunch with Calleigh, I go upstairs and look around the spare room that will be used as the nursery. It's pretty much empty, as of now.
Steve had made a suggestion earlier in the week, that we should go shopping for the essentials. A crib, changing table, rocking chair and car seat. And possibly a stroller and some clothes.
Currently the walls are a pale green color, but I'd been thinking about repainting them a light yellow color. The room also has a hardwood floor, which I don't really love, but we can definitely add carpet later on if we want to.
Also it might be nice to hang up some cute pictures on the walls. I nod. Yup. We definitely have our work cut out for us and I don't just mean getting the room ready.
****
When Steve gets home, he finds me working on the nursery. I'd went out and bought paint and supplies, then came home and went right to work.
"Lex!" Steve looks worried. "Should you be exposing yourself to this?" I'd been wearing a heavy duty face mask. I couldn't smell a thing.
Plus I'd opened both of the windows in the bedroom, a stiff breeze blowing through.
"I can't smell anything," I tell Steve. "I think I'm good."
Steve is giving me a strange look and I realize he probably can't understand me. I let Steve lead me out of the nursery and downstairs. I take off the mask and repeat what I just said.
"All right. It looks good, though. I just wish you'd told me first so I could have helped." Steve looks a little hurt.
"I'm sorry," I say. "Motivation just hit me and I felt like working on it." Steve nods, but still looks a little wounded. I move to hug him and he softens.
"I wasn't trying to shut you out, I promise," I whisper. Steve hugs me and kisses the top of my head. I look up at him.
"Wanna finish up?" I ask. "Or wait?" Steve grins.
"I'll finish up."
"Great."
***
Steve
The nursery is completely painted. A nice, light yellow color. I'd refused to allow Lex to paint anymore in case the paint fumes were harmful to her or the baby. I'd even closed the door, hoping it'd be all right.
Lex seems to actually be feeling decent and is eating a bowl of cereal.
"Do you think we could go baby shopping this weekend?" Lex asks, offering me a bite of her cereal. I'm kind of a mess from painting and should probably jump in the shower. I accept the bite of cereal and Lex smiles.
"Sure," I say. "If you're feeling up to it."
"Great."
"I'm gonna jump in the shower quick," I tell Lex. "You stay out of the nursery until some of those paint fumes have cleared out."
"Aye, aye, captain!" Lex grins at me.
"I mean it." I give her a stern look. She gives me a kiss.
"You have my word, Mr. Speedle."
***
"Calleigh was asking me if we'd thought about names yet," Lex tells me as we're cuddled up together in bed.
"We haven't," I say.
"No. She was wondering if we might use...Tim for a boy," Lex says softly. She's touching my beard, meaning she's a little anxious.
"Would you?" I ask, massaging Lex's neck.
"I'd like to." Lex's eyes fill with tears, but she immediately composes herself.
"We don't have to," I whisper, nuzzling her ear.
"No, I'd want to."
"All right," I murmur. Lex turns on her side, pressing closer. "What about girls names?"
"No boy names," she says firmly. "Or states or fruits." I chuckle.
"Okay. What about family names?"
"Depends on the name," Lex replies.
"We have plenty of time to decide," I say. Lex nods, closing her eyes, her arm wrapped around my middle.
"Go to sleep," I add.
"I'll try. Good night, Steve. I love you," Lex murmurs.
"Good night, Lexie. I love you too."
YOU ARE READING
The Miami Diaries Book 3
FanfictionIn the third installment of The Miami Diaries, Steve and Lex have officially been married for six months now and things are going surprisingly well. Now something new is coming and both Steve and Lex have other concerns to deal with. And although L...
