Page 54 of While We Waited

I carry my flowers into the cemetery and wander the paths until I reach their graves. Leo Myers and Stella Myers.

I sweep some debris from their graves before leaning the flowers against their headstones. I sit on the grass in between them.

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.”

Thirteen years. I can’t believe it’s been thirteen years since I last saw my mom. Another eleven years on top of those since I saw Dad. I miss them so much.

“Sorry it’s been a while.”

I pluck on the grass while I try to figure out a way to tell them what’s happening.

“I’m having a baby,” I blurt out. “And, no, I’m not married.” I clear my throat. “Actually, I’m not in a relationship with the father’s baby. It’s Hudson by the way. You remember Hudson Clark? Big football star in high school who went on to be a professional in the NFL. He ruptured his Achilles’ tendon a few years back and came home.”

“I feel bad for him. It must be horrible to watch your dreams go up in flames. Although, he’s not doing too bad now. He established this super luxurious resort on the other side of the island. You should see the chalets. They’re to die for. With plunge pools on the terraces. You know how much I love pools.”

I realize I’m rambling and pause.

“It was a one-night stand. I know. I know. I shouldn’t have given into temptation but have you seen Hudson? The man is a walking, talking wet dream.” I cringe. “Sorry, Dad.”

“How do I feel about him?” My smile is wistful. “I think I’m falling in love with him.”

“I wish you were here to talk to. I wish I could ask you how it feels to fall in love. I wish I could hear you tell me the story of how you met one more time.”

Too many wishes that will never be fulfilled.

I realize I’m crying and wipe my eyes with my sleeve.

“We won’t be a family in the traditional sense but I will have a family. The baby I’ve always wanted. I wish Sprog could meet you. You’d be the best grandparents in the world. You’d spoil him rotten and I’d have to be the mean mom every time he came home from visiting you.”

“Nova!”

I glance over my shoulder. Hudson is barreling down the path toward me.

“What are you doing here?”

Chapter 19

Holding – when Hudson realizes he’s feeling possessive about the mother of his child

Hudson

Ifrown when the phone rings and rings. Why isn’t Nova answering? She seemed sad this morning but when I asked her what was wrong, she merely shrugged.

I’m worried she’s not feeling well. She tries not to tell me when she’s sick since she’s afraid I’ll judge her for being a hypochondriac. She’s growing my baby. I would never judge her.

I thought I’d make a special dinner to cheer her up but I wanted to check what time she’ll be finished with work. Thus, the phone call. But she’s not answering.

I hang up and dial her extension at the brewery. No answer.

Now, I’m getting worried. Is she at the hospital? She’d tell me if she went to the hospital, wouldn’t she?

I pace my office for a few minutes as I contemplate what to do. I can drive to the brewery to check on her. TheFive Fathoms Brewingrestaurant has the best burgers in town. I could say I had a craving. Nova wouldn’t know I was there to check on her.

It’s not yet noon but I’m not waiting any longer. I grab my keys and hurry toward the parking lot. My phone rings before I reach my truck.

Relief pours through me. Nova’s okay. There’s nothing wrong. But when I check the screen of my phone it’s not Nova calling.

“Where’s Nova?” I ask Maya.

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