Page 85 of Hell's Gator

Bailey slipped her arm around Tempest’s waist and together they went up the stairs. “I really, really tried to keep it all to myself.”

“Why? You know I’m here for you, don’t you?”

“I also know you’re ready to pop pregnant, and miserable.”

“That’s not going to change until I actually have the little critter. Until then, it’s just part of my new mystique,” Tempest said dramatically, raising her chin dramatically and fluttering her eyes.

Bailey laughed. “How are you feeling? Any updates about the due date?”

“That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. We aren’t really sure about the due date. We’re just kind of playing by instinct until the baby decides it’s time.”

“That doesn’t sound good. Is there something wrong?”

“Not with me, or the baby. We just don’t know how long it will take. But I owe you an apology.”

“For what?”

“For not being honest with you from the beginning.”

“About what?”

“Me,” Tempest said, opening her door and waving Bailey in.

Bailey stepped inside Tempest’s house and Tempest followed her in, closing the door behind herself. “Want some ice cream?”

“Ice cream sounds really good. But I’m more concerned with the fact that you’re confusing the hell out of me.”

“I have buttered pecan, vanilla, cherry vanilla, and chocolate. What kind do you want?”

“Why do you have so much ice cream?” Bailey asked laughingly. “And you’re skipping right over the hard part.”

“I’ll explain it, I promise. And the ice cream… I get it from my grandfather. Though he favors chocolate, and I love the vanilla and the buttered pecan. We used to share a bowl every evening when I was little. It’s not only delicious, it makes me feel closer to him.”

“Aw, I didn’t even think about that. You’re missing your family back home because the baby is coming soon.”

“I am. But I’m hoping they’ll come for the birth.”

“Of course, they will.”

“Maybe. My mother and father will, I’m sure. I’m not sure about my grandparents, but we’ll see.”

“Are they elderly? It’s hard for them to travel?” Bailey asked, trying to be understanding.

“Oh, they’re old, but that’s not the problem. They get around just fine; they’re just not much on leaving home.”

“Okay. But surely they’ll want to come meet your baby,” Bailey said, her reply showing her confusion.

“Maybe. Might not be possible. Here, have some chocolate,” Tempest said, handing her a huge bowl of ice cream.

“Thanks. Why wouldn’t your grandparents come to meet your baby?”

“Eventually, they would. I’d bring the baby to them if I had to, but it might be a little while.”

Bailey took a bite of her ice cream and watched Tempest thoughtfully. “That bothers you, though. I can see it.”

“Yeah. I’m hoping we can work it all out for them to be here. I want them to see my home, and to meet everyone in my life. I want to share a piece of my life with them.”

“Just tell them that. I’m sure they’ll make it a point to come. I don’t think it would be a big deal for them once they know what it means to you, especially if they can get around as well as you say.”

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