Brooke's P.O.V. (10 weeks)
When Reed asked me to be his date to this party at Chris and Emily's, I was secretly jumping for joy. I liked Reed, a lot and I would love nothing more for something to happen between us but I have this tiny voice in my head telling me he's only asking me because I'm now pregnant with his child and he's just being nice.
I couldn't shake that feeling no matter how hard I tried.
"Are you coming home tonight?" Grandma asked as I did my hair.
My head snapped in her direction, "Yes?"
She started laughing, "Well I wasn't sure. Just let me know if you decide that you'll be staying at Reed's."
"Why would I stay at Reed's?" I was beside myself, that I was having this horrid conversation with my grandmother. It's bad enough she knew I had a one night stand and got pregnant.
"He likes you, you're having his baby and you ask me such silly questions."
I just stared at her, not really knowing what to say except, "I'm coming home."
She rolled her eyes and walked out of the bathroom.
I hurried and put my stuff in the drawer and followed her out.
"You just rolled your eyes at me!"
"I'm sorry, but you like that boy and I know you won't bring him back here out of respect for me because that's just who you are but honey, live a little."
"Are we seriously having this conversation right now?"
"You act as if I've never had sex before. Do you like that boy?"
"Yes, of course I do but that doesn't mean I'm going to sleep with him tonight. That night with him wasn't me, I like the dating and relationship status before the... you know."
"Sex?"
"Ahhhh, yes... the sex."
"Have you talked to him about a possible relationship?"
"No, he's already been so great. I don't want him to run away if I tell him I possibly want a relationship with him because what if he doesn't? This is all so new."
"He's a good boy and he likes you. I can see it, Brooklyn. He isn't going to run away, if anything he will jump at the chance to be with you."
I heard Reed's truck pull up. "I'm coming home, thank you for being so great but let's not rush things, okay?"
"Fine, but if things change... call me, that's all I'm saying." She opened the door, motioning him in. "Reed, how are you? Come in."
Reed walked through the door, "I'm good, Alma. How are you?" His eyes landed on me, roaming my body.
I couldn't help but do the same. Reed's white fitting t-shirt showed off his toned arms and delicious ripples on his stomach, making me want to spend the night at Reed's.
What the actual hell? I cleared my throat as I looked away.
"Just fine, dear."
"B, you look... really nice."
I felt my cheeks heat up, "Thank you. Are you ready?"
"Yes. Emily is excited that you're coming." He paused looking over the paint samples that sat on the table. "Are you guys painting?"
"Next summer, Brooke was going to paint the barn and porch this summer but being that she's pregnant she isn't able to."
"I can do it." He said without hesitating.
"Really?" I questioned.
"Of course, it shouldn't take too long."
"That's really nice of you, we can pay-"
He started laughing as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, "There is no way I'm taking your money, I'm doing this out of the goodness of my heart." He leaned into my ear and whispered, "Plus it gives me an excuse to see you more." He kissed my cheek before pulling away.
*********
We were driving to Chris and Emily's house talking when I decided to ask the question, weighing on my mind.
"Have you told anyone about the baby yet?"
His head snapped in my direction, "No? I thought you wanted to wait?"
"I do, but when I'm there and not drinking I just know Chris is going to question it."
"Yeah, you're probably right. We could tell them tonight?" He said, excitedly.
"You want to tell them before our parents?"
"When we tell our parents, I'd like to do it in person. My family only lives an hour away but it's not like I get there that often. I definitely don't want to do it over the phone."
"I understand that. I'm okay with telling them, if they don't broadcasted all over social media."
He started laughing, "If we ask them to keep it quiet they will. This is all getting so much more real now."
"I know, wait until we start buying baby things. Do you want a boy or a girl?" I asked, looking over at him.
"Honestly, I'd be happy with either."
"Me too, I don't care as long as the baby is healthy."
"Do you want to find out the gender?"
"I'm not sure yet. What about you?"
He started laughing, "I'm a pretty impatient person, I think I'm going to want to know."
I started laughing too, "I wouldn't peg you for an impatient man."
Parking on the road in front of Chris and Emily's house, he motioned for me to wait. "I'll help you out."
Coming around, he opened the door and helped me down. He reached in the back and grabbed a container. "I made potato salad, I hope it's good."
"I told you I could have made something."
Walking hand and hand to the front door he looked over at me, "I asked you out, I wasn't going to have you make something for this."
"But, I would have."
"I know, that's one thing I love about you." He leaned down, kissing the top of my head.
We walked past the side of the house, leading me to the back yard where everyone was.
Still holding hands with Reed, Emily came running up and gave me a hug. "Brooke, I'm so glad this big guy brought you with him." Reed handed her his potato salad. "Thank you, let's go set this down." She said, before pulling me away, into the crowd.
I looked back, smiling at Reed as he stood there watching us with a smile, shaking his head before Matt and Chris walked up to him.
"I'm so glad that you could make it, I hope you're hungry because I have way too much food." She said, putting the potato salad on the table.
"I am and I'm glad Reed asked me. I remember last year's party, it was so much fun."
"This was supposed to be on the 4th of July also but Ben was sick this year so we had to postpone it. What can I get you to drink?"
"Oh I'm okay right now. Thank you though. Can I help you with anything?"
"No, everything's pretty much done. We're going to eat and then you and I are talking some more. I couldn't help but notice some hand holding going on? Are you and Reed a thing?"
"No, just friends?"
She gave me a look like I was lying. Honestly, I didn't know what was going on, he held my hand and I went with it.
"Hello ladies. You're Brooke, right? I met you at last year's party."
"Yes, you're..."
"Jeff."
"Yes. Chris's brother, right?"
"You do remember me."
I started laughing, "I'm good with faces but terrible with names. I met so many new people last year and had alcohol in me, so I'm glad I remember that much."
He started laughing, "I'm the older, more good looking brother."
"Please! He was dropped on his head at birth, B. Don't listen to him, he's in complete denial." Chris said as he gave me a hug. "I'm glad you could make it."
"Thanks for having me."
Reed and the other guys surrounded us. Reed put his arm around my waist, almost like he was making it known I was at this party with him.
"Did Emily introduce you to Brooke, Reed's date for the night."
Jeff's face fell, as he looked between us. "Actually, we met last year at your party. You're a lucky guy, Reed."
"I think so too." Reed turned his head to me, "B, you hungry?"
"Yes."
"Let's eat, I'm starving. We'll talk to you guys later." Reed said, leading me to the food table.
"Well I think you've come to the right place, holy cow she's got a lot of food."
"She really does and I told you she was excited to see you."
"She's trying to get information out of me, she saw us holding hands so I'm guessing the interrogation isn't done yet."
"I could kiss you and really get them talking?" He whispered, in a flirty-tone.
"Do you want to kiss me?" I challenged him.
Please kiss me.
My answer was cut short, when Chris stood behind Reed. "Yo! I'm cutting in line behind you guys because one, it's my party and secondly, I'm starving. Emily wouldn't let me touch any of this food today."
I started laughing, "I'm pretty sure you're going to have enough food for the next few weeks."
"Right. I love my wife but she's a bit crazy."
"I shouldn't laugh because in all honesty, I'm probably going to be the same way."
We went through the line, got our food and sat down next to the fire pit.
"Would you like some water?"
"That would be great, thank you."
Reed came back with two bottles of water, handing me one.
"Reed, your potato salad is delicious." I said, taking another bite.
"Thanks, I'm not going to lie. I called mom and she walked me through the whole thing."
"Awww, mom to the rescue."
"Mom's are the best." He winked at me with his sexy smile, sending goosebumps throughout my body.
The rest of Reed's guy friends sat down next to us, Chris and Emily joining shortly afterwards.
"Oh my God, B... you don't have anything to drink. What would you like?" Emily asked.
"Reed got me a bottle of water, I'm good."
"Are you sure? I have some really good wine or-"
I shook my head, "I promise, I'm good."
I looked at Reed, who was giving me a questioning look, wondering if it was okay to tell them. I smiled and nodded. He seemed so excited which made my heart happy that he wanted to start telling people.
Reed's smile widened as he sat back, throwing his arm around the back of my seat. "Actually, alcohol probably isn't the best for our baby."
"What do you mean? I don't get it?" Chris asked, looking confused.
"Baby?" Emily squealed, excitedly.
It was like a light bulb went off in Chris and the other guys. "Like... you two...?"
I giggled at his still confused state.
Reed leaned forward, rubbing my belly. "Brooke and I are having a baby."
"Shut up!" Chris stood up, pulling us both up into a hug. Emily and the other guys joined in.
"Like, you're totally serious right now?" Chris questioned.
"Yes." Reed confirmed, again.
"How far along are you?" Emily asked.
"Well... ten weeks."
"That night at the bar?" Matt asked with a smile as he tried doing the math in his head.
"Yep." I replied, shyly.
Chris nudged Reed's arm, "You liar! 'we're just talking' my ass."
I wanted to ask him what he meant but everyone came up, congratulating us, pulling the two of us apart.
As I talked with Emily and the other girls about the baby, I looked over at Reed as he smiled and talked amongst his friends.
I was happy and couldn't help but want more with Reed. He's been amazing and there was no doubt in my mind I was falling for him.
He looked up from his friends as if he could feel my eyes on him. His smile never left as he stared back at me, sending me a wink that made me weak in the knees.
I bit my lip nervously and looked down, no doubt blushing. When I looked back up, he was still smiling at me.
Now, telling our parents.
***New update will be next week! Thank you for the votes and comments. It's greatly appreciated. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween. 🎃