Love in the Mountains

Back at Home

Taylee's mom met her at the airport with a hug.

"I've missed you so much, sweetie!"

"I've missed you too, mom. Thanks for picking me up."

"You know I'd do it anytime."

"I know."

They made their way to her mom's car then headed to their house. Taylee's mom continued small talk all the way to the house. 

"There's our girl!" her dad met her at the door with a hug. "Happy to be back?"

"I really am, dad. I've missed you guys!"

"We've missed you too! Let me help you with your suitcase."

He took the suitcase from her and walked it to her room. She followed him.

Her room was exactly the same as she had left it when she moved out.

"You guys don't want to use this room for something else?"

"Like what, sweetie?" her mom asked.

"I don't know, a workout room, a computer room? Anything?"

"No, honey. We wanted it to be available for if you ever came back." her dad said.

This caused tears to form in Taylee's eyes.

"Oh, don't cry sweetie!" her mom said.

"I'm so sorry I just abandoned you guys." 

"You didn't abandon us, honey. You grew up and created a life for yourself." her dad said. "I'm just glad you've come back to visit."

"Me too." 

Her dad pulled her into a hug.

"I think I'll call Josh then go to sleep." she said opening up her suitcase.

"Okay, sweetie. We will see you in the morning. Sweet dreams." her mom kissed the top of her head.

After they walked out, Taylee pulled the Beatles shirt out of her suitcase which caused her to erupt in tears again. She already missed Josh and it had only been 8 1/2 hours. She looked back down at her suitcase and saw one of Josh's long sleeve white sweatshirts with a note on top. 

"Thought I'd send this to keep you warm since I can't. I love you so much. -J."

She wiped tears from her face then grabbed the sweatshirt and put it on with a pair of her shorts. She laid down in her old bed and pulled out her phone.

She texted him: "Still awake?"

"Of course. Can't sleep without talking to you."

She opened up Facetime and smiled. This was going to be like old times.

"Hi, mama."

"Hi, Joshy." he smiled at her from the screen. "Where are you at?"

"In my bunk.. I figured I didn't deserve the bed anymore since I'm just one person. I let Jake and Jita have it."

"That was nice of you."

"Have you been crying?"

"A little."

"What's wrong?"

"I miss you. And I've missed being in this house with my parents."

"I miss you too, darling. I see you found my sweatshirt."

Taylee smiled. "Yes, I definitely needed this."

They talked on the phone for another 10 minutes then Taylee was too tired to talk anymore. They said goodnight and she fell asleep.

--

When she woke up, she called her supervisor and let her know she was back in town. She told her she would be coming to the office for a few weeks instead of working remotely. After hanging up with her supervisor, she called her doctor's office.

"Dr. Audrey's office, this is Amelia. How can I help you?"

"Hi Amelia. My name is Taylee Sumner. I was calling because I've taken some positive pregnancy tests and am needing to schedule an appointment."

"Okay, Taylee. We typically don't do the first appointment until you're about 6-8 weeks. Are you that far along?"

"I'm not exactly sure. But if I calculate right, I think I'll be 6 weeks next week."

"Perfect. Let me take a look at Dr. Audrey's schedule." Taylee could hear typing in the background. "Looks like I could get you in next Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Would that work for you?"

"Yes, thank you."

"And will the father be attending with you?"

"No.. He doesn't know yet."

"I understand. I will get you scheduled in that slot and we will see you then. It looks like we do need some paperwork from you so please arrive 10-15 minutes early."

"Absolutely. Thank you."

Taylee hung up the phone and sighed. 

--

The rest of the week was a blur. She went to work in the morning, spent time with her parents in the evening, called Josh every night, then went to bed. She left in some time to spend with her old roommate Laila. Before she knew it Tuesday had arrived.

She walked into the doctor's office, filled out her paperwork then went back to the exam room. Her doctor did her typical exam and confirmed her pregnancy then they talked about her options. 

--

On Friday, her parents drove her back to Nashville. They had booked a hotel and were going to stay and visit with her and Josh over the weekend. The drive was long but Taylee couldn't wait to see Josh.

Her parents dropped her off at Josh's house and asked if she wanted them to stay. She told them no and encouraged them to go out for dinner just the two of them. She went inside and unpacked all of her things. She took a shower and sat down on the couch. She turned on one of her shows and fell asleep.

She was waken up by Josh gently shaking her.

"Hi, mama."

She stretched and looked up at him. "Hi, Joshy."

He picked her up and cradled her in his arms. He kissed her on the forehead then carried her up the stairs. He gently laid her on the bed then stripped to his boxers and got in with her.

"I've missed you so much." he pulled her into a cuddle.

"I've missed you too. More than you could ever imagine." she relaxed into him.

He ran his fingers through her hair.

"I never want to live without you. Ever."

"Me either, Joshy."

They fell asleep in the comfort of each other's arms.

--