ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 2022
Tears stream down my rosy cheeks as I enter the kitchen. I snuffle and use my arm to remove the droplets gathering around my chin. Noah places the tongs on the bench and turns around. The smile slips from his face and concern move through his green eyes.
"Please help me, I can't get the zip up." I tug on the metal once more but it doesn't budge. More tears trickle down my cheeks as desperation sets in.
Noah bites his lower lip to prevent himself from laughing. However, my growing anger seems to be amusing to him.
"Don't laugh!" I snap. "If I can't get this dress on, then I'll be wearing my pjs to lunch."
"Turn around and I'll see if I can do it. It's probably just the angle, sometimes zippers can be tedious like that."
"I hope it's just being an asshole."
"Come on." He beckons me over.
I turn around and Noah moves my hair over my shoulder. He does the top button up and I attempt to suck in my stomach, which doesn't really go anywhere. Somehow, the zipper slides up and I sigh with relief.
"See, no need to worry."
I slide my hands over my stomach and pout. This sunflower dress has some stretch but I'm quickly growing out of it. I'm disappointed because it's comfortable and very soft. It's hard to find nice clothing that meets my comfort requirements.
"Thank you."
Noah takes my arm and spins me around. He cups my cheeks and removes the tears with his thumbs. His soft green eyes search mine before fluttering closed. He kisses my forehead and I nuzzle into his chest.
Just like always, the calming smell of chamomile and peppermint soothes my senses. If Noah ever decides to use another body wash or the company decides to change their product, I'll probably cry because everything is making me cry at the moment. Damn hormones.
"You look radiant."
"No, I look pregnant." I sigh.
"Oh baby, that's because you are." His chest rumbles against my cheek.
"How do women do this? My feet hurt, I have constant back pain and everything makes me want to cry. Percy told me that Nicole has picked the wedding venue and I cried. I'm not even in the very pregnant phase yet." I groan.
"Welp, you're still not thrilled, so crying seems like a natural reaction." He chuckles.
"Hm, you have a good point there. Does Lea still love Nicole? Why am I the only one saying things seem too rushed. Why do they have to get married now? Shouldn't they at least live together for a little bit and see how things pan out?"
Noah slides his arms around my waist and kisses my temple. I place my hand on his chest and nudge him away.
"Aren't you worried about Percy? I thought you two were like brothers."
"Percy is old enough to make his own choices. Some people could have said the same things to us, especially given that you're young and could be out experiencing life, but you're here with me and we're starting our family."
"Some people aren't close family like we are."
"I'm not meddling with my nephew's life and neither should you."
"But Noah." I pout.
"You should sit down and rest."
"I don't need to."
Noah grabs my hips and lifts me into the air. I'm placed onto the counter which isn't too bad since I can overlook the delicious food cooking on the stove. I've been craving kebabs all morning and I'm minutes away from devouring them.
"You look happy." Noah laughs.
"Because I've seen the food." I grin.
"Your mood swings certainly keep things interesting."
"That's what we're aiming for, I think."
Noah places his hand on my belly and smiles.
"I can't believe I'm going to be a dad." He beams with happiness.
"Let's hope you make it to fatherhood." I wink.
"I'll do whatever you want but that."
"Ugh." I groan. "I need you to help me, not work against me."
The doorbell rings which has Noah racing to the front door. I slide off the counter and begin putting the food onto serving trays. I place the pans in the sink and tidy the kitchen up before taking the trays and wandering into the dining room.
Lea, Granny and Dad are seated around the table while Noah walks towards me. His eyes light up with surprise and I smile. Noah takes the tray and places it on the table. He wraps his arm around my waist and smiles.
"This looks like a good spread," Dad comments.
"What did you want to tell us?" Granny smiles and her gaze flickers to my stomach.
"Charlie's pregnant!" Noah announces.
"Surprise!" I awkwardly wave my hands.
Dad's eyes go wide while Granny and Lea burst with excitement. I remove Noah's arm and take a seat.
"Congratulations! I can't wait to have another grandbaby!"
Granny's reaction makes me smile. I knew Granny and Lea would be supportive since they love children, I'm just nervous about Dad. We're married, we have our hours, and Noah has a good job, so it isn't too much or a surprise, right?
"How did this come about?" Lea questions.
Noah grins. "When a Mummy and Daddy-"
Lea scrunches up a napkin and tosses it at Noah.
"Charlie was adamant that she didn't want kids just yet."
I glance down at my growing belly and smile.
"Lots of talking until everything felt right. I'm scared about the birth, there's so much that can go wrong, but I'm excited to do it with Noah."
Noah places his hand on my stomach and smiles.
"I'm excited, congratulations!" Lea grins.
"What do you think the gender will be?" Noah asks.
"A boy," Dad comments.
"We need more females in this family," Lea comments.
"Then you should have had more children," Granny says.
Noah erupts into laughter.
"Mum." She gasps.
"I think it'll be a girl." Noah smiles.
Dad scrunches his face up.
"Trust me, you'll want a boy."
Noah chuckles while I stomp on his foot from under the table.
"I don't care about the gender, I just want a healthy baby."
Noah smiles and nods his head.
"We're going to have more than one child, so it doesn't matter which gender comes first."
"We'll see about that." I shake my head.
Everyone laughs, myself included.
Depending on how the birth goes, I might only have it in me for one baby. Most mothers say that they don't remember the birth but I think they're lying. How does one forget the feeling of popping a baby out of their body?