Page 29 of Resolution
She claps her hands in triumph and hops in my direction to hug me once more, taking my breath away. “Umph… Lex. Careful, I’m carrying precious cargo here.”
She pats my belly and singsongs like she’s actually talking with the babies growing inside of me, “See, I know how to get your mama to calm down.”
“Oh my God, this feels amazing,” I nearly moan as the technician massages my feet and rubs my lower legs with hot stones. Between that and the massaging chair I’m sitting in, I feel myself completely relax. My muscles were much tenser than I’d realized.
“I hate to say I told you so, but…” Lexi trails off as she laughs.
I ignore her comment, but admit, “We need to do this more often.”
“Next we’re going shopping to get you some new clothes. There’s no need for you to look frumpy just because you’re preggers.”
“Uh… how am I supposed to take that?” I feel my mouth still hanging open.
“Oh, come on, Sam. You’re wearing all the clothes you usually wear when you’re feeling less than the beautiful woman you are. I know you’re trying to hide a baby bump until Enzo returns, but with this being your fourth pregnancy, not to mention the fact you’re carrying twins, I’m not sure how much longer you can hide this.”
“Lexi…”
She puts her hands up to surrender. “Hey, I was surprised to feel the bump when I teased you earlier. You have to be uncomfortable in tight clothes. I know I always was.”
She’s got me there. I can only wear so many leggings and sweaters. Thank goodness it’s winter, but she’s right. I don’t think I will last much longer in these clothes. Besides, I’m down to only two skirts and a few pairs of leggings that fit anyway.
“Okay, but nothing that makes me look too pregnant.”
“Definetoopregnant. You’ve got two babies inside you and they want to be seen by the world. You’re absolutely stunning now that you’re no longer sick every morning. Why not flaunt it?”
“Lex, I hope I can hold off until Enzo returns. We want to tell the kids together. I have no idea how they’re going to react. It’s already going to be a big adjustment that I’m getting married in a few weeks, add twins to the mix and they might disown me,” I tease.
“They will not,” Lexi huffs. Then to change the subject, she asks, “So do you need any help with the wedding?”
I sigh. “No, I’ve just got to get fitted for my dress the week before and that’s about it. Enzo and Melanie have taken care of everything.”
“You sure are lucky. What bride only has to show up for her wedding?” she teases. “I’m jealous. Enzo sure is a keeper,” Lexi sighs and has a dreamy look on her face.
I’m so fortunate Enzo’s taken care of everything. My heart melted when he told me he wanted to get married at the Multnomah Falls Lodge, in memory of our first date. I can’t wait to have him here and make this dream become a reality for both of us.
Melanie’s been a godsend. She’s made all the arrangements, and except for actually trying on dresses, I haven’t had to do much. Sure, I’ve had my opinions and she has helped make those happen in every way possible. I’m sure it helps we’re having a small, intimate wedding. Enzo only wanted to invite our families and a few close friends. By the time we sorted the guest list, we have about fifty to seventy-five people invited, but who knows who will actually make it, with our winter weather in the Pacific Northwest.
After our pedicures, Lexi takes me shopping for maternity clothes. Thank God, times have changed and you don’t have to look like a tent when you’re pregnant. I managed to get some things for work and to relax in at home. They just look a little baggy at the moment, but there’s room for growth. I didn’t get too many winter things, since spring will be here before we know it.
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. Even though we got pedicures today, my feet feel tired and swollen from walking around the mall. I somehow manage to get everything unloaded from the car and put away. With the kids at their dad’s house this evening, I stealthily hide the clothes from the maternity stores. No need to have snoopy eyes find my secrets.
It’s only a little after seven, but my eyes feel like lead bricks, and my body is sluggish. There’s nothing to describe this depth of exhaustion. I decide to give into it by going to bed early. It’s not often I can do this, so I might as well take advantage. I put on my pajamas and sink into the comforts of my bed. My sheets have never felt more inviting. Within seconds of my head hitting the pillow, I feel myself fall to unconsciousness.
I’m woken by the sound of my favorite ringtone. At first, I think I’m dreaming, but when it continues, I throw myself out of bed and race for my phone I’d left in the bathroom. By the time I get to it, I’m out of breath. “Enzo…” I nearly pant. “Is that really you?”
I hear the most beautiful and sexy laugh come from the other end of the line. “It sure is, beautiful. Did I catch you at a bad time?”
I walk back to my bed and snuggle under the covers, wanting to be as comfortable as I can for any length of time he can give me. “Not at all. I fell asleep and left my phone in the bathroom.”
“It’s only a little after nine, are you okay?” Enzo’s concern is evident in his tone.But, God, his voice sounds amazing to my ears.
I fluff my pillow to get more comfortable and chuckle. “Well, Lexi took me shopping and we walked all over the mall. The kids are at Devin’s and I’m tired. I took advantage of a night without commitments.” But this isn’t what I want to talk about. “Enough about me. How are you? Where have you been? Are you okay?” I rush out in a blur.
Another chortle comes out, then I hear, “Slow down, speedy. I’ve been doing my damnedest to tie up loose ends and have done a bit of traveling.”
“Really? Are you able to tell me where?”
Suddenly my doorbell rings.
