Page 52 of No Limits

Taking very detailed notes, we got the answers to all of our questions and confirmed or refuted our research. Sex is perfectly fine as long as it doesn't hurt me. Some spotting may happen, so we shouldn't freak out unless it doesn't stop or becomes heavy. Coffee and other forms of caffeine are safe in moderation. It’s perfectly acceptable for us to go on our honeymoon.

Sitting in my room, watching Chelsea get dressed so she can help me into the most important dress I’ll ever wear, I yawn again and shake my head.

“What is up with you, Shay? You've been so tired lately. I called the other night, and you were already asleep. You’reneverasleep before me.”

Pulling my lip between my teeth, I look at my hands in my lap. Lochlyn and I had agreed to wait to tell people and to do it together. But I can't hold it in. I need her to know.

“I’m pregnant.”

Her eyes slowly widen, and her mouth drops open. “You’re pregnant?” she whispers as tears fill her eyes.

“Yes.” I say it hesitantly, as I’m not sure why she’s getting emotional. Is she jealous? Did she expect to have kids first? Her wedding is a few months away, but maybe she expected she'd get pregnant before me?

Before answering, she throws her arms around my neck and a sob escapes her. “Oh, Shay. I’m so happy for you. Oh, this is the most amazing news.” Leaning back, she sits on her heels and leaves her hands on my shoulders. “You’re going to be the most amazing mom. Oh, and you two together are going to be the world’s best parents. That little baby is so lucky.”

A strangled cry releases from my chest as I look up to the ceiling, refusing to let any tears fall. If one goes, they all will, and I won't be able to stop.

“No, don't you dare get started. I’m already going to have to redo my makeup. I don't want to ruin yours. And I know you’ll just end up crying all day long and then Lochlyn will want to kill me.” Chelsea laughs as she wipes at her face.

My eyes widen as I level my gaze with hers. “You can't tell him. We promised to tell you together and to wait, and…oh no…I just messed it all up. He’s going to be so upset.”

“Oh please, like Lochlyn could ever be displeased with anything you do. He’ll understand, it’shugenews.” She waves her hand at me like I’m crazy, but of all things, this may be something that he’d be upset about.

“We’re not telling anybody else.”

“I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Somehow, I don’t believe her.

“Even Wes.” There’s a strong need to specify. I mean, I’d tell Lochlyn. I'd almost expect her to tell Wes.

“Mmm, okay. I can do that.”

I narrow my eyes at her, not so sure.

“I promise, I won't tell him. Besides, I think that’s information Lochlyn should definitely be the one to share.” At least that I believe. If she thinks it’s important for Lochlyn, she won’t tell.

We dry our eyes, hugging again as she pulls me to standing. “Are you ready to put on the most important dress of your life?”

“I suppose I am. But mostly, I’m ready to finally and officially be married to Lochlyn.”

“Yeah, I had a feeling.”

Chelsea helps me dress, and soon we’re joined by Mom and the photographer. While things have improved with Mom, I only wanted Chelsea to be in the dressing room with me. Logan and I have spoken a touch more in recent years, but not enough for me to even want her at my wedding. It’s hard, but I have a sister, and she’s standing right in front of me.

Taking my hands in hers, with tears in her eyes, Mom looks at me with a mix of pride and sadness. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

“I am.”

We had decided that while it would be nice for Mom to walk me down the aisle, it needs to be Chelsea. Despite some selfish times, some fights, the biggest ultimatum I'd ever received, she has been there through so much, including the absence of Mom. It was her or Lochlyn, and he needs to be waiting for me up front.

We get a few shots of Chelsea tying the bodice to my dress, of me and Mom smiling, of Chelsea and I on the bed as though we’re having a cry fest. If only they had been here earlier to actually see that.

Then a few more as we climb into the limo that will take us to the venue. Instead of Lochlyn seeing me for the first time as I walk down the aisle, we’re doing a special first look before people start to show up and before the wedding even starts.

It will save us a little time in the long run, and give us a chance to be together sooner.

As the limo pulls up to the venue, the nerves settle in and my hands tremble. This is a big day in so many ways. Lochlyn and I joined our lives years ago, but this makes it official. This makes us each other’s as far as everybody else is concerned too, not just based on what’s in our hearts.

The plan is for the photographer—who came over a little bit before us—to get Lochlyn in place and ready for me to come surprise him. He’ll open the door when he’s ready for me.

---