Page 73 of Kandi's Crush: A BWWM Sweet Billionaire Romance

The pregnancy shouldn’t have come as a surprise. We’d used no type of contraceptives and had half-heartedly relied upon an app to determine Kandace’s fertile periods.

In addition, there had been a few slip-ups when I hadn’t pulled out in time. I wouldn’t have guessed we would be so lucky as to conceive so quickly in our marriage.

“I’d hoped this would happen when the timing was perfect. Now is not the time.”

“When is it ever the perfect time to do anything?” I brushed away the tears trailing down her cheeks. “I can’t wait to meet this little one. I’ll have the contractors clear out the office so we can get a blank slate, and our mothers can argue over who will decorate the nursery.”

“I need my mother. I can’t do this without her.” She’d broken into a sob.

“Don’t worry about that. I want you to focus on staying healthy and stress-free for our child.”

“They gave me prenatal vitamins. They’re huge. Also, I have to consume more calories and folic acids.” She sighed and looked down. “I’m not ready for this.”

Turned out, neither of us had been ready.

Morning sickness had hit Kandace hard. The simplest meal would set her off—eggs were the worst. She’d feasted on crackers, sorbet, deli sandwiches, and soup. She’d drunk ginger ale by the two-liter.

She had been miserable, but I’d looked at each wave of nausea and episode of morning sickness as a good sign. That had meant our baby was growing and healthy.

After we’d dined on Thanksgiving dinner, Kandace led Celeste by the hand to our master bedroom. There she broke the news of the pregnancy. Turns out my mother-in-law knew the moment she walked into the loft. Kandace expected anger or judgment, she was stunned when Celeste dabbed at the tears of joy gathering in the corners of her eyes. Celeste promised to support us in any way required.

Celeste’s presence was what we both needed. When it was just Kandace and I, we were terrified that the slightest exertion would harm the baby—that included household chores and leaving the house. She stopped driving and we’d even abstained from sex. Celeste assured us that Kandace could continue living a normal life and still maintain a healthy pregnancy.

The three of us hoped the second trimester would be easier. Once Kandace had learned which foods to avoid, the sickness had become less common, and she’d seemed to be happier.

Every day, she stood naked in front of me and asked if she looked pregnant. The first two weeks, I’d squinted my eyes and said yes. But at almost three months, there was definitely a small swell of her stomach.

After the graduation ceremony, we navigated our way through the crowd until we found Kandace standing at the agreed upon meeting location.

I grabbed her into my arms and inhaled her sweet scent. “Sweets, you did it. Everyone is shocked.”

Our loved ones interrupted our moment alone when our loved ones ran over to us. They pushed me out of the way to hug Kandace.

The graduation was an afterthought because everyone was excited about the pregnancy. Our mothers had tears in their eyes, and our fathers patted me on the back. There were so many questions around how she felt, the sex of the baby, and the due date.

“The fourth of July?” Simone sobbed. “Oh Lord. Is the baby going to be a Cancer?” Her eyes widened in horror. Natasha nudged her in the side and gestured toward our parents and grandparents. Simone plastered on a smile and added, “We wish you a safe pregnancy. Congratulations.”

“Kandi, why are you wearing those shoes? You should have on flats or tennis shoes. You young people.” My mother scolded after taking notice of Kandace’s platform heels. “What if you fall? Chadwick, you must carry her to the bus.”

“She’s heavy,” I whined playfully. My mother slapped me on the arm and my wife mockingly rolled her eyes at me.

After the laughter and questions subsided, Natasha asked to see the baby bump.

“Are you guys ready to see the big mama?” Kandace’s fingers grasped the zipper of her robe and slowly lowered it until she revealed an electric blue, fitted sheath dress. There was the tiniest hint of a rounded belly. Her face lit up, and the ladies cooed as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

My mother turned to me and said, “You can’t raise a baby in that loft. There’s not enough space for a baby and the things a baby needs. You’ll need a nursery and a playroom. Your daddy and I will buy you a real house. A house that’s move-in ready, unlike that pile of wood you’re fixing up.”

“Mom, the apartment is two thousand square feet. We can raise a child in that space until the house is complete. I don’t want you two to buy us anything.”

“But the baby needs plenty of space to explore. As parents, it is important to encourage creativity and free thinking. Please consider the offer.” My mother wrapped her hand around my wrist and shook.

Where was this concern for ‘free thinking’ when I was growing up? My parents insisted that I do as told, no questions allowed.

“I know you two like those gray walls, but the palette should be bright and engaging.” Celeste perked up and added her opinion. “Studies have shown that colorful nurseries are key to intelligent and well-adjusted babies. Our baby shouldn’t live in a jailhouse. The nursery should be sweet and cute. Noah’s Ark is a beautiful theme.”

My mother agreed, nodding her head eagerly.

“I like European nursery designs. Lots of soft yellows and creams colors. Wallpaper is back in vogue. Ooh. Maybe a mural like the one in the St. Clair sitting room?”

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