Derailed

Chapter 26

I'm woken up by the sound of laughter and water splashing, coming from the dock just outside the windows of Zane's room. I'm alone and recognize the laughter as his. His room is nothing like his apartment, it looks more put together and expensive like his mom decorated it but there is something still comforting about it. I sit up in the dark blue, silk sheets and slip out of the tall bed to look out the window. The diffused light is shinning through the sheer curtains and I only pull back a small section to ensure no one will see me in my underwear. Especially now that I'm getting a belly, there are few things I am comfortable in.

Zane and his dad are standing on the dock with a drenched Jake pulling himself out of the water. Can't wait to hear that story later. I'm so at peace here, knowing that I belong to such a happy and welcoming family that I can't wait for my children to grow up in. I can only hope that our kids have the tight bond Z and his brother seem to have.

I slip on another sundress and put my hair in a high bun, feeling extra pregnant today. It's like I popped overnight, maybe all the happy endorphins have made her grow. This is definitely a happier and healthier environment than back home was. Or maybe she knows she's allowed to show herself now that everyone who needed to know, knows. I walk down the grand staircase and Zane's mom is sitting in the living room reading a book with a cup of coffee. As soon as she notices my presence she folds the book closed and stands up.

"Good morning sweetheart, did you sleep well?" Jen says in sweet yet excited tone.

"I slept great, better than I do at home-" I stop myself before I reveal that half the time I'm home I'm living in a dorm. It's so easy to slip up, I need to be more careful. This is going too well to ruin now.

"Glad to hear it. Can I make you some coffee? There's some pancakes already made on the stove if you'd like some. You're eating for two now, you have to stay well fed." Normally I wouldn't feel right having someone make me breakfast but shes right about me eating for two and it is probably just left over from the guys earlier anyway.

"I'll grab some pancakes, thank you." I walk into the kitchen with Jen following behind me.

"Sit," she motions to the bar and starts plating pancakes for me. She places the plate in front of me with a little cup of syrup on the side and sits across from me. "Seeing Zane with you and hearing the news of the baby is reminding me of when u was pregnant with him. Of course I had Jake first, but it never gets less exciting or special. I am just estatic to become a grandmother!"

"We are both extremely excited for her arrival but I still worry about being the best mom for her." I tell her honestly.

"Honey, I can't tell you that the worrying will ever get easier but you should know that you are her mom and you know what's best for her regardless of what anyone tells you. I know it's scary, especially the first one, but soak up every second you can because the next think you'll know, you blind and she's in college."

"What was your pregnancy with Zane like? I've never talked to my mom about this kind of stuff."

"Well being my second baby, I thought I knew what to expect but Zane always found a way to keep me on my toes. Pregnancy wasn't too bad but he decided to make an early entry about a month before his due date. I was so scared. Just worried about him being ready for the real world and worried about getting through my labor and delivery with no complications. When he was born he was tiny but he was strong. That little boy was so full of life and so determined just like he is now. Even though we didn't have everything ready for him yet, all my worries melted away the second I saw him."

"For someone who's having a baby I know very little about it. Me and my mom didn't have personal conversations like this and unfortunately, we don't even talk at all now. She cut me off when I told her I was pregnant." I said.

"Bless your heart. I hope you know that even though we just met you can talk to me about anything. I may not be your mother but your mother in law is good enough for me." Jen says and puts her hand on mine.

"Mother in law?" I mean to say in my head but it accidentally comes out of my mouth.

"Oh you know what I mean! You're my son's girlfriend, I am here for you no matter what!" She says awkwardly.

"Thank you, I appreciate that..." I pick up my plate and put it in the sink, "I'm going to check in with Zane. Thanks for chatting with me." She gives me a warm smile as I walk through the house to the back door then down the long boat dock. Zane is talking to his dad and brother as he motions to the sides of the dock. I'm not sure what they're talking about but it sure likes like he's scheming something up. Timothy notices me and I can tell he elbows Zane and they stop talking.

"Good morning beautiful!" He says happily, turning towards me and giving me a tight hug around my waist.

"What's going on out here?" I say out of genuine curiosity.

"Nothing really, we're just messing around like old times if you can't tell by my soaking wet clothes." Jake rolls his eyes but in a joking manner. I laugh and play along even though all three of them are acting quite suspicious.