Chapter 9

Mellie

 

It has been an awesome two months since Morris proposed to me. Even with everything going on I’ve never been happier. I’m still getting the freaky roses and the notes are getting more and more vicious. I don’t even bother reading them anymore. I did for a while after our engagement, but whoever is sending them became more aggressive with what they were saying. They would switch from calling me a whore, slut, and anything else derogatory that they could come up with; to telling me that Morris will just end up cheating on me and that I should leave him now. I have no idea who this person is, but they are a major black cloud in my life. I can’t think of anyone in my life who would do something like this to me.

My insurance company paid for all of the repairs to be done on my car, but it was a huge hassle. They tried to say that I did it all myself so that I could get a new paint job. Who the hell would scratch the word whore into their own vehicle? I ended up having a complete breakdown on the phone one day with the insurance company. Morris had walked in from work, ripped the phone out of my hand and walked into the living room. I don’t know what he said to the guy but when he handed me back the phone the insurance agent was very apologetic, and I got a check in the mail a few days later.

Another little hiccup was when I was sick. I thought that I was losing my voice at the opening from talking so much that day, when in reality I had Bronchitis, which turned into walking pneumonia. It was my fault that I ended up so sick. I didn’t want to have to be away from the shop, so I figured I would just suck it up and work through it. That didn’t work out so well when my lungs filled with fluid and I ended up collapsing. After a bunch of steroids, antibiotics, and bedrest I was as good as new. Morris was with me around the clock taking care of me, which was amazing, even if he said I told you so a few times. But really how was I supposed to know that would happen. He told me I needed antibiotics and that’s what finally made me better. I disagreed and told him it was the good ole’ vitamin D he was giving me.

Either way good as new, or I was until a few days ago. I’m pretty sure that I have that nasty stomach virus that’s going around. I haven’t been able to hold much down and just feel like death. Luckily, when I was out with pneumonia, Michelle had the foresight to hire more people to make sure that we are always covered. It’s really been a blessing. Our shop is doing so well that we are able to have a full staff allowing us to not work ourselves into the ground. On days like this when I feel like crap I really appreciate it. I’m lying in bed contemplating whether it’s worth the risk to get up when I hear the front door open and close. I know that I locked it, so I know that it has to be someone with a key. Only Marc, Morris, Michelle, and my parents have a key. Marc and Morris are on a call and my parents are out of town, so that only leaves...

“Hey Love, being the most awesome person ever I figured that I would come and keep you company.” She says as a greeting. Yeah just what I want right now…bubbly and chipper.

“Can you tone down the happy voice? I feel like crap and you should be sad about it.” I pout like a petulant child. I really don’t handle being sick very well, I never have, and she damn well knows it. Why she’s acting like she just took a bunch of Prozac is beyond me.

“Well I’m sorry that you feel like crap but it’s probably your own fault.” She’s jumping up and down on the balls of her feet and smiling like a demented clown. If I had the energy I would seriously throw something at her.

“How the hell is it my fault that I have the stomach flu?” She’s out of her damn mind. There is no way it’s my fault. If anything, I probably got it from someone who came into the shop. Damn people!

“I really don’t think that it’s the stomach flu.” All I do is raise my eyebrow and gesture for her to continue. I think that she’s been watching too much Grey’s Anatomy if she is going to diagnose what I have or don’t have. “A stomach virus only lasts a day; two tops and you’ve been like this all week.” She has a point but with my luck I probably have some mutant form of it.

“Okay doctor Michelle, please share all of your wisdom with me and tell me what I have.” I know that I shouldn’t be as snotty as I’m being, but I just want to go to sleep. She just looks at me with that weird smile again that’s starting to freak me out.

“I think your pregnant, oh clueless best friend of mine.” And nothing. My brain just stops computing altogether and I just stare at her blankly. I start to worry until I remember that I’m on the pill and always make sure that I take it. I even have a damn alarm set on my phone to make sure that I don’t forget. I breathe out a sigh of relief.

“You know as well as I do that I’m on the pill and very anal about taking it.” Holy shit she actually had me worried there for a second. But I know that I haven’t missed any pills.

“Okay, then when was the last time that you had your period?” I’m about to answer when I realize that I can’t remember. I know for sure that I had it before the re-opening, but after that I’m drawing a blank. With work, being sick, and everything with my not so friendly stalker, I really haven’t thought about. I look at her in a panic and she just nod her head.

“I had mine three weeks ago. We always get it around the same time. You never said anything, and you always bitch about your cramps.” Shit she’s right! But there has to be some sort of explanation. I take those pills religiously! It’s not that I don’t want kids because I do, I just want more time before I start having them.

“I can’t be. I haven’t missed a single pill.” I say that like it’s the magic answer and suddenly Aunt Flo is going to come to town…any minute now.

“Yeah, I figured that, but then I got to thinking, you were on antibiotics for close to two weeks. Didn’t your doctor remind you that they can make the pill ineffective for at least a month?” Motherfucker! I totally forgot about that and my wonderful doctor definitely did not remind me. Oh, this is bad…so bad.

“What the hell am I going to do?” I say out loud but more so to myself. I’m now in a full-blown panic. It is way too early for us to have kids. I mean we just got freaking engaged. Oh my God what if everyone thinks that we’re only getting married because I’m pregnant. Shit I don’t even know if I’m actually pregnant. Crap I need to go and pee on one of those sticks. I hope I don’t pee on my hand. How am I going to handle a kid if I can’t handle pee on my hand? What if Morris thinks that I did this on purpose to trap him? Well, would he since he already proposed? Shit think, think, think …

“Breathe psycho, breathe! We’ll just take a test and find out for sure. Look, see here, I even bought one for you.” She’s waving the box that is looking like a ticking time bomb back and forth. Okay, I can do this. Easy peasy. Just pee on a stick and find out if I’m knocked up…no biggie. I think I’m going to be sick again. “Breathe, nice slow breaths Mellie. Passing out from a panic attack is probably not a good idea right now.” No shit Sherlock. But I do as she says and start to calm enough to be able to take the box from her hand.

“Will you come with me?”

“Into the bathroom to watch you pee on a stick?”

“It’s not like it’s the first time we’ve peed in front of each other.”

“Okay, but I’m not holding the stick for you. That goes way above and beyond the call of friendship.”

“Why would I need you to hold the stick for me?”

“I dunno. I’m just letting you know that I won’t.” The duh was implied in her tone but I’m not sure which one of us is the dumb one right now. Her for thinking that she would have to hold the stick, or me for going along with this conversation.

“Right. Just come stand in the doorway. Think that you can manage that?”

“Well …yeah. That’s what I planned on doing.” She rolls her eyes while walking past me. It’s taking too much effort not to slap her right now. I nudge her out of the way and get down to business. After reading the instructions, I unwrap the purple and white stick and pee on it. Finally, something goes right today, and my coordination works, so my hand remains pee free! I place it on the edge of the sink and wait the three minutes that seem to go on for eternity. Michelle thinking ahead set the timer on her phone. When I hear the beeping, I look down and my whole world stops…pregnant. Well shit.

“So, you’re preggers.” She states the obvious since the nice little stick has that word blazing up at me. “So, what are you going to do?”

“What do you mean?” I know that she’s not talking about abortion since both of us are prolife, so I’m a little confused by her question.

“Well, are you going to tell Morris right away or wait for a while.” Hmmm, yeah haven’t even started thinking about that. I know that I should probably tell him right away but what if the stick is wrong.

“Do you think that I should go to the doctors first and make sure before I go spilling the beans about the well…little bean?”

“Yeah you probably should do that first. But maybe not.”

“Why not?”

“What if he gets mad that he can’t be there for the first appointment?”

“They don’t really do anything do they? It’s not like we find out the sex or anything.” Shit I have absolutely no idea what goes on when your pregnant. What if they do end up doing something major and he gets pissed that he wasn’t there for it. I need to get one of those freaking baby books asap!

“I don’t know. I’ve never been pregnant.”

“Yeah, you and me both.” We both continue to stare at the stick like it will magically tell us all of the answers. I’m beginning to feel bad for my kid. With me as a mother and Michelle as an aunt this kid is screwed. Hopefully it gets Morris’ brains. We’re both brought out of our one-sided staring contest when we hear the front door open and the voices of not just two men but a whole bunch. Son of a bitch! You have got to be kidding me right now!

“Quick, quick get in here and close the door!” I whisper yell as I pull her all the way into the bathroom and lock the door. “I’ve got to hide this thing!”

“Umm, didn’t we agree that you should tell him?”

“Yes, but I’m not telling him when everyone and their freaking mother is here!” Why isn’t she just helping me? Isn’t that what a best friend is supposed to do?

“Okay, okay, calm yourself down. It’s not like he has x-ray vision. The doors locked.” She’s right. I just have to hide this thing and then walk out of the bathroom like nothing is going on. Aside from the fact that I have my best friend locked in here with me. Nope nothing unusual about that. I open my makeup drawer, shove a bunch of shit out of the way, stick the test all the way in the back and make sure to put everything back. I hide the box at the bottom of the garbage can under everything else. I just need to make sure that I take that out first thing in the morning after the guys leave for work. Just as I finish I hear Morris come into the bedroom.

“Babe, you in here?”

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute!” I yell through the door and look at Michelle. Both of us can’t lie to save our lives, so I’m not feeling overly optimistic currently. She just gives my hand a squeeze and what I’m sure she thinks is a reassuring smile before I open the door. We both walk out, and Morris is sitting on the bed with his head tilted staring at us.

“You were both in there?” Ah.

“Yeah…why?”

“You both had to go at the same time?”

“Nope, I just decided to keep her company.” Michelle says way too brightly.

“You decided to keep her company?” He’s looking between the two of us like he’s missing something. If he only knew! I step in before she somehow derails this.

“Yeah. Don’t guys do that too?” I know damn well they don’t but hopefully he thinks that this is just some weird chick thing as he calls it.

“Ahhh, no babe, we don’t.”

“Huh.” I shrug, trying for nonchalance. “You should. It’s boring having to pee alone.”

“No, I’m good honey, but whatever makes you happy.” He still looks confused and I don’t really think that he totally bought it but luck seems to be on my side.

“Hey Mellie. How are you feeling?” I’m feeling very happy to see you my gigantically wonderful big brother! “Why are you looking at her like than man?”

“I walked in here and her and Michelle walked out of the bathroom together. I asked why, and they said it’s boring to pee alone.”

“Oh, that? Yeah, they’ve been doing that since they were kids. I don’t even pay attention to half the shit that they do together anymore.” I feel like running up and giving my brother the world’s biggest hug!

“Huh…that’s just…strange.”

“They’re chicks man. Who knows why they do half the things that they do. I just ignore it. It’s easier that way and doesn’t make my head hurt.” Rude but you’re unknowingly saving my ass, so I’ll let it slide.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“What are all of you doing here?” Deflect, deflect, deflect!

“We were going to watch the game at HP, but I didn’t want to be too far away from you since you haven’t been feeling well. So, we decided to all just come here instead.” Aww, he’s so good to me. And I’m lying, try to conceal the baby elephant in the room. I’m pretty sure I’m probably going to hell for this.

“Aww, that’s so sweet…thank you babe. I’m still feeling a little off, so Shell and I are just going to lay in bed and watch TV.” I look over at her making sure that she agrees. She’s doing a great bobble head impersonation, but I’ll take whatever I can get.

“You do look a little flushed. Are you running a fever?” He’s killing me.

“Maybe. Like I said, I’m still not at 100%. I think that I just need to lay down and relax.”

“Do you want me to send the guys home?”

“No sweetie, you guys have fun. I’m probably going to doze on and off anyway.”

“Alright if you’re sure?” He’s staring at me really intently like he knows something is off and so is Marc. Shit I really need to become a better actress or find a best friend who isn’t still nodding like a loon!

“Yup, I’m positive.” In more ways than one. “Enjoy, I’ll be here if you need me,” I say as I wrap my arms around his neck and give him a kiss.

“Okay baby. I’ll come back in a bit to check up on you.”

“Okie dokie.” Both him and Marc look between Michelle and I one last time before they walk out closing the door behind them. We just look at each other. I can’t believe that they really bought that we like to pee together to stem off boredom. Huh, maybe I’m a better actress than I thought.

 

****

Morris

 

“You know that they’re up to something, right?” Marc asks me when we get back into the living room.

“No shit?” I say sarcastically. I’d have to be a complete moron, which I’m not, to buy anything that those two were selling. What they’re up to I have no idea, but they are definitely lying about something.

“Funny dick. I wonder what they were trying to hide?”

“Trying to hide what?” Damon asks from his seat on the couch. It looks like all of the guys made themselves at home.

“I dunno. I went in to the bedroom to see Mel and both of them were acting strangely.” They all just stare at me blankly, so I amend. “More so than usual.”

“Yeah, Mel was unsuccessfully lying, and Michelle was just nodding her head as fast as she could to agree. I really don’t know why they even try. They’ve been like this since they were little. They have never gotten away with anything. You would think that they wouldn’t even waste their time anymore,” Marcs right, they really are awful. I didn’t know whether to question them some more or just feel bad for them. Feeling bad won out and I decided to let them have their way…for now. But I will be getting to the bottom of whatever Mel is so horribly trying to hide.

“They were both in the bathroom and came out looking like they were trying to hide something?” JJ asks with a small smile on his face, like he’s in on some secret.

“Yeah. Why are you smiling at me like that?” His smile is getting bigger and I have no idea why.

“You can’t come up with any reason why they might’ve been in the bathroom together? Any reason why they would come out hiding something?” If I knew why I would’ve say so. What the hell is wrong with him? I look at Marc who looks just as confused as I do. I look at the rest of the men in the room and all of them are looking at JJ like he’s grown a second head. At least it’s not just me.

“None of you have the sense that you were born with, ya know that?” He actually has the audacity to look frustrated. “You ever see a stomach bug last more than a day or two?”

“No?” I have no idea how long they last. I’m not a fucking doctor.

“So, what does it usually mean when a woman has been sick for days?” He’s still staring at us like we’re the biggest morons that he’s ever seen. And suddenly it clicks. She’s been nausea for close to a week. She would’ve had to be in a bathroom to take a pregnancy test. I start to get excited until I remember one small detail.

“Can’t be. She’s on the pill and takes it without fail. I’ve been in the middle of a conversation with her when the alarm on her phone goes off. She stopped mid-sentence to take that pill. There’s no way.” Marc’s looking at me with wide eyes and if I’m not mistaken he looks…scared?

“No way. He’s right. She has total OCD when it comes to taking that thing. Always has been.” I don’t know if he’s trying to convince us or himself. What is wrong with him? It’s not like we’re teenagers. Shit we’re getting married.

“It’s not always 100% effective.” JJ’s smile is huge, and I can feel mine growing. Holy fuck…I’m gonna be a dad! Everyone but Marc is smiling big at me now…shit even Damon is smiling.

“Why didn’t she just tell me?” Marc seeming to have snapped out of whatever he was thinking chimes in.

“You know how she is. She probably wants to quadruple check to make sure. They’re probably in there making a doctor’s appointment right now. Damn, I can’t believe she’s pregnant,” he says the last part looking scared and upset and I just snap.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? Why do you look like this is the worst thing that you’ve ever heard? It’s not like were kids or it was just a one-night stand. We’re fucking getting married you asshole!” Everyone is silent and just looking between the two of us. Most likely trying to gauge if they’re going to need to pull me off of him.

“I’m not unhappy that she’s pregnant. The opposite really. We both know that she’ll be an amazing mom.” He looks completely sincere.

“Then what’s got you looking like you’re gonna be sick?”

“Can you imagine how much my mom is going to be riding my ass? My little sister is pregnant and getting married. I’m never going to hear the fucking end of it. Knowing her she’ll try to set me up with all of her friend’s daughters. It’s going to be a fucking nightmare!” I wasn’t expecting that answer…not at all.

“That’s what you’re worried about?”

“Have you not met my mother? Have you not been at dinners when her and the preggo little shithead in there gang up on me about how I need to settle down?” I see his point. They do get carried away. I even feel bad for him after a while, not enough to help him, but enough to get him another beer to help him through it.

“You’re right…you’re screwed.”

“Yup.” The guys are looking at us like we’re insane.

“This is the conversation that you two have right now?” Damon asks us while shaking his head.

“Marc’s right. You haven’t seen them in action. It gets brutal. I have no doubt that his mom will come up with a list of women that she finds to be suitable for him.” Poor bastard.

“Okay, well as touching it is to watch your ridiculous bonding moment. Why don’t we get back to your woman being pregnant and not telling you.” Declan’s right she could’ve just told me, but Marc is most likely dead on. Mel will want to be 100% sure before she says anything. Still, I have a right to know if my woman is carrying my child. Just then Michelle walks out of the bedroom and looks like she was about to make a quick getaway. I can see the wheels in Marcs mind turning.

“Where ya going baker Barbie?” She stops in her tracks and looks like a deer in headlights. I cannot believe that they really just don’t have any ability to lie whatsoever.

“I ah have a nail appointment that I forgot about and just remembered. Yeah so, I better get going. Don’t want to be late. Bye.” She says the whole thing so quickly that I don’t even think that she took a breath.

“Huh. That’s weird. I thought I saw you at the nail salon two days ago. You know, the one that’s in the same shopping center as the bank that I go to.” It’s almost painful to watch her come up with something.

“What? Are you the nail police all of a sudden? Am I only allowed to get my nails down when you say it’s okay? If I want to get my nails done every day of the week, I will! I’ll get them done twice a day if I feel like it!” Wow. “Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to leave. Bye.” She hightails it out the door so fast that I’m surprised that she didn’t leave scorch marks.

“Did she really call you the nail police?” Rocco looks dumbfounded and honestly, I’m right there with him.

“When she gets flustered she tends to blurt things out. It’s always been a lot of fun messing with her.” Marc really is an asshole, which he really proves with his next words. “Want to mess with Mel a little?” He looks downright gleeful. But she is hiding it from me….so…

“Mess with her how?” I’m a dick. I know it, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to have a little fun.

“Give her a call and put her on speaker. Ask her what her plans are for this week. See, when she’s lying or hiding something from someone, she avoids that person like the plague. I guess she figures that she has a better chance of getting away with it if she isn’t near them.” I know that I shouldn’t but I’m curious as to her response. The guys are just smirking and shaking their heads no.  I take out my phone, pull up Mel’s number and hit send, making sure that the phone is on speaker.

“Hello?”

“Hey baby.”

“Ummm, hey, why are you calling me?”

“I’m just comfortable and didn’t feel like walking into the bedroom.”

“Okay?”

“Hey, the guys and I were talking about what we all have going on this week. And I just wanted to see what you were up to. I just wanted to make sure that you didn’t have anything planned for us.”

“Oh, umm, no, nothing planned. Actually, you should probably hang out with them. I’m going to be busy.” I look over at Marc and he’s mouthing BINGO at me. Yeah…she does sound a little too happy to get rid of me.

“What are you going to be busy with babe?”

“Ya know, work and stuff.”

“What kind of stuff honey? Maybe I can help you with it.”

“No! ahem…I mean no sweetie. Just boring girl stuff that you wouldn’t be interested in.” I can hear the panic in her voice. My sweet girl really can’t lie to save her life.

“With you not feeling well I think that I should be with you.”

“Oh, since I haven’t been feeling well, I made a doctor’s appointment. So, see, no need to worry. I’ll be fine. You should go and have fun doing whatever.”

“What day are you going to the doctors? I’ll go with you and make sure that everything is okay.” It’s killing me to keep my voice even. I can just picture her freaking out in our bedroom, trying to come up with something to say. Marc looks like he’s about to piss himself. Rocco is bright red from holding in his laughter. Declan has a pillow in front of his face. The only two holding it together are Damon and JJ, and even they look like they’re about to crack.

“No, no babe. That’s okay. Really. I can go by myself. Plus, what if I’m contagious. I wouldn’t want to get you sick.”

“Honey we live together. I probably already have it. It would make sense for me to go to the doctors too just to make sure that we’re both okay.” There’s a long pause and I know that she realizes that she just backed herself into a corner. If I was a better man I would stop this now, but I just can’t.

“Errr, umm, you’re really healthy. Yup I’m sure you’re fine.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

“Oh My God! I’m going to the doctor for my vagina!” She yells out and I can hear a slap on the other end. Either she slapped herself or quickly put her hand over her mouth. Marc has tears running down his face. Knowing Mel, she’s bright red and probably looks so fucking cute right now.

“Why do you need to go to the doctor for your vagina?” It’s getting harder and harder to not laugh.

“I have that appointment too. You know…just making sure that everything is in order.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” I wheeze out trying to keep my shit together.

“We have a lot of sex, so I need to make sure that your dick hasn’t broken anything.” I can hear her mumble Jesus Christ to herself. At this point, even Damon has lost it and is burying his head in his elbow. I have to take a few breaths before answering her. It will be a miracle if I get through this.

“Mel, I don’t think it’s possible for my dick to break you.”

“We don’t know that. Like you said, better safe than sorry. Listen I need to ah, pee, so, I gotta go. Seriously just hang out with the guys and we’ll do something later this week. Love you. Bye.” When I see that the call ended I finally lose it and start laughing. JJ turns up the volume on the TV to drown us out. 

“I love the fact that she said that you can do something later in the week, like you don’t live here and won’t see her constantly. I love her with all my heart, but I think mom dropped her on her head as a baby.”

“I can’t believe that she said that your dick broke her.” Rocco wheezes out barely even being able to speak. I don’t know where the hell she comes up with this stuff. Guilty Mel is a funny Mel. As we all finish laughing it really hits me.

“Holy shit. I’m going to be a dad.” I can’t wait to celebrate with my crazy woman properly.

“Congrats brother.” Marc pulls me into a bear hug, slapping my back hard enough that I can feel my bones rattle. We’re both smiling big. One by one the other men who are like brothers to me come over to congratulate me. I’m pissed that she’s trying to keep this from me, but I know that she’s not doing it to be malicious. I know that he wants to be sure before telling me, but fuck that. I will find out when that doctor’s appointment is, and I will be there. I refuse to not be there for every moment of our baby’s life, including making sure that mommy has all of the support that she could ever need. Even if she thinks that she should do this alone at first. We’re a team and I plan of reminding her of just that.

“I wonder how I can figure out when her doctor’s appointment is and surprise her?” All the guys just chuckle knowing that I damn well will be there.

“Do you know the passcode for her phone?” Damon asks me.

“Yes…why?”

“Your woman is one of the most organized people that I’ve ever met. Hell, even the fridge is organized.” He’s right she has a certain order to it all and everything has to be facing forward. Some shit about being able to read the labels easily. Living with her has definitely been an adjustment. I’ve had to really pay attention to shit that I’ve never given a second thought to before. I’m not even going to get started about how I have to now fold and put away towels. “It makes sense that she would put the appointment in her calendar. She wouldn’t take a chance about forgetting about it.” He’s a genius!

“You’re right. Now I just need to figure out how to get it away from her. That damn phone is attached to her at all times. She even brings it into the bathroom when she showers.”

“Why?” Declan asks looking confused.

“She listens to Spotify on it. She likes listening to music when she showers and gets ready.” I enjoy watching her dance around and sing, very off key, to whatever she’s listening to. I don’t think that she even realizes that I’m there most of the time. Seeing her in her own little world is some of my favorite moments. She’s completely unguarded and just being her goofy self. I really could watch her for hours and never get bored.

“Just tell her that you want to add a new playlist for her to listen to. Come up with some sappy songs or something and put them on. That way she’ll be none the wiser about what you were really doing.” Damon is really on top of his game today. That’s a really good idea and once she sees the playlist she won’t think twice about it.

“I can’t believe that I practically have to stalk my woman. This shit is crazy. Do you think it would just be better for me to tell her that I know tonight?” Marc is looking at me like the cat that ate the canary. Here we go.

“Normally I would say hell yeah. Go in there and make her tell you. But knowing my sister she’s freaking out right now.”

“And you don’t think that I should help her to stop freaking out. You know let her know that I’m fucking thrilled that she might be pregnant?’

“You could.”

“But….”

“Do you really want to pass up the opportunity to see what crazy shit she says and does around you for the next couple of days. Look if the appointment is longer than a week away, then tell her that you know. But if it’s in the next few days, I say let her sweat and try to come up with ways to avoid the baby elephant in the room. She’s such a bad liar that it is some of the funniest shit ever. She already tried to convince you that your dick broke her, gross by the way, but aren’t you just a little curious as to what else she might come up with?”

I know that I should just walk into our bedroom and tell her what I suspect. I really do know that listening to Marc is a bad idea. Especially with how much he likes to fuck with her. I get that nothing good can come from this. But does that make me stop listening to him. Of course not!

“I’m throwing this out there, that I think this is a bad idea. I think that you should go in there and talk to your woman. Not listen to her asshole of a brother.” JJ glares at Marc, who has the audacity to look hurt.

“I say let it play out for a little while. I mean that really was some of the funniest shit that I’ve ever heard. I really want to know what else she says.” Rocco says as Declan is nodding his head in agreement. I look at Damon to get his opinion since everyone seems to have one.

“It’s your funeral man. If your woman is pregnant I wouldn’t want to fuck with her. Pregnant women turn bat shit crazy at the drop of a dime. You might wake up to her standing over you with a knife or some shit. But if you don’t like your balls attached to…go for it.” He’s shaking his head at me like I’m about to become a ghost. I very well may if she does flip her shit when she finds out. But screw it, opportunities like this don’t happen every day. And really what’s the worst that can happen? I know…famous last words!

“Also talking about stalking her, we should probably make sure that she’s watched even more now. I don’t want anything to happen to her or my future niece or nephew.” Shit, I totally forgot about that for a minute. Motherfucker! Marc’s right it not just Mel that I need to worry about now.

“I can ask some of the people in the department if they would be willing to keep an eye on her on their days off. They’ve all heard about what’s been happening to her, so I’m sure that some of them would be willing to help. They all think that it’s fucked. Some of the female officers would probably be good to sit in her shop. She wouldn’t think twice about a woman being in there all day drinking coffee and reading a book.” JJ once again showing why he’s the one in charge. I swear the rest of us wouldn’t be able to find our asses without him some days.

“That would be a lot of help. I can’t be with her 24/7 no matter how much I want to be. And she’s worked so hard to get her business where it’s at that there is no way that she’ll miss being there.”

“Alright let me ask around. I’m sure that we can all come up with a good schedule to watch out for her.”

“Hey, has your man in the FBI come up with anything?” JJ has an old buddy that he grew up with who is in the FBI or some shit like that. He sent him the case file and said the guy said that he would pass it along to one of the profilers to see if they could give us any clue as to what we’re dealing with.

“I talked to Donnie yesterday. He said that agent Burns was looking over the file. He did say that he was concerned about how the UNSUB (unknown subject) escalated to vandalizing not only her business, but her personal property as well. That this UNSUB will most likely keep mentally deteriorating until they’re finally caught or do something big.”

“What do you mean by do something big?” I have a bad feeling I know what it is already.

“That since Mel is the object of their focus that the UNSUB may try to harm her next if they don’t get their way.” JJ says looking grim as hell. I swipe my hand down my face and just shake my head.

 

“I won’t let anyone near her. I’ll kill this bastard before he hurts one hair on her head.” And I mean it to the depths of my soul. I will kill anyone who tries to hurt her. She is my whole world, without her I’ll just be a walking shell.

“I know man. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. With any luck this fucker with screw up and get themselves caught.” I know he’s trying to reassure me but that won’t happen until this fucker is either behind bars or six feet under. For now, though, I’m going to watch my woman like a fucking hawk.

 

****

Mellie

 

It’s been three long ass days since I found out that I’m more than likely pregnant. Okay, so that little stick said pregnant, but it could be wrong. Probably not since I’m still throwing up randomly but still, I want to be 100% sure before I tell Morris. Okay, I know that I’m definitely pregnant. My hormones have been out of control. It’s like PMS times a million! I’m happy one minute, crying another and horny the next. The last one has been a killer!

It seems like all I have to do is think about Morris and I want to jump him. I swear that he’s wearing shirts that are two sizes too small. I can see every ripple of his muscles when he moves, and it makes my mouth water. Thanks to my brilliant statement about how I have to get my vagina looked at because his dick might have broken it, he won’t touch me. He just keeps saying better safe than sorry. I’m in hell! All I can think about is climbing him like a tree and he will barely cuddle with me at night.

I know that I did this to myself. I don’t even know why I said it. I just panicked when he said that he would go to the doctors with me and it’s the first thing that popped out of my mouth. I really need to look into getting myself a freaking muzzle! He’s also been super sweet making me feel guilty as hell about keeping this from him. Starting the minute that he came to bed that night he has been crazy attentive, making sure that I’m feeling okay at all times. I know that he’s worried that something might be really wrong with me and I feel horrible for making him worry.

The next morning, he even asked me for my phone to add a playlist of sweet songs that he says reminds him of me. Seriously I feel like the world’s worst person! Here he is being amazing and I’m hiding something life changing from him. It’s not like I don’t plan on telling him as soon as I get conformation. I actually snuck out of work yesterday and went and bought a onesie that said Some Heroes wear capes Mine wears Kevlar. It is the cutest thing that I have ever seen! It even has a picture of a little Kevlar vest on it. I get more and more excited to see his face when he opens it.

I know that I shouldn’t have snuck out by myself yesterday with my not so friendly neighborhood stalker still sending me those oh so creepy roses and lovely notes. But, I just really did need a minute to myself. I have been with someone at all times and right now it’s starting to bug me. I know that all of the guys are trying their hardest to figure out who it could be. JJ even has an old friend who works for the FBI. He told him about everything that has happened, and the guy said that he would ask one of the profilers his opinion. That was a few weeks ago, so I’m not really getting my hopes up, but I appreciate the effort.

I want to be able to live my life again without constantly looking over my shoulder and having to have a babysitter. And if I think it’s bad now, I can only imagine how they are all going to be when I inform Morris that he’s going to be a daddy. I’m actually afraid that he might try to lock me in the house. I feel creeped out all the time and feel like someone is watching me. But I’m sure that’s mainly because a freaking psycho is messing with my life. Or maybe I’m just becoming more paranoid after finding out about the baby. I swear the past three days I’m convinced that someone is watching me.

I even brought that up to Morris, he gave me a weird look and said that it’s probably from just having someone with me all the time. He changed the subject really quickly after that. I guess he just doesn’t want me to be worried. It is just so freaky feeling like someone is watching me. I’m sure that I’m being overly sensitive now because of the baby. Thanks to me feeling guilty I have also been trying to avoid Morris like a hooker avoids confession. I hate that I’m keeping something from him and I really suck at keeping secrets.

Somehow, he thwarts all of my attempts to avoid him. He is freaking everywhere that I am. When we’re home he barely even lets me pee by myself! I’m not sure but I think that he stands outside of the door. Which is the worst thing when I need to throw up. My water bill is going to be double this month. He won’t go out with any of the guys “Just in case I’m not feeling well” and wants to “Spend quality time with me.” I love being with him…just not right now. It’s getting so hard not to blurt everything out! Between him and Marc I haven’t had a moments peace. We’ve eaten dinner together, watched movies together, just sat around talking, which almost killed me. For Christs sake my man-whore of a brother hasn’t gone out at all!

They both just keep watching me and looking at each other like they’re in on a joke that I have no idea about. Last night I couldn’t take it anymore and went to bed as soon as the sun went down. Of course, Morris decided to follow me and just lay in bed watching TV. When I told him that he could go out to the living room he said. “I just want to be near you. I love spending my time with you. But if you want me to go…I’ll go.” He looked like a kicked puppy. What the hell was I supposed to do? So, I told him to stay, gave him a kiss, rolled over and pretended to be asleep for the next four freaking hours. 

Luckily since my last period was close to eight weeks ago, I still don’t know how I didn’t figure this shit out earlier, my doctor was able to get me in right away. My appointment is at 2pm and then I can finally tell Morris and stop trying to avoid the man that I love. I really hope that he won’t be too mad at me that I went without him. But what If i told him and I ended up not being pregnant? I don’t want to do that to him. Michelle said that she would go with me since I need a babysitter at all times. Since it’s a, “female doctor visit” the guys didn’t put up too much of a fight about it being just the two of us. If I really think about it, they didn’t really put up a fight at all…weird.

It’s 1:15pm now and I need to get going soon. The doctor’s office is only like five minutes away, but I want to make sure that I get there in plenty of time. I’m hiding out in the office since out of nowhere I can’t stand the smell of the greatest elixir known to man…coffee. I read up on the dos and don’ts of pregnancy while at work and found out that I could no longer enjoy my life force. I’m not sure how I’m going to make it all these months without it. I’m actually kind of worried that my body may revolt and give out on me. Also, thanks to not having any coffee, I’ve had the mother of all headaches for the past two days. I’m also afraid that I’m going to have to hide out in the office for the next few months since the smell of it brewing makes me gag.

I look up when I hear the knock on the door and see Michelle walking in. Michelle who is covered in flour and doesn’t look anywhere close to being ready to leave.

“Hey Mellie, we are swamped. One of my new assistants burned three batches of cookies and now I’m totally behind. Do you think that you could call someone else to go with you?” She looks really upset about it. I know that it’s not just because of my safety, she’s been crazy excited about being an “auntie” and really wanted to be there.

“It’s no biggie. Seriously it’s like five minutes away. I’ll be gone and back before anyone even realizes that I’m not back here.” I know it’s a stupid idea, but seriously it’s broad daylight.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“I snuck out the other day and no one noticed.”

“Yeah and you shouldn’t have done that either!”

“Put yourself in my shoes for a minute. Wouldn’t you just need a freaking minute away from being followed every minute of your life?”

“I guess. Just text me as soon as you get there, when you’re in the office, before you walk out to your car, and when you’re in your car with the doors locked.”

“Would you also like to know how it goes peeing in the cup and how much I weigh?’

“I’m serious! Some crazy dude is stalking you and you’re just going to go off by yourself. If you don’t agree I’m going to call Morris to come, get you right now!”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Then agree.”

“Fine! I’ll text you constantly…okay mom?” She’s being freaking ridiculous but whatever. I need to leave and don’t have time to argue with her. I take my keys out of my bag and slip my ID into the case of my phone. My bag weighs like twenty pounds and if I’m trying to be in and out I don’t need this blazing sign. Since my boobs have decided to hurt I’m wearing a sports bra, it’s actually convenient and allows me to just stick my phone inside. When I’m all set, I walk over and give her a hug.

“Good luck Mellie…don’t forget to text me!” She says as she releases me and walks into the kitchen.

I start walking down the hall toward the back door to make sure that no one sees me. I’m a moron for going out alone but I’ll be back before anyone knows. I open and walk through the back door. I made sure that we took my car today for this very reason. I just about reach my door handle when I hear the very sexy voice of my fiancé.

“Where you going by yourself baby?” Shit! I turn and look at my very yummy man. He’s wearing his dark blue polo shirt with SAPD across the chest. His black cargo pants, black boots, and gun belt. I just look at him for a minute. I know that I should be coming up with an explanation, but my mind goes completely blank. I always love how he looks in uniform and my hormones are making it worse. I just take in how the shirt conforms to his upper body making all of those delicious muscles stick out. It’s not helping that he has his arms crossed making his biceps seem even bigger. Hmmm, maybe I can convince him to back into the office with me so that I can eat him for lunch. Wait…I know that I’m supposed to be doing something. Think brain think!

“Ummm.” Way to go stupid. Really being an overachiever today, aren’t you? The smirk on his face tells me that he knows damn well how distracting his body is to me. For the life of me I just can’t seem to get it together.

“Eyes up here Mel.” I can hear the laughter in his voice. Shithead!

“Hmmm? What did you say?” Well at least I’m saying whole sentences now.

“Where are you going? All alone? When you are supposed to have someone with you?” His voice has taken on a serious tone and when I look up so has his face.

“Ahhh, well see, Shell got crazy busy. So, I thought that I would just pop over to my appointment and be back really quick.”

“You thought that you would Pop over to your appointment?” He says it in a very low, menacing voice. He starts walking toward me like a lion hunting its prey. I know that I should move or do something, but again my hormones decide to run the show. Between his voice and the way that his body is moving I have no problem with being hunted by him. I’ll be a gazelle any day of the week! What in the hell is wrong with me?

“Yes?” He’s now standing directly in front of me caging me in between his body and my car. Nope still no plans of self-preservation here!

“Yes?” He asks while raising an eyebrow at me. “You think that’s a good idea when someone wants to hurt you?” Okay I see his point, but sheesh it’s only five minutes away!

“Well, it’s only five minutes away Morris. And what are you doing here anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Yeah, my brain has finally taken control again. He said that he was on duty until at least 6pm, so what in the hell is he doing here?

“See, here’s the thing my wonderfully crazy, stubborn, hard headed woman.” I’m not that bad! “You are not exactly the world’s best liar honey. Actually, you’re really fucking awful. You and that best friend of yours.” Again, not that bad…wait. “So, it was plain as day the other night to see that you two were up to something.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Deny, deny, deny! He just shakes his head smirking at me.

“Honey, if you were any more obvious that you were up to something you would’ve taken out a billboa…Ommph.” Out of nowhere Morris falls forward onto me. With our size difference I don’t have a chance in hell of keeping him up. When he falls to the ground I realize that he’s unconscious. What. The. Fuck. I bend down to take a look at him and can see blood on the back of his head. At that moment I hear shoes shuffle. I look up and am met with the craziest pair of eyes that I have ever seen.

“You should’ve listened to all my warnings! I was trying to be nice! Now it’s too late!” The last thing that I see before everything goes dark is the metal pipe coming toward my head.