Surprise!

Chapter nineteen

Waking up the next morning was bitter-sweet; Narvel had his love in his arms, but the guilt of what he did loomed over his head. I all honesty, he hadn't even planned the affair, it started out with Emma walking into the store that he worked at, and ended with him laying naked next to her at her house. Not thinking about what it could cost him at the time, Narvel continued to see Emma as sort of a get away from his responsibilities at home; seeing his friends still partying and living their life made him start to panic. They were planning parties and making plans once they got out of high school, while Narvel planned a nursery and financial needs for a future family car instead of a muscle cat like his friends. Narvel missed going to school and planning playing sports; he and Reba had to drop out to plan and work for their family.

Looking down at the bump that was hiding under the covers, he was overcome with a sense of joy and excitement. Sure, he wanted to do things and be like a normal teenager, but Narvel was in love with the idea of becoming a father to this baby.

"Hey little man," he swished his thumb back and forth over their ever-growing baby, who must've been waiting for someone to wake up because as soon as they heard their father's voice, the flips and kicks began. "Calm down baby, I don't want you to wake your mom; she's had a rough time," Narvel whispered, looking over at Reba, still asleep with her head resting on his chest.

Carefully sliding his hand under her her, Narvel slipped out of bed and eased her back down against his pillow. Tiptoeing into the kitchen, he began to start in their breakfast. "Let's see, we have some eggs, and some bread, ham- well, the queen is getting a good breakfast this morning," Narvel smiled to himself. He knew that she would get annoyed by having him do everything for her, but he loved taking care of her so she would just have to get used to it.

Balancing the breakfast tray while trying to open the bedroom door was no easy task. Trying not to clank together and drop the tray was probably the most difficult of the task. "Success," Narvel smiled as the door slowly creaked open.

Reba raised her head from the pillow hesitantly, not sure why Narvel was talking to himself. "Good morning," he beamed as he glided over to the nightstand and placed the tray down. "Morning," Reba replied, obviously still not willing to fully open back up to him. "I made you a big breakfast, so I hope you're hungry. I figured it would help you build your energy back up," he stacked an extra pillow behind her to help her sit up. "Yea, thanks," she stretched upward and reached over for the plate, which Narvel quickly handed to her.

She hesitantly looked down at the full plate of food and began picking at it. "You made all this yourself?" He nodded as he slowly sat beside her. "Yes mam." Narvel nodded. "Are you sure it's edible?" She tried to joke, but it not doing much good to lighten the mood. He laughed awkwardly and then there was silence.
"I'm sorry I'm being so quiet." She apologized.
"Oh no! Don't worry about it-I know you need time.." Narvel put his hand up. "I wish I didn't- I just am not comfortable right now." Reba explained "I know, I understand." They both sighed.

"Are we gonna make it through?" She asked. There was a silence for a moment then he spoke. "I guess that's up to us." Narvel replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I want this, Narvel, I want us to be a family." On the verge of tears. He quickly noticed and moved her plate aside, took her into his arms. "I do too. I really, really do."

"We've got to talk about this whole thing."

"You really want to?"

"No. But we need to."

"Right, well if you'd like the company, I'll have breakfast with you," he gave her his crooked grin. "I'd like that. A lot." She replied. Narvel kissed the top of her head and sat beside her with his own plate of breakfast

She continued to pick at her food and put a hand to her stomach. "You okay?" He asked.
"Yeah...I just..."
"You don't feel like eating do ya?" She put her head down slowly then sighed. "Yeah..I just-I really appreciate the effort you put into this and I'm upset but the baby's just been doing back flips..I'm not really interested in food at the moment.."
"Hey it's fine. I understand, it's all good. I want you to tell me stuff like this, I need to know when you're not feeling good."

"It's got my stomach churning, I think everything has finally taken its toll on us and my body just isn't handling it well." Reba explained

"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"No, you've done plenty for me. I'll be alright," she grabbed his hand and squeezed it appreciatively.

"Okay, but I'm right here if you need anything." He said

"I know, but you go find something to do, I'll be just fine." Reba smiled. "What's there to do? I don't have work today. I just wanna sit with you."

"Well, if it's alright with you I'd like to go sit on the porch and sit outside for a little while," Reba said, she was so tired of laying in the bed 24/7.

"Alrighty-then we'll do that. Lets go but be careful." He picked up her tray and placed it aside and helped her up slowly.

Narvel could tell that Reba was kinda wobbly on her knees from the lack of standing and movement. She clutched his arms tightly as they made their way slowly to the bedroom door.

"Thank you" She told him, after they'd gotten safely to the porch and sat on the swing, gently rocking back and forth. "My pleasure."

"It feels so good to be outside," she smiled softly and closed her eyes.

He smiled at her and gently took her hand. She opened her eyes and stared at him. Usually this type of eye contact would initiate a kiss. However, they just paused, not really sure what to do.

"I think our little one here is happy to be out too," Reba giggled. He smiled then placed his hand over hers on top of her little baby bump. "Can I kiss you?"

"I think that would be okay," she nodded.

He gave her a small smile then slowly moved forward. He held her cheek in his palm, he could tell she was really unsure about this and it hurt him but he understood. He finally leaned in and captured her lips in his. It was slow and soft and a moment later he pulled back and waited for her reaction. She sighed and looked down, "Thank you,"

"For what?"

"I know you're hurt and I really appreciate you taking things at my pace," Reba replied. He smiled again. "Of course. You deserve it."

"You do too, you've been so amazing to me," Reba smiled. "Not nearly enough. But I intend to tend to your every need." She smiled at that. "So you'll take care of the night time diaper changes?" Reba smiled. "I would but you know me, I'd probably end up throwing up!" He laughed and she nudged him. "Eww. No diaper duty for Daddy," Reba rubbed her belly. He laughed and shook his head. "Ahh I'm just messin with ya-I'll definitely help."

"I know- I wouldn't have it any other way," she sassed him and broke out into a fit of giggles. He laughed and slung his arm around her shoulders. "We'll be okay-I know it."

"Yea, we will."