5 Reasons To Love Again

Chapter 102

After a while of happy family time, Preston took charge and arranged a schedule of who would stay with me when and also who would take care of Lexine. We decided that when her school day today was complete, she would be brought over to see me for herself before one of them took her home.

Of course, Jake was staying with me first so that he could finish wrapping his head around the idea that he was going to be a father. Of course they all would be the baby's father too, with Jake being the biological one. He couldn't keep his hands off my stomach. Finally I scooted over to my left and had him lay on the bed with me. "If you are six weeks along, that means..." his voice trailed off. "It was the very first time." I said to him. Jake's grin became even wider, "Didn't take much for a stud like me to knock you up."  I swatted his arm lightly while I chuckled.

It was so comfortable laying there with him that I fell asleep with my head on his shoulder and his arms around me. I woke up feeling overly warm and Chase had the nurse take my temperature again. It was 100.5 this time and he recommended that Jake give me cool compresses to bring my temperature down. Jake was totally sweet about it and did his best. It worked and my fever lessened. The next thing I knew, Lexine was there to visit for a few minutes. I didn't give her a hug or kiss and pass the germs on to her. Brady had picked her up and Jake was going to take her home.

I explained to Lexine that I was sick with the flu and that I would be able to come home probably tomorrow. I had decided to tell her about the baby later when I was better and all the guys could be there for it. I had told Jake about my plan. He agreed and promptly texted the others to keep it quiet until then. It took most of my energy to smile and show Lexine that I was going to be ok and I was exhausted by the time Jake took her home. Brady continued to give me cold compresses and I lay back as Chase was explaining to Brady that I would be needing more sleep than I usually did. "It's a lot of work creating an entire human being inside of you. After Delphine is back home and feeling better, let's have a family meeting so that I can explain the changes that will be coming with a pregnancy." Chase turned to me, "Of course you already know all of that having been through it before."  

I smiled at him and nodded sleepily. He smiled back and traced my cheek with his fingertips, "I will be back later to check on you. If you feel up to it, I'd like you to try some clear liquids tonight." Brady pulled his chair up closer to the bed and leaned over to kiss my forehead, "My poor buttercup. I wish that I was sick instead of you." I patted his cheek and said, "Thank you Brady." I fell asleep again and woke up by an orderly delivering a tray of clear liquids to me. Brady was gone but Preston was there for me. There was apple juice, a cup of chicken broth and tiny can of lemon lime soda. I sniffed the juice to see if my stomach would behave.

Preston put a straw in the cup for me. I tried a sip and waited to see how it felt. It stayed down so I took another sip. Just to be on the safe side, I gave myself a break. I asked Preston to tell me a funny story of when he and the guys were younger. He proceeded to tell me about the time when they were teenagers, they all got drunk to see what it was like. To teach them a lesson, Mavis and Phil waited until they had passed out and dressed them like girls with full makeup on. "So when we woke up and saw each other, we were horrified and alternately laughing at what the other person looked like. Brady looked the most ridiculous. Phil had managed to put a big baggy granny dress on him, stuffed a pillow in his chest area and Mavis powdered his hair white. The best part was the granny glasses. They were the crowning touch!" I managed a giggle and looked up to see Chase watching and listening from the doorway.

He entered the room and came over to sit on the edge of my bed. "He didn't tell you the worst part sweetheart. My wonderful aunt used an all day lipstick on us and it took over a day for it to come off our lips." My eyes widened and I looked at Preston for confirmation. He nodded ruefully and I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Chase smiled big and said, "Oh, someone sounds better!" Preston spoke up, "She managed a couple sips of juice."