Page 16 of Finding Hope

Contact with Jonathon had turned into text messages or calls asking how she felt or if she needed anything and that was it. She still saw and spoke to Josie, but it was only through Tessa. Tessa had tried to get her to come over to her place, but she was afraid Jonathon would be there. She just couldn’t see him because it hurt too much, but it was her own damn fault and she had no clue how to get past her stupid issues and make things right.

Now at twenty-two weeks, she was going to get to see her baby. She had a feeling it was a little boy. Of course, her dad was excited at the possibility of a grandson. Shannon looked at her phone and saw she was running late, which all of sudden was the norm. She ran a brush through her hair and quickly tied it back in a ponytail.

Her O’Tool’s t-shirt hugged her growing belly and her boobs had gotten huge overnight. She was wearing the cutest black capris that were made of the softest, most stretchy material, and she didn’t feel like they were trying to squeeze the baby right out of her. Shannon slipped on her green Chuck’s and grabbed her bag. For the end of May, it was a little cooler than normal, so she ran back inside and grabbed her jean jacket.

She made her way toward the medical plaza, eager to finally see her baby. After parking toward the back of the parking lot, she made her way inside the building. Shannon waited with a small crowd in front of the elevator. Like a herd of cattle, once the bell dinged they all stepped on. As the elevator made its way to the fourth floor, she watched the numbers light up. Once it stopped on her floor, she stepped off, making her way down the hall to her OB’s office.

After checking in, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Jonathon.

Shannon: Hey, just wanted to check. Do you want to know the sex of the baby? I’m here for my appointment and they’re doing an ultrasound today.

She pulled the book she was reading out of her bag and began to read it while she waited to be called back.

Ten minutes later, the nurse came to get her. After weighing her and taking the rest of Shannon’s vitals, the nurse left her to wait for the doctor. She grabbed her bag and pulled out her phone to check and see if Jonathon texted back, but there was nothing. Disappointment filled her, but she pushed it away. Maybe he was working. Maybe he was busy with Josie.

Guilt filled her yet again because she wanted more than he could give her and she felt selfish because that’s what she wanted from him…everything. That everything included that beautiful little girl, and his beautiful, sweet sister.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the ultrasound tech came in. Then, at that moment, she was filled with joy.

***

Shannon stepped up to the counter at Old Towne Bakery and gave her name. The girl behind the counter disappeared into the back.

During the ultrasound the day before, Shannon decided to have them write down the gender on a piece of paper and stick it in an envelope. At the last minute, she chose to do something fun for the big reveal, so she ordered cupcakes and the sex of the baby would be revealed in the middle of the cake.

She sent a mass text asking everyone to meet at the bar. She was nervous about seeing Jonathon, but it was only right that he, Josie, and Tessa be there too. That morning, she made her dad and brother promise not to cause a scene, especially with Josie there. Jonathon never responded, so she didn’t know if he was going to be there or not. She may or may not have spent a little extra time doing her hair and makeup.

Her outfit was super cute and showed off her belly, which was kind of what she was going for. It was warmer then the day before, so she was wearing a layered racerback tank top and a cute jean skirt with her favorite blue Chuck’s.

The girl who helped her reappeared with a medium-sized box. She paid for the cupcakes and then carried them down the street to the bar. When she stepped inside, she set them on the bar and hugged her mom.

“My sweet baby girl. You look beautiful.” Her mom brushed Shannon’s hair over her shoulder and then kissed her cheek.

“Thanks. Is everyone else here?”

“They’re in the office. We’re just waiting on Jonathon to get here.” Shannon’s mom had been the only one to try to encourage Shannon to work things out with him. “I’ll get everyone and will be right back.”

No sooner did she disappear down the hall, then the front door opened and there he was, looking as gorgeous as ever. Before she could even say anything to him, skinny arms wrapped around her and she looked down into Josie’s smiling face. “Hi, beautiful girl. You’ve gotten taller since the last time I saw you.” Shannon tenderly kissed the girl’s forehead and hugged her tight.

Josie put her hands on Shannon’s belly. “Your belly’s getting bigger.”

Shannon covered the little girl’s hands with her own. “It is, but that’s a good thing. It just means the baby is getting bigger.” She felt a little flutter, so she moved Josie’s hand to where the flutter was. “Can you feel that?”

“Wow…” Josie whispered. Her voice filled with awe. “Daddy, come feel. The baby moved.” Shannon could smell him before he reached her. She wanted more than anything to wrap her arms around him and bury her nose in his neck. His large hand covered part of her belly. Their baby wanted to show off, and she knew when he felt the tiny kick, because he looked at her with a smile that warmed her heart.

She smiled at him, but just as quickly he backed away from her and his features changed. She looked away before he could see her hurt expression.

“You look great.” Tessa came toward her, and hugged her tight. “Are you okay?” she whispered.

She just shook her head. Everyone else joined them and gathered around Shannon. She grabbed the box off the counter. “I just thought this might be a fun way to find out what I’m having. The inside of the cupcake will either have blue or pink.” She passed out a cupcake to each person. Kasey was glaring at Jonathon. She glanced at her friend as if trying to convey her feelings.

Jonathon was the last one to get one. His stare held hers until Shannon heard Josie behind her, causing them both to look away from each other. She moved until she was standing next to the little girl. Everyone peeled the paper off of his or her cupcakes.

“Okay, ready. I guess let’s do it on the count of three. One…Two…Three.” Everyone pulled their cupcakes apart.

Josie screamed, “It’s blue!”

Shannon wrapped her arms around Josie and squeezed her tight. “You’re having a little brother. What do you think about that?” The door to the bar opened and closed as she saw Jonathon step outside, but before she could go after him, her family all surrounded her, hugging her tight. Tessa gave Shannon a big smile before she went after her brother.

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