Ties That Bind

Chapter 23. New Reality

After coming home for the night, Stevie headed over to Lindsey's place.

"Hey," he opened the door for her.

"Hi," she greeted him with a kiss but then looked around.

"How did the dress fittings go?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist---his fingers genty dancing on the surface of her tummy.

"Good, Lori looked gorgeous. Dresses fit nicely and I'll pick them up in a couple weeks when they're done-done."

"Done-done," he mumbled with a nod. "That's nice."

"Mhmm, so, what's all this?" she gestured to the three stacked boxes and all the food laying on his counters and table. "Making a quick getaway so soon?"

"No, never---" he chuckled. "My mom sent me a load of stuff," as he unfolded the note on it that just said "Love Mom." "She said she wanted my address to send me stuff like normal, but she hasn't pulled this in a minute."

"I guess she's worried you're not eating?" she picked up a bag of Doritos.

"She always heavily stocks on snacks when my brothers and I come ove. I don't know how to cook---despite my always being hungry. I don't eat a lot 'cause I am busy playing or working and stressed and when I eat a meal---I eat like I've never eaten before, as she has said. So, food to make sure I'm eating and I can handle canned food," he shrugged.

"Well, that's why I cook for you or we go out," she smirked as she clutched to his side. "So, two boxes of canned food, snacks and soda... What might be in this one?" she passed him the third box that had remained unopened, though it was light.

"Not a clue," he actually lifted it a bit to try and figure it out. Setting it on the table, he opened it and handed her the note as he pulled out plushy crocheted blankets. "What the hell...?" he mumbled.

"Um, it says; I'm so glad you found Stevie, she is the sweetest and so gorgeous and you'd be giving me really beautiful grandbabies. I made some baby blankets for you guys if those are near plans. Love mom," she sighed---finishing off the letter.

"That is embarrassing, I am so sorry," he folded the blanket up and he put it back in the box. "I thought it would have just said Love mom, but no, the woman can't be normal," he grumbled.

She handed him the letter, "It's okay," she said---just the slightest bit of a flush appearing to her cheeks. "I get it, my mom's the same way," she tried to cover her choked up words with light-hearted similarities.

"Look, don't listen to her... or even think about her at all," he widened his eyes as he came near, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I've not really planned on it and I know you don't really have any plans for it either, so, when and if we get further, right?"

"Right," she nodded, clearing her throat right after.

"Are you okay?" he creased his brow lightly, only because she stayed so quiet. "I'm gonna call and discuss this with her because she's a loon."

Bringing a hand to her head, she rubbed the surface of her forehead with her fingertips. "It's okay, I'm fine, I um--" she stopped.

The sound of her phone ringing caught her attention.

"I'll be right back," she gently shrugged his hands off her shoulders and she hurried inside to answer the phone, knowing her doctor was to call her some time soon.

He watched her run out, but he didn't follow her as he had many things to put away due to his mother.

Practically clawing her way through her back door, she jogged straight to the phone, "Hello?"